Kareri Lake Trek: A Journey Into the Heart of the Dhauladhar.

By Akshay Sood | 14th June 2025 | Dharamshala

1. Trek Overview

On the 14th of June 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure with a few young family members — a trek to the pristine Kareri Lake, locally known as Kareri Dal. Our journey began from Village Nolli, situated 2 km beyond Kareri village, covering approximately 10 km on foot. We ascended from an elevation of 1900 metres to over 3100 metres, where the glacial waters of Kareri Lake rest serenely amidst the towering Dhauladhars. Kareri village itself, perched at around 5500 feet, lies roughly 25 km from Dharamshala, making it a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the lush Kangra Valley.

2. Time & Distance

We began our trek at 12 PM from Nolli, reaching Kareri Lake by 5 PM. While the walk itself took around 4 hours, we enjoyed generous halts for lunch and tea, totaling about an hour. The weather was favorable, and the gradual climb kept us comfortably challenged throughout.

3. The Kareri Trail Experience

The Kareri Lake trek is a well-marked, moderately challenging trail. Its most captivating feature is the ever-present Kareri River, which originates from the lake itself and dances alongside the trail in the form of gentle streams and rushing waterfalls. The sound of cascading water provides a natural soundtrack for the entire journey.

The initial stretch is quite steep but shaded generously by oak and rhododendron trees, offering natural cover. Every 20–30 minutes, you’ll find charming local cafés and dhabas serving refreshments — a welcoming feature for trekkers, eliminating the need to carry heavy food supplies.

Interspersed with levelled paths that offer a breather from the climbs, the trail offers picture-perfect moments and even the chance to dip your feet — or more — into the cool mountain waters.

4. Trekking Services & Facilities

Near the lake, numerous camp organizers offer overnight facilities in tents, with packages typically ranging from ₹1500 to ₹2500 per person. Local guides, many of whom belong to the indigenous Gaddi community, are available and extremely helpful — both for carrying gear and sharing fascinating local stories.

In June, the trek is especially popular with young adventurers, drawing around 200 visitors daily on weekends. The growing popularity has nurtured a thriving ecosystem of tourism-based self-employment among local villagers.

5. Meet Our Guide: Lucky (Chandrashekhar)

Our guide, Lucky, a spirited young man and recent high school graduate, left a strong impression. Despite personal hardships — having recently lost his father — Lucky’s energy, warmth, and knowledge of the terrain stood out. He divides his year working in Leh and Goa.

His family has deep roots in the hills. His grandfather once kept cows and buffaloes in the high meadows near Kareri, making khoya (milk fat) for sale in Dharamshala and Shahpur — a tradition still carried on by his uncle today.

6. Kareri Lake: The Final Destination

Kareri Lake isn’t just a trekker’s paradise — it holds spiritual and cultural significance, especially during the holy month of Shravan and Janmashtami, when pilgrims bathe in its sacred waters. A Shiv temple, recently constructed beside the lake, adds to its sanctity.

The lake serves as a base camp for longer treks into the Dhauladhars — including to Lam Dal (12 km further) and Nag Dal, en route to Chamba. These trails are the traditional migratory paths of Gaddi shepherds, who still move with their flocks across these ancient routes.

The views from the lake are absolutely breathtaking — glacial peaks just 5 km away loom like silent sentinels, and the shimmering waters reflect the sky with quiet grace.

7. Visitors & Environmental Concerns

During our visit, the majority of trekkers came from Kangra, Punjab, Jammu, and Delhi NCR, with the crowd primarily made up of youngsters. Unfortunately, many carried Bluetooth speakers, filling the tranquil forest with loud contemporary music — a sharp contrast to the serene environment.

More worryingly, issues like open defecation and littering — especially plastic bottles and wrappers — are on the rise. The local administration could consider implementing an eco-fee of ₹100–200 per visitor. These funds could support toilet construction, waste management, and awareness campaigns.

Hearteningly, two of our group’s youngest members, aged 18 and 22, took it upon themselves to collect and carry down two full bags of trash for proper disposal — a commendable act of eco-conscious trekking.

8. Reflections: Personal Notes

This was my fourth overnight trek in the Dhauladhars, the first dating back to 1984, when I hiked to the Triund/Ilaqa region. Now, decades later, I found myself surrounded by enthusiastic young trekkers — a silent reminder of time’s passage.

Sleeping in a tent remains a personal challenge due to a sense of claustrophobia, though the arrangements were otherwise comfortable. Despite the physical demands, the sense of accomplishment and the spiritual calm that follows such a journey are well worth the effort.

9. Final Thoughts

The Kareri Lake trek is a picturesque and enriching experience, ideal between March and November. Its beauty lies not just in the destination but in the journey — especially the ever-present Kareri River, the forested trail, and the rich stories etched into the land by its people.

With growing popularity, there’s a need for balanced eco-tourism, preserving the natural and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for local communities. With thoughtful regulation and responsible visitor behaviour, Kareri can continue to inspire and rejuvenate generations of trekkers.

In the lap of the Dhauladhars, Kareri Lake - mirrors your spirit back to you.