Mountain ranges are a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a brief respite from the chaos of the city. Keep reading if you’re a trailblazer who enjoys hiking and seeking out uncharted territory.
Himachal Pradesh, located at the base of the Himalayas, is home to numerous beautiful surprises provided by nature, including rivers, rivulets, coniferous stretches, glacier-fed lakes, and an abundance of flora and fauna that extends into the north Indian plains. The Kareri Lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is one of these hidden gems in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. It is a shallow freshwater lake located south of the Dhauladhar range, about 9 kilometres northwest of Dharamshala.
The super clean lake is surrounded by stands of tall conifers, patches of vibrant perennial flowers, and pasture areas that the nearby villages’ Gujjar and Gaddi populations frequently visit with their cattle. The lake freezes over from November through to April or May, shrouding the area in mist and creating an otherworldly atmosphere that appeals to nature lovers.
While popular tourist destinations like the Baijnath Temple, Kangra Fort, Brajeshwari Temple, Dhauladhar Variety, Indrahar Pass Trek, and McLeodganj draw large crowds of travellers, Kareri Lake, which is located at an elevation of 2934 metres above sea level, manages to carve a niche in the hearts of those who experience its pure beauty.
Glaciers from the Dhauladhar range feed the lake, which further flows down to form the stream known as Nyund. Kareri Lake is shallow and crystal clear due to its source, which is melting snow. The lake bed is also visible with the unaided eye because of how clear it is.
How would I get there?
Starting at 8 AM, buses are available from Dharamshala to the village of Ghera. About 20 kilometres separate the two locations; this distance can be travelled by taxi or hired jeep.
The Ghera village market is where the trek begins. The village has a passable road that you can travel on to cross a bridge and continue travelling along the Khauli River. The trek takes about 30 minutes, and after passing Sari village, it is only 2 kilometres to Kareri village.
On the way to Kareri village, the trail winds through stands of dense rhododendron. The Kareri stream is crossed by a wooden bridge as you continue walking; it will take another few minutes from here.Moment to go is ideal
A narrow valley and a subsequent wooden bridge are reached via the trail that exits the forest guest house.
You will arrive at a campground known as “Harote” after making a 200-meter climb that is a little more difficult and crossing another bridge. You can continue on from this point and find another valley that will take you to Kareri Lake.
Ten minutes from Kareri village, where campers typically set up their tents, are the meadows near the stream. A forest guest house is also available for lodging, but it is advisable to get in touch with the forest ranger office ahead of time if you want to reserve the guest house. The trekkers should also think about staying in a home in the Kareri village.
Moment to go is ideal
Kareri Lake and the surrounding attractions are enjoyable to visit at any time of the year. But it should be noted that the lake remains frozen from November/December to May/April, so visitors should exercise extra caution because the ice thickness can be unpredictable and the surface slippery.
Why you should participate in the Kareri Lake Trek Less Traveled:
Nothing turns out to be more blissful for trekkers looking for new objectives than arriving at heaven loaded up with breathtaking views after a protracted and difficult journey.
While many tourists in Dharamshala or Mcleod-Ganj favour the Triund Trek because it is a well-known destination, Kareri Lake is a hidden trek that few people are aware of. The stunning skylines and rejuvenating vista make it an ideal trekking destination despite being less crowded and less travelled.
Trekking is enjoyable. The trail begins in Kareri, a charming town with an ideal balance of nature. The Dhauladhar Range can be seen in its best light. Therefore, photographers should be ready to capture the best views they will see while hiking. The trail is full of many good varieties but can be quite steep in some places. This journey can be frustrating at times because one must pass through dense backcountry, cross a waterway, and climb the Rocky Mountains.
Major cities can easily travel to Dharamshala, which is 27 kilometres away from the start of the Kareri Lake trek in Kareri Village. Real major cities like Chandigarh and Delhi are reasonably accessible from Dharamshala. From Delhi and Chandigarh, there are numerous Direct Volvo and road transports that go to Dharamshala.
