Kareri Village, near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Duration: 2 Days | Best Time to Visit: March to June & September to November
Trek Level: Easy to Moderate | Location: Kareri Village, near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

The Start of Something Beautiful

Our journey began at Salt & Pepper Resort—a cozy little gem tucked in the Himachali hills. The moment we arrived, we felt the magic in the air—warm hosts, chai with views, and that unmistakable scent of pine that says you’re in the mountains now.

They arranged a taxi for us to the starting point—a quick 10-minute ride up a narrow mountain road. What followed was a gentle reminder: no network from here on. But with the help of local guides (who are some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet), we didn’t feel lost. In fact, it felt grounding to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the earth.

The Trek Begins – With a Bell and a Beat

At the base point, we rented lathis (wooden trekking sticks)—surprisingly helpful even for short treks. College groups were also gathered there, some playing guitars, others just laughing and vibing. And then… a bell rang.

It wasn’t official, but it felt symbolic—like a signal that our journey had begun.

Following the Stream of Dreams

The path follows a stream that flows directly from Kareri Lake, and its gentle gurgle became our trekking soundtrack. We passed:

Lush green meadows

Tiny waterfalls

Branches blooming in red and pink

Huge boulders and pine forests

The incline was beginner-friendly, though a bit of stretching helps avoid cramps (learned the hard way!). But the views… the views made every step worth it.

Midpoint Café – A Meal with a View

At around halfway, we stopped at a small café at the mid-point. The view was surreal—a panoramic embrace of the valley with clouds drifting low. We had a quick lunch here, rehydrated, and rested for a while.

Some fellow trekkers pitched tents here for the night, but we had one goal—to reach the lake before sunset.

Final Stretch – Snow, Silence, and Sheer Awe

As we climbed higher, nature turned magical.

Spring-fed streams

Snow patches

Stone huts made by Gaddi shepherds

And that whitest white snow you can only dream of…

At around 4:30 PM, we reached Kareri Lake. Frozen. Still. Ethereal. The whole area was wrapped in silence except for the crunch of snow beneath our feet. We had booked our stay at Magic View Café—a small place at the top with tents and soul-warming coffee.

Sunset at the Lake – A Moment I’ll Never Forget

We dropped our bags and walked to the lake, just in time for the sunset. The snow reflected hues of red, orange, and pink. It was honestly one of the most peaceful moments of my life.

The Night Under Stars

We returned to our tents, had a hot, simple dinner, and crawled into our sleeping bags. The wind was cold, but the silence was comforting. I don’t remember when I fell asleep—only that I woke up deeply rested.

Day 2 – Sunrise, Temple Bells & The Journey Back

The next morning, we woke up early, caught the sunrise, and visited the temple near the lake. It felt spiritual, calming. We offered prayers and then started the descent, hearts full and minds quiet.

Final Thoughts – A Bit of Fever, A Lot of Fulfillment

As I write this, soaking my sore legs in a hot tub, nursing a slight fever and some fatigue, I smile. Because Kareri Lake didn’t just challenge my body—it healed my soul.

Tips for Fellow Trekkers

Start early to reach the lake before sunset.

Rent a lathi—it helps more than you think!

No mobile network after the base—carry power banks, but expect silence.

Locals are your best guide—ask, listen, and learn.

Carry warm layers, especially for the night.

Don’t litter—leave no trace.

Drink lots of water and carry ORS.

In a heartbeat.
Because in Kareri, I found snow, serenity, and a version of myself I didn’t know I was missing.

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