Akshay Sood

Dharamshala: On June 14, 2025, I embarked on a 10-km trek from Nolli village, situated about 2 km beyond Kareri village, with some young family members. We ascended from an elevation of 1,900 metres to over 3,000 metres, reaching the stunning Kareri Dal (lake).

Kareri Lake, known locally as “Dal,” is a glacier-fed body of water located approximately 13 km from Kareri village and 10 km from Nolli, the nearest road access point, within the Dharamshala sub-division of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.

The lake is nourished by pristine glaciers, which become visible as you approach. Kareri village itself is perched at an altitude of around 5,500 feet and is located roughly 25 km from Dharamshala, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive there.

Completing the 10-km Trail in 4 Hours

We commenced our trek at noon from Nolli village, completing the 10-km journey in about 4 hours, with an additional hour for breaks to enjoy lunch and tea. We arrived at Kareri Lake around 5 pm.

The trek is well-marked and relatively easy to navigate, though I would classify it as moderately challenging. The most captivating part of the trek is the path that runs alongside the Kareri river, which originates from the lake. The river, with its many rapids and waterfalls, accompanied us throughout the trek, providing a delightful sensory experience.

There are numerous natural spots along the trail to enjoy a refreshing dip in the river's cool waters. The path primarily follows the river valley, offering soothing sounds of flowing water, picturesque landscapes, and countless opportunities for photography.

The trek begins with a steep ascent, shaded by oak and rhododendron trees. Within the first half hour, trekkers can find several roadside cafés and dhabas providing refreshments, making them perfect rest stops. There's no need to carry food along.

One of the most comforting aspects of the trek was the occasional flat stretches that provided relief from the steep climbs, allowing us to catch our breath.

Camping and Guiding Services Available

Near Kareri Lake, well-organized trekking and camping facilities are available, with tent and sleeping arrangements priced between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 per person. Local guides are readily available to help navigate the route, carry backpacks, and share insights about the region.

These services are primarily provided by the local Gaddi community, traditional shepherds who have lived in the area for generations. During our visit in June, the trek was particularly popular among young travelers, with around 200 visitors on weekends and fewer on weekdays.

Our guide, Lucky (Chandrashekhar), was a young, energetic high school graduate who had recently lost his father. Fit and resourceful, he had seasonal work experience as a waiter and steward in Leh and Goa, earning Rs 3–4 lakh annually. His grandfather once owned a hut at 9,000 feet in the Kareri hills, where he raised cows and buffaloes and produced khoya (milk solids) for towns like Dharamshala and Shahpur.

Kareri Lake: A Gateway to Dhauladhar

Kareri Lake serves as a crucial base for those wishing to venture further into the Dhauladhar range towards Lam Dal (12 km ahead) and Nag Dal, which are traditional shepherd routes leading to Chamba from the Kangra Valley. The lake is also a local pilgrimage site during the Shravan month, especially on Janmashtami, when devotees come to bathe in its sacred waters. A newly built Shiva temple nearby adds to the spiritual ambiance of the area.

The lake itself is expansive, tranquil, and crystal-clear, surrounded by high-altitude meadows and offering unobstructed views of the Kareri glaciers just 5 km away.

Visitor Management and Environmental Concerns

During our visit, most travelers appeared to be from the Kangra region, followed by tourists from Punjab, Jammu, and young crowds from Delhi-NCR. A common sight was groups playing loud Hindi and Punjabi rap music on Bluetooth speakers, showing little interest in the classics from the 1960s or 1970s!

According to locals, Kareri Lake received about 100 to 200 visitors daily in June. However, issues such as open defecation and careless disposal of plastic bottles, wrappers, and other waste were evident. To tackle this, local authorities or the Forest Department could consider implementing an ecological fee of Rs 100 to Rs 200 per person to fund toilet facilities and waste disposal services.

Visitors should also be encouraged to take back the waste they generate and dispose of it responsibly, either in the Nolli panchayat area or in their hometowns, which often have better waste management systems.

On our return journey, two younger members of our group (aged 18 and 22) surprised and inspired us by collecting two bags full of plastic waste and carrying them back to Nolli for proper disposal.