The trek to Kareri Lake is an easy to moderate-level trek that typically takes around 3 days to complete, covering a total distance of approximately 26 kilometres.
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Kareri Lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is a captivating high-altitude freshwater lake nestled on the southern spur of the Dhauladhar range. Let’s dive into the details of this enchanting destination:
Geography and Elevation:
Location: Kareri Lake is approximately 9 kilometers northwest of Dharamsala in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Elevation: The lake sits at an impressive 2,934 meters (9,626 feet) above sea level.
Source: Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range feeds the lake, and its outflow is through the Nyund Stream.
Lake Features:
Shallow and Clear: Kareri Lake is shallow, allowing for excellent water visibility. In most places, you can even see the lake bed.
Frozen Beauty: From early December to March–April, the lake remains frozen, creating a magical winter landscape.
Temple Overlooking the Lake: Atop a hill near the lake, there’s a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti.
Trekking Adventure:
Kareri Lake Trek: This 13-kilometer moderate-to-tough trek takes you through mixed pine and broadleaf forests, grasslands, and granite rocks. The trail leads to the pristine Kareri Lake.
Base for Further Treks: Kareri Lake serves as a base for exploring the Dhauladhar further. You can trek onward to Chamba and Bharmour via the minkiani Pass (4,250m) and Baleni Pass (3,710m).
Seven Lake Trek: Kareri Lake is the starting point for the popular Seven Lake Trek, which includes other sacred high-elevation glacial lakes in the Dhauladhar range.
Etymology:
The lake derives its name from the nearby Gaddi village of Kareri, situated about 9 kilometers southeast of the lake.
Kareri Lake is one of the seven sacred lakes in the Dhauladhar Ranges dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other sacred lakes include Nag Dal Lake, KaliKund Lake, Nag Chhatri Dal Lake, Chandrakup Lake, Dam Ghodi Tal Lake, and Lam Dal Lake.
Kareri Lake—where adventure meets serenity, and the mountains guard ancient secrets. Lace up your boots, breathe in the mountain air, and let the journey unfold!
The Kareri Lake Trek is a beautiful, moderate-level Himalayan trek in Himachal Pradesh, starting near Dharamshala and leading to a pristine glacial lake in the Dhauladhar range, known for lush forests, meadows, waterfalls, and stunning views, making it great for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, especially during May-June and Sept-Nov, offering camping and cultural insights with a Shiva-Shakti temple nearby.
Mcleodganj to kareri village (height 2200m distance 13km) the trek is goes through the pine forests and crosses several tribal villages on the way. Kareri is a gaddi tribal village. Over night stay in one of the village houses or in tents.
KARERI VILLAGE TO KARERI LAKE(Height 3500m distance 14 Km) rail goes through mixed forests of oak, rhododendron and pine. First 2 Km is a level walk and then there is sleep ascent along Kareri Nullah Stream which has to be crossed over a number of times over improvised wooden bridges.
Overnight Camping
KARERI LAKE TO KARERI VILLAGE (Height 2200 Mts. Distance 13 km) After a short from the lake is a steep descent through the will came back to Kareri Village. This will be the last day of the Tour. Early in the morning after having breakfast the group will leave back for Mcleodganj. You can also hire taxi on Extra Fare from Kareri Village or Ghera Village.
End
Kareri Lake Trek is a captivating adventure nestled in the Dhauladhar Range of Himachal Pradesh, India. Let’s lace up our trekking boots and explore this enchanting trail:
Overview:
The Kareri Lake Trek spans approximately 3 days and covers a total distance of approximately 26 kilometers.
The trek starts and ends at Kareri Village.
The trail takes you through lush green meadows, dense forests, gushing waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes, providing a mesmerizing experience throughout the journey.
The maximum altitude reached during the trek is 9,650 feet.
It’s an easy to moderate-level trek suitable for beginners and those with previous trekking experience.
Winter Magic:
Nestled in the Dhauladhar Range, the Kareri Lake presents wonderful winter-draped landscapes.
During winter, the lake remains frozen, and the meadows are covered in blankets of snow.
En route, you’ll cross dense forests of towering Oak and Pine trees, their branches adorned with powdery snow that sparkles in the sunlight.
The trails are less crowded in winter, allowing you to bask in the serenity of the mountains.
Trail Highlights:
The trek starts from the village of Kareri and leads to the pristine Kareri Lake.
You’ll walk through mixed pine and broadleaf forests, grasslands interspersed with pine and deodar, and carved granite rocks.
Along the way, there’s a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop overlooking the lake.
Best Seasons:
Winter Treks (Mid Nov - Mid Feb): Experience the magical frozen lake and snow-covered landscapes.
Spring Treks (Mid Feb - Mid Apr): Witness blooming flowers and pleasant weather.
Summer Treks (Mid Apr - Jun): Enjoy lush greenery and moderate temperatures.
Autumn Treks (Sep - Mid Nov): Marvel at the changing colors of the forests.
For bookings and inquiries, contact +91 9736018883
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The trek to Kareri Lake is an easy to moderate-level trek that typically takes around 3 days to complete, covering a total distance of approximately 26 kilometres.
Choose Triund for an easier, shorter trek with panoramic valley views, great for beginners and social vibes; pick Kareri Lake for a more challenging, immersive nature experience with a glacial lake, richer biodiversity, and fewer crowds. Triund is popular and accessible, while Kareri offers a quieter, longer, and more diverse terrain with waterfalls and streams, making it better for seasoned trekkers or nature lovers seeking solitude.
Kareri Lake is most famous for being a trekking destination in Dhauladhar. The lake often remains frozen with ice from December to March-April. On the hill on one side of the lake there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti.
No, you cannot drive directly to Kareri Lake; cars can reach Kareri Village (the trek's starting point), but from there, it's a 12-13 km trek on foot through forests and streams to the lake itself, as no vehicles can go all the way. You can take your car or hire a taxi from Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj to Kareri Village, and then the journey to the lake requires trekking.