Kareri Trek

Kumarwah Lake or Kareri Lake is a shallow, freshwater and high altitude lake lying in the southern side of Dhauladhar Ranges. The lake lies very close to the city of Dharamshala. Kareri trek trail is quite beautiful and varied. The lake lies at an altitude of 2943 meters and even features a temple of Lord Shiva-Shakti. The temple lies on a hilltop that overlooks the lake. There are Gaddis kothis found on the other side of Kareri Lake. The Gaddis use this area as an animal grazing ground.

Kareri Lake remains in frozen form from December to April. It even serves as one of the best base grounds for trekking into the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges and even onwards Bharmour and Chamba through the Minkiani Pass lying at an altitude of 4250 meters. Trekking to this stunningly beautiful and elliptical glacial lake is the perfect weekend adventure in Himachal Pradesh. Both beginners into trekking and the experienced trekkers can take up this trek as it is sufficiently easy. You also do not require a guide for the trekking expedition.

Historical Reference

Speaking of the history of the place, there is not much of history associated. It is just that the lake was formed by the melted snow coming from the Minkiani Peak. It is named after the village of Kareri, through which the lake flows. One of the most astonishing facts about this lake is its exquisite calmness. It is the serenity of the lake that stills the entire land. There are hardly any living creatures seen miles and miles on end. It is a secluded water body, and thus there is not much crowd gathering here during the holiday seasons.

About the Journey

Kareri trek is one of the perfect treks for healthy and fit beginners into trekking. This is mainly because it is super-easy. However, the trek even has some steep segments. It lies very close to the city of Dharamshala and therefore it gives trekkers and holiday-makers the chance to visit the beautiful and the majestic McLeodganj as well. The trek starts at Nolli Bridge. This is the place where you can start trekking to Reoti. Reoti is the main base camp for Kareri trek. The pathway from Nolli Bridge to Reoti is the first section of the trek. Trekkers will usually complete it in seven hours if they are fit enough. The beautiful Nyund River offers great company during this part of the trek. The trek route here mostly consists of steps that have been constructed by the locals for their convenience.

The trek path from Reoti to Kareri is approximately 4.5 kilometres, and trekkers will usually complete it is three to four hours. The trail offers some of the most stunning views of sparkling streams and even takes the trekkers through the darkness of alpine forests. There are views of majestic mountain ranges all around. The trekking enthusiasts will not only get the sight of the Kareri Lake. Still, they will also get an understanding of the old-fashioned Himalayan lifestyle of the Reoti and Kareri villages.

Trekkers need to start early for their trek on both days. Once you reach the lake, you get the scope of pouring over undisturbed sights of the Indrahara Pass, Mun Peak and the Dhauladhar Ranges. The lake does not have any stay options. So, you have to take proper gear and build a tent here. The weather by Kareri Lake can get very cold. So, you should find accommodation in the nearby Reoti or Kareri villages.

Travel To and From the Trek

Reaching the starting point of the Kareri trek is quite easy. There are several options available.

• You can reach the trek point by air. Gaggal is the nearest airport lying at a distance of 13 kilometres from Dharamshala. The airport connects the city to Delhi.
• Trekkers can even reach the point by train. Pathankot railway station that lies 85 kilometres from Dharamshala is the nearest. Numerous trains plying to Jammu & Kashmir stop at Pathankot. People can take buses or taxis from the Pathankot station to reach Dharamshala. Kangra Mandir is also a small railway terminus lying at a distance of 22 kilometres from the city of Dharamshala. However, it would not be best suited because many trains do not stop here.