Kareri Lake trek

Our research lab group a.k.a. Quest lab had gone for a 3 day trek to Kareri Lake near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh in mid May 2022 to beat the heat. It was the first trek of our lab group together and we created some unforgettable memories. We started the trek from Kareri village and climbed half way to the Kareri Lake i.e. about 5 km till Reoti village where we camped for the night. Next day, we reached Kareri Lake and camped there. The third day was the descent to the Kareri village and then back to Delhi. Inspite of a short trek, we experienced a hike through the forests, natural swimming pools with crystal clear water, scenic valleys, lush green meadows, snow - all in the same trek. The best part was to have a water stream flowing along side us for the most part of the trek. The weather was great throughout the trek with the temperatures reaching below 10 degrees Celsius at night. It was so blissful to camp in the valley during full moon nights with no access to electricity. No mobile network either so no distractions whatsoever :). Here are the glimpses of some experiences:

Video introduction to the cast :) The Kareri Lake trek begins!



It seemed like we were entering Jurassic Park! Should we be scared?

Our first stop was near a shack having a natural pool formation. We only dipped our feet in the water but still the water was so cold.



What a beautiful view with handsome people!



The climb was somewhat steep as you can tell from our faces. I was cursing every extra kilo that I was carrying in my backpack. Aur kitna baaki hai :) Can you spot a budding singer among us?



We finally reached Reoti village and got refreshed in the chilling natural pool water. We were initially hesitant to enter the pool but Bavath made it all look really easy. Our hot water needs during Delhi winters would come down for sure.



We enjoyed our remaining time in Reoti with a campfire at night. We roasted some potatoes in the fire which the village lady taught us the tricks of how to make it crunchy to eat without burning it. We played Antakshari with the village folks before retiring to our tents.



Can you see the full moon? Feeling chilly in summers - what a feeling :)

There's our potato!



We will miss Reoti and all the goats and sheep there.





The climb to Kareri Lake from Reoti village was quite scenic and not at all tiring. It was so beautiful that I wished if I could spend more time in such locales. You can see us in Avengers pose, whatever that means. Need to take some style lessons from Saran! Saran can also climb very steep hills very easily.



We reached Kareri Lake finally!



Some of the students got very excited seeing the snow for the first time and they set out to get their hands full with snow. I rested at the temple at the Kareri Lake.

Gulshan the goat and peacock and what not!

The students had so much fun in the snow it seems. Modern day Rishi-Munis meditating in Himalayas!



A beautiful glimpse of the Lake!



We head out to watch the sunset in the meadows next.





On a full moon night, we were literally dancing with the stars! Sonal was expected to be good but it was pleasantly surprising to know this side of Bavath.



How often do you get to sleep and wake up by the stream?



Morning view of the temple and the Lake before we started our descent.



It took us much lesser time in the descent. We took a cab from Kareri village for Pathankot where we had an overnight train to take us back to Delhi.