Kareri Lake Trek

Region

Himachal Pradesh

Duration

3 days

Max. Altitude

9700 ft.

Trek Distance

26 kms

Grade

Easy

Fixed Departures

September - 2026

₹5,000

+5% GST / Person

Highlights

Add-ons

Add on information

Kareri Lake Trek Overview

Why Kareri Lake is a must do Trek?

Kareri lake- A Short Getaway to the Crystal Clear Waters!

Major attractions of Kareri Lake trek

When Should you do this trek?

The best time to do the Kareri Lake trek is during Spring, Summer, or Autumn, as the trail and weather conditions are most favorable. The ideal months are April, May, June, October, and November, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trekking experience. If you go in early summer, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery and colorful wildflowers along the trail, creating a vibrant atmosphere. On the other hand, trekking in Autumn offers a golden-yellow landscape, with clear skies and stunning mountain views, making the journey even more magical.
Together, the Kareri Lake trek in Himachal is a trek you should definitely do if you want to explore the lesser known trails and visit lakes in Himachal. The meadows here are different from the ones you usually get to see on your treks, they are usually spotted with boulders. The night sky here is a breathtaking canvas filled with countless stars, shining brightly. Being under a starlit sky is a surreal experience, you feel closer to the universe. The crisp mountain air adds to the charm, making the experience both refreshing and calming. Every step here feels like a walk through an enchanted world, where nature’s beauty unfolds in layers. It’s a chance to connect with nature, leaving behind the rush of everyday life, and rediscovering peace in its simplest form. If you too want to experience it all in a short period of time, you should definitely book your Kareri Lake trek.

Who Can Participate?

Kareri Lake Trek : Itinerary

Day-1: Dharamshala to Kareri Village Drive and Trek to Liyoti

Day-2: Trek To Kareri Lake and Back To Liyoti

Day-3: Descend To Kareri Village | Drive Back To Dharamshala

Dharamshala to Kareri Village Drive and Trek to Liyoti

Today we will drive from Dharamshala to Kareri Village along a scenic route with scenic vistas of snow-capped mountains and then Trek from the village to Liyoti our first campsite on the way to Kareri Lake.
The pickup will be arranged by WTM from Dharamshala, where we will pick you up at 10:00 am and drive to Kareri Village. Kareri Village is situated at a distance of 25 km and it takes approximately 2 hours to reach the village. On reaching Kareri village, our trek leader will give you a brief overview of the entire tour. The local people of Kareri village belong to the Gaddi tribe and you can get glimpses into their everyday lifestyle. The trek starts from this village through mixed forests of pine, cedar, and broadleaf. The vegetation is quite thick here and be mindful of your steps as pine needles are strewn on everyone on the trail and it can get a little slippery. You can opt to leave your extra luggage at Kareri Village and pick it up on the way back.
The trail to Liyoti campsite is pretty scenic and you will stroll along a gushing river, cross bridges and even walk on boulder stretches to arrive at your destination. There will also be a waterfall on the way, a picturesque sight to behold, and a great water source to refill your water. Along the path, the canopy of forest cover is pretty low making it an ideal spot for birds to nest. You may spot native birds like Pheasants and Blue Magpie. Packed snacks will be provided to energize you on the way. Liyoti campsite is located in an alpine grassland at an altitude of 8,000 ft where you will stay the night in camps. A hot lunch will be served at the campsite, once you reach here. You can spend the day at your leisure walking around the campsite and at night you can retire in your tents post-dinner.

Trek To Kareri Lake and Back To Liyoti

We will start our morning with a hearty breakfast and a cup of tea and move onward towards Kareri Lake. Today you will trek through towering columns of Oak and Pine trees with beautiful views of the Himalayas. Initially, the trek is a little muddy and rocky which soon gives way to a dense forest. You will walk along a mountain stream called Nyund Nallah and as you continue your climb uphill, the flow of the stream increases as we approach closer to its source – the Kareri Lake. You may spot a few Gaddi huts on the way built by the nomadic Gaddi shepherd tribe in the Kangra region. These huts are makeshift shelters that these shepherds build on their way with their livestock.
Follow the trail across the banks of the river and you will have to cross it a few times to arrive at the Lake. The lake water is crystal clear and is surrounded by greenery all around. Treat your eyes to resplendent views of the Dhauladhar Range from here. There’s a Shiva temple near the lake that you can explore. After enjoying the serenity of the lake and exploring the temple, we’ll begin our descent toward the Liyoti campsite. The trail winds gently through alpine meadows and dense forests, offering glimpses of the valley below as the landscape gradually changes. By the time we reach Liyoti, the setting sun might just cast a golden hue over the valley, marking the end of another beautiful day in the mountains.

Descend To Kareri Village | Drive Back To Dharamshala

Wake up to the crisp mountain air under a clear blue sky, feeling refreshed after a peaceful night of camping. After a hearty and delightful breakfast, you’ll have some time to explore the surroundings and soak in the final moments of mountain calm before we begin our descent to Kareri Village. Take a moment to admire the breathtaking views one last time as you bid farewell to the mountains—for now.
The descent to Kareri Village spans about 7 km and usually takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. We’ll follow the same scenic trail we took on our way up, with the path gently winding downwards, occasionally giving way to steeper sections.
From Kareri, we’ll begin our drive back to Dharamshala, which lies about 25 km away and takes approximately 2 hours. Expect to reach Dharamshala by around 5:30 PM, bringing our beautiful trek to a close—leaving us with warm memories, quiet smiles, and the lingering magic of the mountains.

Health Awareness

Important Links

Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form

How to Reach:

Daramshala - Kareri village
Daramshala - Kareri village

It is essential for everyone to arrive at Dharamshala Bus Stand (ISBT) (10:00 am).

Once you reach the Dharamshala Govt. Bus Stand/ ISBT. WTM will take care of your further travel, which is also the starting point of the trek.

01. Reach by Bus.

Take overnight bus to Dharamshala from Delhi or Chandigarh, taking a bus from Chandigarh is the most ideal option.
We always recommend going for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Dharamshala at least by 7-8 am positively.

02. Take a flight to Gaggal Airport.

The nearest airport is at Gaggal, about 13 kilometres away from Dharamshala. Tourists from other parts of India would find it easier to take a flight till Chandigarh and book a taxi for their onward journey to Dharamshala, which is about 237 kilometres away.

03. Reach by Train.

You can even come via train; Pathankot railway station is from where you can get direct buses to Dharamshala that is 85 km and takes 3hrs.

Cost Terms

1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):

2. Meals (Veg + Egg):

3. Support:

4. Trek equipment:

5. First aid:

6. Transportation (as per the itinerary).

7. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.

8. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.

9. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian.

10. Services from Dharamshala to Dharamshala.

11. Trek Completion Certificate from WTM

Trek Essentials

Backpack with rain cover(40 – 50 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps
Day pack with rain cover20 – 30 ltr (If off-load opted)
Walking stickAdvisable (At least one)
Water Bottle / Hydration pack2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask.
Small size tiffin/lunch box1 Nos
SnacksEnergy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors
Personal Medical KitConsult your doctor
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry)1 Full & 1 Half sleeves
Fleece T-shirt1 Nos
Fleece jacketNot required
Windproof Jacket1 Nos
Down feather / Hollow jacket1 Nos
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower)1 Pair
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry)1 Nos
Fleece PantNot required
Waterproof glovesNot required
Fleece / woollen gloves1 Pair
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant1 Nos
Head torch1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch)
Sun cap1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap1 Nos.
BalaclavaNot required
Buff / Neck-gaiters1 Nos.
SunglassesUV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses
Trekking shoes1 Pair (Water-resistant, high ankle with good grip)
Floaters / flip-flops1 Pair
Cotton socks6 pairs
Woollen socks1 pairs
Gaiters1 Pair (WTM provides when required)
Micro spikes1 Pair (WTM provides when required)
Sunscreen cream1 Nos
Moisturiser1 Nos
Chap-stick / Lip balm1 Nos
Toothbrush and toothpaste1 Nos
Toilet paper & Wipes1 Nos
Soap / hand sanitizers1 Nos
Antibacterial powder1 Nos
Quick dry towel1 Nos

Gallery

Cancellation Terms

To request a cancellation, please email us at info@walkingthemountains.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 28 days from the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation between 27 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation between 14 days and 8 days to the start of the Trip

Refund Options

Cancellation less than 7 days to the start of the trek.

Refund Options

Itinerary and Modifications

Cancellations and Refunds

Force Majeure

FAQ’S

The Kareri Lake Trek offers many unforgettable experiences along the way. One of the main highlights is walking through the charming Kareri village, where you can see traditional houses and experience the simple mountain lifestyle. The trail also takes you through dense forests filled with tall pine and oak trees, creating a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. As you climb higher, you pass through beautiful high-altitude meadows with beautiful views all around. The ultimate reward is reaching the pristine Kareri Lake, a crystal-clear water body surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar Range, making the journey truly magical.
The best time to go on the Kareri Lake Trek is during April, May, June, October, and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and most suitable for trekking. The skies are usually clear, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is also easier to navigate as there is less risk of extreme cold or heavy rainfall. This makes the overall trekking experience more enjoyable and comfortable for adventurers.
Yes, the Kareri Lake Trek is generally safe for trekkers, but like any outdoor adventure, it comes with some risks. The key to a safe and enjoyable trek is proper preparation and caution. It is important to stay hydrated, wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, and choose sturdy footwear for the rocky terrain. Trekking at a steady pace, taking breaks when needed, and not overexerting yourself can also help prevent fatigue or injuries.
Accommodation during the Kareri Lake Trek usually consists of either camping in tents or staying in simple lodges along the way. Since the trek takes you through remote areas, it is important to be prepared for basic living conditions and carry necessary essentials for a comfortable stay.
Himachal Pradesh offers many amazing trekking options for adventure lovers. Some of the other popular treks in the region include Beas Kund, Buran Ghati, Bhrigu Lake, Sar Pass Trek, and Rupin Pass, among many others. Each trek has its own unique charm, with stunning landscapes, breathtaking views, and exciting trails to explore.