Kareri Lake Trek
​Starting: Amritsar
Easy Grade Trek

Best Time to Go: April to June & September to October
Anuj

5 Nights / 6 Days
​2018 Departures
Mon Oct-15 to Sat Oct-20

  • A unique experience  designed for beginners and children alike. 
  • You will learn camping skills to pitch your own tents, learn knots, build a campfire, navigation skills and self-reflection.​
  • Explore McLeodgang and walk down the quaint lanes of Dharamsala!
The majestic Dhauladhars are part of the Himalayan range, rising from the Indian plains to the north of Kangra and Mandi. Dharamshala, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism and home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, lies on its southern spur.
 
This trail is mostly free of regular trekkers – one good reason for MHE to be here! Your trip starts from Amritsar where our team will meet you - either at the station or the airport. Drive straight to McLeodganj (a 5 hr: 30 Min drive). Explore McLeodganj the next morning, have lunch and  head out to Kareri Village - your first campsite for the night. Walk past gushing fresh water streams, across lush green meadows and through forests of Oak, Pine and Rhododendron trees. This is an easy trek that is perfect for kids and beginners alike.
 
Kareri Lake remains frozen from early December to March/April and by the time we get there, the bugyals (meadows) are lush green and the lake is glistening in the sunshine! The Dhauladhar range tower flank the shimmering lake – sentinels in their own right!
  • WHY TREK WITH MHE​
  • TRIP SNAPSHOT
  • ​DETAILED ITINERARY
  • PRICE DETAILS
  • GEAR LIST & TIPS
<
>
​When you trek with MHE, you can be assured that we are backed by many years in the business of providing safe and sustainable adventure trips. The staff you deal with in the office, all the way through to the guides and porters on trek, have years of experience in safe and enjoyable trekking behind them. We can advise you on the right gear, the right training, and no question is too crazy for us to answer. 

Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are.

We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all certified and trained, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30kg (the international standard set by IPPG). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.

​We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first. 

Our "all inclusive" trip means that you are not constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.
  • Trip starts from: Amritsar
  • Trip Ends at: Amritsar
  • No. of days of the trip: 6 days (can be customized to your convenience if you wish to extend your stay)
  • No. of trekking days: 4
  • Trekking Grade: Easy
DAY 1: Arrive at Amritsar Airport/STATION & Drive to McLEODGANJ - 209 km | 5 hRS
Arrive at Amritsar airport/Station and drive to McLeodganj Stay there overnight.

Overnight stay at Serkong Hotel or similar.
Day 2: ExplorE MCLEODGANJ. AFTER LUNCH SHORT DRIVE TO ROADHEAD. TREK to KARERI VILLAGE (1 - 2 HRS)
We'll get time to explore McLeodganj and your trekking leader will take a last minute check of your gear as well. After lunch, we take an hour's drive to the roadhead and start trekking to Kareri Village, where a beautiful campsite awaits you! 

Overnight stay in expedition tents at 1900m (6,270 ft).
Day 3: TREK TO RIYOTI - 6 KM | 4 HRS
After our morning breakfast, we start trekking to Riyoti. Situated at an altitude of 2500m (8,250 ft), you will be gaining around 600m in altitude. It's an easy trek though. Packed lunch will be served on the way. 

Overnight at Riyoti at 2500m. Expedition tents.
Day 4: ​TREK TO KARERI LAKE - 5 KM | 4 HRS
 After breakfast, we’re head out over the the ridge today, a moderate climb through forests of Oak and Pine with flowering Rhododendron trees making it a delightful walk. Packed lunch on the way. Kareri lake is at an altitude of 3200m (10,560 ft). A fresh water stream flows along with us as we walk on the trail which finally feeds into the Kareri Lake. The lake shimmers amidst the splendor of the Dhauladhar range of mountains and we’ll spend some time exploring the region before settle down to camp for the night..
​
Overnight in expedition tents.
Day 5: TREK TO salli village VIA CHANDRELA and drive to dharamshala - 12 KM | 5 - 6 HRS
After breakfast, we pack up camp and head back. It seems like a long walk today but it's a downhill and a lovely stroll through Chandrela where we'll stop to grab a bite to eat. We make it to Salli village in around 5 - 6 hours, where our cars are waiting to drive us back to Dharamsaala. We should be there in about 2 hours.

Over night stay at WelcomeHeritage Grace Hotel or similar.
day 6: Departure TO AMRITSAR
Departure from Dharamshala to Amritsar airport – it’s time to head back home!
COST PER PERSON:
Adults:  ₹44,000/-
Children 12 years and below: ₹38,250/-

Costs Include:

  • Transportation to and from Amritsar airport and from trek start and finish points.
  • One night’s accommodation at McLeodganj and Dharamshala on breakfast and dinner basis.
  • All meals on the trek starting with lunch on Day 02 till lunch on Day 05.
  • All trekking arrangements including ponies to carry all camping equipment, raw food and your trekking luggage.
  • Accommodation in expedition tents on twin sharing basis, air mattress, sleeping bags, kitchen and dinning tents with camping stools, dry pit toilet tents etc.
  • A trekking team comprising of a trek leader, cook, kitchen helper and instructors.
  • Filtered water for drinking during the trek.
  • Tips to staff.
  • Adventure travel insurance.
  • All government taxes.

Costs Do Not Include:

  • Cold drinks and alcoholic beverage.
  • Any expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances, natural disasters, illness or delays due to the same.
  • Domestic or international airfare to Amritsar and back.
  • Tips and any other form of gratuity to the trekking team.
​Gear List, Packing and Trekking Tips 
 
What gear you will need to bring with you:
  • A WATERPROOF duffel bags / kit bags, lockable. No hard top suitcases please – the ponies have a hard time with that (no pun intended).
  • Water-proof day packs (small haversack) to carry your personals, water bottle/water bladder, camera, packed lunch, snacks and your warm layers. AT NO TIME SHOULD YOU BE WITHOUT YOUR WATER BOTTLE/BLADDER, JACKET AND RAIN GEAR).
  • Rain coat (a poncho style one if you prefer – it covers your day pack as well).
  • Insect repellent.
  • Sun Glasses. Avoid the blue tinted ones. Experts argue that high-energy visible (HEV) radiation, or blue light, penetrate deeply into the eye and can cause retinal damage.  Most sun-glass lenses that block a significant amount of blue light will be bronze, copper or reddish-brown (again there is research to argue this either ways, so go with what matches your comfort level).
  • Water Bottles or Water Bladder (if you’re carrying a water bottle, please make sure that they’re easy carrying ones that fit in the side of your day pack).
  • Sun hat or peak cap.
  • Sun Block (50 SPF).
  • Lip Balm.
  • Flash light or head torch with spare batteries.
  • A small towel to wash up every morning – a gamcha works best – it dries up quickly and soaks up enough water even for a cold-water bath. Otherwise, Decathlon has those soft  trekking towels which work well too.What we supply for your trek in terms of gear:

Your Packing List:

Take clothing suitable for extreme cold and warm temperatures, the mountain sun can make the days really warm, but there is always a wind chill factor, so plan for layers. Here’s a suggested packing list:
  • Warm, waterproof down jacket preferably with a hood.
  • Warm inners - poly pro or thermal long johns and top X 2 pairs.
  • Thin Fleece jacket x 1
  • Woolen socks - pure wool socks are the best to wear while walking, breathable and comfortable. They tend to slip around less when your feet are wet (river crossings remember?) and they dry faster. If you don’t have pure wool, wear thin cotton under and then wool on top – yes, two layers.
  • Fleece cap – make sure it covers your ears totally.
  • Fleece gloves.
  • Full sleeved shirts – preferably the dry fit variety x 4.
  • 1 pair of good hiking boots. They must be well broken in. DO NOT WEAR NEW ONES.
  • Comfortable shoes for while in camp after the days walk. Or a pair of Teva/Keen/Merrell sports sandals (basically floaters) which will be good for wading in the streams as well.
  • Short sleeves T-shirts – dry fit variety x 2 pairs. Avoid the cotton ones.
  • Trekking trousers/Track suit pants x 2 pairs.
  • Thick cotton socks for the night x 2 pairs.
  • Dri-fit shorts ((or what are called river shorts) x 2 pairs.
  • Personal toiletries - carry as many band aids as possible. It’s the one thing that could stop your trekking holiday from turning into a nightmare. A useful tip - tape up any abrasion areas before you start walking to prevent blisters. And carry some in your pocket to apply the moment discomfort starts.
  • And most importantly, pack in your sense of adventure!
 
Some Trekking Tips to ensure you're ready for anything:

Your day-pack must always have the following:
  • 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
  • Sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
  • Warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
  • Rain jacket
  • Head torch
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Your camera - personal choice. We personally prefer to use our mobile phone cameras!
  • Any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
  • CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
 The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters or ponies, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening.

It’s a great idea to use dry bags (i.e. airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!).

Food on trek:
  • You will probably be surprised by the menu items on an MHE/Outward Bound India Himalaya trek. We know how important food is, and we don't stint by giving you 2-minute noodles and Cup a Soup. You'll get real food, home cooked style. And plenty of it!​
  • If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
 
Some tips for staying healthy:
  • Do NOT drink tap water or untreated water!
  • Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
  • Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
  • During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
  • It is recommended that your personal medical kit includes not only your preferred painkillers, but also throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost.
  • If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

The trails:
  • Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
 
Be prepared for the weather:
  • Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
  • Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, anyone poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
  • You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
​
Tipping and cash requirements:
  • While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some  money for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes.
  • The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common  but there is no strict rule about how much the tip should be. Needless to say, you should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
 
Photographing and interacting with local people:
  • During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language!
  • If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
  • Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help these children and we recommend you support them instead of encouraging them to beg. One other way is to collect books, pencils and other such articles and donate them to village schools you will find on your way.

Considering the Environment:

There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some simple tips.
  • While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment - people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
  • Pick up any litter along the trail.
  • Burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
  • Try and avoid making a campfire - if you must, be sure to use only fallen wood. Do not consume food cooked on wood fires.
  • Drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem.
  • Stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
  • Ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
 
Insurance:
  • This particular trip includes adventure sports insurance. ​