No trip to the Indian Himalayas would be complete without going on a hike in the dense mountain ranges of North India. But it can be difficult to know where to go, especially if you’re not familiar with the area, so here’s your guide to Kareri from Delhi, which offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas and lots of fun activities along the way!
The Kareri Lake trek from Delhi was one of the first hikes that I undertook by myself, and it’s still one of my favourites, especially now that I’ve done the Lohajung trek in Uttarakhand (see my comparison here). If you’re looking for a tough but rewarding hike, then take on this trail, which will take you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in India and across the border into China.
In the heart of the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas in northern India lies an emerald lake that’s so beautifully situated, it will make you want to do nothing more than drop everything and go hiking. I’m talking about Kareri Lake, which sits in the stunningly beautiful Pindari valley in Uttarakhand, surrounded by Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Satopanth peaks.
Preparing for The Trek
The trek has two different routes, and can be done as a day hike or an overnight expedition.
You can either start from the base of Rajpath, near India Gate in New Delhi, or start at Kareri Lake.
The first section of the trek is full of steep inclines and declines.
There are a few points where it’s necessary to use ropes for assistance with the climb.
After about an hour and a half, you’ll reach Kareri Lake-the perfect spot for camping overnight!
The next morning, head back down the trail until you reach Rajpath; this is where most people turn back around.
The journey begins with a cab ride up to the foothills of the Himalayas. The air becomes thin and the temperatures rise as you go higher. The hills and mountains become more rugged, with small villages here and there dotting the countryside. As we leave behind modern India, it feels like going back in time. It’s amazing how quickly you can move away from everything that is familiar and into a place where nature has taken over. We were greeted by our guide at Kareri Lake, one of many lakes in this region that are formed by glaciers during winter months when snow melts at an alarming rate.
The Logistics
The trek starts out in Delhi, where you will have to take a train and then a bus. The route is pretty long and strenuous, but worth it. The trail has some steep climbs and a lot of stairs so be prepared for that. We were told by the organiser that we would need 4-5 hours of walking each day, which ended up being around 7 hours each day. You’ll need at least two bottles of water per person per day and plenty of snacks for energy as well as any other gear you might want like sunblock or a hat (good for protecting against the sun). The only hard part about the hike was that there were no toilets on the trail, so you’ll want to make sure you bring toilet paper with you too!
Back at Home in Delhi
It’s hard to believe that it has been over a month since I returned from the trek. It was such an incredible experience, one that I will never forget. As I step out of my house for work, I am greeted by the grey skies and the occasional raindrop. At times, those days are tiring but they give me time to reflect on the hike and all of its beauty. The sounds of honking horns and people talking fill my ears as a reminder of how different this place is compared to Kareri Lake Trek. It may not have been as peaceful, but it was every bit as beautiful.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Kareri Lake is one of the most beautiful treks I have ever been on. If you are lucky enough to do this trek in the spring, it will be even more magical. The flowers and butterflies all around will make this hike worth every step. The trail is very well-marked so you will never be too lost. It’s also very family friendly, with great views for both kids and adults alike. This hike is not too difficult but it does take some time so pack snacks and water just in case. I had a great experience hiking Kareri Lake Trek from Delhi and I hope that if you’re considering it, you go for it!
