Kareri Lake is a shallow freshwater glacial lake in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, set at about 2,934 metres (9,626 feet) on the southern spur of the Dhauladhar range, a short way northwest of Dharamshala. Most people reach it on a two-day trek from Kareri village, walking up through forest and shepherd meadows to a clear mountain tarn with a small Shiva temple on its bank. It is one of the most accessible high-lake treks in the Kangra Valley, and this guide covers the route, the season, safety and how to plan the trip.
Kareri Lake is a glacial lake in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, lying at roughly 2,934 metres below the Dhauladhar range near Dharamshala. Fed by snowmelt and drained by the Nyund stream, it is the turnaround point of a popular two-day trek from Kareri village.
Key takeaways
- Kareri Lake sits at about 2,934 m (9,626 ft) in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, on the southern spur of the Dhauladhar range, per the Kangra district administration and Himachal Pradesh Tourism.
- The standard trip is a two-day trek from Kareri village, the last roadhead, which the Kangra district site places about 14 km from the lake (as of October 2026).
- Best trekking windows are roughly April to June and September to October; the lake often stays frozen from December to March or April.
- The lake is drained by the Nyund stream, which eventually reaches the Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir at Pong Dam on the Beas river.
- No entry fee or special permit is published for the lake itself, but Himachal’s single-use plastic ban applies and trekkers should follow leave-no-trace practice.
- Base yourself at McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala; the nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra) and the nearest broad-gauge railhead is Pathankot, about 88 km away.
About Kareri Lake
Kareri Lake is a shallow, high-elevation freshwater lake in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, lying at about 2,934 metres (9,626 feet) roughly 9 km northwest of Dharamshala. The Kangra district administration and Himachal Pradesh Tourism both give the 2,934 m figure. The lake is also recorded locally as Kumarava (or Kareri) Lake.
The water is fed by snowmelt from the Dhauladhar range above it, and because the lake is shallow the bed is often visible through the clear water. Its outflow is the Nyund stream, which drains through local channels and, according to accounts of the catchment, eventually reaches the Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir at Pong Dam on the Beas river. On a hill on one side of the lake stands a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti.
The setting is the draw: a flat green bowl of meadow and water directly under the grey Dhauladhar wall, with the ridgeline rising sharply behind the temple. The lake is a popular base camp for going deeper into the range, and it is widely regarded as one of the Kangra Valley’s most accessible high-lake treks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh |
| Altitude | About 2,934 m (9,626 ft) |
| Range | Southern spur of the Dhauladhar |
| Nearest town | Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj (about 9 km northwest of Dharamshala) |
| Trailhead | Kareri village (reached via Ghera) |
| Trek style | Two-day out-and-back, easy to moderate |
| Water source / outflow | Dhauladhar snowmelt / Nyund stream |
Best time to visit
The best times to trek to Kareri Lake are roughly April to June and September to October, when the trail is largely clear of snow and the weather is settled. The lake often remains frozen from December to March or April, according to the Kangra district administration, so a winter visit is a snow trek rather than a lakeside walk.
Spring brings melting snow patches near the top and strong water in the streams. Early autumn, after the monsoon, usually gives the clearest Dhauladhar views. Avoid the peak monsoon weeks (roughly July to mid-September): the Kangra hills see heavy rain, slippery ground and landslide risk, and the Kangra district administration has warned that trekking in bad weather can be dangerous.
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr–Jun | Snow melting near the lake, lush lower forest, good overall |
| Monsoon | Jul–mid-Sep | Heavy rain, leeches, landslide and flash-flood risk; not advised |
| Autumn | mid-Sep–Oct | Clear air, firm trail, best Dhauladhar views |
| Winter | Nov–Mar | Snow trek; lake usually frozen Dec–Mar/Apr, for experienced groups only |
How to reach Kareri Lake
You reach Kareri Lake by first getting to Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj, then driving to Kareri village, the last roadhead, and walking from there. There is no road to the lake itself. The Kangra district site gives the road distance to Kareri village area as about 40 km from Dharamshala and 45 km from McLeod Ganj (as of October 2026), typically via Ghera village; a shared taxi takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. For planning the wider journey, see our Himachal Pradesh travel guide.
By air: the nearest airport is Gaggal (Kangra), about 10–13 km from Dharamshala, with flights from Delhi. Chandigarh airport, further away, usually has more options and lower fares.
By rail: the nearest broad-gauge railhead is Pathankot Cantt (Chakki), which the Kangra district site lists as 88 km from Dharamshala and 91 km from McLeod Ganj. The scenic narrow-gauge Kangra Valley line reaches Kangra Mandir station.
By road: Dharamshala is about 490 km from New Delhi, with overnight Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private Volvo buses running through the night. From Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj, hire a taxi to Kareri village; local HRTC buses also run towards Ghera, from where it is a short walk to the village.
| From | To | Distance / note |
|---|---|---|
| Gaggal (Kangra) airport | Dharamshala | About 10–13 km |
| Pathankot Cantt (rail) | Dharamshala | 88 km (91 km from McLeod Ganj) |
| New Delhi | Dharamshala | About 490 km by road |
| Dharamshala | Kareri village roadhead | About 40 km road, then trek |
| Kareri village | Kareri Lake | About 14 km on foot (district figure) |
The trek route: Kareri village to the lake
The trek runs from Kareri village up through forest and meadow to Reoti, and then on to the lake, gaining height steadily over roughly 13 km each way. The Kangra district administration places the lake about 14 km from Kareri village. Trek operators commonly describe the full outing as about 26 km round trip, usually split over two days, though figures vary between accounts, so treat distances as approximate and confirm locally.
From Kareri village the path climbs through oak and rhododendron forest alongside the Nyund stream, crossing it on small bridges. The midway clearing of Reoti, a grassy shepherd ground with a couple of basic shacks in season, is the usual overnight camp. Above Reoti the forest thins into open meadow and the final stretch to the lake turns rockier; the last section can hold snow into early summer and is less well defined, so a guide helps here.
The trek is generally rated easy to moderate, which makes it popular with first-time Himalayan trekkers. The challenge is the steady ascent and the thinning air near 2,934 m rather than any technical climbing. There is little to no mobile network beyond the village, so tell someone your plan before you set off.
Things to see and do
The main experience is the lake itself and the walk to it, with the Dhauladhar wall as the backdrop. Below are the landmarks you pass or reach on a standard two-day trip.
| Spot | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Kareri village | Trailhead village and homestay base, last roadhead | Start point |
| Nyund stream forest | Oak and rhododendron climb beside the outflow stream | 2–3 hours walking |
| Reoti | Shepherd meadow and usual overnight camp | Overnight |
| Kareri Lake | The glacial tarn under the Dhauladhar | Half a day |
| Shiva–Shakti temple | Small temple on a hill above the lake | 30–45 minutes |
| Minkiani Pass viewpoint | Ridge beyond the lake, views towards Chamba side | Extra day for the pass |
Onward passes and the Dhauladhar lakes
Kareri Lake is the base for crossing the Dhauladhar towards Chamba and Bharmour, chiefly over the Minkiani Pass at about 4,250 metres and the Baleni Pass at about 3,710 metres. These are serious high-altitude crossings, not day walks, and need proper acclimatisation, a guide and settled weather.
From the Minkiani Pass, experienced groups continue to Lam Dal, one of a cluster of sacred high lakes on the Chamba side of the range. These extended routes turn the trip into a multi-day expedition and should only be attempted with a competent team; the lake-and-return trek is far better suited to most visitors.
The Gaddi shepherds
The meadows around Kareri Lake are summer grazing grounds for the Gaddi, the traditional transhumant shepherd community of the Dhauladhar. A few Gaddi kothis (stone shelters) stand on the far side of the lake, used while their flocks graze the high pastures. You are likely to meet shepherds moving sheep and goats up to the alpine grass in the warm months.
The Gaddi are a living community, not a sight to photograph without consent. Greet people, ask before taking portraits, and remember that the grazing grounds are their workplace. Their seasonal movement between the Kangra Valley and the high meadows is part of what shaped these trails in the first place.
A suggested two-day itinerary
A standard Kareri Lake trip takes two days on the trail plus travel days to and from Dharamshala. The outline below is the common pattern; adjust pace to your fitness and the conditions.
- Day 0: Reach McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala; stock up and rest. See our McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala travel guide for the base.
- Day 1: Drive to Kareri village (about 1.5–2 hours); trek through forest to Reoti and camp.
- Day 2: Climb to Kareri Lake, spend time at the lake and temple, then descend to Kareri village and drive back to your base.
Fitter groups sometimes camp at the lake instead of Reoti for sunrise, and add a third day for the Minkiani Pass viewpoint. Build in a buffer day in case weather delays the walk.
Where to stay
On the trek you either camp or use basic shelter; in the valley you stay in Kareri village homestays or in McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala. There are no hotels at the lake. Prices below are indicative planning estimates and should be reconfirmed before booking (as of October 2026).
- Camping on the trek: most groups camp at Reoti or the lake. Carry your own tent and sleeping bag; some seasonal shacks at Reoti rent basic gear, but do not count on it.
- Kareri village homestays (budget): simple rooms and home-cooked meals, roughly ₹600–₹1,500 per night; good for starting early.
- McLeod Ganj / Dharamshala (mid-range to upper): a wide range of guesthouses and hotels, roughly ₹1,500–₹5,000 per night, plus HPTDC properties.
Book homestays and organised treks ahead for long weekends and the autumn peak, when Kareri fills up quickly.
Budget breakdown
A guided two-day Kareri Lake trek from Dharamshala costs most independent trekkers a modest amount once transport and a local guide are shared across a small group. The table gives a planning estimate per person for the trek portion, excluding your travel to Dharamshala. These are indicative figures to reconfirm, as of October 2026.
| Item | Planning estimate (₹) |
|---|---|
| Shared taxi, base to Kareri village (return) | 400–800 |
| Local guide / porter (shared in a group) | 700–1,500 |
| Camping gear hire (if not carrying own) | 300–700 |
| Meals and supplies for two days | 600–1,200 |
| Homestay night before/after (optional) | 600–1,500 |
| Approximate total | 2,600–5,700 |
Organised fixed-departure treks that bundle transport, camping, meals and a guide are sold separately by operators and are priced higher; compare inclusions before you book.
Permits and rules
No entry fee or special permit is published for Kareri Lake itself, and no Inner Line Permit is required for Kangra district. Because conditions and forest-access rules can change, confirm with the Kangra district administration or the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department before you go, especially for camping and for the onward passes.
Himachal Pradesh enforces a state-wide ban on listed single-use plastics, including carry bags and thermocol items, under its Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act. Carry out everything you bring in. Camp only where allowed, do not light open fires in the forest, and follow any local instructions from shepherds and forest staff.
Trek safety and leave no trace
Trek safety matters here because the final climb is remote, the weather turns fast and there is no mobile network beyond Kareri village. The Kangra district administration has advised people to avoid upper reaches and landslide-prone areas in bad weather and warned that trekking in bad weather can be “dangerous and life threatening.” Plan around the forecast and turn back if the sky closes in.
- Weather and water: avoid the monsoon; streams swell fast and the trail becomes slippery. Do not camp in stream beds.
- Altitude: the lake is near 2,934 m. Walk at a steady pace, hydrate, and watch for headache or nausea.
- Navigation: the last stretch to the lake is faint and rocky; a local guide from Kareri village is sensible for first-timers.
- Essentials: warm layers even in summer, rain shell, headtorch, a basic first-aid kit and enough water-purification for two days.
- Leave no trace: carry out all waste, keep soaps and detergents out of the lake and streams, and do not disturb the Gaddi grazing grounds.
Tell someone your route and expected return, and note the nearest hospital is in Dharamshala, hours away from the lake.
Nearby places
Kareri pairs well with the wider Dhauladhar circuit around Dharamshala, so many trekkers add a day or two before or after. The table lists the main options and roughly how far they sit from the Dharamshala base.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| McLeod Ganj | About 9 km | Tibetan town, monasteries and the usual trek base |
| Dharamshala | Base town | Cricket stadium, transport hub, HPTDC stays |
| Triund | About 10 km to trailhead | Short, popular Dhauladhar ridge trek |
| Bir | About 60–70 km | Paragliding capital and quiet monasteries |
For how these link up, see our Himachal Pradesh travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kareri Lake?
Kareri Lake is in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, on the southern spur of the Dhauladhar range about 9 km northwest of Dharamshala. It sits at roughly 2,934 metres and is reached on foot from Kareri village, the last roadhead, which the Kangra district administration places about 14 km from the lake.
How difficult is the Kareri Lake trek?
The Kareri Lake trek is generally rated easy to moderate, which makes it popular with first-time Himalayan trekkers. The difficulty comes from a steady ascent over roughly 13 km each way and thinning air near 2,934 m, plus a faint, rocky final stretch that can hold snow into early summer, rather than any technical climbing.
What is the best time to visit Kareri Lake?
The best times are roughly April to June and September to October, when the trail is largely snow-free and the weather is settled. The lake often stays frozen from December to March or April, and the monsoon months of July to mid-September bring heavy rain and landslide risk, so they are best avoided.
Do you need a permit for the Kareri Lake trek?
No special permit or entry fee is published for Kareri Lake, and no Inner Line Permit applies in Kangra district. Himachal’s single-use plastic ban does apply, so carry out all waste. Confirm current camping and forest-access rules with the Kangra district administration or the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department before you travel.
How many days does the Kareri Lake trek take?
The trek usually takes two days on the trail, with an overnight camp at Reoti or the lake, plus travel days to and from Dharamshala. Fitter groups can camp at the lake for sunrise or add a third day to reach the Minkiani Pass viewpoint towards the Chamba side of the Dhauladhar.
Is there mobile network at Kareri Lake?
There is little to no mobile network beyond Kareri village, and none at the lake. Tell someone your route and expected return before you set off, download offline maps, and do not rely on a phone signal for navigation or emergencies on the trail.
Last updated and sources
Kareri Lake suits anyone wanting a first taste of a Himalayan high-lake trek without technical climbing; go in spring or early autumn and keep a buffer day for weather.
Last updated: 17 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Kangra District Administration, “Kareri Lake” tourist-place pages (hpkangra.nic.in); Himachal Pradesh Tourism (hptdc.gov.in); Wikipedia, “Kareri Lake,” citing Himachal Pradesh Tourism (en.wikipedia.org); The Tribune, Kangra district administration weather and trekking advisory (tribuneindia.com); Himachal Pradesh single-use plastic ban notifications under the HP Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995. Accessed October 2026.
