Minkiani Trek is not just about walking up and down the slopes, but this Trek also involves breath taking views of 7 lakes on the way and plenty of camping at beautiful sites, so that you have a true experience of being in the mountains. The panoramic views of Dhauladhar and other high Himalayan peaks are the attraction of this astounding trek.Taking you to the highest altitude of about 14200 feet, this is a 4-day long journey.
On the lower trails the trek winds through acres of pine forests and over miles of green meadows. Waterfalls are everywhere. Camp sites spring out next to streams and green grass. On the higher slopes, the trail weaves through snow fields, glaciers and ice falls. The thrill of high altitude is intoxicating.The total distance you cover on this trek is around 48 km. One of the highlights of this hike is that it takes you past many villages, allowing you to learn about the local way of life.
Trek Duration: 5 days & 4 nights
Trek distance: 48km
Trek starts from: Kareri Village
Trek ends at: Kareri Village
Triund Altitude: 14200ft.
Triund trek grade: Moderate to difficult
Accommodation: Good Quality tents
Report in Dharamshala by 8 AM. Take a taxi from Dharamshala to kareri village (approx2 hrs).We will start our journey for kareri lake trek early in the morning from Kareri village at approx. 10 AM in the morning. You will be walking through forests of Oak, Rhododendron, and Pine. The trek first passes through level grounds, but then comes onto a steep ascent, in which you will be trekking alongside the Kareri Nyund Stream. You will be crossing over the rivulet a number of times using wooden bridges.After reaching the base of the Minkiani Pass, you would be able to see the glacial lake very clearly and with azure blue water.Overnight in tents on the bank of the lake.
Kareri Lake
Day 02: Kareri Lake to Minkiani Pass to Lamdal Lake (8 km) - 5 - 6 Hrs
At this time, the toughest section of the Minkiani Pass Trek begins, taking you to the summit of Minkiani Pass at an altitude of around 14200 feet. The terrain is completely rocky without any vegetation at all. Snow covered mountains tower on either sides. We cross several lakes, springs and streams and eventually reach Kali Kund a small neighboring lake to Lam Dal, which is considered equally pious. Ten minutes later we climb around a boulder and behold the limpid waters of Lam Dal. Believed to be one of the abodes of Shiva, Lam Dal is among the holiest of Dhauladhar Lakes and the locals during Shiv Ratri generally trek bare-feet from Minkiani Got.
Lamdal Lake
Day 03: Lamdal Lake to Kareri Lake (8 km) - 5 - 6 Hrs
The morning dawns wearing a thick coat of grey mist covering everything around. We can barely see a hundred meter in any direction as if trapped within a misty wonderland. We hear sheep’s bleat and dogs bark but don’t see anything. We start early and find our way to the beginning of the stone steps that will take us up to Minkiani Pass. The trail is steep but straight and we soon build up a steady rhythm. Snowy slopes go up to our right. The wind is chilly and the fog keeps us afloat in suspension.We again climb up to Minkiani Pass and reach Kareri lake.
Day 04: Kareri Lake to Kareri Village (10 km) - 5 - 6 Hrs
As you begin your walk from Kareri Lake, you will be walking along a gushing river. As you reach a lower altitude, the thick vegetation will soon reappear, and you will see tall trees of deodar and pine. After reaching Kareri village, board a Jeep and drive your way to McLeodganj, where this Minkiani Pass and Kareri Lake Trek ends.
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