Kareri Lake Trek: 3-Day Alpine Lake & Shiva Temple Tour

Three days trekking through green meadows, gushing streams and shepherd villages to an alpine lake

A 3-day trek from Dharamshala to Kareri Lake at 2,950 meters in Himachal Pradesh, with experienced guide, camping equipment and all meals. You trek through alpine meadows and past shepherd villages, camp two nights in the mountains, and reach the lake to visit the Lord Shiva temple on day two. The route passes through pine forests where bird species nest, and the trek itself is the draw, not a sightseeing loop but a climb into the high country and back down.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Dharamshala to Rioti campsite

• Arrive at Dharamshala in morning
• Transfer to Kareri village (25 Km)
• Have lunch depending on timing
• Trek towards Rioti campsite
• Reach Rioti village by evening
• Have evening snacks
• Dinner and overnight stay at Rioti campsite

Day 2: Trek to Kareri Lake and sightseeing

• Breakfast in morning
• Trek towards Kareri Lake
• Visit Lord Shiva temple
• Have packed lunch at Kareri Lake
• Sightseeing at Kareri Lake
• Have evening snacks
• Dinner and overnight stay near Kareri Lake

Day 3: Return to Dharamshala

• Breakfast in morning
• Trek back to Kareri village
• Transfer to Dharamshala bus stand
• Reach Dharamshala bus stand by evening

The experience

How much of the trek is actually walking versus sitting in a vehicle? The first day splits the two: you get a 25-kilometer transfer from Dharamshala to Kareri village in the morning, then trek 8 kilometers to Rioti campsite by evening. Day two is all walking: the full push to Kareri Lake with sightseeing at the Lord Shiva temple and a packed lunch at the lake itself. Day three reverses the route back down to Kareri village, then a transfer back to Dharamshala. The guide is with you the whole way, and the operator provides tents, sleeping bags and mattresses at both campsites.

The terrain moves through three distinct zones. From Rioti, the trek climbs through gushing streams and green meadows toward the lake. Pine and shrub forests line the route. The kind of cover that holds bird species, so bring a camera if you're watching for them. The shepherd villages along the way have their own character. They're not stops on a tour but settlements you pass through. The lake itself sits at 2,950 meters, formed by water flowing down from Minkiani peak, and the temple visit happens on day two when you have the most energy.

Meals and camping are handled: breakfast and dinner come at both campsites, lunch on day two is packed and eaten at the lake, and evening snacks arrive each day. You'll need at least moderate fitness for the climbing and the altitude, and the trek is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy. Children from age 4 can join. If you want to bring your own trekking shoes or other specialized gear, you can arrange that at checkout. The operator provides the core camping equipment.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Dharamshala to Kareri village and back.
• experienced trek guide speaking English or Hindi.
• camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and a washroom tent.
• breakfast, lunch and dinner on all three days.
• evening snacks each day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 75 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ImmVentures

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a long weekend free and want to acclimatize gradually to altitude rather than rushing up and down in a single day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How high does the Kareri Lake trek climb, and what does the altitude feel like?

Kareri Lake sits at 2,950 meters above sea level. The climb is gradual across the first two days, and you spend the second night at the lake itself, so your body has time to adjust. The meadows and forests at that elevation are what make the trek scenic rather than punishing.

What's the Lord Shiva temple like, and how much time do you spend there?

The temple sits at Kareri Lake and is worth a visit according to the operator. You reach it on day two after trekking from Rioti, and you have the afternoon and evening there before camping nearby, so it's not a quick stop.

Do I need to bring my own trekking shoes, or are they provided?

Trekking shoes are not included in the standard package, but you can add them at checkout if you need them. The operator provides tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and a washroom tent at both campsites.

What birds might I see on this trek, and when is the best time to spot them?

The pine and shrub forests along the route hold various bird species. The operator notes that the forests act as perfect hiding spots for exclusive birds, so early morning on day two (when you're trekking fresh toward the lake) is likely your best window for watching and photography.

How does the transfer work on day one and day three?

Day one includes a 25-kilometer transfer from Dharamshala bus stand to Kareri village in the morning, then you trek 8 kilometers to Rioti campsite. Day three reverses it: you trek back down to Kareri village, then transfer 25 kilometers back to Dharamshala bus stand by evening.