Chitta Katha Lake

Locally known as "Chitta Katha" lake is the treasure of the Shonter Valley of Azad Jammu Kashmir. The lake has an altitude of 4,100 meters. The atmospheric excellency is born from it. The words like striking, embellishment, charming all are made for it. If you say it a jewel in the crown it would not be wrong seriously. The region is remote and  environs are calm and peaceful might be this is a reason that the lake is pure in its beauty. Remoteness to the nonsenses is also one of the special attribute of the lake. It is a beautiful picnic spot, relaxation  dot, a worthy Birdwatching place, a basket for a day out. The lake takes all the worries out of your mind into its deep silent depth, you could call it a mother of nature.

The common route which followed tourists to the lake is through kel.  There is a good conditioned road from Kel to Shounter Valley. The trek for this lake starts from Upper Domail (referred as Utli Domail by some local people and maps) village which can be reached through a two hour jeep ride from Kel. Regular jeeps take Rs 100-120 per person for a one way ride while the whole jeep can be booked at Rs 2000 – 3000. OK. The name of the Lake is Chitta Katha, wondering your mind, in the local language ”Chitta” means “White” and “Katha” means “water reservoir “. So, it is a white water reservoir. To reach that lake you have to cross to  Shounter nallah(Stream). There is a  hanging wooden bridge over this nalah,  after there will be two more nalah chitta Katha Nalahand Chamar Fall and lastly you reach Chitta Katha Lake . If you are an experienced trekker/climber the total track time is almost 8/8.5 hours but otherwise you will require more time than this. More to the point the track is more steep and abrupt near the Chitta Katha Nalah. And the one most important thing is that the lake is just  accessible from July to September . The overall way to the lake is very very hard, exhausting  and strenuous but its extremely picturesque quality magnetizes the visitors  and offers a colourful amazing surroundings to experience.

What you have to do to reach this lake is first take a cheap flights to Islamabad. Then from here drive a jeep towards the Neelum Valley.rest there, at the 2^nd day drive to kel, reach at shaunter valley and stay at Utli Domeli. The whole journey will be amazing and spectacular. Next day, Start from Utli Domeli to the lake the horse ride option is also there, you just have to hire them from village. On Day 4 take a drive back to Neelum and Islamabad. If you have your own transport the trip will be just about 4 days but if not the one extra day will be charged. It is open for locals but foreigners do need a travel permit from  the Azad Kashmir ministry.