KARERI LAKE (MODERATE, Dharamshala)

This is a great trek for beginners as well as experienced trekkers and has a variety of elements in it which make it a very interesting option for both. Set in the beautiful and unique Kangra valley, it is filled to the brim with hiking pleasures. On this trail one gets fabulous views of the Dhauladhar range. We get to visit sacred lakes, ancient temples and quaint Hindu villages hidden inside the valleys and waiting to be explored. There are some great camping sites and other options as well to explore around – The Indrahar pass, Minkiani Pass, Laka Got are all high altitude passes and pastures which can be approached from Kareri Lake and one can plan for extending your short hike to include these Himalayan jewels into your holiday. We get unending views of the snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal range, underlying Kangra valley and Mani Mahesh Kailash peak from the top. This trek will take you to the beautiful high altitude Kareri Lake through the enchanting Kareri village. This is not a very demanding walk and one gets to enjoy the charms through verdant forest sections and beautiful villages. One of the best camping sites in the region, The Kareri lake. The trek starts from Dharamsala/McLeodganj which over the years has become a well-known hill vacation destination. This trek can also be approached from Shahpur on the Kangra highway, before the airport, from where an offroad leads us past Kareri village. However for the novelty of it, it is best to start from Dharamshala.

Here is a brief itinerary.

Day One

Reach Mcleodganj (2000m).The day can be spent exploring this beautiful hill town. One can take a stroll in the local market and visit the monastery.

Day Two

Mcleodganj (2000m) – Stowar – Kareri village (1800m) Drive/7 kms & Trek/5 hrs

After breakfast take a short drive to Stowari, starting point of the trek. Initially climb to Bhote Khola and Ghera village and from there climb up to Kareri village. Today’s hike is through an interesting forest of oak, rhododendron and pine. Camp at a convenient and scenic location and towards evening explore the village and meet up with the local inhabitants. There are some very beautiful homestays which have come up recently.

Day Three

Kareri village – Kareri lake (2900m) Trek/5-6 hrs

It’s again a day of moving through forest of spruce, oak & rhododendron. After hiking for a couple of hours along Kareri Nullah reach the beautiful meadow of Harote. After a short rest hike for another 3-4 hours to reach the high altitude lake. The lake is a small in size but is scenically situated at the base of Minkiani pass. Camp next to the lake and spend the evening relaxing by the lakeside. For people wanting more action there are various options for further exploration. Visit the Shiva temple nearby.

Day Four

Kareri Lake (2900m) – Kareri Village (1800m) Trek/15 kms/5-6 hrs

Climb up to various vantage points to enjoy some outstanding views. One can climb up a for bit today depending upon endurance and availability of time. From these vantage points, there are great views of Dhauladhar, Pin Panjal and other mountains in Himachal and the underlying valleys. Musings thereafter descend back down to Kareri village/or lake

Day Five

Drive back.