"Unexplored Kareri: A Remote Glacial Lake Waiting to Be Discovered"
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range, Kareri Lake in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, serves as a serene base for an array of trekking adventures and nature exploration.
The region surrounding Kareri Lake is a treasure trove for trekkers, offering a plethora of high-altitude passes and picturesque trails. One such popular trek is the Indrahar Pass Trek, a high-altitude pass trek starting from Kareri Lake, offering panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and beyond.
For those seeking more challenging treks, Minkiani and Baleni Passes provide links to distant areas such as Chamba and Bharmour, making for longer, more strenuous treks that extend into the Dhauladhar range.
The Kareri Lake trek itself is a captivating journey. It begins at Kareri village, with a motorable road section adorned with rhododendron flowers up to Nolli Bridge. The trekking path from Nolli Bridge to Reoti village runs alongside the Niyund River, shaded by rhododendrons, making it a picturesque and pleasant trek. Many trekkers camp at Reoti village, visiting the lake either the same day or the next morning. The final stretch from Reoti to Kareri Lake becomes increasingly scenic, with the pristine lake surrounded by dense oak and pine forests at an altitude that provides a tranquil setting.
Apart from the Kareri Lake trek, the region offers other trekking options such as the Triund Trek, a popular ridge above McLeodganj offering breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar snow peaks. For those seeking a longer and more difficult trek, the Dharamshala Nayagaon Trek passes through deodar forests, valleys, waterfalls, and snowfields, with a trek length of about 90 km over 9 days.
Local attractions near Dharamshala add to the region's allure. The Indru Nag Temple, located just 5 km from Dharamshala, is a spiritual hilltop shrine dedicated to the serpent deity Indru Nag, notable for its views and paragliding activities. Kangra Valley and Kangra Town, about 17 km away, offer cultural exploration and access to the Kangra Valley Railway, featuring a scenic toy train journey through hills, bridges, and forests.
Kareri Lake, located 9 kilometers from Dharamshala in the Kangra district, offers much to trekkers, hikers, and simple tourists who can admire the beauty of the icy Dhauladhar and the streamy waters of Kareri. The lake is known for its shallow waters that come from melting snow. During winters, the frozen Kareri Lake is best known as the Dauladhar trek resting place.
Backpackers and trekkers participating in the Kareri Lake trek can also experience local tours, engaging in views of dense forests, curvy passes, golden-green meadows, and participating in adventure activities such as Tyrolean Traversing. One can cross these passes to enter the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
In summary, Kareri Lake serves as a serene base for trekking to Indrahar Pass and other high passes like Minkiani and Baleni. The region also offers other trekking options such as the Triund and Nayagaon treks, along with local attractions like Indru Nag Temple and Kangra town, making it a rich destination for trekking and exploration near Dharamshala.
The region around Kareri Lake is not only a paradise for trekkers, but also an ideal destination for those who enjoy a mix of travel, sports, and tranquil lifestyle. Each trek in the Dhauladhar range, such as the Indrahar Pass Trek, offers exhilarating challenges and spectacular views, transforming the journey into a unique sports experience. Apart from treks, the area is dotted with local attractions like the Indru Nag Temple and Kangra town, providing opportunities for cultural exploration and adventure activities, enhancing the overall lifestyle experience.
