Duration
2 Days
Max Altitude
9612 ft
Difficulty
Easy
Trek Distance
26 km
Pickup Point
Kareri Village
Best Time
Mar to Dec
Kareri Lake Trek
About Us
Embark on the enchanting Kareri Lake Trek, a pristine journey nestled in the laps of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. Ideal for seasoned trekkers and adventurous souls seeking tranquillity away from the bustle of city life, this trek offers an unparalleled experience close to nature. Whether you’re looking to explore lush landscapes, capture the beauty of a serene glacial lake, or challenge your hiking prowess, the Kareri Lake Trek caters to all.
Nestled at 9,612 feet above sea level in the Himachal Pradesh state of Kangra District, Kareri Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake south of the mighty Dhauladhar range. Fed by the melting snow of the Dhauladhars, the lake’s crystal clear waters are remarkably transparent, often allowing visitors to see the lake bed. If you are wondering when is the best time to hike Kareri Lake, the answer is obvious: during the winter, which spans from December to April, the lake becomes a frozen spectacle surrounded by a thick layer of snow.
The journey to Kareri Lake begins at Kareri Village, marked by vibrant greenery and dense forests of chir and chilgoza pines. The initial phase of the trek is relatively verdant, featuring a trail of rocky paths, stair-like ascents, and narrow passes enveloped by jungle flora, rushing streams, and large boulders. As trekkers advance closer to the lake, the terrain shifts to large rocks and expansive grasslands, with streams flowing parallel to the path.
Best Time to Trek Kareri Lake
The ideal period for kareri lake trek are from May to June and September to October when the Dhauladhar range weather is most favourable. These months allow trekkers to experience the natural beauty of Kareri Lake amidst pleasant conditions, perfect for hiking and soaking in scenic vistas.
In late spring and early summer (May and June), the area around Kareri Lake bursts into life with wildflowers, with the lush greenery providing a vibrant backdrop for trekkers. The climate is warm, ideal for daytime trekking and overnight camping, though occasional rain showers make it wise to carry waterproof gear.
The post-monsoon months of September and October also offer excellent trekking conditions. The skies clear up, and temperatures drop slightly, offering crisp air and a chance to witness the seasonal transformation of foliage into mesmerizing autumn hues. The trails during these months are well-defined, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes.
How to Reach Kareri lake Village
By Road: Dharamshala has excellent transport links to major towns such as Delhi and Chandigarh. The drive from Delhi takes approximately 8-10 hours.
By Train: The closest railhead is at Pathankot, which is well-linked to various cities. From Pathankot, a taxi or bus can take you to Dharamshala.
By Air: Gaggal Airport, also known as Dharamshala Airport, is about 13 kilometres from Dharamshala. Major cities have flights to Gaggal Airport; from there, it is a short drive to Dharamshala.
Difficulty Level of Kareri Lake Trek :
The Kareri Lake Trek, set in the scenic Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, is rated moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of trekkers, including motivated beginners. Spanning a distance of 13 kilometres one way with an elevation rise of approximately 2,000 meters, this trek presents a variety of terrains.
Kareri Lake Trek distance: 13 kilometres one way.
Kareri Lake Trek Altitude: Elevation gain of around 2,000 meters.
How to Prepare for Kareri Lake Trek
Physical Fitness: Regularly exercise well before the trek to build stamina and endurance. Concentrate on cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to prepare your body.
Acclimatization: Ascend gradually to higher altitudes to allow your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion to prevent altitude sickness.
Hydration and Nutrition: Drink water throughout the trek, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Consume nutritious meals rich in carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins to fuel your body. Pack lightweight, high-energy snacks for breaks.
Leave No Trace: Adapt Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact. Dispose of waste properly, pack all trash, and avoid damaging vegetation or disturbing wildlife.
Weather Awareness: Check weather forecasts before the trek and be prepared for sudden changes. Put on layers to be warm in different temperatures and to shield yourself from the wind, rain, and snow.
Group Safety: For added safety, trek with a reliable and experienced guide or in a group. Stay together, communicate effectively, and look out for each other during the trek.
Get familiar with evacuation routes and procedures as part of your emergency preparation. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and learn how to administer basic first aid.
Listen to Your Body: pay attention to your body’s signals and rest when needed. Stay within your limits and be prepared to adjust your itinerary for safety reasons.
Safety Factors for Kareri Lake Trek
Weather Awareness: Kareri Lake Trek weather can be unpredictable. Stay apprised of forecasts and be ready for sudden changes like rain, snow, or temperature drops, especially during the monsoon and winter months.
Acclimatization: Due to Kareri Lake Trek’s altitude, acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. Consider spending a day in Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj to adjust to the elevation.
Physical Preparedness: Evaluate your fitness before the trek, as some sections are steep. Adequate fitness helps mitigate exhaustion and altitude-related issues.
Hydration and Nutrition: Carry sufficient water and snacks to maintain hydration and energy. These are vital for enduring the trek’s demands.
Appropriate Gear: Wear sturdy trekking shoes and proper clothing—pack essentials like rain gear, a warm sleeping bag, and a reliable backpack.
Navigation Tools: Since Kareri Lake Trek route map coverage may be spotty, carry a physical map, compass, or GPS for navigation.
First-Aid Preparedness: Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and necessary personal medications.
Day1 : Trek from Kareri Village to Kareri Lake
We will start our trek from Nolli Bridge at 10:00 am which is at 1km distance from kareri village . The trail of this trek is mostly ascent and steep in some parts as there are giant boulders in a few parts of the pathway, which makes trekking adventurous here. There are also running streams that need to cross the pathway, making this trek difficult, but with the support of guides, it becomes somewhat easy. It has multiple water sources during the trek with small waterfalls, several small springs to refill bottles, and several shacks at regular intervals for rest and food sources. The terrain type of this trek also has jungle plants mixed in the first half and grasslands in the second half of the trail near Kareri Lake. We will reach our campsite which is 500m before Kareri Lake in the evening and have our dinner and lots of masti here. Stay overnight in the camps (dome tents).
Day2 : Trek back from Kareri Lake to Kareri Village
Wake up early in the morning with a stunning view of Kareri Lake and the sunrise from the hilltop. It’s the time to take pictures, do group activities and have lots of fun. Further, we will have breakfast here and pack our bags for departure with many memories. Near the Iron Bridge in Rioti, there is a place where you can have water activities as it is naturally built like a swimming pool. We will further trek down to Kareri Village by 3-4 pm. For this time, our journey ends here with lots of happy memories.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Exclusions
- Free Jacket or Rucksack if Opted Offer Package
- Transportation from Shimla to Shimla on sharing basis.
- Meals Include from Day 1 Dinner to Last Day Breakfast. It Will Be Mostly Vegetarian (Including Bed Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, and Dinner).
- Accommodation on Double/Triple Sharing in Alpine/Dome Camps and Premium Stay at Sankri (Dormitory Sharing).
- FREE Customized Printed Travel Card Worth Rs.500, Delivery to Home Address Post Trek Completion.
- All Permit
- GST
Exclusions
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
- Any personal trekking gear (like pole, shoes, gloves, warm cap, bag, jacket etc).
- Mules or porters to carry personal luggage
- Towel, soap, and bottled water are not included in the package.
- If the weather becomes bad or you start feeling unwell during the trip, rescue or emergency help will be arranged for your safety. However, please note that all the expenses or charges for such rescue or medical assistance will have to be paid by you.
Packing List
Make sure you have everything you need
- Back Pack (65L to 75L)
- Warm clothes (5–6 layers)
- 5–6 pairs of socks
- One pair of gloves
- 1 Warm Jacket
- 1 Pair Warm Cap
- Hiking Shoes
- Raincoat or Poncho
- Toilet Papers
- Water Bottle (thermal water for the snow trek)
- Snacks like dry fruits, energy bars, candies, etc.
- Power bank or charger
- Sunscreen, lip guard, or moisturizer
- Torch
- One valid ID proof
- Tiffin Box
₹2000/Per Person
FREE Hikerce Brand Jacket
FREE Travel Card
FREE Rs.500 Voucher
50% Discount on 75L Rucksack
15% OFF on Moustache Hotels
10% Discount on Volvo Bus Booking