Kareri Lake: Pristine paradise for trekkers in D’sala
Lalit Mohan
Set amid the rocky terrain of the Dhauladhar range with receding glaciers melting, the beautiful and picturesque Kareri Lake seems a place which has been picked straight out of the lap of nature.
Also known as Kumarwah Lake, this is a shallow, freshwater lake that is situated to the south of the Dhauladhar range, about 18 km to the northwest of Dharamsala in Kangra District.
The lake is located at an altitude of 2,934 metre above sea level and is fast emerging as a popular trekking destination among tourists coming to Dharamsala.
Earlier, the lake was frequented mostly by the Gaddi tribals, who reside in villages nearby because of the extensive pasturelands that the Kareri Lake nurtures. The lake also has beautiful clusters of dense conifers and different kinds of colourful perennial flowers. Locals claim the pink rhododendron flowers are found only in and around this lake.
The snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the water source for this lake and the pristine water from it then outflows in the form of a stream known as Nyund rivulet. Since the water supply to the lake is provided by melting snow and the lake is quite shallow, the water visibility is very high and in most places, the lake bed is visible.
While a majority of backpackers who visit Himachal Pradesh are seen flocking to Triund or Indrahar Pass circuit, a short trek to Kareri Lake makes for a more luxurious and quieter experience. The lake appears to be especially appealing during the winter months of December to March, when it is frozen and an air of tranquility envelopes it. “A trip to the lake is definitely not worth a miss, especially for nature lovers,” said Nancy, a foreign tourist, who recently visited the area.
A thing of beauty
- The beautiful and picturesque Kareri Lake seems a place which has been picked straight out of the lap of nature
- Also known as Kumarwah Lake, this is a shallow, freshwater lake that is situated to the south of the Dhauladhar range, about 18 km to the northwest of Dharamsala in Kangra District
- The lake is located at an altitude of 2,934 metre above sea level and is fast emerging as a popular trekking destination among tourists coming to D’sala.
How to reach
- There are two ways to reach the lake. One can go from Dharamsala to Ghera Power Project by bus or car. After that, 9 km road from Ghera power project to Kareri is narrow and fit for small cars or jeeps. From Kareri village, one has to trek 13 km to reach the lake.
- The other way is to take a bus or travel by car from Dharamsala to Dharini in Shahpur area.
- The distance is about 40 km from Dharamsala and 20 km from Shahpur.
- The bus goes up to Salli village, while a small car can go up to Nauhli bridge.
- The trek from Nauhli bridge to Kareri lake is 10 km.
Facilities for stay
Trekkers stay in tents brought by locals on the banks of Kareri Lake. The charges for one night stay in tents put up there ranges from Rs 1,000 to 1,200 per night. About 100 to 150 tents have been put up by the locals at the lake. Strong winds blow near the lake in the evening and one needs warm clothes even at night. The place remains cut off due to heavy snow for about six months and the trek opens up only from March to September. The trekkers also go beyond Kareri Lake to Lamdal Lake. The Gaddi tribals have been using the trek for crossing over to Chamba from the track.
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