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If you’re weary of dealing with Delhi’s pollution and have been working from home for almost two years, here’s an unusual destination to visit where the AQI is 71! Yes, you read that correctly. This off-the-beaten-path location is regarded as one of India’s cleanest tourist spots. Aside from that, this area is 491 kilometres from Delhi, making it an ideal weekend vacation spot.Â
Kareri village, with its whitewashed cottages, peas, and terraced barley fields, is a picture-postcard worthy village. Tourists and trekkers can stay in guesthouses in this area. From the woodland and luscious meadows by Nyund River to Lord Shiva temple in the laps of mountains, the Kareri Lake Trek walk offers the most stunning traverses. The stark contrast in culture, geography, animals, and vegetation will surprise you and provide you with some breathtaking vistas. Continue reading to learn more about it.
Note: If you don’t want to freeze to death, bring your own tents and sleeping bags.
The first day
Take a bus to Ghera village from the Dharamshala bus station. You may either order a taxi or rent bicycles from there. After arriving in Kareri, book a hotel and go sightseeing in the area.
The second day
Start your hike early in the morning and stick to the symbols to avoid getting lost in the woods. During the walk, you may come across caves, animal skulls, and bones, but don’t be alarmed; chances of seeing animals are slim. Instead, follow the symbols. There are also 2-3 little waterfalls and beautiful vistas can be found.
After covering 9 kilometres and arriving at Kareri Lake, you will come across a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti. This temple is situated in the foothills of the Alps, at a height of 3,300 metres above sea level. After arriving, you will be treated to some breathtaking vistas that you will never forget! If you have the necessary equipment, pitch a tent near the lake and spend the night there, or return to Kareri village.
The Third day
Drive to Dharamshala after spending some time visiting the area around Kareri Village.
Difficulty of the trek: Moderate
Trek type: For the most part, well-defined.
Maximum Elevation: 9,612 ft
March to July and September to December are the best months to visit.
Here’s how to get there:
Kareri settlement lacks adequate flight and train connections. Jalandhar City Railway Station (JUC) is the nearest railway station, located 194 kilometres from the settlement, while Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is 212 kilometres distant. It is 27 kilometres from Dharamsala, and cabs are readily available from Dharamsala, Bir, Palampur, and other nearby major cities. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get from Dharamsala to Kareri.
The closest airport is Air Gaggal, which is around 13 kilometres from Dharamshala. From Delhi, Spicejet and Air India offer flights. However, flying into Chandigarh Airport, which has stronger connectivity than this small Himalayan airport, may be more convenient.
Dharamshala is roughly 275 kilometres away from Chandigarh. From Chandigarh to Dharamshala, you can take a taxi, rent a self-driving car, or take a bus. All of these choices will be discussed further down!
Rail transport
Pathankot, 85 kilometres from Dharamshala, is the nearest railhead. You’ll arrive here after an overnight trek. Several trains stop here on their way to Jammu and Kashmir. You can grab a cab or take a bus here from Pathankot.
Dharamshala is well connected to Delhi by road, covering a distance of 525 kilometres from ISBT. If you’re taking the bus, plan on staying overnight so you have another day to enjoy your time in the Himalayas.
It will take about 13 hours to get from Delhi to Dharamshala. I must, however, inform you that select buses will transport you to McLeod Ganj. This location is closer to the beginning of your journey.
So, stop what you’re doing, get up, grab your belongings, and hurry to Kareri Lake .
When is the best time to visit Kareri?
While the lake is frozen for the majority of the year, the beauty and serenity it provides during the winter months is also worth experiencing. However, if you’re searching for peace and quiet in the winter, Kareri can provide it in spades. Weekend treks are best from March to July (pre-monsoon season) and then again from September to December (before freezing temperatures).
