2 Days 1 Night
Daily Tour
30 people
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Dist: 12 km | Time: 5 to 7 hrs | Altitude: 1800m to 2940m You will start your trek by meeting your guide at Kareri Village or Nohli Bridge. The trail enters a coniferous forest of pine, oak and rhododendron. Approximately halfway at Reoti, you can rest and then continue the trek towards Kareri Lake. The final stretch is rockier as you approach the lake. After reaching the lake, you will stay in the tents for the night. Meals: Dinner Night: Stay in the tents near Kareri Lake
Dist: 12 km | Time: 4 to 5 hrs | Altitude: 2940m to 1800m Begin your day with a beautiful sunrise over Kareri Lake. After having tea and breakfast by the lakeside, you will return to Kareri Village on the same enchanting forest trail. Descending to Kareri village will take almost half the time you took to climb the trail. After reaching kareri village in the afternoon, you can proceed to your next destination. Meals: Breakfast Night: Nil
Note: This is just an explanation of medication that may be required. Kindly consult your doctor for a prescription before trekking.
Don’t let all this scare you. No such incidents exist, but we are responsible for making you aware because knowledge is better than saying sorry later. Dogs are generally not dangerous, but territorial animals and dog attacks on humans are relatively common. If your dog shows any signs of aggression, it’s better to retreat. Bears: Dhauladhar is also known as “The Bear Valley”. But you will rarely encounter any bear while on the Trail. Take precautions, stay with a group or guide, and don’t use deodorants or litter food items. Bears try to avoid us as much as we try to avoid them. Still, if you encounter one, do not run and do not try to climb a tree. You can not run away from a bear, and they can easily climb trees. In the worst case, you fall to the ground and curl up, covering your head with your fingers interlocking at the back of your head. Wearing a backpack will protect your back. Stinging Nettle plant: Also known as “Bichu Buti,” this plant has the most significant medicinal properties. Still, it is covered with stinging hair that can cause allergy and irritation when you touch its leaves. If that happens, do not scratch the area; wash it with soap and water as quickly as possible and apply a moistened cloth. After some time, the irritation will disappear.
We understand that plans can change, but the booking amount is non-refundable due to the costs we incur in preparing for your tour or activity. If you wish to reschedule for a different date, we'll adjust it to the same package, providing you with the necessary flexibility. If you have paid the total amount but cancelled the package. You will be provided with a refund, as mentioned below:
Tours or activities may be cancelled due to unforeseen events beyond our control, such as weather conditions such as heavy rain or storms or government restrictions like sudden closures of specific areas. In such a scenario, we will provide an alternate tour or activity. However, no refunds will be provided.
“Exploring nature allows you to experience countless wonders.”
Kareri Lake is a beautiful, shallow freshwater lake. Just the thought of being in the midst of a glacier whose water source is the snow melting down from the heavenly Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas is enough to mesmerise one’s soul. Kareri Lake Trek is at an elevation of about 2950 meters, which is about 9626 ft. above sea level. The total distance of this trek is around 28 km. It is a one-way trek, which starts and ends in the beautiful Kareri Village. Kareri Village is roughly a half-hour journey from Dharamshala (around 27 km), and the drive is lovely, taking you through curvy roads with some scenic, beautiful mountain views.
Upon reaching the Kareri village, you will be surrounded by lush green pine forests. One of the soul-soothing experiences during this trek is the constant sound of the gushing water, as though the streams are leading you to the doorways of heaven and bubbling over rocks in a hurry to grab your attention and welcome you to the top.
The initial part of the trail takes you through subtropical pine forests. The latter part of the trek opens up to rocky grasslands until the end of the trek. Dhauladhar is home to lush pasturelands filled with pines, broadleaf species, and exotic perennial flowers, especially Rhododendrons. Since this is a glacial lake trek and the trail goes through a shallow valley, there will be constant chilly winds throughout the trail. Since most of the trail involves conquering the rocky valley until the top, even though you start to sweat, keeping your ears and neck covered is the best tip. If you are new to such an environment, especially in high altitudes, you will be prone to catching a cold if exposed to chilly winds or even a headache. Be sure to layer down gradually, one layer at a time, if necessary. This method is one of the essential things every trekker follows, as the human body takes time to accustom to the surrounding environment.
There are several shops on the way. You could stop by to grab a quick bite and some hot tea, re-energize yourself, as the trail involves steady climbing of rocks, which can be challenging. Beginners can give this trek a shot, too. However, one must mentally and physically prepare to finish the climb without cramps or injury. Ensure you are sipping water regularly to stay hydrated and have quick energy bites to sustain you on the trail and avoid energy depletion.
Once you reach the trail’s end, you will have witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Your exhaustion will surely vanish once you soak in all this place’s beauty. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva overlooks the frozen lake and the Dhauladhar ranges. Tents, local cooking, and night skies filled with shimmering stars are an experience to die for, as they make you forget all the world’s worries. When you wake up the following day, the Sun will kiss you good morning, and the view will be even more beautiful than what you saw the previous evening. Green lands and ice-covered mountains all in one place.
The walk back down will be much easier than you experienced during the climb. You should be able to complete the distance twice as fast. By the end of your lake trek, you will surely miss all the moments you just experienced. The beautiful valley, the greenery, the cool breeze, the water gushing throughout, the sunset, and the camping. This trek will surely be among the most memorable and beautiful one-off checklists.
The best time to visit
Kareri Lake is accessible throughout the year.
Summer Season: Late spring is excellent for climate conditions, making it the best time to enjoy the Kareri Lake Trek. The season in this district starts in May and lasts until mid-July. By May, all the snow on the path will vanish, and the landscape will feature lavish greenery.
As you stroll through verdant meadows and traverse alpine forests filled with a blend of rhododendron, deodar, spruce, and oak trees, you’ll feel a deep connection with nature. In summer, daytime temperatures vary from 10 to 26 degrees Celsius, but they can drop to as low as -2 degrees Celsius at night.
Monsoon Season: Kareri Lake Trek is considered among the few popular Himalayan treks that can be possible during the monsoon season if you are prepared for the downpours that you may experience during the endeavour. The peak monsoon in the district typically starts in the middle of July and remains till the middle of September.
While you may encounter below-zero temperatures around evening, the days are colder, ranging between 9 and 18 degrees Celsius. Because of standard rainfall, the valleys on the path become significantly lively, and the vegetation becomes even more verdant. However, camping is not advisable this season, as the water streams turn furious and the outdoor ground slows.
Autumn Season: Autumn is the ideal season to attempt the Kareri Lake Trek. Spanning over the long periods of September, October, and mid-November, this season adds a refreshing aura to the environment, making the trail appear all the more appealing.
During the season, rainfalls become rare, the skies show up more clearly, and the lovely daytime atmosphere relaxes the challenging nature of the adventure. Although the cold during September and October is bearable, the evenings get incredibly chilly during November.
Winter Season: While winter is not the most popular time for the Kareri Lake Trek, it offers its unique charm. Daytime temperatures rise above 10 degrees Celsius, but evenings can plunge to -15 degrees Celsius. The extreme cold causes Kareri Lake to freeze over entirely during this season. Thick snow on the trail makes the final stretch nearly impassable, so less experienced trekkers should consider avoiding the trek in winter. However, if you’re passionate about capturing winter landscapes in the Himalayas, this season provides excellent opportunities for photography with fewer visitors to disrupt your shots.
Difficulty level
The Kareri Lake trek is classified as easy to moderately complex. It involves covering 29 km at an altitude of 2934m.
Kareri Lake is a mid-altitude lake in the Dhauladhar Ranges of the Himalayas in the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, Gaddi shepherds used the area around this lake to graze sheep and cattle. They also built a temple for Goddess Kareri. Every year on Janmashtami, the local people of Kareri Village organise a function at the temple, where every visitor is served a free meal.
Kareri Lake is now one of the famous trekking destinations of Dharamshala at an altitude of 2940 m above sea level. The Trek starts from Kareri Village, which is 24 km away from Dharamshala Bus Stand.
Take a bus or flight from Delhi to Dharamshala. Book a cab to Kareri village from Dharamshala. Take the unpaved path towards Reoti. Follow the route further to reach Kareri Lake. If you are going for the first time, hiring a guide or booking the trek in advance is better.
Kareri village, or Nohli Bridge, is the starting point of the Kareri Lake trek. However, you can also start this trek from Mcleodganj. It will take 4-5 hours to reach kareri village from Mcleodganj.
Kareri Lake is 2940 m above sea level, and the altitude gain from Kareri Village to Kareri Lake is 1140 m.
Kareri Village is a small town near Dharamshala, surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges. This village is the starting point for the famous Seven Lakes Trek of Dhauladhar, including Kareri Lake, Lam Dal Lake, Kali Kund Lake, Chanderkup Lake, Nagara Dal, Dham Ghori Dal and Kali Dal Lake. You can reach this village by trekking directly from Mcleodganj by road from Dharamshala.
Kareri Village is at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level.
Take a cab from Dharamshala to Kareri Village. After reaching, climb 2 km towards Nolli Bridge, constructed over the Niyund Water Stream. Take the right turn just before the bridge and follow this water stream until “Reoti River Cafe”. Cross the stream and follow the path until you reach “Kareri Lake MidPoint River Cafe Reoti”. Further, follow the same stream to the right to get the stream's source: Kareri Lake.
Kareri Village receives its water supply from the Nyund water stream, which originates at Kareri Lake. To reach Kareri Lake from Kareri Village, follow the stream.
The distance between Kareri Lake and Kareri Village is approximately 14 km, and it takes approximately 7 hours to complete.
Kareri Lake Trek is an easy trek. You can go for it if you are a beginner. We recommend booking the 3 Days and 2 Nights package if you are doing it for the first time.
Yes, if you are a trekker and can navigate the mountains. But it's better to take a guide if you are just trekking without any information about the path and terrain. Never do it alone for the first time.
Yes, if you are fit enough to walk the entire day. You can quickly complete this trek in one day. However, you have to start early to reach Kareri Lake on time. Otherwise, you will miss the beautiful sunset.
3 Days and 2 Nights are required to complete the Kareri Lake Trek. However, you can also complete this trek in 2 Days and 1 Night if you directly reach Kareri Lake on the first day itself. Locals of Kareri Village often finish this trek in just one day.
The Kareri Lake Trek may take 7 to 8 hours, depending on your speed and stamina.
The average temperature of kareri Lake varies from 3 °C to 19°C throughout the year. Due to heavy snowfall, the Lake becomes inaccessible during November, December, January and March. From April, the snow starts melting, and from Early July to August, it receives heavy rainfall.
Reoti is on the way to Kareri Lake. It is the midpoint of the Kareri Lake trek, and trekkers often stay here overnight while going for a trek to acclimatise and rest. You will find one cafe where tea, Maggi, energy drinks, and food are available but are closed during the off-season.
Yes, several shops operated by locals of Kareri Village are on the way to Kareri Lake Trek, where you can refill your supplies. However, don't depend on them if you trek in odd months like November to March.
You cannot compare a Lake in Kareri with an open pasture in the Triund. Both are entirely different and unique in their own way. However, Triund, closer to Dharamshala, is much more crowded than Kareri Lake. It all depends on your preference.
The ideal times to visit Kareri Lake are early November and late March. During these periods, you might be fortunate to see the lake nestled amidst the snow-capped Dhauladhar Ranges.
The best season to do the Kareri Lake Trek is early winter or early summer. During this season, you can reach the Lake and find snow.
Minkiani Pass is a mountain pass between Kareri Lake and Lam Dal Lake. If you plan to go to Lam Dal, you must cross this pass first.
Kareri Lake Trek blog:
Kareri Lake Trek – A complete guide
No, there is no ATM at Kareri village. The last ATM will be at Dharamshala.
No, there is no mobile network during the Kareri Lake Trek. Signals may be available in between, but there will usually be no signal. Make sure you inform your family and friends before leaving Kareri Village.
Other Treks near Kareri Lake Trek:
Lam Dal Lake Trek
Triund Trek
Thatharana Trek
Snowline Trek
Indrahar pass trek
The trek to Kareri Lake is about 12 kilometres one-way. The standard route is either from Nohli Bridge or Kareri Village. It leads to the lake, passing dense forests, picturesque landscapes, and serene streams.
You can book this Kareri Lake trek through many online platforms and local tour operators. Websites such as Uncia Trails, Indiahikes, Thrillophilia, and Trek The Himalayas offer packages that include guides, meals, and camping arrangements. Alternatively, you can book directly through the local trekking agencies in Dharamshala or Kareri Village.
The trek from Kareri Village to Kareri Lake is about 12 kilometres long. It passes through lush forests, quaint villages, and scenic meadows, making it moderately challenging yet rewarding.
It's possible to undertake the Kareri Lake trek in November, though it will be cold and snowing. Though temperatures plummet at night, the trail is passable, so proper winter trekking gear, such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and sleeping bags, should be carried for comfort.
November is an excellent time to visit Kareri Lake, as the ambience will be peaceful, and there will be fewer crowds. However, you will face icy temperatures and receive some meagre snow. Just make sure you check weather updates before and plan accordingly.
Kareri offers many options for anyone interested in nature or adventures. Trekkers can still enjoy trekking to Kareri Lake, camping near the lake, and exploring the lush forests and meadows. The Shiva Temple nearby provides a spiritual touch to the journey. Photography freaks will find many scenic spots, and those seeking relaxation will find peaceful surroundings. Bird watching and interacting with local villagers to understand their culture are favourites.
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