Kareri Lake Trek

The Kareri Lake Trek height is 2,941 meters (9,650 feet). Despite being a moderate-level altitude trek, unlike other high-altitude treks, the Kareri Lake trek offers a thrilling experience to the trekkers with awe-inspiring views.

As compared to the other popular treks, the Kareri trek is comparatively short; fit individuals can complete it in a single day if they start early.

From Kareri Village, the Kareri Lake trek distance is around 26 km with a moderate level of difficulty. Following a blend of ascents and descents, and beautiful surroundings.

It is around 11 km from the Kareri Lake trek to Dharamshala. 

If you’re planning a trek to Kareri Lake, March to June would be the best time to do the Kareri Lake trek. However, September to November is a favourable time for this trek. So make your plans accordingly.

Kareri village is usually considered the starting point of the Kareri Lake Trek. From Delhi, you can reach Kareri village via Dharamshala.

The Kareri Lake trekking distance is around 26 kilometres, which typically takes 2-3 days to complete.

With moderate level difficulty, the Kareri Lake Trek is a manageable trek with a decent level of physical and mental fitness.

It is roughly around 8.5 km from the Kareri Lake trek to McLeodganj by road.

One should avoid swimming in Kareri Lake, as it is a holy river holding spiritual significance to the devotees. Also, the cold temperature of the lake could be risky. So it is recommended not to swim in the lake and just enjoy the tranquil vibe by the lake.

The McLeodganj Bhagsunag market has the nearest ATM, so it is advisable to withdraw enough cash to avoid any sort of further inconvenience. 

Kareri village is 25-27 km from Dharamshala, which takes around 1.5- 2 hours to reach.

Kareri Lake lies at an altitude of 2,941 meters above sea level. Get captivated by the lake’s allure.

Niyund is the river originating from the Kareri lake.

Reoti is the midpoint of the Kareri Lake trek, further offering you a majestic view of the enchanting Himalayas.

The Kareri Lake trek temperature during the day is around 12°C–18°C and drops as low as -6°C at night.

Age: The minimum age limit suggested for the Kareri Lake Trek is 12 (must be accompanied by their guardians or parents), and the maximum age limit is 59. Above 59, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Fitness: 

• If a person can run 4 kilometres in around 30 minutes, they’re considered a decent fit for this trek.
• To improve your fitness level, start with stretching (to avoid any muscle pain or strain) and move on to exercising vigorously daily for about an hour.
• Climbing stairs, jogging, lunges, squats, cycling, and push-ups are some of the suggested fitness regimes that you should follow to boost your stamina and experience the lifetime experience without struggling physically or mentally.

If you’re planning an adventurous trek, moderate or difficult, carry some of the essential items. For the Kareri Lake Trek, carry the items listed below:

• Identity cards: Any government identity cards (such as an Aadhar card, driver’s license, passport, or voter ID for identification purposes).
• Trekking essentials: A waterproof bag or a pouch, a raincoat, and backpack, a water bottle, etc. 
• Clothing: a fleece T-shirt and a lower; a waterproof and warm jacket; warm clothes; an extra pair of warm gloves; warm socks; shades; a hat and a woollen cap; an instant dry towel, a handkerchief.
• Shoes: Good-branded trekking shoes will do wonders and provide a great grip on uneven surfaces, which regular shoes lack. Trekking shoes will help you get away with strains or bruises. For trekking, Quechua is one of the good brands to go for.
• Toiletries: One must carry a small pack of toothpaste, toothbrush, napkins, paper towels, hand sanitisers, sunscreen with good SPF, moisturisers, and lip balms (to avoid any cracks or dryness).
• Instant Energy: For instant energy while on this trek, kindly carry chocolate bars, dry fruits, and snacks to get instant energy.
• Medication: Carry medicines for a specific ailment, if any. Also, carry any pain relief sprays to get immediate relief from spasms, sprains, joint pain, etc. Bandages, anti-allergy tablets, and pain relief tablets—antiseptic solutions to heal a wound—should be carried.
• Miscellaneous: a map, a torchlight, a mobile phone, a power bank, and a camera to capture nature’s captivating beauty. Also, you may keep updated with the weather forecast to prepare yourself with all the required stuff accordingly.

Three modes of transport as mentioned below:

• By Air: You can book a flight from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport to Dharamshala’s Kangra Airport. The flight is nearly one hour long. After landing, hire a taxi from the airport to Dharamshala, a distance of around 30 km.
• By Train: Book a train from Delhi to Pathankot. On reaching Pathankot, hire a taxi or a bus to Dharamshala, which is 90 km away.
• By Bus: Book one of the buses, the (HRTC) Himachal Road Transport Corporation, Laxmi Holidays, or Volvo buses, etc., from Delhi to Dharamshala. The journey will take about 10-12 hours to reach by bus.

Dharamshala to Kareri Village:

• As you reach Dharamshala, book a taxi or take a local bus to Kareri Village. The journey is about 1.5 hours long, with a distance of 22 km.

Trek to Kareri Lake:

• Kareri Village is usually the starting point of the Kareri Lake Trek. The distance from Kareri Village to Kareri Lake is around 9–10 km, which takes 4-5 hours based on your speed. The trail passes through dense forests, clear skies, shimmering streams, and lush green meadows, offering an astonishing panorama.