Kareri Lake is a shallow, snow-fed lake at 2,934 metres on the Dhauladhar, above Dharamshala. The trek starts at Kareri village and follows the Nyund stream up through forest and meadow, and most people do it over two days, with a night at the Reoti campsite or at the lake.
Kareri village is about 33 km from us by road. This is what the walk is like, when to go, and what to carry.
About Kareri Lake
The water comes from snow melting off Mankiani peak above it, and the lake is so shallow and clear that in most places you can see the bottom. The Nyund stream flows out of it — that is the stream you walk beside on the way up.
On a small hill above the lake there is a temple to Shiva and Shakti. On the far side are the huts of Gaddi shepherds, who bring their flocks up here to graze.
From early December to March or April the lake stays frozen.
How the Kareri Lake trek goes
The trek is about 13 km each way from Kareri village. The route, in order:
- From Kareri village the trail runs through pine and broadleaf forest beside the Nyund, then climbs to meet a road, and follows the road to Nolli bridge.
- Just before the bridge the trail turns off and follows the Nyund upstream — past a waterfall, up rock-cut steps, and over a metal bridge across the stream.
- Reoti campsite is a few minutes past the metal bridge, beside the stream. Most people spend the first night here.
- From Reoti the path climbs out of the forest into open meadow, past the Shiva temple, and up to the lake.
There are a few small shops along the way selling chai, Maggi and packaged snacks, including one near Reoti. Outside the main season, do not count on them being open.
How long does it take?
Most people take four to six hours from Kareri village to Reoti, and another two to three hours from Reoti to the lake. Coming down is quicker. Over two days it is an easy-going walk. Up and back in one day it is long and tiring, and we would not suggest it.
How hard is it?
Trekking companies call it easy to moderate. It is steady uphill most of the way, with some rough, uneven stretches higher up. If you walk regularly, you will manage. If you have never walked uphill for a whole day, try a shorter walk first — Triund, above McLeod Ganj, is the usual one.
When is the best time for the Kareri Lake trek?
- May and June — the snow is off the trail, the days are long and the meadows are green.
- Late September to November — after the monsoon, the clearest skies of the year and cold nights. Our pick.
- July and August — the monsoon. Dharamshala gets some of the heaviest rain in Himachal, the trail turns to mud and the streams run high. We would not go.
- December to March — the lake is frozen and the upper trail is under snow. That is a different and much harder trip, only for people with snow experience and a guide.
Things to keep in mind
- There is no mobile network on the trail. Tell someone your plan and when you expect to be back.
- Water: the Nyund runs beside you most of the way, but carry a bottle and something to purify the water.
- Tents and sleeping bags can usually be rented near Reoti. If you have your own, bring it.
- It is cold at the lake at night, even in June. Carry a warm layer, a cap and gloves.
- Carry your rubbish back down. The Gaddi families graze their animals here, and the temple above the lake is a place of worship.
- Going further: the trail carries on over the Minkiani pass, at 4,250 metres, towards Chamba and Bharmour, and Kareri is also the base for the seven-lakes trek. Those are serious high-altitude treks. Do them with a guide.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- A rain jacket, in any season
- A warm layer, a cap and gloves
- A water bottle and purification tablets
- Energy food — dry fruit, chocolate, biscuits
- A torch or headlamp
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Basic first aid, and any medicines you take
- A bag to bring your rubbish back in
How to reach Kareri village
Kareri village is about 33 km from us by road: north past Gaggal, then up through the villages on the Ghera road to Kareri. You do not go through Dharamshala town at all.
A road goes all the way to the village now. Local buses from Dharamshala have run as far as Ghera, and from there it is a walk of about two hours to the village, so a taxi to the village saves you a lot.
Start early. Tell us the night before and breakfast will be ready before you leave.
Before and after
The night before a trek and the night you come down, you want a proper bed and a hot meal. The kitchen will feed you, and rooms are ₹999 a night, or ₹1,699 with air conditioning.
And if you would rather see the Dhauladhar than climb it, the best time to visit Dharamshala tells you when it is clearest.