Kareri Lake is a dream trek destination for those who love the adrenaline rush. The gushing waterfalls, flowing rivers, lush woods, and steep Himalayan mountain ranges give this modest hill station a mysterious and heavenly ambience. Also, these features are ideal for expeditions, such as camping, trekking, and sightseeing. The lake has also gained international fame because of some obvious reasons.
A prominent lake in Himachal Pradesh, Kareri Lake draws its water from the thawing snow on the Dhauladhar mountain, which is a stunning sight in itself. It’s a shallow, pure lake and so clean that the lakebed can be seen from the surface without straining the eyes. As such, the stunning scenery makes this little-known lake a big draw.
In this article, we will talk about Kareri Lake, how to reach there, its significance, food to try, and places to visit around. After all, the right info will help you plan your trip well.
Kareri Lake | Trek, Best Time To Visit, Weather, & Best Hotels
Location
Kareri Lake is a high-rise, small lake situated 9 kilometres north of Dharamshala, which is in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, south of the Dhauladhar mountain. With a surface elevation of 2934 metres above sea level, it makes for a perfect trek destination. Hundreds of trekkers trudge their way up the Kareri Lake trek to enjoy the views from the top. The entire Kareri Lake trek distance of 26 kilometres is a treat to the soul. The stream and a lake are fed by melting snow from the Dhauladhar mountain, with Nylund serving as the outlet.
Significance
Kareri Lake is not just a trek but a roadway to heaven. The beautiful sunrise offers a breathtaking spectrum of sunshine that covers the countryside and peaks in rich hues of yellow, orange, and red. The delightful reward of this walk is the witnessing of the Kareri Lake shining in its glory throughout the night. It makes you think how amazing Mother Nature is. The moonlight sheds its silver gleam on the peaks against the setting of a star-lit sky. The many campgrounds will provide you with a thousand different sights to admire.
Kareri Lake Trek
The Himalaya’s charm rests in the fantastic places that are rarely visited by travellers. Kareri Lake is one such location. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, a trek to this place is ideal. While it is a well-known name among Dharamsala residents who patronize Kareri Hamlet, the trek has managed to dodge the glare of tourists.
The grandeur of crystal waters amidst lush flora can’t be described in words. The water flow forms the Kareri Lake from the Minkiani peak. It is surrounded by cliffs and alpine forests. The trek to this lake is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most stunning alpine treks, passing through verdant meadows and multiple rushing streams.
The trek begins at McLeodganj and continues through Minkiani Pass, Lioti, Baleni Pass, and it concludes at the confluence of Kareri Lake. You’ll come across artistic pastoral communities with a distinct charm. The Mahadev temple, which is worth paying a visit, is another highlight.
The Kareri Lake Trek certainly piques your attention if you enjoy bird watching. There are numerous species of birds to be seen. So get your cameras, smartphones ready for that great shot. The forests here are a blend of pines, conifers and shrubs that provide excellent cover for certain rare species.
The track continues across a rough meadow through Nylund Nallah. This adventure will take you through a wide range of terrains, from empty roads to river crossings across footbridges and steep inclines. In short, it’s a trek that will etch into your memory.
Highlights of Kareri Lake Trek
- The trek to Kareri Lake is easy and requires no prior hiking experience.
- If you’re a first-timer, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. Beginning your journey in Kareri village, you will arrive at your next destination, Reoti, after a 6 km uphill hike.
- A 2-3 hour trek from Rioti will introduce you to Kareri Lake. If you visit between December and April, you will encounter snowfall.
- At Kareri Lake, there is no lodging facility. You can either spend the night in Rioti or bring the proper gear and set up a tent near the lake.
- Always travel with a local guide or an organiser because the hike is arduous in certain sections. Experience is needed for safe navigation.
Brief Itinerary of Kareri lake trek
- DAY 1: Drive from Delhi to Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh.
- DAY 2: Arrival in Mcleodganj.
- DAY 3: Trek from Mcleodganj to Kareri Village.
- DAY 4: Trek from Kareri Village to Lioti.
- DAY 5: Trek from Lioti to Kareri Lake.
- DAY 6: Trek from Kareri Lake to Ghera and drive back to home
Places to visit around
Sightseeing is essential. Assume you’ve completed your trekking adventure but have an additional day or two to kill, or you simply don’t want to return home, and you’re contemplating what to do or where to go. Read on, as we have the solution for that.
1. Dharamkot Village
While most travellers are drawn to Mcleodganj or Dharamshala, Dharamkot has maintained its tranquil environment. This is why we recommend taking a short visit to this ‘bohemian’ community, which has no roads. That means no vehicles blaring 24 hours a day and seven days a week! Isn’t it cool?
2. Kangra Art Museum
This museum is nestled in the heart of Dharamshala. If you enjoy history and are a fan of antique artworks, it is a must-visit. The beautiful artworks of Buddhists and Tibetans are worth admiring. It also offers a wide range of jewellery, rare coins, ceramics, artworks, and other antique items to keep you awe-struck.
3. Bhagsu Waterfall
This location is near the Bhagsunag village, offering the peace and calm that you yearn for. The Bhagsunag temple, which is the temple of Lord Shiva attracts a huge number of worshippers from around the world. It is the star attraction of the place. The temple and the waterfall are a stone’s throw from each other. This offers just the proper balance of mystical energy and mental serenity.
4. St.Johns in the Wilderness Church
This church features neo-gothic beauty and a magnificent European feel amid gorgeous green forests. The church, named after the esteemed John the Baptist, came into being in 1852. Tinted glass windows and slabs from Belgium have been meticulously used in the structure to enhance its appeal. The design of this church is rather unusual, making it impossible to ignore it.
5. Triund Trek
Yet another hike you could enjoy is to Triund. It is relatively easy, can be done independently, has a well-defined trail, and offers some amazing views. The landscapes of the Dhauladhars are so stunning in Triund that you’ll be struck with awe.
How to reach Kareri Lake
Wondering how to reach Kareri lake? Well, it isn’t an issue as you have the option of rail, road and air.
- By Rail: An overnight train ride to Dharamshala is a viable alternative. Pathankot, 85 kilometres away, is the closest major train station. Various trains halt in Pathankot on their way to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. To go to Dharamshala, you can hire a cab or a bus from Pathankot.
- By Road: Local buses run from Dharamshala to Ghera village (4,350 feet) every morning at 8 AM but they only go as far as Ghera. Even though the distance is only 30 kilometres, the journey from Dharamshala to Kareri village via Ghera takes a couple of hours. You can take your private vehicle and drive there.
- By Air: Gaggal Airport, about 14 km from Dharamshala is the nearest airport from Kareri Lake. It is connected with Delhi and some other metros.
Hotel
Dharamshala is a tourist hub with plenty of hotels, resorts and guest houses to meet every requirement and pocket. However, your best options include:
| Hotels | Price range( in INR) | Google Rating |
| Hotel Wood Castle | 1100-1400 | 4.0/5 |
| Hotel Holiday Hill | 2200-2400 | 4.2/5 |
| Hotel Bliss Valley | 3200-3500 | 4.8/5 |
| Hotel King Castle | 1500-1900 | 4.3/5 |
| Hotel Moon Walk Residency | 1200-1500 | 4.0/5 |
Food
Dharamshala near Kareri Lake has a range of exclusive cafes and restaurants to enjoy your blissful evenings. Thenthuk, Kullu Trout, Chicken Anardana are some exotic Himachali foods you can feast on whenever you are in Dharamshala.
Best time to visit
Summers are the best time to set up a camp near Kareri Lake and stare at the milky way in the night. At this time of the year, the Kareri lake weather is pleasant. Winters are layered with snow and tourists flock into the town from all across India to enjoy the weather. The tranquil surroundings make you forget your workload and tension. However, prefer travelling in winters only if you can bear the Kareri Lake temperature.
Conclusion
It is no surprise that the Himalayas are extremely important to India. They play a significant role in maintaining climatic variations. All through the modern era, the Himalayas have been a peaceful retreat for travelers from across the planet.
Kareri Lake is one of the places you would like to visit in the Himalayas. Its serene beauty and lush greenery make it an ideal getaway for people looking to escape the busy city life. So when are you planning to visit the place? Let us know via the comments.
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