Kareri - The Less Explored Kareri

Our decisions are all about our priorities, some people prioritize to buy assets while some opt to spend on buying experience. For me it was an overdue experience which took me back to the land of Dhauladhar ranges.

In reference to my last visit to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj I had to skip my plans to Kareri because of unfavorable weather condition hence I had to plan my visit again to the beautiful land of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh.

What next? Since it was a sudden planned trip hence I just packed few essentials, started my bike and took off. Multiple mix thoughts were juggling in my mind while riding. Ride comprises of 4 different states starting from Delhi, followed by Haryana and Punjab before reaching Himachal Pradesh. It took me 10 hours to reach Kareri Village.

Pic Credit- Google Maps

Kareri is crafted as a spot popular for the famous Kareri lake trek though real adventure and virgin beauty of the mother nature is hidden at other non-popular spots within/ near to Kareri village.

I was lucky enough to explore these noncommercial treks- Jammu Dhar Trek and Khabru Waterfall trek.

Let me brief you about popular and offbeat places to explore in Kareri

Kareri Lake Trek- This trek commence from Nauli Bridge which is located 3 kms from Kareri village. Trek comprise of 10 Kms in either direction. You require 5-6 hours to reach lake.

Tip- Try to leave early in the morning as weather is really unpredictable at this place. Also, it is strongly recommended to hire local guide or travel in a group. 

Pic Credit

Jammu Dhar Trek- This trek is almost impossible without local guide as path is not so friendly. Hike to Hill top require 4-5 Hours depends on your pace. Since there is no shelter hence you need to carry your own tent and food for overnight stay.

Khabru Waterfall Trek- This trek starts from Boh Village which is located around 49 Kms (2 hours by car) from Kareri. Trek comprises 5 Kms of Hike which takes around 3 hours to reach Waterfall. You really do not have to worry much even if you are travelling without much of planning as basic bedding and shelter is available at waterfall itself at a nominal cost or even free. There is only one small shop (Café) located at Khabru waterfall hence you should better plan accordingly.

How to reach Kareri

By Road- Regular overnight tourist buses are available from Delhi, Chandigarh to Dharamshala. From Dharamshala onwards you need to take Himachal tourism’s local commute bus till Ghera which is 8 Kms from Kareri. Remaining 8 Kms needs to be covered by private/shared cab. 

By Air- Nearest airport is located in Gaggal (Known as Dharamshala airport) which is located 25 Kms from Kareri. Remaining distance needs to be covered by private cab.

 

Best time to Visit

Winters are usually too cold here hence ideal months to visit Kareri are April till June followed by September till Mid October.

 

What else you should expect here

You will usually find home grown veggies and organic food in almost every homestay in Kareri.

There are limited grocery and essential shops, hence you should complete your final shopping at Ghera (which is around 8 kms before Kareri).

4G Internet connectivity of Jio/Airtel is really good in Kareri hence Digital Nomads need not to worry.

 

Where to Stay

Accommodation options are really limited since this place has not much commercialized yet. Out of all I found Wayfarer kareri homestay as the best one as they offer variety of accommodation starting from Rs.250/- in camping tent followed by basic and luxury rooms.

You may block your accommodation using below mentioned link

https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Wayfarer-Kareri-HomeStay/Dharamshala/310576

 Camping and Hiking arrangements

Though lot of travel offices accept bookings for Kareri lake trek though offbeat treks like Jammu Dhar and Khabru are most likely possible with local persons of Kareri itself. Considering my experience I would strongly recommend services of Mr. Sunil based in Kareri, you may reach him at # +91 9736634040

 

Travellers may feel free to approach me at 9910326647 or prateeksapra.p@gmail.com for further assistance.

About the author

Prateek Sapra is based out of New Delhi. A crazy nomad who loves to explore unexplored and offbeat destinations. He believes that every destination has a message that communicates with him. With each trip, he tries to express the message he receives from each destination through the mode of words and tells the world. "Be what you are, others are already sold" This is what he lives by.