Kareri Lake is one of the shallower freshwater lakes located towards the southern end of the Dhauladhar Ranges, near the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It sits at an elevation of 2934 meters and is fed by the melting snow from the Dhauladhar Ranges. The lake remains frozen through the winter months and in the summer begins to drain into the Maharana Pratap Reservoir on the river Beas. Kareri Lake is named after a native village Kareri, situated 9km east of the lake. It is 1 of 7 high elevation sacred lakes situated in the Dhauladhar ranges dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.
A Brief History Of Tourism At Kareri Lake
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Located amongst the picturesque hills of the Dhauladhar ranges, Kareri Lake has been untouched by the general public for quite a long time and has a relatively younger tourism history. The secluded lake was a well-kept secret and used to be a grazing pasture used by shepherds to feed their livestock and a campsite for the more seasoned trekkers who knew the region and its surroundings well. But with time as the neighbouring towns of Dharamshala and Kangra saw a massive influx of tourists and popularity, the trek to Kareri Lake also became quite sought after for its disconnected experience towards untouched natural beauty. Due to its relatively secretive status towards the end of the 20th century, it was a perfect haven for professional trekkers looking to experience the lesser-known paths and valleys of the Himalayas.
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Kareri Lake – The Perfect Trek for Nature Lovers
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Situated at just under 3000 meters above sea level and fed from the thawing snow of Manikiani Peak, its crystal clear waters provide the perfect backdrop to the luscious green hills and the towering Himalayan peaks in the distance. In recent years, owing to the high influx of new tourists into this area, the local government and various travel agencies alike have begun to promote and support Kareri Lake as a prime trekking and camping location, due to which there have been multiple hotels, homestays and resorts develop in the surrounding vicinity.
The state of Himachal thrives on ‘eco-tourism’, which can be defined as a responsible travel approach to natural and conserved areas that promote the local environment and regional communities, which also help increase awareness of such areas and their people. This is why the state government and the locals try to maintain the surrounding trekking paths, have strict policies against littering and publicise low-impact travel habits to trekkers and tourists alike.
Best Times to Visit
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The best times of year to visit this slice of paradise really come down to the kind of scenes one would like to experience on such a trek. If you are interested in the trek of a lifetime with moderate temperatures and little to no snowfall, you would be better off visiting in the summer months from June to October. These months are perfect for camping, trekking and bird-watching. But if you are more inclined to see the Himalayas in all their snow-covered glory, the winter months from December to mid-April would be better suited. It is a harder trek through the snow and cold and should only be undertaken if one is enthusiastic. During this time, the Kareri Lake remains frozen and offers a completely different experience and overall scene compared to the summer months.
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Key Information To Note About Kareri Lake
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Kareri village is accessible by road from Dharamshala at a distance of a mere 25km which can be covered in an hour based on the state of roads and traffic. A local bus starts at 8:30 AM every morning, or a local taxi service can also arrange the trip for around 2000Rs, depending on the season you are visiting. Once you reach the village, the trek to the lake and the hills beyond takes about 4-7 hours, depending on the season and snowfall in place. Treks to the lake can be day trips or you can also choose to camp the night near the lake if you’re interested in stargazing and night trekking. A day trek to the lake can be booked at a cost of 1500Rs but prices may vary depending on the popularity of the season and the weather conditions in place. The overnight camping packages at the lake are more expensive and go for upwards of 3000Rs per head.
Places To Visit In And Around Kareri Lake
Kareri Lake is in itself quite a spectacle to behold and visit, but any journey to Kareri would be incomplete without exploring the surrounding towns and locations to find some gems that you will not regret taking time out for. Here is a list of a few such breathtaking locations.
1. Bhagsu Waterfall
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The Bhagsu Waterfall is arguably one of Dharamshala’s most iconic and popular locations. Tourists looking to connect with nature at its rawest and escape the hustle of the larger metropolitan cities will surely appreciate this marvel of mother nature. With water cascading down the side of a hill from a height of over 30 feet, the waterfall can be seen in all its brunt and glory during the monsoon season when water levels are at their highest. The Bhagsu Waterfall is located on the main road connecting the towns of Mcleodganj and Dharamshala, which serves as an ideal location for picnicking with family and loved ones. The waterfall starts at the base of the Dhauladhar ranges and flows down through the valley, passing the famous Bhagsunath Temple before reaching its fall point. Although the water at the waterfall’s base is too cold for the human body to handle, the trek up to the waterfall is a divine experience.
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2. Bhagsunath Temple
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Nestled in a forest surrounded by streams and waterfalls, the Bhagsunath Temple at Mcleodganj is one of the most ancient structures in the area. With the Bhagsu Falls situated right behind and the Kotwali bazaar leading up to it, this temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The surrounding Hindu and Gorkha communities highly revere this temple.
The two pools surrounding the temple with their ice-cold water are considered sacred to the temple, and legend has it that Lord Shiva, once on his trek up to his cave in the Himalayas, stopped to bathe and rest at that very spot. It is said that the water in those pools is said to have healing powers that grant a long and healthy life to anyone who takes a dip in it. The temple timings are from 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. A strict dress code is also imposed for all who want to enter the temple premises.
3. St. John In The Wilderness Church
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St. John in the Wilderness is a Protestant church dedicated to John the Baptist. It was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamshala, on the way to McLeod Ganj. Set amidst a deodar forest and built-in neo-Gothic architecture, the Church is known for its Belgian stained-glass windows, which are said to be donated by the Chancellor Governor of those times. Though the church structure survived the 1905 Kangra earthquake, which killed nearly 20000 people, injured thousands in the Kangra area, and destroyed most buildings in Kangra, Mcleod Ganj and Dharamshala, its spire and bell tower were destroyed. Later, a new bell, cast in 1915 was shipped over from England and installed outside in the church compound to memorialise the disaster. Today the church is a popular location for those looking to appreciate the architecture of that time and devotees from all over the world to pay respect to the patron saint.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Mcleodganj
Kareri Lake and its surrounding locations are some must-visit hotspots for those looking to have a peaceful vacation amidst nature in all its glory. So remember these places and tips while planning your trip to Dharamshala.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kareri Lake
How many days will I require to properly explore Kareri and its surroundings?
2-3 days should be more than enough to explore Kareri. However, if you want to explore the surrounding locations a week might be ideal.
Can I swin in Kareri Lake?
No, swimming is strictly forbidden due to local norms and rules. Plus the water is way too cold for the human body to handle, all year round.
Is a boating service available in Kareri Lake?
No, Kareri Lake is not open to boating or water sports of any kind as it is considered to be one of the 7 holy lakes present in the Dhauladhar Ranges.
Do you require any prior trekking or mountaineering experience to be able to trek to Kareri Lake?
No, you do not need any prior experience as the lake is only 3000 metres above sea level, and there will be an experienced guide to accompany you all the way.
What is the cost of a one-day trek to Kareri Lake?
The per-head cost of a trekking trip to Kareri Lake is 1,500Rs, although the overnight camping trips will cost closer to 5000 Rs per head.
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