A hike to one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in the Himalayan Region!
If you are looking for a weekend adventure in the Himalayas but do not want to take the crowded route to Kheerganga or Triund, Kareri Lake is your go to trek! Nestled among the Himalayas in Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh at a height of 2930 M, Kareri Lake is an exciting and beautiful trail. It takes you through forests and grasslands leading you to the pristine glacial lake which is a breathtaking sight.
The trek starts from Kareri village which is around 30 kms away from Dharamshala. This is a two day trek and can be done by individuals with a good fitness regimen.
This article lays down all the information pertaining to the Kareri Lake trek and is your go to guide when planning this trail!
The Kareri Lake Trail
The trail to Kareri Lake starts from Kareri village. It goes through the village and then enters the coniferous forest. The forest trail is full of pine trees, giving you the full Himalayan experience. Rare birds such as blue magpies are commonly spotted here so keep an eye (and maybe an ear!) out. Continue on this trail for 15-20 minutes until you reach a road. Walk along the road for another 15 minutes to reach Nolli Bridge.
From here, the trail takes a sharp turn into the forest right before the bridge. You can identify the turning with the help of a small shop here that sells snacks and beverages. The trail gently ascends, taking you to a small waterfall. Beyond the waterfall, you will find rock-cut steps that take you up until you arrive at another shop. Snacks and Maggi are available at this stall. You can take some rest and have some food before continuing your trek to Reoti.
A little away from this shack is a metal bridge that helps you cross the Nyund naala. As you cross the bridge you can notice that the forest has transformed into grasslands along the banks of the naala. The scenery here is almost straight out of a story book with flocks of sheep and their shepherd herding them around in the grassland. Birds such as brown dipper, warbler and Himalayan griffon vultures can be found here.
A 15 minute walk from the bridge will take you to Reoti, your campsite for the night. You can camp by the naala and enjoy some hot mountain food from a small shack that’s nearby. This shack also rents tents and sleeping bags. However, it is advisable to carry your own equipment. You can also find a few huts ahead on the trail if you wish to seek shelter there for the night.
The views from here are mesmerising with the valleys below and the contrast of the bright blue sky above. The flowing water from the naala adds a soothing effect. Get a good night’s sleep after gazing at the stars and having a sumptuous dinner.
Start early the next morning and follow the trail up from Reoti. The trail is well paved and chances of getting lost are very minimal. One hour into this trail, you will arrive at another small shop. This will be your final rest stop before heading to Kareri Lake. You will notice the strength of the flow in the naala has increased manifold as you are nearing the lake which also happens to be its source.
As you move forward on the trail, you will have to cross the naala over a few rocks to reach the other side. You will find rock-cut steps here leading up to a Shiva temple on the top of the hill. On the other side of this hill lies the glacial lake of Kareri. Follow the trail to get closer to the lake to view it in all its glory. The views of the lake with the Dhauladhar range in its backdrop is bound to leave an impression.
Spend some time at the lake before heading back to Reoti. You can pack your camps and descend down to Kareri village before it gets dark.
Highlights: Things to Look Forward to on This Trail
1. Kareri Lake
The glacial lake of Kareri is of course the main highlight of this trek. The pristine lake is a sight for sore eyes and will leave you admiring it for a long time. The towering mountains around it and the bright blue sky add to the beauty of the landscape. The reflection of its surroundings in the lake is absolutely stunning, almost as if the water has come to a standstill.
2. Reoti Campsite
The campsite at Reoti is a clearing by the Nyundh naala and is extremely picturesque. Located in the middle of mountains with views of grasslands and valleys below, Reoti truly is a magical place.
Challenges: Things to be Prepared For on This Trail
The trek to Kareri Lake is an easy one and there are no major challenges as such. However, one must be prepared to trek some distance on uneven terrain and withstand the extremely cold temperatures that you will face at night.
Difficulty Level and the Bikat Rating Scale
Kareri Lake is a level 1 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale.
About the BRS: The Bikat Rating Scale rates the difficulty level of all treks and expeditions in our portfolio after taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions.
According to this scale, if you are a beginner who is unsure of your fitness level and don’t know what to expect on a trek, a trek rated one will be a good place to start.
If you liked your very first trekking experience and are looking to test your limits next, the treks rated 2 or 3 will do the job for you.
A beginner who is sure of their fitness level on the other hand is welcome to skip the first two levels and directly start with one of the treks rated 3.
From 4 onwards, the rules change a little. It is mandatory to have trekking experience of the previous level to participate in the next level.
Best Time to do the Kareri Lake Trek
The best time to do this trek is from May to July and September to November. Post November, the region sees snowfall and the trail is covered in snow making it difficult to access the lake. Between May to July, the weather is pleasant and the views are clear, giving you the best sceneries of the Dhauladhar range.
How to Reach the Base
You can reach Kareri village by a private vehicle or by public transport.
If you are reaching by public transport, you can take a bus from Dharamshala to Ghera village. Buses to Ghera start from 8 AM. Kareri village is a 2 hour walk from here. You can also get a cab from Dharamshala to Kareri village. Cabs charge INR 900-1000. If you are travelling in a group, this a better option as it will save you time and a 2 hour walk to Kareri!
Frequently Asked Questions about Kareri Lake
1. How long does the trek take?
The trek takes 2 days to reach the lake and return back to Kareri village. You will have to camp at Reoti. Carry your own camping equipment.
2. Is this trek for beginners?
Yes, Kareri Lake can be attempted by beginners who are fit and have an active lifestyle.
3. Are there food stalls on the trail?
Yes, you will find small shops selling snacks, maggi and beverages throughout the trail. You can drink water from the naala but it is advisable to use purifying sticks before drinking the water. Carry a few snacks like granola bars and nuts to keep yourself energised.
4. Is there network connectivity on this trek?
No, there is no mobile network on this trail. Your phone might catch a weak signal from Airtel or BSNL at the base village.
That’s all about the Kareri Lake trek! Should you wish to know more or need help planning your weekend adventure to the Himalayas, please feel free to reach out to our team.
