Transport Included
Meals Included
Guide

Highlights

  • Adore one of the highest fresh-water Kareri lake perched at an altitude of 14517 ft.
  • Hike through beautiful landscapes, sparkling streams, deep gorges, tranquil lakes, and deodar forest
  • Experience an offbeat way of camping in a natural rock shelter - savour locally-sourced delicious meals throughout the trek

Overview

Settled at around 14517 ft. above sea level, the Indrahar Pass Trek is amongst the most stunning trek passes in the world. Bordering the Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh, the breathtaking beauty and appeal of this mountain pass entices a large number of trekkers from across the world. Cherish uninterrupted scenic views of snow-capped Pir Panjal mountains and the Mani Mahesh Kailash from the top of the trek.


While on the mesmerizing trail, you get to visit the magical Kareri Lake and village. Set amid the rocky terrain of the Dhauladhar range with receding glaciers melting, the beautiful and picturesque Kareri Lake seems a place that has been picked straight out of the lap of nature. One of the high altitude lakes in the world, this small yet fascinating water pool is also a striking feature of this trek.


Camping throughout the trek is a surreal experience. You will get to camp in three different landscapes altogether - a glacier, a natural rock shelter, and a meadow. While camping, relish lip-smacking cuisines from locally sourced ingredients that will make your trek more memorable.

About the trekking experience:

  • Enthral with the trail that has mixed forests of rhododendron, cedar, and oak trees while crossing bridges, rivers, glaciers, and Gaddi tribal villages. 
  • This awe-inspiring trek begins from Mcleodganj, takes you to the high-altitude Kareri Lake, brings you to the Laka Glacier, leading you to the serene Indrahar Pass. 
  • Trekking on this route will offer an ultimate adventurous experience as this trek comprises continuous climbing over boulders.
  • While you are hiking through the forest, you are most likely to spot several species of wildflowers and pugmarks of wild goats or leopards.
  • The 360-degree view from the top of the pass offers south with Kangra valley and the distant plains of Punjab in a blue haze, while up north rises wave upon waves of ranges like the Pir Panjal to the north, Kishtwar to the west, Bara Bangahal to east and Manimahesh to the northeast.
  • Considered to be the best monsoon trek, it grants you a fortune to trek through water-crossings and cascading waterfalls.
  • The security and comfort of trekkers are our utmost priority. This is reflected in the conduct of treks through courteous and qualified staff, quality of equipment, hygiene, and regard for nature and the outdoors.
  • Stay in high-quality and comfortable alpine/dome tents on a double/triple/quad sharing basis. All tents come with necessary amenities and maintain the utmost hygiene.
  • Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the package throughout the trek. While here, do not miss out on trying a few local pahadi dishes.


Quick facts:

  • Temperature: Day: 12°C to 18°C & Night: -6°C to 4 °C
  • Trekking distance: 35 KM
  • Maximum altitude: 14,245 ft
  • Electricity: Electricity is not available at the campsite
  • ATM: ATM is available at Mcleodganj

Itinerary

Day 1
Mcleodganj; Enjoy scenic views and acclimatize
  • Assembling at the meeting point in McLeod Ganj, check-in into the hotel and spend the day at leisure.
  • Within the day, you can acclimatize by exploring the surroundings or taking a stroll around the local streets, markets, and nearby monasteries
  • Have a lovely dinner and rest yourself overnight in the hotel
Day 2
Kareri Village; Secluded village exploration
  • Today will be the first day of trekking! After having breakfast, a short drive will take you to Stowari - the origin of this fascinating trek
  • Descending downhill from here, make it to Bhote Khola and Ghera settlements
  • Here onwards, the trails will go uphill towards the Kareri Village. Have your packed lunch, and begin trekking towards the village. 
  • Trekking through the scenic oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, reach the campsite in the village before it gets dark
  • Upon arrival in the village, you can witness the locals carrying out their daily activities and can also interact with them
  • With the stunning sunset, enjoy a cosy bonfire in the evening, have a delicious dinner, and settle down under the stars
Day 3
Kareri Lake; Trek through fascinating forest trails and visit age-old Ganesha Temple
  • After breakfast is served at the campsite, begin with today's trek to the magnificent Kareri Lake 
  • Hike through some of the evergreen spruce, oak, and rhododendron forests and follow one of the arms or 'nullahs' of the Kareri Lake and make it to the scenic meadows of Harlote village
  • As the lake is situated at higher altitudes and the trek to it comprises of steep climbs, relax in Harote for a while and get re energized
  • Hereafter, continue trekking towards the Minkiani Pass or the base of the Kareri Lake
  • A small, yet scenic lake, the mesmerising beauty of the Kareri Lake is worth of the harsh and challenging terrains
  • Witness and enjoy the untouched beauty of the lake and the surroundings by camping near to it
  • To explore the surroundings to a more extent, you can also visit a nearby Shiva Temple before settling down at the campsite
  • Have dinner and stay overnight in tents
Day 4
Kareri Lake; Witness stunning views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Range
  • Today, after breakfast is served at the campsite, trek to some of the nearby vantage points and enjoy stunning views of the surroundings You can easily witness the Dhauladhar, Pin Panjal, and other popular peaks in Himachal Pradesh
  • Once done with the exploration, trek back to the campsite and after having lunch, trek down to the campsite in Kareri Village
  • Overnight stay in tents
Day 5
Dharamkot; Trek through the meadows admiring the views of Kangra Valley
  • Begin the day with a long descent to Bhote Khola
  • As you proceed towards Bhote Khola, the trails will offer you stunning views of Kangra Valley, Dhauladhar Ranges, and will finally take you to Roa and Bal villages
  • Trekking from Bal will further take you alongside a ridge that leads to Dharamkot - a quaint hippy village
  • On arrival in Dharamkot, check-in into the allocated tents have dinner and retire for the day
Day 6
Laka Got; Get to know more about local living and Gaddi Shepherds
Laka Glacier
  • Once again after breakfast, today's trek will take you through scenic oak and rhododendron forests that trail towards a camping site called Laka Got
  • An open alpine meadow, this camping ground indicates the end of forest trails and the beginning of rocky scree fields
  • Hike alternatively for some more time and camp at Lahesh caves. While camping in Loka Got, you can also come across the local inhabitants or the 'gaddi shepherds' and get to know more about their lives
  • Have dinner and relax overnight at the camps
Day 7
Indrahar Pass; Soak in surreal views of Pir Panjal, Mani Mahesh, and Kailash peaks
  • Today will be the most exciting day of this entire trekking expedition as today you will trek to the Indrahar Pass!
  • After having an early breakfast in the camp, begin with hiking through steep and rocky terrains and reach the Lahesh Caves
  • Hereafter, the trek will take you uphill for around 3-4 hours till you reach the top
  • Though the trail might get a bit challenging, on reaching the pass, all your efforts will get rewarded with astounding views of the snow-clad Pir Panjal, Mani Mahesh, and Kailash peaks; the pass also offers panoramic views of the Kangra Valley
  • Enjoy the undulated beauty from the top and before it gets dark, return to the campsite in Laka Got for an overnight stay
Day 8
Mcleodganj; Trek Ends
  • Embark on the back trek to McLeod Ganj via Triund, after breakfast is served at the Laka Got camp 
  • Arrive in McLeod Ganj, and precede for your hometown or next destination

Select Package Options

Book this captivating trekking experience for your next adventure. Indrahar pass route offers many mesmerizing views along with the magical Kareri Lake. 

Price Includes
  • Permits
  • Meals
  • Stay

More Details about

Know Before You Go

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Consult a physician before undertaking the trek. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travellers littering may be fined.
  • Water is very precious, so conservation is appreciated.
  • Do not encourage trekking during the night unless it is a part of the itinerary and a guide is with you; this might lead to unforeseen mishaps.
  • Avoid using earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • In case, the trek needs to be cancelled, the authorities should be informed beforehand.
  • Guidelines issued by the State-Government is to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitisation and use of mask recommended.
  • Please provide a valid ID at the time of check-in.
  • The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • Neat and clean vehicle for the journey with experienced driver especially for hilly terrains available.
  • Permit charges are not included in the package.
  • All the activities depend upon the weather.
  • Camping is very basic in nature. One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at a few locations.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for this trek.

Tour Difficulty

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Map

Starting Point
McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India