A series of seven pristine inter-connected lakes, hidden in the high Dhauladhars, the Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek reveals one of the lesser known gems of Himachal Pradesh. Held sacred by locals living on either side of this range; the Kangra and Chamba valleys, these snow-fed lakes are left mostly untouched except for a brief period once every year during the monsoon season when pilgrims trek up during Janmashtami. A moderately difficult trek, you will be ascending the Minkiani pass (4250 meters) to reach the Lam Dal (3960 meters). The Rhododendron and Oak forests, serene lake-side camping, spectacular views of the Punjab plains and the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges make this trek a true Himalayan adventure for the more experienced Himalayan trekker.
Dhauladhars Hidden Lakes Area Map
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Kareri Village (1800 meters) to Revati (2500 meters). Distance 9 km.
Day 2: Trek to Kareri Lake (2950 meters). Distance 6 km.
Day 3: Trek Lam Dal first lake (3600 meters) over Minkiani Pass (4250 meters)
Day 4: Explore Lam Dal Lake (3960 meters)
Day 5: Return to Kareri Lake over Minkiani Pass
Day 6: Return to Kareri village/ Bhag roadhead
Cost Details
Cost on request!
INCLUSIONS:
- Travel from Dharamshala Bus Stand to trailhead (Kareri village) by non-ac car
- Camping gear
- All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 6
- Sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable
- All trekking arrangements – experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook, etc
- Includes All Govt taxes
EXCLUSIONS:
- Items of personal clothing
- Personal Porterage
- Air/ Train/ Bus fares, insurance, airport taxes, laundry, phone calls, alcohol, cigarettes, souvenirs etc
- Parking charges
- Tips for guides, cooks & porters
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control
DAY 1: KARERI VILLAGE TO REVATI
Arrive at the Dharamshala city bus stand and drive to Kareri village. The drive is approximately 2 hours long. Here you will meet the AntHill team and will proceed to walk to Revati. The walk takes approximately 4 hours and follows the Niyund river upstream through thickets of rhododendron and oak forests and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Arrive at Revati campsite along the stream.
DAY2: TREK TO KARERI LAKE
After breakfast we will continue to walk towards Kareri lake. The scenery is sublime as the Niyund makes beautiful natural pools that look inviting for a dip. The walk takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
DAY 3: TREK TO LAM DAL OVER MINKIANI PASS
The day starts at sun rise. The Dhauladhars can be notorious for sudden changes in weather towards the beginning of the afternoon. Therefore, its best to reach the pass as early as possible. The Minkiani pass is used by the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) in the summer to take their flock from the Kangra to Chamba valleys to their meadows. The pass offers spectacular panoramic views of the Punjab plains, the Kangra valley, the Chamba valley and as far as the Pir Panjal range of the Himalaya. On either side of the pass we will have to deal with moraine and boulders. Once on the other side one can see the first of the seven lakes along the trail leading upto Lam Dal lake. We will set up camp at the first lake for the night.
DAY 4: TREK TO SIX LAKES
Today after breakfast hike to Lam Dal. The lake is situated at the end of what is a series of seven inter-connected lakes. As we walk upstream you will see how each lower lake is fed by the falling water from the lake above making a chain that goes all the way up to the biggest lake; the Lam Dal. The Lam Dal, a snow fed lake, is held sacred by the locals. Camping is restricted in a 200 metre perimeter around the lake.
DAY 5: TREK to KARERI LAKE
The return will be via the Minkiani pass back to Kareri Lake.
DAY 6: TREK TO KARERI VILLAGE
Return to Kareri village. Drive back to Dharamshala/ Mcleaodganj. We will arrive by approximately 4:00 pm.
Scheduled Departures
Customize this trek today from 20th May to end of June or 25 September to end of October!