Kareri Trek, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is located 9 kilometers from Dharmashala in the Dhauladhar range. At an elevation of 2934 meters, this tiny lake is a freshwater glacial lake that makes for the most stunning scenery. The water is incredibly pure, and you can see the lake bed in most areas, which is a beautiful experience in and of itself. Another lovely feature of this lake is the reflection of the sky above. Beautiful mountain ranges surround Kareri Lake. It’s a lovely outdoor experience. The hike will take you past numerous waterfalls and flowing streams, as well as contrasting grasslands. Shepherd settlements contribute to the allure of the area, providing even more lovely delight. Beautiful tunes will be sung by the birds in the region as well.
About Kareri lake Trek
You can appreciate the subtropical pine forests and be accompanied by beautiful bird species as you go through lush green mountains. Kareri Lake gets its water from glacial melt and water bodies in the Dhauladhar Range’s Minkiani Peak. During the chase, you’ll be accompanied by the Nyund river, which is the discharge of a stream.
While this lake does not see a lot of visitors, I believe that this adds to the appeal of the site. The abundant and expansive pastures near the lake add to the beauty of the area. The Gujjars and Gaddis of adjacent villages frequent this location. You will be able to admire and absorb the gorgeous dense woods as well as some distinctive changing flowers during your trip.
Best time to visit Kareri
While the lake is frozen for the majority of the year, the beauty and peacefulness of the lake during the winter months are also worth seeing. However, if you’re searching for peace in the winter, Kareri can provide it in spades. Weekend treks are best from March to July (pre-monsoon season) and then again from September to December. It is advised to avoid traveling during the rainy season, as navigating the mountains during that time might be difficult.
How to reach Kareri Village?
Kareri village is about 27 kilometers from Dharamshala. Taxis are available from Dharamshala, Bir, Palampur, and other major cities in the region. From Dharamshala, it will take 1.5 hours to get to Kareri. There are several options for getting to Dharamshala. If you want to visit a hill station, the most convenient way to get there is by car. Even though you will have to travel by car for a portion of your journey, train and air connections are available.
By Air
Gaggal, about 13 kilometers from Dharamshala, has a closed airstrip. From Delhi, SpiceJet and Air India offer flights. Flying into Chandigarh Airport, which has stronger connectivity than this little Himalayan airport, maybe more convenient. Dharamshala is 275 kilometers from Chandigarh. From Chandigarh to Dharamshala, you can take a cab, hire a self-driving car, and then take a bus.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot, which is 85 kilometers distant. You can get there by taking an overnight train. Many trains to Jammu and Kashmir stop here. From Pathankot, you can take a cab or take a bus.
By Road
Dharamshala is easily accessible from Delhi. The voyage will travel 525 kilometers between interstate bus stations. If you’re taking the bus, book an overnight trip so you can enjoy your time in the Himalayas for another day. It will take 13 hours to get from Delhi to Dharamshala. You may go to Mcleodganj by taking various buses. This location is closer to the beginning of your journey.
Kareri Lake Height
Kareri Lake is located at a height of approximately 2950 meters (9678 feet). This makes it ideal for newcomers. A few modest shepherd huts can be seen as you travel around the lake. You’ll also come across a slew of adorable Himalayan Mastiffs and a plethora of breath-taking scenery.
Common Itinerary – Day by Day Plan
This two-day hike will take you through lush green mountains to a stunning, isolated lake with spectacular views. Except for the last stretch to the lake, where the track is not clearly defined, the walk is rather manageable. I would classify this hike as easy-moderate in difficulty.
Day 0: Reaching the base Kareri Village
Leave Delhi late at night and travel to Dharamshala overnight. This will give you enough time to enjoy the area and prepare for the walk.
Day 1: Kareri village to Rioti village
It will take 5 hours of walking to get to your overnight camp. The trail is easy to follow because local villagers have marked it with steps and stones. However, some sections of the trail are fairly steep. On the way, there will be a waterfall that is not only beautiful but also has a great supply of water. The walk begins with pine and broadleaf forests, which are very beautiful. The location is known for its abundant birds, which provide continual companionship.
You’ll also cross the Nolli bridge, which is one of the trek’s highlights. There is a small hut beside this bridge that is a wonderful stop for some tea and Maggi. After crossing the bridge, the trail returns to the woods. Around halfway through the hike, you’ll pass another bridge over the Nyund River, which will finally lead you to your overnight camp. Here there is a shanty, and food is a source of comfort. Camping equipment, including tents, can be rented from the shacks. Remember to bring your water bottles and clean up after yourself.
Day 2 Rioti to Kareri Lake
You must start early in the morning. It’s going to be a long day, and you’ll need all of the daylight you can get. Deep trees are situated on rocky meadows along the Nyund river in the second half of the trail, which will serve as your guide for the route’s remembrance. The lake is extremely close to the snow line during the final period.
Overall, you’ll be covering 4.5 kilometers and should arrive in 5 hours, depending on your fitness level. In 1.5 hours of hiking, you will arrive at the lake. About 15 minutes after leaving Reoti, there is a small Shiv Temple on the route to the lake. After reaching the lake, you may want to set up camp here because it does not become too cold, or you may want to return to Rioti as your base. Take in the sights and spend some quality time here before returning to your base to finish out your night’s camping.
Day 3: Back to the base onwards and upwards
From Reoti, you can return to where you started your journey. Always bring your water bottle with you and refill it as often as you need it.
Conclusion
Kareri Lake Trek is a lovely weekend experience for those who wish to try something different and avoid the more well-known treks such as Kheer Ganga and Triund. This off-the-beaten-path walk will test you with moderate difficulty, requiring you to earn your sights.
