Kareri Lake: Perfect Weekend Getaway From Nurpur

Himachal Pradesh is a dreamscape of coniferous forests, rolling clouds over lofty mountains, and the smiles of its cheery locals. One of the most popular districts in Himachal Pradesh is Kangra. Synonymous with vast expanses of apple orchards, tea estates, and charming little villages, Kangra district is sure to bring out the romantic in you! It’s not only abundant in natural beauty but rich in history and culture as well. We’re usually so besotted by the mountains that we end up missing out on the stories of the region! It’s almost criminal to skip the many history lessons and stories like those found in the Nurpur Fort. There’s plenty of history to experience and exciting places to visit in Nurpur – the former abode of the formidable Pathania clan of Rajputs.

Nurpur is ideal for the offbeat travelers looking to avoid the tourist rush in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. Besides visiting the magnificent Nurpur Fort, Nagni Mata Temple and Brij Raj Swami Temple are some of the other places to visit in Nurpur.

But there’s nothing like a hike to deepen one’s connection with nature. It’s also the best way to work up an appetite for that legendary plate of Maggi and cup of chai in the mountains. Most tourists and backpackers flock to the popular Triund or Indrahar Pass for trekking in Kangra. But if you’re keen on the road less traveled, a weekend getaway to the stunning Kareri Lake is just the thing for you! Kareri Lake is one of the best places to visit in Nurpur. And it’s only a two-hour drive away. From a serene stay at the quaint city of Nurpur to camping under the stars at an unexplored lake – it sounds like the perfect ingredients for an offbeat holiday!

Kareri Lake

Kareri Lake trek is beautifully pristine and quite secluded – a surprising phenomenon considering its proximity to the crowded town of McLeodganj. While the locals are all familiar with Kareri, it has managed to escape the frenzied tourist rush around Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

Also known as Kumarwah Lake, Kareri is a shallow, freshwater lake situated to the south of the Dhauladhar range, about 9 kilometers northwest of Dharamshala. This moderately challenging trek passes through stunning pine forests and the Kareri Village. A trek to Kareri Lake offers a quieter and more personal rendezvous with the mountains. It’s a location after the heart of all nature lovers and trekkers.

Mapping the Route to Kareri

Day One

The first leg of the walk to Kareri Lake begins at the market in Ghera village. The walk from Ghera to the campsite at Rioti village is a pleasant one. Enjoy your hike on the relatively-easy trail laid out by the locals for ease of passage.

The forest is a gorgeous mix of pines and shrubs, perfect playgrounds for shy birds who would rather sing invisible than show themselves. After a while, the forest gets denser, and there is magical stillness around. If you listen carefully, you might be able to hear or spot a Blue Magpie! Rioti village has a Forest Rest House, along with a few other houses selling basic amenities. Some of these houses also double up as basic accommodation options for a night’s stay or more.

Make your way across quaint shepherd villages and an old Shiva temple. Other attractions are the Lord Shiva temple, which is worth a visit. The distance to Rioti can be covered in 7 hours if you’re moderately fit. Rioti village is the more frequented campsite en route Kareri Lake.

Day Two

The trek from Rioti village to Kareri is about 4.5 km and can be completed in around 3-4 hours. The trail comprises of rocky grassland along the waters of the Nyund river. The landscape will keep changing as you go along. Trek across straight roads, old wooden bridges to cross over, river crossings, dense rhododendron trees, and a few steep ascents before finally arriving at the Lake.

Once at the Lake, prepare to be spellbound by its beauty. Memories of Nurpur and Nurpur Fort almost pale in significance with the Lake in front of you. The picturesque Kareri Lake is heaven-sent and straight out of a painting! The chances are that you will have only dense conifers and colorful flowers for company. If luck is on your side, you might also be able to enjoy the company of shepherds and their flock enjoying the beautiful pastures around Kareri Lake. The shepherds primarily belong to the Gujjar and Gaddi communities who live in the villages nearby. Once at the Lake, you could choose to hike up to Gajj, which is another 30 minutes from the Lake.

The Lake’s waters originate from the glaciers of the majestic Dhauladhar range, flowing downstream through the mountains to form the Nyund. Kareri lake is shallow and crystal clear since the source of its waters is melting snow. The sparkling waters are so clear that the bed of the Lake is easily visible from the shore!

Since there are no accommodation options at Kareri Lake, people either stay overnight at Rioti or pitch a tent by the lakeside. Do remember to pack appropriate camping gear and clothes since it can get cold by the Lake. Most trekkers opt to walk back to the village and spend the night there.

Campers usually set up camp in the meadows 10 minutes away from Kareri village. While there is a forest guest house available, it is best to speak with the forest ranger office in advance for bookings. It’s also possible to book a home-stay in Kareri village for the chance to interact with the locals a bit more.

Follow the trail behind the forest guest house to a narrow valley that leads to a wooden bridge. Climb about 200 meters to cross another bridge and arrive at a camping spot called Harote. The valley from Harote will lead you to your ultimate destination – the Kareri Lake.

Guidelines for Trekking to Kareri

Trekking in the Himalayas is an experience of a lifetime. However, the first rule of thumb is respect. Respect for the mountains, the environment around, and respect for your body. Please do not take undue risks while trekking, do not leave trash behind, and respect the locals’ way of living.

It’s always better to get an early start on both days. Returning to one of the villages becomes more comfortable to do before sunset.

Always go with a local guide or an organizer. The trail to Kareri Lake can become tricky during some stretches, and the knowledge of an expert will guide you through.

Please wear comfortable clothes and proper hiking shoes, preferably all waterproof. There’s nothing that can make you more miserable on a trek than wet clothes or shoe bites!

Ensure that you carry your water bottles to stay hydrated.

Pack a mosquito repellent, some trail snacks for added energy, and a small first aid kit for emergencies.

Kareri Lake is usually frozen from late November to March and witnesses heavy monsoons. Barring these months, plan your trek to Kareri Lake any other time of the year.

Places of Interest Near Kareri

Unwind at Dharamshala and Mcleodganj either before or after the trek to Kareri Lake. After a trip back in time at Nurpur Fort and the quiet of Kareri Lake, these buzzing twin towns might be just what you need!

Soothe your aching muscles after the trek at one of the numerous spas and Tibetan massage parlors in both Dharamshala and McLeodganj.

Round off your adventure in the mountains with a relaxing Yoga class at the Bhagsu Yoga institute in Bhagsu.

If you can’t get enough of the serenity of the mountains, take it a step further with a visit to the Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamshala.

Pay your respects at the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and walk in the footsteps of the exiled Tibetan community, who now call Dharamshala home. Take a trip to the Tibetan Museum in Mcleodganj and come back more informed about the history and culture of Tibet.

How to Get to Kareri:

The best way to reach is on a Himachal Pradesh government bus from Delhi. The fares are very reasonable, and the buses are sticklers for time.

There are also several private buses that depart either from Kashmiri Gate or Majnu Ka Tila in Delhi.

Get off at Nurpur, which comes after the stop at Jassur. Catch a bus to Ghera village, which is the starting point of the trek. Alternatively, one can also hire a cab to get there.

Places of Interest in Nurpur

Nagni Mata Temple

The famous Nagni Mata Temple is located at a distance of 6 km from Nurpur. The locals in the region believe that snake bite can be cured by drinking water and applying mud from the temple premises.

Nurpur Fort

Nurpur Fort is one of the most popular attractions around. It was built in the 10th century by the ruling Pathania clan. The fort offers stunning views of the Jabhar Khud, a tributary of a small river called Chakki. Nurpur Fort takes you back in time with its ancient paintings and animal carvings on the walls. The fort also contains a Brij Maharaj Temple, along with figures of men, women, children, kings, gods, goddesses, and birds. It is hands-down one of the best places to visit in Nurpur.

Brij Raj Swami Temple

The Brij Raj Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Meera, one of his greatest devotees. Situated inside the Nurpur Fort, this is the only temple where idols of Lord Krishna and Meera are worshipped together.