A month back while I received a call from a school friend insisting to accompany him & few others over a Trek Trip, the whole idea was just to have a break from work. I need to admit that the so called break turned out to be a decision I cherish till date. After experiencing the magnificent Kareri Lake I have earned quite a handful of things. The list includes few amazing friends, dollops of splendid experiences and above everything the desire to indulge in such adventurous expeditions over and again. While many adventure enthusiasts can be seen knocking around he much famous Triund trek, we decided to take up the less populous and not so famous one “The Kareri Trek”. To elaborate a little more, we opted for the calm, placid and the lush green trek paving way to the shallow and fresh water lake to the south of Dhauladhar range. The trip started as just a normal one with the entire group chilling at Bhagsunath / McLeod Ganj for two days until the real fun unleashed which I consider as the actual first day of our trip.
DAY 1:
How to reach the base: Kareri Village (Altitude: 4347 ft. / 1,325 m)
Modes of Travel: Taxis from McLeod Ganj/ Dharamshala (Cost: Rs.700-800) / Roadways buses from Dharamshala: Travel Time: 1 .5- 2 hours
We could negotiate for a good deal at McLeod Ganj that included to and fro Taxi till the base “Kareri Village”, all meals during the entire trek, two porters (carrying the tents, sleeping bags and other necessities), one guide and one cook. The entire package was on the grabs for just Rs. 20,000 hence the average cost per person amounted to mere Rs.2000.In case you are a solo traveler or travelling in a small group, anticipated cost is Rs 3000- Rs 4000 per person for similar amenities. We could reach the base by 10 am and halted for an hour. While our guide made the necessary preparations for the trip we were served a not so fancy but delicious breakfast in our guide's humble abode, post which we started the trek.
DAY 1 Continued & DAY 2:
Kareri Village to Kareri Lake (Altitude: 9760 ft. / 2,975 m)
The narrow 15 km trek provides many breathtaking scenic views on the way. The Kareri River flows by the side for most of the stretch which gives an opportunity to refill your water bottles without much hassle. The added advantage of the conjugating river is you can break and soak your feet in the chilling cold water and feel rejuvenated for the rest of Trek. We took the first long break after 5 kms where we were served Maggi. The second break taken was at halfway at a place named Reoti, where many of the trekkers decide to halt for a night .One can chose to halt making it a two night trip or continue trekking depending upon the stamina of fellow trekkers and time availability.
The Alluring Trail
Reoti/ A refreshing Halt
It was after 7 hours of trekking and short breaks we could have glimpse of the picturesque view we have been waiting to see. It was an enthralling experience to witness the snow covered mountains feeding a lake at the base and green meadows surrounding all four sides. To add to the beauty there was no one but just our group in the entire proximity.
Kareri Lake : Conquered
The Loner Camp
Late evening tea and the dinner cooked in the most conventional way was one of the best servings we have ever experienced. Night time was adventurous but equally daunting as the temperature dips as low as 0 degrees. It is suggested to carry ample warm clothes and sleeping bags to face the chilly winds of the Dhauladhar range. Waking up to the fresh sun rays accompanied by cool breeze made it a perfect morning. Post breakfast with a urge to come back again we repacked our bags and left the camp. The journey while trekking back is little less tedious and can be completed within 5.5 hours.
Summing up, the two days expedition was an experience for a lifetime. The trek is very easily approachable by people staying in the northern part of India, can be wrapped up within a weekend and is a must in the list of every adventurous traveler’s diary.
