Kareri Lake is a beautiful high-altitude freshwater lake situated at approximately 2,934 metres in the Dhauladhar Mountains of Himachal Pradesh, around 9 km from the traditional Gaddi village of Kareri. Fed primarily by snowmelt from the surrounding Dhauladhar range, the lake is relatively shallow and remarkably clear, reflecting the rugged mountains, alpine meadows and dense conifer forests that surround it. During spring and summer, the landscape comes alive with perennial wildflowers, while the snow-clad peaks provide a dramatic Himalayan backdrop.
Our Kareri Lake journey combines the cultural charm of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj with an enjoyable trek into the quieter mountain world of the Dhauladhar. McLeod Ganj, home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and an important centre of Tibetan culture, offers a fascinating introduction to the region through its monasteries, Tibetan institutions, markets and traditional way of life.
The trek to Kareri Lake and Triund follows ancient mountain trails through forests, secluded villages, streams and verdant alpine meadows. Graded as a moderate trek, it offers spectacular views of the Dhauladhar range while allowing travellers to experience the landscape at an unhurried pace.
More than simply a trekking excursion, Kareri Lake is an opportunity to combine Himalayan scenery, mountain culture and quiet walking into a refreshing journey away from the routines of everyday life.
TREKKING SCALE AS PER THE GLOBAL STANDARDS
The Triund–Kareri Lake Trek is a non-technical Himalayan trek suitable for reasonably fit beginners and regular walkers. On a broad comparison with internationally used alpine trekking classifications, the route falls predominantly within SAC Grade T2 (Mountain Hiking). The trek reaches approximately 2,934 metres at Kareri Lake and involves generally 4–7 hours of walking per day over forest trails, mountain paths, alpine meadows, rocky and boulder sections, and occasional stream crossings. While no technical climbing, ropes or specialist mountaineering equipment are normally required, the sustained walking, uneven terrain and ascent towards Kareri Lake make it more demanding than Triund alone. The principal challenge is therefore physical endurance and mountain terrain rather than technical difficulty, making the trek an appropriate introduction to longer Himalayan trekking for participants with basic fitness and some previous walking experience.
ITINERARY
On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Our representative will provide your information kit and brief you about the forthcoming journey, including the train arrangements for the following morning. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel/ Camp- Oberoi Maidens
Meal Plan - Room + Breakfast + welcome dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station to board the train to Amritsar. On arrival, meet your trekking guide and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Golden Temple, the spiritual centre of Sikhism, followed by an excursion to the Wagah–Attari Border to witness the traditional flag-lowering ceremony conducted by the Indian and Pakistani border forces. Overnight at hotel in Amritsar.
Hotel/ Camp- Taj Suvarna
Meal Plan - Room + Breakfast + Dinner
After breakfast, drive towards Dharamsala, leaving the fertile plains of Punjab behind as the landscape gradually rises towards the Dhauladhar Mountains. En route, there may be opportunities to visit local temples and places of cultural interest, depending upon time and road conditions. A scenic picnic lunch can be arranged en route. As we approach Dharamsala, the dramatic Dhauladhar range provides an impressive backdrop to the journey. Continue uphill to McLeod Ganj, the principal Tibetan cultural centre in the region and the seat of the Tibetan spiritual and administrative community in exile. Visit Namgyal Monastery and explore the streets and Tibetan settlements of McLeod Ganj. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel/ Camp- Fortune Park
Meal Plan - Room + Breakfast + Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the trailhead and begin the trek towards Kareri Village, a traditional Gaddi settlement in the foothills of the Dhauladhar. The trail passes through pine and broad-leaved forests, cultivated areas and mountain settlements before reaching the village. The walk provides an early introduction to the landscape and traditional lifestyle of the Gaddi people. Overnight in a village homestay or in tents, subject to local arrangements.
Hotel/ Camp- Home stay/ Camp
Meal Plan – All meals
Today we trek towards Kareri Lake, situated at approximately 2,934 metres in the Dhauladhar range. The trail gradually enters the mountain forest and follows the Nyund stream, passing through oak, pine and rhododendron vegetation before reaching more open alpine terrain. The upper section becomes increasingly rocky, with boulders, stream crossings and uneven mountain paths requiring careful walking. Kareri Lake is a shallow, clear freshwater lake fed primarily by snowmelt, with the dramatic Dhauladhar peaks rising around it. A small Shiva-Shakti shrine stands near the lake. The surrounding meadows have traditionally been used by Gaddi shepherds for seasonal grazing. Camp overnight beside the lake.
Hotel/ Camp- Camp
Meal Plan – All meals
After breakfast, leave Kareri Lake and begin the descent towards Bagga, following mountain trails through forest and open slopes. The route involves a combination of rocky sections, forest paths and steep descents. Bagga provides a quiet mountain setting and an opportunity to experience the more remote character of the Dhauladhar. Camp overnight at Bagga.
Hotel/ Camp- Camp
Meal Plan – All meals
The trail continues downhill through forested slopes towards Rawa Village. The landscape gradually changes as we descend towards the lower valleys, with cultivated land and traditional settlements appearing along the route. Rawa is situated beside a mountain stream and offers an opportunity to experience rural life away from the more frequented trekking routes. Overnight in a village or camp, subject to local arrangements.
Hotel/ Camp- Camp
Meal Plan – All meals
Today the trail climbs steadily through the forest towards Galu Temple, an important junction on the Triund trekking routes. The ascent is gradual in sections but can be tiring, particularly towards the upper part of the trail. Galu is a traditional stopping point and provides an excellent transition from the quieter Kareri section to the more established Triund trail. Camp overnight near Galu, subject to current camping regulations and local arrangements.
Hotel/ Camp- Camp
Meal Plan – All meals
After breakfast, continue towards Triund, following the well-established trail through the forest. The final ascent is characterised by a series of steep zigzags, traditionally known as the 22 curves, before the trail opens onto the broad alpine meadow of Triund at approximately 2,875 metres. Triund offers magnificent views across the Kangra Valley and towards the Dhauladhar range. Spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring the ridge. Overnight in camp, subject to prevailing Forest Department regulations.
Hotel/ Camp- Camp
Meal Plan – All meals
After breakfast, descend from Triund towards McLeod Ganj via the Dharam Kot side of the mountain. The trail is generally easier than the ascent, although some sections are rocky and require care. On arrival in McLeod Ganj, check into the hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest. The afternoon is free for personal exploration, shopping or relaxation. Overnight at hotel.
Hotel/ Camp- Fortune Park
Meal Plan – All meals
Today is devoted to exploring the rich Tibetan cultural heritage of the Dharamsala–McLeod Ganj area. Depending upon opening arrangements and available time, visits may include Namgyal Monastery, the Tibetan Library, Tibetan cultural institutions, the Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute and the Norbulingka Institute. The afternoon is kept flexible for further sightseeing and shopping.
After breakfast, the morning is kept relaxed for any last-minute shopping or personal activities in McLeod Ganj. At the appropriate time, transfer by road to Kangra Airport (Gaggal), approximately 20 km from Dharamsala, for the scheduled flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi Airport, assistance will be provided for the onward connection to the international terminal. Depending upon the international flight departure time, a day-use hotel or airport lounge arrangement can be made if required. The programme concludes with the guests' onward international departure from Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost: N/A USD
Adventure India operates a conservation initiative in the Himalaya, focusing on environmental awareness among high-altitude village youth and women. These communities live in the most ecologically sensitive zones, where daily life depends directly on fragile natural resources, such as glaciers, forests, water sources, grazing lands, and weather cycles. By beginning education and advocacy within these settlements, we aim to strengthen local stewardship and create long-term guardianship of mountain ecosystems.
You are welcome to contribute to this programme either through financial support or by offering your time and expertise. If your schedule allows, you may also join us as a resource person in one of our forthcoming workshops, training sessions, or field-based conservation activities.
Project Cause is a dedicated health-awareness initiative launched in 2024, following the fourth-stage breast cancer diagnosis of one of our core team members, a seasoned mountain traveller with extensive Himalayan trekking experience, including Everest Base Camp and multiple high-altitude rescue operations on the frozen Zanskar River. After confronting the disease with remarkable strength and ultimately overcoming it, she committed herself to creating awareness, encouraging early detection, and offering counselling to women across the Himalayan belt, from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.
Adventure India is honoured to collaborate in this mission. Together, we organise medical outreach camps in remote mountain settlements, where she and specialised oncologists from one of India’s leading cancer institutes provide screening, consultations, education, and emotional support to local women. In many of these regions, conversations around breast cancer remain socially restricted or dismissed, making this intervention not only medical but deeply transformational.
Your contribution, whether financial or voluntary, will directly support Himalayan women living in some of the world’s most inaccessible terrains, where healthcare access is minimal and the stigma around cancer remains strong. By donating to Project Cause, you help ensure early testing, informed dialogue, and dignified support for a population often left unseen in the wider healthcare discourse.
Terms and Conditions
1. Eligibility: Fitness, Experience & Motivation
All participants must be physically fit, technically prepared, and mentally motivated for high-altitude climbing. Your mountaineering résumé and experience records will be reviewed before we submit the team application to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
While peaks above 7,000 m demand exceptional stamina and technical competence, numerous Himalayan summits below 6,000 m are equally challenging due to route complexity, weather exposure, remoteness, and objective hazards.
2. Delayed Departure & Early Closure
Expedition timelines may shift due to weather, route conditions, medical concerns, permit directives, or the leader’s safety decisions.
- Delayed closure: Any extension of the itinerary will incur additional charges.
- Early pack-up/retreat: Should the expedition conclude earlier than scheduled, no refund will be provided.
- Any extra transport, hotel stay, lodge/camp nights, or logistical support arising out of delays, roadblocks, medical evacuation, or administrative regulation will be billed separately on a cost-to-cost basis.
3. Satellite Phones, Filming & Drone Permissions
Satellite communication devices are subject to regional security restrictions and cannot be used freely across the Himalaya.
- Only company-registered satellite phones may be used, and will be provided on additional rental in the areas allowed by the Indian Government.
- Drone operations, documentary filming, and aerial recording require prior permits, which vary by district, border zone, and wildlife protection area.
All protocols must be strictly followed to avoid administrative intervention or penalties.
4. Refund Policy
All refund considerations will follow the official cancellation policy issued along with your expedition dossier. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed only as per those terms.
5. Health, Insurance, Rescue & Indemnity
Participants must hold valid high-altitude insurance, including evacuation coverage.
- Any emergency medical service, evacuation helicopter, ground rescue, insurance activation, or hospitalisation can be coordinated through us in the knowledge of LO, but must be paid directly by the team or the insurer.
- All members are required to sign an Indemnity & Risk Acceptance Bond with Adventure India before departure.
6. Booking Confirmation
Once all expedition details, services, and logistics are finalised, the following payment schedule applies:
- 50 % of the expedition fee + IMF fee at the time of confirmation
- Remaining balance payable 61 days before expedition commencement
- 100% advance payment is required for last-minute bookings (booking within 61 days before departure)
7. Non-Refundable / Non-Credit Services
Expedition pricing is quoted as a complete logistical package, not as itemised services.
Therefore, no partial refunds, credits, or adjustments will be issued for unused services (e.g., unused load-ferry, camp nights, high-altitude rations, guide days, transport segments, etc.).
We strongly recommend purchasing full travel cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
8. Replacement Participant
If you nominate another climber to take your place:
- All cancellation charges will be fully waived provided:
- The replacement climber meets the fitness and mountaineering requirements, and
- Secures IMF approval and permit to climb the peak.
9. Sightseeing & Post-Expedition Extensions
Following intense climbing periods in remote high-altitude environments, we encourage participants to decompress and experience India’s cultural and natural richness.
Extension trips may be arranged at additional cost to:
- Taj Mahal / Agra
- Rajasthan Desert & Fort Circuit
- Ladakh & Trans-Himalaya Culture
- Goa / Konkan Coast
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
- Northeast India or custom destinations
Cancellation policy
| Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 45 and 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 25% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 30 and 45 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure | The entire deposit will be forfeited. |
UIAA Grade and UIAA Declaration
Shivling’s normal West Ridge climbs at UIAA IV–V (with V+ sections), Alpine grade D, and WI 3–4 ice, while its harder North Face and pillar lines rise to UIAA VI–VII (sometimes VII+), Alpine D+ to ED, and WI 4–5 / M5–M6+, confirming it as a serious granite-ice pyramid peak and comparable in commitment to Alpamayo, Ama Dablam, and Khan Tengri.