Kangra · Himachal
Kareri Lake
A shallow freshwater lake at 2,934 m below the Minkiani Pass, through cedar and rhododendron forest.
Kareri Lake is an easy–moderate trek in Kangra, Himachal, reaching 2,934 m. The best time to go is March to June and September to November. Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground from Dharamshala (Gaggal) and about ₹2,200 per person per day.
What to do in Kareri Lake
The one thing not to miss
Kareri Lake
A shallow lake under the Dhauladhar wall; frozen in midwinter.
- 2Kareri villageThe trailhead, with homestays.
- 3The Nyund streamThe trail follows it through forest with places to camp.
A sample plan: 2 days
Day 1
Dharamshala to Kareri village by road, then walk towards the lake
Camp by the stream or at the lake.
Day 2
The lake at sunrise, then back down to Kareri village and Dharamshala
About 13 km each way in all.
The usual stages; operators and seasons vary, so treat it as a guide.
When to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
A genuine two-day trek you can start from Dharamshala, with a quiet lakeside camp.
Why not
The last 3 km from the village to the lake is a steep, relentless climb.
Before you go
- Permits
- Forest permit; camping at the lake is regulated — check locally.
- Guide
- Not strictly needed, but recommended.
- Safety
- Streams rise fast after rain; cross only where the trail does.
- Phone & internet
- None at the lake.
Altitude
Kareri Lake reaches 2,934 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common.
- Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water.
- Avoid alcohol on the first night.
- If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears.
General guidance, not medical advice.
Permits, food and festivals in Himachal →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Nearest help: District emergency operation centre, Kangra, Dharamshala.
All emergency contacts for Himachal →What to pack for Kareri Lake
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
11 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Nights drop below freezing in the snow months.
- Down or padded jacket Your main warm layer for mornings, evenings and high points.
- Woollen cap that covers the ears Most body heat is lost from the head.
- Woollen socks, 2–3 pairs Dry woollen socks for the night matter more than you expect.
- Waterproof gloves You will be touching snow; ordinary woollen gloves get wet.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava Covers nose and neck in wind and on cold mornings.
- Hand warmers A small, cheap comfort at camp and on early starts.
- Quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs Jeans stay wet and heavy; these dry overnight.
- Quick-dry T-shirts, 2–3 Cotton holds sweat and chills you when you stop.
- Rain jacket or poncho The season here overlaps the rains.
Footwear
4 items
- Trekking shoes with ankle support About 26 km of uneven trail; break them in before you go.
- Microspikes For grip on hard snow and ice. Trek operators often provide these — ask before buying.
- Gaiters Keep snow out of your shoes.
- Camp sandals or floaters Let your feet rest at camp, and useful for stream crossings.
Trek gear
10 items
- Rucksack, 40–60 litres Carries everything for a multi-day trek.
- Rain cover for your bag Keeps your bag and dry clothes dry.
- Headlamp with spare batteries Camps and villages have little or no lighting; summit starts are before dawn.
- Insulated flask Water freezes in ordinary bottles overnight.
- Dry bags or zip pouches Separate wet from dry, and protect your phone and documents.
- Trekking poles Take load off your knees on the descent.
- Energy bars and dry fruit There are few or no shops on the trail.
- Tissue roll, hand sanitiser and wet wipes Camp and trail toilets are basic.
- Quick-dry towel Dries overnight in a tent.
- Sleeping bag liner Adds warmth and keeps an operator's sleeping bag hygienic.
Health and sun
8 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 UV is much stronger at altitude and on snow.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- UV-protection sunglasses Protects against snow glare and strong high-altitude light.
- Lip balm with SPF Cold, dry air cracks lips within a day.
- ORS sachets For dehydration and tired legs.
- Water-purifying bottle or tablets Stream and tap water should be treated.
- Blister plasters and a crepe bandage New or wet shoes rub; treat a hot spot before it becomes a blister.
- Insect repellent Mosquitoes and midges at lower altitudes and in the wet months.
Documents and money
3 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsForest permit; camping at the lake is regulated — check locally.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereNone at the lake.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
2 items
- A guidebook for Himachal Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
- A paper trekking map A paper map still works when the phone doesn't.
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Homestays in Himachal
No homestays listed here yet. Run one? List it.
Getting there
The nearest gateway is Dharamshala (Gaggal).
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it. The road beyond Ghera is narrow and broken in places.
By road
From
Dharamshala
- Distance
- about 28 km
- Drive time
- about 1.5 hours
- Dharamshala
- Ghera
- Kareri village
The walk starts at Kareri village.
Live directions from DharamshalaFrom
Gaggal airport
- Distance
- about 35 km
- Drive time
- about 2 hours
- Gaggal
- Dharamshala
- Ghera
- Kareri
Buses and shared taxis. Flights reach Gaggal (Kangra) airport; trains reach Pathankot; overnight buses run from Delhi to Dharamshala. Local buses to Kareri are few; a taxi from Dharamshala is easier.
Pickups & drivers
From Dharamshala (Gaggal). Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Kareri Lake yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Kareri Lake: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Kareri Lake?
The best months for Kareri Lake are March to June and September to November. December to February are possible but not ideal. Snow is likely in January and February.
How difficult is Kareri Lake?
Kareri Lake is rated easy–moderate. The trek is about 26 km in total, starting at 1,800 m and reaching 2,934 m.
How many days do you need for Kareri Lake?
Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground, counted from Dharamshala (Gaggal). Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Kareri Lake cost?
Expect about ₹2,200 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹8,800 for 4 days, before the cost of getting to Dharamshala (Gaggal).
How do you reach Kareri Lake?
By road: from Dharamshala it is about 28 km, about 1.5 hours (Dharamshala → Ghera → Kareri village); from Gaggal airport it is about 35 km, about 2 hours (Gaggal → Dharamshala → Ghera → Kareri). Flights reach Gaggal (Kangra) airport; trains reach Pathankot; overnight buses run from Delhi to Dharamshala. Local buses to Kareri are few; a taxi from Dharamshala is easier. The nearest gateway is Dharamshala (Gaggal).
Do you need a permit or a guide for Kareri Lake?
Permits: Forest permit; camping at the lake is regulated — check locally. Guide: Not strictly needed, but recommended.
Is Kareri Lake suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is possible with care; with seniors it is not advised. It is moderately busy in season. Streams rise fast after rain; cross only where the trail does.
What should you pack for Kareri Lake?
Pack fleece or light sweater, thermal inner wear (top and bottom), down or padded jacket, woollen cap that covers the ears, woollen socks, 2–3 pairs, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, hand warmers, quick-dry trekking pants, 2 pairs. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Kareri Lake?
None at the lake.
Will I get altitude sickness at Kareri Lake?
Kareri Lake reaches 2,934 m. Most people feel fine, but a mild headache or poor sleep on the first night is common. Take the first day slowly and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol on the first night. If a headache comes with nausea, dizziness or unusual tiredness, do not go higher until it clears. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
Who should not go to Kareri Lake?
Kareri Lake is not a good choice for families with small children and senior citizens. Also keep in mind: The last 3 km from the village to the lake is a steep, relentless climb.
Close to Kareri Lake
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.
- Dharamshala & McLeodganjabout 9 km
- Triund & McLeodganjabout 10 km
- Palampurabout 33 km
More in Kangra & Dhauladhar
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- Dharamshala & McLeodganj2,082 mcompare
- Palampur1,500 mcompare
- Triund & McLeodganj2,850 mcompare
- Barot Valley2,200 mcompare
- Beas Kund3,690 mcompare