INTRODUCTION:
For nature lovers and people who need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, mountain ranges can be a sanctuary. If you are a trailblazer and enjoy hiking, keep reading.
Himachal Pradesh is located at the foot of the Himalayas. It has many beautiful surprises to offer nature. There are rivers, rivulets, and glacier-fed lakes as well as a variety of fauna and flora that extend into the northern Indian plains. One of these hidden gems is the Kareri Lake (also known as Kumarwah Lake) in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra District. It is a shallow lake of freshwater located about 9 km northwest of Dharamshala, south of the Dhauladhar Range.
This super-clean lake is surrounded by stands of tall conifers and patches of vibrant perennial flowers. The pasture areas are frequented by the Gujjar and Gaddi communities of nearby villages. The lake freezes from November to April or May. This creates a magical atmosphere for nature lovers.
Popular tourist attractions like the Baijnath Temple and Kangra Fort, Brajeshwari Temples, Brajeshwari Temples, Dhauladhar Variety Trek, Indrahar Pass Trail, McLeodganj, and McLeodganj draw huge crowds. However, Kareri Lake is a hidden gem that captures the hearts of all who see its beauty.
The lake is fed by glaciers from the Dhauladhar Range, which then flows down to form Nyund. Because of the melting snow, Kareri Lake’s source is shallow and clear. Because of its clarity, the lake bed can also be seen with an unaided eye.
How do I get there?
Buses run from Dharamshala up to Ghera every morning at 8 AM. The distance between the two locations is approximately 20 km. You can travel this distance by taxi or hire jeep.
The trek starts at the Ghera village marketplace. You can cross a bridge to continue your journey along the Khali River on a road that is passable. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the trek, and it is only 2 km from Kareri village after passing Sari village.
The trail leads to Kareri village through dense stands of rhododendron. As you continue on your way to Kareri village, the trail winds through dense rhododendron stand.
The forest guesthouse trail leads to a narrow valley and a wooden bridge.
After a climb of 200 meters and crossing another bridge, you will reach the Harote campground. Continue on to another valley, which will take you towards Kareri Lake.
The meadows are located near the stream, just ten minutes from Kareri village. This is where campers usually set up their tents. For lodging, a forest guest house can also be rented. However, it is best to contact the forest ranger office in advance to make a reservation. Trekkers may also consider staying in a Kareri village home.
Ideal is Moment to Go:
The surrounding attractions and Kareri Lake are worth a visit any time of year. It is important to note that the lake remains frozen between November/December and May/April. Therefore, visitors need to be extra cautious as the ice thickness can fluctuate and make the surface slippery.
The Kareri Lake Trek Less travelled:
Trekkers on the quest for new goals will find nothing more rewarding than reaching heaven with stunning views and a long, difficult trek.
Many tourists prefer the Triund Trek in Dharamshala and Mcleod Ganj because it’s a well-known destination. However, Kareri Lake is an obscure trek that very few people know about. It is a great trekking destination due to its stunning views and refreshing vista, even though it is less travelled and less crowded.
It’s fun to trek. The trail starts in Kareri which is a charming place with a perfect balance of nature and culture. You can see the Dhauladhar Range in its best light. Photographers should be prepared to capture the most stunning views while hiking. Although the trail offers many great options, it can also be very steep at times. The journey can be difficult at times as one has to travel through dense backcountry, cross a river, and climb the Rocky Mountains.
Major cities can easily travel from major cities to Dharamshala. This is located 27 km away from Kareri Village’s start of the Kareri Lake Trek. Dharamshala is easily accessible to major cities such as Chandigarh or Delhi. There are many direct Volvo and road transports from Delhi and Chandigarh that take you to Dharamshala.
