Kareri Lake: Nurpur’s Great Weekend

A dream landscape of coniferous forests, clouds over high mountains and a smile from its happy local people. Kangra is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most famous districts. Synonymous with the vast stretches of apple groves, tea groves and charming villages, you can certainly see the romantic in your Kangra district! It’s also rich in history and culture, and not only abundant in natural beauty.

Nurpur is suitable for offbeat travelers in Dharamshala and Mcleodganj who want to stop tourist jumping. Nagini Mata and Brij Raj Swami are some of the other places to visit in Nurpur as well as to visit the magnificent Nurpur Fort.

But there is nothing like a stroll to get closer to nature. It is also the most suitable way to make an appetite for Maggi’s famous plate and chai in the mountains. Most tourists and backpackers come to Kangra for trekking on the famous Triund or Indrahar Pass. But a weekend getaway to the amazing Kareri Lake is the only thing for yourself if you are interested in the less-traveled route! Lake Kareri is one of Nurpur’s best places to visit. And it’s only a drive away for two hours. From a serene break in the picturesque town of Nurpur to camping under the stars on an unknown lake – it sounds like the ideal ingredient for a holiday offbeat!

Kareri Lake

A beautifully untouched and peaceful tour around Kareri Lake – an incredible phenomenon given its proximity to McLeodganj’s crowding area. While the locals know all of Kareri, he managed, around Dharamshala and McLeodganj, to avoid the heated tourist rush.

Kareri is a small, freshwater lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, located about 9 kilometres northwest of Dharamshala, to the South of the Dhauladhar district. It passes the beautiful pine forests and the village of Kareri via this moderately tough walk. A tour to Kareri Lake provides a more peaceful and intimate mountain rendezvous. This is a spot after all nature enthusiasts and walkshops.

Mapping the Route to Kareri

At the market in Ghera Village the first leg of the tour starts at Kareri Lake. It is fun to walk from Ghera to the camp in the village of Rioti. Enjoy your stroll along the relatively simple path set for easy access by the locals.

The forest is a lovely blend of pines and shrubs, ideal playgrounds for birds who prefer not to reveal themselves, to sing invisibly. After a while, the forest becomes denser, and the quiet is magical. Perhaps you might hear or see a Blue Magpie if you listen carefully! Rioti village and many other homes that sell basic facilities have a Forest Rest House.

Go through the picturesque shepherd villages and an ancient temple of Shiva. The Lord Shiva Temple, which is worth a visit, is other attractions. If you are reasonably fit, the distance to Rioti can be covered in 7 hours. It is the most visited location on the road to Kareri Lake, the village of Riot.

The Rioti to Kareri trek is approximately 4.5 km away and can be finished within 3-4 hours. The rough grassland trail is along the Nyund River waters. As you go along, the countryside will begin to change. Trek straight highways, cross old wooden bridges, crossings on river, thick rhododendron, and a few steep climbs before you eventually hit the shore.

Prepare for the beauty of the lake once. The Lake before you is almost pale in meaning, memories of Nurpur and Nurpur Fort. The picturesque lake of Kareri is sent out of a painting by the sky and straight! You will probably only have dense conifers and colourful flowers for your company. If you’re fortunate, the shepherds and their flocks might also enjoy the magnificent pastures around Kareri Lake. If you’re lucky. The herds belong mainly to the families of Gujjar and Gaddi who live in the nearby villages. You could walk to Gajj, 30 minutes from the lake, once you have arrived at the seaside.

The waters of the lake come from the magnificent glaciers of the Dhauladhar, which stream downstream to form Nyund through the mountains. Kareri Lake, since its water supply is melting the snow, is shallow and crystal clear. The waters are so sparkling that from the shores, the bed of the lake can be seen easily!