Kareri Lake Trek, McLeodGanj

Kareri Lake is situated in the Kangra district of the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, about 9 kilometres from Dharamshala, at a height of 2934 meters above sea level.At Kareri Lake, the temperature fluctuates with the seasons. In the summer, it can reach 43 degrees, while in the winter, it drops below zero. The optimum season to undertake this walk is in the spring, especially if you want to witness the area’s abundant flora and fauna. Since the lake is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, which receives the most rainfall in the state, it is better to avoid the walk during the monsoon season. The path to Kareri Lake can become treacherous and dangerous during the monsoon, which increases the risk of accidents.

The trekker can follow the finest features of the natural world as they make their approach to Kareri Lake: thick forests full of massive pine and oak trees, green moss covering the stones that streams meander over, and intermittent bursts of wildflowers.The lake itself provides a spectacular perspective of the Dhauladhars, which are reflected in its surface, the flora changes as the hike progresses in height. It begins with pine and broadleaf trees before gradually transitioning to grasslands with areas of deodar and pine, you will also encounter little waterfalls and a bubbling brook that follows you for the majority of the journey. 

While the trek begins with a moderate, gentle rise, it becomes steeper as you proceed down the trails; nonetheless, many of the difficult sections have stairs cut into the rocks for comfort. The walk covers a total distance of 27 kilometres (one side) and lasts 3 days. The Kareri Lake trek is therefore regarded as being rather straightforward and fantastic for beginners. You get the opportunity of a lifetime to camp in the stunning state of Himachal Pradesh, sleeping in sleeping bags and enduring the bitter cold! An alternative is to partake in a homestay and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of the Kareri Village locals. This life-changing walk to Kareri Lake, which starts in Dharamkot, will make your vacations unforgettable.

                                                                          Special tips for trekkers :

  It is better to be prepared and have ready-to-eat food with you, especially with high sugar content for energy like sweets, energy bars, chocolate, etc. The last food stop along the Kareri Lake trip is Kareri Village; after that, you will only have your packed lunch to rely on. The Kareri Lake trek covers a lot of ground and takes up most of the day, even though it entails climbing up softer and steeper slopes. Under such conditions, you have to prepare ahead of time and begin exercising to bring your body up to the necessary level of physical fitness. Exercise, yoga, and eating a balanced diet are all beneficial practices. It is advised that you take your time acclimating yourself, especially during the hike to Kareri lake, to prevent yourself from acute mountain sickness, which is caused by a shortage of oxygen at high elevations.

 If you plan to trek Kareri Lake during the monsoon, be ready for torrential downpours, bring a raincoat and a windcheat to keep the water out.Purchasing the necessary camping equipment, such as trekking poles and trekking shoes, is imperative if you are a first-time-trekker, the poles are a huge assistance; they relieve your legs of weight and help you maintain even on the steepest of paths. Use your vacation days prudently and keep an additional day on hand because unpredictable weather conditions can frequently cause schedule delays, for example- Following severe rain, landslides occur frequently in the Kareri Lake region, causing road destruction. 

You are always recommended to offload your backpack at the base camp or base village and only bring the necessities to the summit at Kareri Lake, if you bring too much gear, your body will start to protest within a few hours of starting the hike. Don’t forget to go sightseeing at Kareri Village, Dharamshala, and McLeodganj when you stop anywhere in the highlands, make your trip worthwhile by exploring every corner of the region during your visit to Kareri Lake.