Kareri Lake Trek
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Kareri Lake Trek — Guide, Dates & Cost
Kareri Lake Trek is a 3-day easy–moderate trek in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, reaching 2,930 m (9,613 ft). It covers about 26 km on foot and starts at Kareri and ends at Kareri Lake. Best time: April to June and September to November. Trekkaro price: ₹5,300 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 24 Oct 2026 (23 upcoming batches).
Updated
District: Kangra
Duration: 3 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate
Highest Altitude: 2,930 m / 9,613 ft
Trekking Distance: 26 km
Temperature: Spring/Summer (Apr-Jun): Day 12°C to 22°C, Night 3°C to 10°C | Autumn (Sep-Nov): Day 8°C to 18°C, Night -2°C to 8°C
Above the tea gardens and monasteries of Dharamshala, a stream called the Nyund comes tumbling down out of the Dhauladhar. Follow it upstream for two days, through pine and oak forest and over grey granite slabs, and you reach the place where it is born: Kareri Lake, a clear, shallow pool of snowmelt at 2,930 m (9,613 ft), with a small white temple on the rise above it and the rock walls of Minkiani standing behind. It is one of the gentlest ways to walk into the high Dhauladhar, and one of the most rewarding.
The Kareri Lake trek lies in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, on the south face of the Dhauladhar range, about 9 km north-west of Dharamshala as the crow flies. We pick you up at the Dharamshala ISBT at 10:00 AM and drive about 25 km to Kareri village (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), a Gaddi village of slate-roofed houses and terraced fields where the walk begins. The trail follows the Nyund valley up to a forest camp at Reoti (2,450 m / 8,038 ft), also called Liyoti, and from there climbs to the lake and back.
Our 3-day format keeps the loads light and the pace kind. Day 1 is a 6 km climb to Reoti. Day 2 is the lake day: you leave your tents standing, walk up to Kareri Lake with a day pack, spend time at the water and return to the same camp, 14 km in all. Day 3 is a short 6 km descent to Kareri village and the drive back to Dharamshala, with the group back by early evening. The total walking distance is 26 km.
A Lake at the Source of the Stream – What Makes the Kareri Lake Trek Unmissable
Most lake treks hide their lake until the last moment. On the Kareri Lake trek the water is with you from the very first hour, because the trail climbs beside the stream that drains the lake. You hear the Nyund before you see it, crashing over boulders below the path, and for two days you cross and recross it on small bridges, refill your bottle from springs that feed it and fall asleep at Reoti to the sound of it running past the tents. By the time you reach the lake itself, you feel you have walked up the length of a single, living stream to find where it starts.
And the lake is worth the walk. Kareri is fed by snowmelt from Minkiani peak, and it is shallow enough that on a still morning you can see the stones on its bed. In April the last of the winter ice can still lie along its edges; by May and June the meadows around it turn green and the Gaddi shepherds bring their flocks up to the stone huts across the water. A small temple to Shiva and Shakti sits on a rise above the shore, hung with bells and red cloth, and from beside it the view runs down the valley you have just climbed and up to the Dhauladhar ridgeline above. Beyond the lake, a trail climbs on towards Minkiani Pass (about 4,250 m) and the Chamba side, a reminder of how much bigger these mountains are.
Then there is how easy it is to fit in. Dharamshala has an airport, overnight buses from Delhi and Chandigarh and a railway station within a few hours, so you can leave home on a Thursday night, walk to a Himalayan lake and be back in McLeodganj for a plate of momos on Sunday evening. For a first trek, a family trip or a short break from work, few lakes are this close to a town and still feel this wild.
The Trail Itself
The Kareri Lake trek is a trail of two halves. Out of Kareri village the path climbs past fields and houses and then drops down to the Nyund, which it follows for the rest of the way. The lower section runs through pine, oak and rhododendron forest, steep in places with rough stone steps, crossing side streams and a metal bridge before it reaches the clearing at Reoti. Above Reoti the forest thins and the character changes: the trail moves onto the rock, picking its way over granite slabs and boulders cut and stacked into steps, with the stream in white falls beside you. Near the top the valley opens out, the slope eases, and the lake appears in its bowl beneath Minkiani.
Water is plentiful along the whole route, from springs, side streams and a waterfall on the way up, and Gaddi huts dot the upper half of the trail. The return on Day 3 follows the same path down, a good chance to see the forest you climbed through on Day 1 in different light.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Kareri Lake trek is graded easy to moderate, and we recommend it for fit beginners, families with children who already walk well, solo trekkers and working groups looking for a short Himalayan trek. Day 1 is a steady 6 km climb of 4–5 hours. The hardest day is Day 2: about 14 km and 7–8 hours on foot, climbing about 480 m to the lake over rocky ground and coming back down to camp the same day, which is long but done with a light day pack. We recommend four to six weeks of preparation before departure, with regular jogging, brisk walking or stair climbing. Children aged 9 and above who walk regularly can join with a parent or guardian. Above 60: a doctor’s fitness certificate is needed, and an ECG or TMT report is recommended. Season: April to June and September to November.
Key Highlights of the Kareri Lake Trek
- A snow-fed Dhauladhar lake – Kareri Lake at 2,930 m (9,613 ft), shallow and clear, fed by melt from Minkiani peak
- The Shiva-Shakti temple – a small shrine on a rise above the shore, with views down the valley and up to the ridge
- The Nyund stream – a trail that follows running water from the first hour to the lake, with bridges, springs and a waterfall
- Gaddi shepherd country – Kareri village and the stone huts of the shepherds who graze their flocks around the lake in summer
- A forest camp at Reoti – two nights in a clearing by the stream at 2,450 m (8,038 ft), among pine and oak
- Granite and forest in one trail – shaded woods on the lower half, open rock steps and boulders on the upper half
- Close to Dharamshala – about 25 km from the pickup point, with easy air, rail and bus links
- A gateway to bigger routes – the lake sits below Minkiani Pass (about 4,250 m), the old crossing to the Chamba side
Best Time to Do the Kareri Lake Trek
The Kareri Lake trek runs in two windows: April to June, and September to November. We do not run it in July and August, when monsoon rain sweeps the south face of the Dhauladhar and makes the rocky upper trail slippery, or from December to March, when the lake freezes and snow covers the upper trail. Each window gives the same lake a different mood.
April to June – Spring and Summer (The Green Season)
In April the lake is just waking from winter, and patches of snow and ice can still lie on the upper trail and along the shore; we carry microspikes and gaiters for those days. Through May and June the snow melts back, the rhododendrons flower in the lower forest, the meadows turn green and the Gaddi shepherds move up with their flocks. Days are pleasant at 12°C to 22°C, and nights at Reoti camp are 3°C to 10°C, coldest in April. Late June can bring the first pre-monsoon showers, so pack a rain jacket.
September to November – Autumn (The Clear-Sky Season)
Once the monsoon clears in September, the forest is washed clean and the stream runs full. October and November bring the clearest skies of the year, with sharp views of the Dhauladhar and crisp, golden afternoons. Days are 8°C to 18°C, and nights at camp are -2°C to 8°C, falling close to freezing in November, when frost forms on the tents and an early snowfall can dust the lake. Autumn is the season for clear views; come with warm layers for the evenings.
Kareri Lake Trek Cost and Booking in 2026
The Kareri Lake trek costs ₹5,300 + 5% GST per person, for 3 days starting and ending at Kareri Village, with Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes. Meals, stays, permits and a certified trek leader are included; transport from Dharamshala is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Book online on this page by choosing a batch date. Booking closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek, and you can reschedule once, free of charge, up to 8 days before departure.
📅 Best months for the Kareri Lake Trek: April to June and September to November. Still choosing dates? Compare all treks in October, treks in November, treks in April and treks in May.
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Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Dharamshala ISBT (main bus stand) at 10:00 AM to Kareri Village. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Day 1: Dharamshala to Kareri Village, Trek to Reoti
Route Details:
Drive: Dharamshala → Kareri Village (25 km, 1.5–2 hrs) | Trek: Kareri Village → Reoti | Distance: 6 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 1,800 m → 2,450 m
We meet at the Dharamshala ISBT (main bus stand) at 10:00 AM. After a quick introduction from your trek leader, the group sets off in shared cabs for Kareri village, about 25 km and 1.5–2 hours away. The road leaves the town behind and winds through pine forest and small villages along the foot of the Dhauladhar, with the snow line of the range above you for much of the drive.
Kareri village sits at 1,800 m (5,905 ft), a Gaddi settlement of slate-roofed houses and terraced fields. Here you meet the rest of the trek team, collect your Free Trekking Gear if you have not already, and start walking. The trail climbs out past the houses and fields and then drops to the Nyund stream, which will be your companion all the way to the lake.
The path follows the stream upstream through pine, oak and rhododendron forest. It is steep in places, with rough stone steps on the sharper sections, and it crosses a few side streams on small bridges. Springs along the way and a waterfall partway up give you chances to refill your bottles. Take it slowly and steadily: you climb about 650 m today, and there is no prize for reaching camp first.
After 4–5 hours you cross a metal bridge, and about ten minutes later reach Reoti (2,450 m / 8,038 ft), also called Liyoti, a clearing in the forest right beside the stream. The tents will already be up. Evenings here are simple and peaceful: hot tea and snacks, a walk along the water, a SpO2 and pulse check with your trek leader, an early dinner and a night with the sound of the stream running past the tents.
What to Expect:
- Pickup at Dharamshala ISBT at 10:00 AM
- Drive past pine forest and villages to Kareri village
- Steady climb beside the Nyund stream through pine and oak
- Stone steps on steep sections and small bridges
- Springs and a waterfall to refill water
- Overnight: camp at Reoti (Liyoti), 3-person tents
Day 2: Reoti to Kareri Lake and Back to Reoti
Route Details:
Trek: Reoti → Kareri Lake → Reoti | Distance: 14 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs | Altitude: 2,450 m → 2,930 m → 2,450 m
This is the day you came for. After an early breakfast you leave the tents standing at Reoti and set off with a light day pack, a packed lunch and plenty of water. The first stretch continues along the stream on a gradual climb, with the forest slowly thinning around you and the valley walls rising higher on both sides.
Around the halfway mark the trail changes character and moves onto the rock. From here you climb over granite slabs and boulders laid into rough steps, with the stream falling white beside you. Watch your footing on this section, and use your trekking poles; when there is snow or ice in April or late November, the trek team brings out microspikes and gaiters. You pass Gaddi shepherd huts on the upper half, used in summer when the flocks graze near the lake.
Near the top the slope eases and the valley opens into a bowl beneath Minkiani peak, and there is Kareri Lake at 2,930 m (9,613 ft): a shallow, clear pool of snowmelt, with the stones on its bed visible through the water on a still day. Climb the short rise to the small Shiva-Shakti temple above the shore for the best view of the lake, the valley below and the Dhauladhar ridge above. Spend time here over lunch; the trail to Minkiani Pass climbs on from the far side.
In the early afternoon we start back down the same route, taking care over the granite section, and reach Reoti by late afternoon. It is a long day of 14 km and 7–8 hours, but you carry only a day pack, and hot tea is waiting at camp. The evening is for resting tired legs, a health check and a second night by the stream.
What to Expect:
- Early start with a light day pack; tents stay up at Reoti
- Granite slabs and boulder steps on the upper half
- Gaddi shepherd huts along the trail
- Kareri Lake beneath Minkiani peak and the Shiva-Shakti temple
- Packed lunch at the lake
- Overnight: camp at Reoti (Liyoti), 3-person tents
Day 3: Reoti to Kareri Village, Drive to Dharamshala
Route Details:
Trek: Reoti → Kareri Village | Distance: 6 km | Duration: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 2,450 m → 1,800 m | Drive: Kareri Village → Dharamshala (25 km, 1.5–2 hrs)
Wake up to your last morning at Reoti, with the stream running past and the light coming down the valley. After breakfast the team packs up camp, and we start the descent to Kareri village on the same trail we climbed on Day 1.
Going down is quicker but asks more of your knees, especially on the stone steps, so keep your trekking poles out and take short, controlled steps. The forest looks different in the morning light, and with less effort in your lungs there is more time to notice the rhododendrons, the side streams and the views across the valley that you may have missed on the way up.
After 3–4 hours you are back among the fields and houses of Kareri village, where you hand back your Free Trekking Gear and say goodbye to the trek team. The shared cabs take you back to Dharamshala, about 25 km and 1.5–2 hours away, with the group expected at the Dharamshala ISBT between 5:30 and 6:30 PM, depending on the weather and the road. Plan your onward journey for late evening or the next day.
What to Expect:
- Breakfast by the stream at Reoti
- Descent through pine and oak forest on the Day 1 trail
- Stone steps that call for trekking poles and care
- Return of Free Trekking Gear at Kareri village
- Drive back to Dharamshala, arriving 5:30–6:30 PM
- Overnight: no stay (trek ends)
How To Reach
Nearest airport: Kangra Airport at Gaggal (DHM), about 13 km / 30–40 min from Dharamshala, with flights from Delhi. The pickup is at the Dharamshala ISBT at 10:00 AM, so a morning flight on Day 1 is tight; we recommend flying in the day before and staying in Dharamshala or McLeodganj.
From Dharamshala to Kareri village: 25 km, about 1.5–2 hrs by road. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: After the descent to Kareri village on Day 3, the shared cab is expected at the Dharamshala ISBT between 5:30 and 6:30 PM. Book your flight home for the next day.
Nearest railway station: Pathankot (PTK), about 85–90 km from Dharamshala, with direct trains from Delhi.
- Overnight trains from Delhi to Pathankot – arrive in the early morning, then take a bus or taxi to Dharamshala, about 3 hrs.
- Kangra Mandir station – about 22 km from Dharamshala on the narrow-gauge line, with few trains; not practical for the pickup.
Check current timings before you book, and reach Dharamshala the day before if your train arrives late.
From Dharamshala to Kareri village: 25 km, about 1.5–2 hrs by road. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The shared cab is expected at the Dharamshala ISBT between 5:30 and 6:30 PM on Day 3. Allow about 3 hrs to Pathankot and plan a late-night train or one on the next day.
By bus: Overnight Volvo and ordinary buses run from Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate and Majnu ka Tilla) to Dharamshala, about 500 km and 12–13 hrs, and from Chandigarh, about 7 hrs. Prefer HRTC (Himachal government) buses. An overnight bus from Delhi reaches Dharamshala in the morning, in time for the 10:00 AM pickup at the ISBT.
From Dharamshala to Kareri village: 25 km, about 1.5–2 hrs by road. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The shared cab is expected at the Dharamshala ISBT between 5:30 and 6:30 PM on Day 3, in time for the overnight buses to Delhi and Chandigarh.
Things To Carry
The Kareri Lake trek is short, but Day 2 is a long 14 km walk over rocky granite steps, nights at Reoti camp fall close to freezing in April and November, and snow or ice can lie near the lake early and late in the season.
- Trekking shoes – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (one refundable deposit of ₹3,000 + ₹200 washing charge covers the whole kit); your own broken-in pair with ankle support is welcome too.
- Trekking poles – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; they save your knees on the descents.
- Microspikes and gaiters – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, for the snow sections.
- Backpack (40–60 L) – with a rain cover.
- Day pack (20–30 L) – needed if you offload your main backpack; carries water and a warm layer.
- Two water bottles (1 L each) – an insulated one in the cold months.
- Headlamp – with spare batteries, for early starts and camp evenings.
- Lunch box – reusable, for packed lunch on the trail.
Pack for the month: May, June, September and October nights at camp are about 5°C to 10°C and 3 warm layers are enough, while April and November nights fall to about -2°C to 3°C and you need 4 (thermal top and bottom, a fleece or woollen layer and a padded jacket).
- -10°C padded jacket – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; your main warm layer at camp and on the high sections.
- Thermal inners (top and bottom) – 1 set, for camp and the night.
- Fleece jackets or woollen sweaters – 1 in the warmer months, 2 in the cold months.
- Rain jacket or poncho – for sudden showers or wet snow.
- Trek pants x2 – quick-dry, no jeans.
- Quick-dry collared T-shirts x2–3 – full sleeves protect from sun.
- Socks – 3–4 pairs: sports socks for walking and woollen socks for the night.
Keep these handy for the bright open sections and the cold evenings.
- Sun cap – for the open ridges and meadows.
- Woollen cap – covering the ears.
- Balaclava or buff – a balaclava in winter, a buff or scarf in other months.
- Gloves – a woollen pair plus a waterproof pair (essential in snow).
- UV sunglasses – for sun and snow glare.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm – for the exposed sections.
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries – small and light; no wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable.
- Plastic or ziploc bags – for wet clothes and to carry back your waste.
- Snacks – dry fruits, energy bars and chocolates for the trail.
- Power bank – there is no charging point on the trail.
- Personal medicines – and a small first-aid pouch; tell the trek leader what you carry.
- Cash in small notes – cards are not accepted on the trail.
- Original government photo ID – Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID, with a photocopy.
- Medical certificate signed by a doctor – download the format from your booking.
- Signed disclaimer form – from your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kareri Lake Trek is a 3-day easy–moderate trek in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, reaching 2,930 m (9,613 ft). It covers about 26 km on foot and starts at Kareri and ends at Kareri Lake. Best time: April to June and September to November. Trekkaro price: ₹5,300 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 24 Oct 2026 (23 upcoming batches).
The Kareri Lake trek is in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, on the south face of the Dhauladhar range above Dharamshala. It starts and ends at Kareri village (1,800 m / 5,905 ft), about 25 km and 1.5–2 hours by road from Dharamshala. Trekkaro picks you up at the Dharamshala ISBT (main bus stand) at 10:00 AM on Day 1. From Kareri village the trail follows the Nyund stream up to Reoti camp and then to Kareri Lake, a snow-fed lake beneath Minkiani peak.
The Kareri Lake trek takes 3 days from Dharamshala and back with Trekkaro, covering 26 km on foot.
- Day 1: Drive to Kareri village, trek 6 km (4–5 hrs) to Reoti camp.
- Day 2: Reoti to Kareri Lake and back, 14 km (7–8 hrs).
- Day 3: Descend 6 km (3–4 hrs) to Kareri village and drive to Dharamshala, arriving 5:30–6:30 PM.
Camping two nights at Reoti lets you do the lake day with only a light day pack.
The maximum altitude on the Kareri Lake trek is 2,930 m (9,613 ft), at the lake itself. The trek starts at Kareri village at 1,800 m (5,905 ft), and both nights are spent at Reoti camp at 2,450 m (8,038 ft). At this height the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness is low, but our trek leaders still check every trekker’s SpO2 and pulse each day, and you should report any headache, nausea or dizziness at once.
The Kareri Lake trek is graded easy to moderate. The altitude is modest and the trail is clear, but it is not a flat walk. Day 1 is a steady 6 km climb with stone steps on steep sections. Day 2 is the hardest, about 14 km and 7–8 hours to the lake and back, with an upper section over granite slabs and boulders. Fit beginners manage it well with four to six weeks of jogging, brisk walking or stair climbing before the trek.
The best time for the Kareri Lake trek is April to June and September to November. Spring and summer (April–June) bring green meadows, rhododendrons in the lower forest and Gaddi shepherds at the lake, with some snow near the shore in April. Autumn (September–November) brings the clearest skies and sharpest views of the Dhauladhar, especially in October and November. We do not run the trek in July–August because of heavy monsoon rain, or from December to March, when the lake is frozen and the upper trail is under snow.
Yes, you may see snow on the Kareri Lake trek in April and late November, but not in the other months it runs. The lake freezes from December to March, and in April patches of snow and ice can still lie on the upper trail and along the shore. In late November an early snowfall can dust the lake. From May to October the trail is clear of snow. When there is snow or ice, Trekkaro provides microspikes and gaiters free with our Free Trekking Gear.
Nights at Reoti camp on the Kareri Lake trek range from -2°C to 10°C depending on the month.
- Spring/Summer (April–June): day 12°C to 22°C, night 3°C to 10°C, coldest in April.
- Autumn (September–November): day 8°C to 18°C, night -2°C to 8°C, close to freezing in November.
It is colder at the lake and in the wind. Bring 3 warm layers in the milder months and 4 in April and November; the -10°C jacket comes with Free Trekking Gear.
The minimum age for the Kareri Lake trek is 9 years, for children who already walk regularly. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian.
There is no upper age limit. Trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health; along with the medical certificate signed by a doctor that every trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report.
The Kareri Lake trek pickup is at the Dharamshala ISBT (main bus stand) at 10:00 AM on Day 1.
- By bus: overnight HRTC Volvo and ordinary buses from Delhi (12–13 hrs) or Chandigarh (about 7 hrs) reach Dharamshala in the morning.
- By air: Kangra Airport at Gaggal is about 13 km away; fly in the day before.
- By train: Pathankot station is 85–90 km away, about 3 hrs by bus or taxi.
From Dharamshala it is 25 km to Kareri village by shared cab.
No, transport is not included in the Kareri Lake trek fee. We help the group book shared cabs from the Dharamshala ISBT to Kareri village (25 km, 1.5–2 hrs) and back; the fare is paid directly to the driver and split among the trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare before the trek. Travel to and from Dharamshala, and meals on the drive, are also arranged by you.
The Kareri Lake trek costs ₹5,300 + 5% GST per person, for 3 days starting and ending at Kareri Village. The fee includes:
- Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes (₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge)
- Two nights of camping at Reoti in 3-person tents, with sleeping bags and mats
- All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch
- Permits and camping charges
- A certified trek leader, local guide, cook and support staff
Optional add-ons: backpack offloading at ₹1,000 and a single tent at ₹2,000 both plus 5% GST.
You can book the Kareri Lake trek online on this page: choose a batch date, add the trekkers and any add-ons, and pay securely. Booking for a batch closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek starts.
- Price: ₹5,300 + 5% GST per person, with EMI options shown in the price box
- Pickup: Dharamshala ISBT (main bus stand) at 10:00 AM
- Free Trekking Gear: shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes, with a ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
- Change of plans: one free reschedule to another batch, a booking transfer or a 100% TrekCash voucher (valid 1 year), up to 8 days before departure
After booking you get a confirmation with the batch details, the medical certificate format and the packing list.
Mobile signal on the Kareri Lake trek is weak, and there is no ATM after Dharamshala. Jio, Airtel and BSNL work in Dharamshala, but signal fades on the way to Kareri village; on the trail there is only sparse BSNL signal in places, and you should expect little or no signal at Reoti camp and the lake. Withdraw cash in Dharamshala before the 10:00 AM pickup, carry small notes, and make your important calls before you leave town.
You do not need to arrange a permit yourself for the Kareri Lake trek; Trekkaro takes care of the local permissions and camping charges, and they are included in the trek fee. Complete your trekker profile with the details we ask for, and carry an original government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID) along with the signed medical certificate and disclaimer form. Foreign nationals should carry their passport.
The Kareri Lake trek is a safe trek with modest altitude, and we run it with the same safety system we use in higher mountains. Trek leaders hold NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) certification or an equivalent, batches are limited to 20 trekkers, and SpO2 and pulse are checked every day. The group carries oxygen cylinders, a first-aid kit and a stretcher. The main risks are the long Day 2 and the rocky granite steps, slippery when wet or icy, so we set a steady pace and help you across tricky sections.
Yes, the Kareri Lake trek is a good choice for first-time trekkers who are reasonably fit. The altitude stays below 3,000 m, the trail is clear, and the 3-day format spreads the walking out, with the long lake day done from a fixed camp with only a day pack. Beginners should still train for four to six weeks, building up to a 5 km jog in about 35–40 minutes or an hour of brisk walking, so the 14 km on Day 2 feels comfortable.
For the Kareri Lake trek, carry a 40–50 L backpack with rain cover, a small day pack for Day 2, thermals, a fleece, a rain jacket, woollen cap and gloves, two 1 L bottles, a headlamp, sunscreen and a lunch box. Trekking shoes, the -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear. On the trek you stay two nights in 3-person tents at Reoti and eat simple, freshly cooked vegetarian meals, with tea, soup and snacks at camp.
Terms & Conditions
1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG)
- Decathlon trekking shoes
- Decathlon jacket rated to -10°C
- Trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No rental fee: ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
2. Accommodation
- Day 1 and Day 2: camping at Reoti (Liyoti), in 3-person tents
3. Meals
- All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch
- Simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food
- Tea, coffee, soup and snacks on the trail and at camp
4. Permits & Camping Fees
- All forest permits and entry charges for the trek
5. Camping & Safety Equipment
- Tents, sleeping bags and mats for the nights at camp
- Dining tent and toilet tent at the campsite
- First-aid kit on the trek
- Pulse oximeter and blood-pressure checks during the trek
6. Trek Team
- Certified trek leader and local guide throughout the 3-day trek
- Cook, helpers and support staff
1. Transport
- Not included: Dharamshala to Kareri village and back
- Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
- Travel to and from Dharamshala, arranged by you
2. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Dharamshala and Kareri Village
3. Backpack Offloading (optional)
- ₹1,000 + 5% GST for the entire trek
- Maximum weight: 9 kg; no suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags
4. Single Tent Occupancy (optional)
- ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the entire trek
5. Personal Equipment
- Your backpack, clothing and other personal gear (trekking shoes, jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear)
6. Trek Insurance
- Travel insurance is mandatory and not included. It must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
7. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
- Personal expenses and tips
We know that cancelling a trek can be genuinely disappointing. Plans change, life intervenes, and sometimes the mountains have to wait. That is why Trekkaro has designed one of the most trekker-friendly cancellation policies in the industry — to reduce the financial impact on you and give you real options when things do not go as planned.
Important: Bookings made on trekkaro.com are cancelled online from My Bookings. Bookings made offline with our team must be cancelled in writing by e-mail by the person who originally booked the trek. Requests over the phone, via WhatsApp, or through third parties are not accepted.
How to Cancel Your Trek
Booked online on trekkaro.com:
- Log in and open My Bookings.
- Choose Cancel Booking on the trek you want to cancel.
- Pick a refund (as per the charges below) or Get TrekCash Voucher instead — the voucher is issued instantly and appears under My TrekCash Vouchers.
Booked offline with our team:
- Compose an e-mail from the registered e-mail ID used at the time of booking.
- Attach a copy of your tax invoice to the e-mail.
- Send both to info@trekkaro.com.
- Your cancellation is effective from the date Trekkaro receives and acknowledges your e-mail.
How to Reschedule Your Trek (Free)
- Once per booking, to another batch of the same trek, free of charge. A request we decline doesn’t count.
- Up to 8 days before departure, also in the 8–14-day window when there is no cash refund. The new batch must start at least 7 days after the day you ask.
- Subject to seat availability for every trekker on the booking.
- Not available for bookings paid fully or partly with a TrekCash Voucher.
- No fee or price difference; add-ons and the number of trekkers stay as booked.
Booked online: My Bookings → Reschedule free → pick a batch. Our team confirms by e-mail and your booking moves once approved. Booked offline: e-mail info@trekkaro.com.
How to Transfer Your Booking
You can give your booking to another trekker up to 8 days before departure. E-mail info@trekkaro.com from your registered e-mail ID with your booking ID and the new trekker’s name, age, phone number and ID proof. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of the trek. We confirm the transfer by e-mail.
Cancellation Charges
| When you cancel | Cash refund | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days or more before departure | 70% refund (30% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund (50% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | No cash refund of the trek fee | You can take a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule (once per booking) or a transfer to another trekker |
| 7 days or less before departure, or no-show | No refund of the trek fee | None: no voucher, reschedule or transfer |
A 100% voucher instead of a refund. From the day you book until 8 days before departure, you can take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of the amount paid, valid for 1 year on any Trekkaro trek. This works in every slab above, including 8–14 days, when there is no cash refund. Online bookings take the voucher from My Bookings → Cancel Booking (issued instantly). Offline bookings ask for it by e-mail to info@trekkaro.com.
If you paid the FTG security deposit and the washing charge, both are refunded in full when you cancel before the trek starts, in every slab.
Cancellation of Voucher-Based Bookings
- The standard cancellation policy applies to voucher-based bookings in the same way it applies to direct bookings.
- Any remaining balance after the applicable cancellation charge has been deducted will be credited back to your Trekkaro account as a new voucher.
- If your voucher has already expired at the time of cancellation, no refund, credit, or extension will be issued under any circumstance.
- If a voucher is set to expire on a Sunday or public holiday, it must be redeemed before the expiry date.
Additional Terms
- Free Rescheduling: Switching to a different batch of the same trek is free of charge once per booking, up to 8 days before departure, subject to seat availability. Not available for bookings paid with a TrekCash Voucher. See “How to Reschedule Your Trek” above.
- Trek Transfers: You can transfer your booking to another person up to 8 days before departure, by e-mail. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of that trek. See “How to Transfer Your Booking” above.
- No Refund Post-Commencement: Once the trek has commenced from Day 1 of your confirmed itinerary, no refunds or TrekCash Vouchers will be issued for any reason, including early exit, illness, or dissatisfaction with services.
- Policy Changes: Trekkaro reserves the right to amend or withdraw this cancellation policy at any time without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of your booking confirmation governs your booking.
Early Exit or Removal from Trek
A trekker may be required to leave the trek before completion for health concerns (AMS, hypertension, cardiac symptoms, or fitness that poses a safety risk), rule violations (alcohol or non-prescribed drugs on trail, smoking in prohibited zones, reckless behaviour, or misconduct), or by their own decision. In all cases of early exit or removal, no refund, partial refund, or TrekCash Voucher will be provided, and any additional transport or exit expenses are the trekker's responsibility. The trek leader's decision on health and safety grounds is final.
If Trekkaro Cancels Your Trek
In rare circumstances beyond our control — natural disasters (extreme snowfall, avalanche, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unforeseen civil events (government curfews, lockdowns, political unrest) — Trekkaro will issue a TrekCash Voucher for the full trek fee paid, valid for 12 months on any trek listed on Trekkaro.com. If the new trek costs more, the difference is payable by the trekker. The voucher is sent to your registered e-mail within 10 working days and may be transferred to another person who meets Trekkaro's eligibility requirements.
Refund Processing
Refunds are processed within 10 working days of cancellation approval and credited to the original payment method only (credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or wallet). Your bank may take another 3–5 business days. Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.
The full policy is part of our Terms & Conditions (Section 09).
Oxygen, first aid, daily SpO₂ checks, trained leaders — tap to read
1. Trained Trek Leaders
- Trek leaders hold NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) certification or an equivalent qualification
- Their training covers casualty assessment, high-altitude medical response, rope work and evacuation
2. Daily Health Checks
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) and pulse are checked for every trekker every day
- A falling SpO2 reading is acted on early, before it turns into Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- If you are not fit to continue, the trek leader will ask you to rest or descend; the trek leader’s decision on health and safety is final
3. Emergency Equipment
- Portable oxygen cylinders carried with the group
- First-aid and medical kit with the trek team
- Stretchers for emergency evacuation
- Radio communication across the trek team, as mobile signal is not reliable on the trail
4. Proper Trekking Gear
- Free Trekking Gear, with no rental fee: Decathlon trekking shoes with good grip, a jacket rated to -10°C, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No one walks in worn-out or wrong gear, the cause of many slips and cold injuries
5. Tents and Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping bags rated to -20°C, and tents shared by three trekkers, with men and women in separate tents
6. Snow and Steep Sections
- On snow, ice or exposed ground, the trek team fixes ropes and cuts steps where needed and helps you across
7. Risks on the Kareri Lake Trek
- Highest point: 2,930 m (9,613 ft)
- Day 2 is long: 14 km and 7–8 hrs to the lake and back to camp
- Granite slabs and boulder steps on the upper trail, slippery when wet or icy
- Snow and ice patches near the lake in April and possible early snow in late November
8. Your Part
- Build your fitness before the trek with running, cycling or swimming
- Tell the trek leader about any medical condition and the medicines you carry before Day 1
- Report a headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness to the trek leader at once
- Carry travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
What a day on the trek feels like — tap to read
1. What You Can Expect From Us
- Safety first on the Kareri Lake trek: daily SpO2 and pulse checks, oxygen cylinders and a stretcher with the group
- Personal attention: batches of up to 20 trekkers, so the trek leader knows each trekker’s health and pace
- NIM-certified trek leaders (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, or an equivalent qualification), with local guides who know the Kareri Lake route, its weather and its campsites
- An itinerary planned for altitude, with daily distance and height gain set so your body can adjust
- Clear pricing: everything included and excluded is listed under Terms & Conditions, with the price of each optional add-on
2. What We Expect From You
- A willing attitude: cold nights, steep climbs and sudden weather changes are part of the mountains
- Physical preparation: you do not need to be an athlete, but train before the trek so the longest day feels comfortable
- Trust in your trek leader: follow their calls on route, pace, start times and turning back, as they are made for the group’s safety
Last ATM and phone network on the route — tap to read
1. Last ATM
- Last ATM: Dharamshala; withdraw cash before the 10:00 AM pickup
- There is no ATM at Kareri village or on the trail
- Carry small notes: cards are not accepted on the trail
2. Mobile Network
- Jio, Airtel and BSNL work in Dharamshala; signal turns weak on the drive towards Kareri village
- Only sparse BSNL signal in places on the trail; expect little or no signal at Reoti camp and Kareri Lake
- Make your important calls and tell your family about the limited connectivity before you leave Dharamshala
Related Treks You May Like
What Trekkers Say About Trekkaro
Reviews left on trekkaro.com by trekkers across our treks.
"Winter Kuari Pass trek with the team of Trekkaro. Food was amazing for breakfast, lunch and diner. Views on top and during the track are amazing. Trek in total was completely amazing. Big thanks to all of hard work from trek leader, superhuman cooks, the mule team, our driver."
"I have trek with Trekkaro for kuari pass and it was an amazing experience ,food was excellent and experience trek trainer."
"Trekkaro was simply amazing from the guidance to food to stay everything was very good!!! Local guides and trek leaders where always motivating, fun and made sure entire group had always been together and interacted with each other!!!"
"Had an amazing experience! Thanks for making this an amazing experience - Trekkaro Team"
"Trekkaro has a amazing team capable of leading anyone over a trek. Had an amazing experience!"
"Very amazing experience with Kedartal trek. Awesome views, Trek leaders and coordinators were very helpful."
Why Trekkaro?
Leaders in providing Free Trekking Gear for 8+ years — redefining the way everyone must trek.
World's first free trekking gear company — Decathlon trekking shoes, -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters & microspikes. ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge.
Up to 8 days before departure, reschedule to another batch for free or take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of your amount — valid for 1 year on any future trek.
Rated 4.9/5 on Facebook & 4.7/5 on Google by trekkers who trekked with us.
We keep you safe from the moment you book to the moment you head home — certified leaders, first aid & emergency support.
Well-planned itineraries balanced with the freedom to make the experience your own — no matter the trek difficulty.
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to making trekking a force for good — for people and the planet.
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