Kareri Lake

• TREK DISTANCE 7km (one way)
• TIME 2 days
• LOCATION Kareri Village (Dharamshala)
• ALL YEAR OPEN
• DIFFICULTY Easy-Moderate
• BUDGET About 2k from Dharamshala to Dharamshala per perosn
• MINNIMUM AGE 12 Years
• MAXIMUM ALTITUDE 2934m

About Kareri Lake

Kareri Lake is a high altitude, shallow, fresh water lake south of the Dhauladhar range approximately 9 km North West of Dharamshala in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. Its surface is 2934 metres above the sea level. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake and a stream, Nyund is the outflow. Since the source is fresh melting snow and the lake is shallow, water visibility is very high and in most places, the lake bed can be seen.

Kareri lake is best known for being a trekking destination in the Dhauladhars. The lake remains frozen from early December to March–April. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop overlooking the lake.. A few gaddi Kothis are present on the other side of the lake, an area which is used by the gaddis as a grazing ground for their animals. Kareri Lake serves as a base for trekking further into the Dhauladhar and onward to Chamba and Bharmour via the Minkiani Pass (4250m) and Baleni Pass (3710m).

About the Trek

For those of you who are planning to conquer the Himalayan Mountains this time then trek to Kareri lake is a great option for you. Perched high between the ranges of Dhauladhar Mountain. This glacial Kareri lake trek will take you through a journey of the most scenic views. Trek through the lush green forest filled with chir and chilgoza pines as you continue your trek. 

The trek can either be started from Mcleod Ganj (Dharamkot) or you can reach Kareri Village by car or a cab which will cost you upto rupees 200 for a four seater taxi form Mcleod Ganj. Or the other option is doing a small trek to Kareri Village. After spending a night here, one can start trek to go up to the Kareri Lake. You will be facing a huge variety of terrains on this trek, ranging from straight roads to river crossings over wooden bridges, and steep ascents.

Best time to Visit Kareri Lake

Kareri Lake trek is open all year round but June to September is the season one will do the trek most comfortably. If one wants to do a snow trek it can be done between September to mid-March.

How To Reach Kareri Lake

If one comes in his own vehicle, one can directly reach Kareri Village and start the trek the next day or if one wants to start the trek the same day it is preferable not start after 11 am. If one wants to come in Public Transport, the best way is Bus.

By Bus – One can reach Mcleod Ganj in Public Transport bus (Himachal Road Transport) and can start the towards Kareri Village by foot and enjoy the beauty of small trek or the Mcleod Ganj market scenes. One can also take a taxi to Kareri Village and at early morning from Mcleod Ganj and start the trek form Kareri Village at about 10 am. The cab will cost you about rupees 200 for half hour distance for 4 people cab.

Another low cost friendly way is that Kareri village has no public transport (yet). So Ghera is the nearest village that is linked via public transport. Ghera is 17 kilometres from Dharamshala and has a regular bus service. Buses leave Ghera for Dharamshala at 09:30, 12:30 hours with the last bus leaving at 16:30 hours.

IF you reach Kareri Village on day before starting the trek you can stay at Forest Rest House (FRH). The FRH chowkidar/caretaker will rent you a room after 1700 hrs if there is no booking. Caretaker Phone: +91-9736525486. 

Call the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in Dharamshala for FRH booking. D.F.O. Phone: 01892-224887 / 01892-224959 / 01892-223345

Villagers at Kareri are helpful and will provide you with a homestay. At Kareri you can contact the house which hosts the only shop in the village for a meal and overnight stay.

Where to Stay in Kareri Lake?

Kareri lake has a Shiv Shakti temple and a shop. The temple has open rooms for visitors available free of cost. The shop stocks ample snacks, biscuits, chocolates, candy, noodles etc. The shopkeeper will provide meals and chai cooked over a wood fired stove. Kareri lake has a Shiv-Shakti temple with 6-7 rooms. The rooms have no doors. Each room can sleep 3-4 people comfortably or 10 people at a stretch. The rooms are free yet, the shopkeeper appreciates a contribution to the temple fund.

Tips – Must Read

So, Kareri Lake Trek for those of you who are planning to conquer the Himalayan Mountains this time then trek to Kareri lake is a great option for you. you can reach Kareri Village and have a shelter over there for a night and start the trek in morning and must carry one water bottle, dry fruits and some chocolates along. You will reach Kareri Lake after 5 to 6 hours of trek and have the shelter in Shiva temple over there. Please do not drink alcohol during the trek as it may be proven very very dangerous for a person. Taking the risk of the Hilly Treks combined with intoxication can be proved life depriving. You will get food over there and no need to carry cooking material and portable stoves along with you. You can trek down next day and reach Kareri Village and reach Mcleod Ganj by a taxi or a public transport bus from Ghera.

Ideal Itinerary

Day 1: Dharamshala or Mcleodganj to Triund trek

Reach Dharamshala and enjoy the site seeing in Dharamshala. One can visit The Dharamshala Cricket Stadium – World’s most beautifull cricket stadium, The Buddha temple also known as Dalai Lama’s main temple, Hiss holiness St. John’s Church. See the article things to do in Dharamshala and Mcleod Ganj to know more. Reach Kareri Village after 7 pm and stay over there over night.

Day 2: Trek To Kareri Lake

Start trekking to Kareri Lake at about 9 am and reach Kareri Lake in about 6 hours of trekking and enjoy the view over there.

Day 3: Start trekking down to Kareri village.

You can start trekking back to Kareri village and reach Mcleod Ganj by a taxi from Kareri village.

Things To Carry Along

• Undergarments and extra pair of socks
• Water bottles
• Dryfruits, sugars, buiscuits, chocates etc.
• Trekking or sports shoes
• Warm clothes such as jackets.

Travel Gears And Tools Required For The Trek