OVER VIEW –
The trek to Baleni pass and Kareri Lake is one of most beautiful yet unexplored trekking destinations in Himachal. A captivating journey filled with the lush green fauna of the region, perennial flowers, deep gorges and ravines along-with with stunning landscapes, flowing streams, glacial lakes and more.
Mesmerizing views of the Chamba pass and the Pir Panjal range are a treat to witness from the top of the Baleni pass. The Kareri lake is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, which is a freshwater lake situated in the majestic Dhauladhar range. The landscape is home to dense conifer forests, beautiful grasslands and stunning views of sunrise over the mountains. The Baleni pass is situated at an altitude of 3700 meters that roughly translates to 12,139 feet.
It is an easy trek that is perfect for beginners and amateur trekkers and also one of the best options to introduce oneself to high altitude trekking. This trek can also be taken up by family groups and does not have age restrictions.
The Baleni pass and Kaleri lake trek is an apt choice to introduce your child to the Himalayas and high altitude trekking. It enables children to spend time in the outdoor and get a much needed detox from technology and gadgets while they stay in camps in the lap of nature.
Our team has been operating in the region for the past many years and has maintained a hundred percent safety record.
Is this a good trek for children?
Trek to Baleni pass and Kareri lake is a beginner friendly trek that is apt for children of 7 years of age and above. This trek is can be done by anyone with no prior experience of trekking or camping. It is one of best options to expose children to the wilderness and introduce them to the Himalayas and high altitude trekking.
Can I accompany my child on this trek?
The Baleni pass trek is a parent – child trek. We recommend that at least one parent / guardian accompanies the child on this journey. Since this trek is beginner friendly and does not require any prior trekking or camping experience, it is absolutely perfect for parents to accompany their child.
The upper age limit for the trek is between the bracket of 58 – 65 years.
How to get to Dharamsala?
There are three ways to reach Dharamshala which are the following:
(1) Fly from your hometown to Delhi and another flight from Delhi to Dharamshala
(2) Fly from your hometown to Chandigarh and drive for 6.5 Hrs to Dharamshala.
(3) Fly from your hometown to Amritsar and drive for 5 Hrs to Dharamshala
Note : Cab transport can be arranged on actuals.
Where does this trek start from?
The baleni pass & kareri Lake starts from and ends at Salli, a small village in Himachal. Salli is approximately at a distance of 45 kms from the hotel in Dharamshala where you will be staying.
From your hotel to Dharamshala, our team will arrange for your travel to the start of this trek point, which will be a 1 hour 25 minutes drive.
Trek highlights –
Trek Duration: 5 N/6 D (Dharamshala to Dharamshala)
Grade: Easy
Region: Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 9650 ft
Trek Distance: Approx. 12 to 15 kms
Temperature: 5°C to 18°C
Detailed Itinerary –
Day 1: Arrival at Dharamshala.
Our team will receive the group at Dharamsala Airport or bus stand and transfer to a hotel/guest house in Dharamshala. The pick-ups are in groups and hence may involve some waiting time. The mode of travel will by Tempo traveler/innova depending on the size of the group. We spend our first night in a hotel/guest house in Dharamsala.
Day 2: Pick up from Hotel in Dharamshala and trek to Chandrella Dhar. (Drive for 2 hours, Trek 4-5 hours, 8km)
After a morning breakfast & briefing, we will drive to the start point of the trek. Our trek staff will load the backpacks and we will start the trek to our first campsite at Chandrella Dhar. It’s a pleasant walk through a thick forest and Pine trees. We pass through some beautiful meadows and get a chance to see the village life in Himachal Pradesh. Overnight stay in a camp.
Day 3: Trek from Chandrella Dhar to Dhaled camp. (4-5 hours, 5-6km)
We start the trek after a hearty breakfast. We’ll begin by trekking through meadows and from there the trail enters into a forest. After walking through the forest there is gradual ascent, as you trek alongside a beautiful Stream and pass through various bridges. The campsite will be pitched in the heart of the alpine grasslands. The children will learn about basics of camping.
Day 4: Day Trip to Kareli Lake
We will hike up to the base of the Kareri Lake and come back to camp by late afternoon. Our team will conduct Adventure activities & Bon fire in the evening.
Day 5: Trek from Dhaled to the road head at the village & drive back to the Hotel.
Waking up with the sounds of nature, after breakfast we will start our journey back to the road head. It’s a gradual descent all the way through the forest and shortly after, we will be at the roadhead near the village. We will organize the transfer back to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 6: Drive to the Dharamsala airport/bus stand in respective groups.
Early in the morning, we’ll start our journey back to civilization and Adventure Pulse representatives will drop you at the airport or bus stand in groups for your departures .
Cost Inclusions –
- Senior & Experienced Guides & 1 assistant guide.
- 2 nights hotel/guest house and 3
- Helpers & Porters to carry bags.
- High-Quality hygiene & Safety at the campsite.
- All meals cooked with Fresh Vegetables sourced from Local villages prepared by our Local Himachali Chef.
- Spacious A shape tents on a double sharing basis.
- Foam mattress & Sleeping bags .
- First Aid Kit.
- All permits.
- All ground transport .
Cost Exclusions –
- Tips to staff
- Tent on Single supplement
- Bottles water or beverages
- Personal Insurance.
- Any extra cost incurred in case someone is not able to finish the trek & wants to come back Mid ways.
Physical fitness preparation for the trek –
As the Kareri Lake Trek is an easy to moderate trek, a 6-week fitness plan is ideal to prepare for the trek.
- Week 1 & 2: Develop a habit of getting up early in the morning and run/brisk walk for a minimum 2 – 3 km, at least 3 – 4 days a week. This would represent 20 – 25 minutes of cardio. Also, avoid taking elevators and start using the stairs instead. To start with, climb 3 – 4 floors each day to make your thigh muscles strong. If running is not your thing, you can cycle for about 20 minutes or swim for about 500 m, at least 4 times a week.
- Week 3 & 4: Being consistent with your exercise during week 1, increase your distance to 3– 4 km and 4 times a week. Children also need to spend time playing sports and being physically active and maintain the tempo of week 1 & 2.
- Week 5 & 6: Strength & Endurance. After successfully following the schedule for the first 4 weeks, 20 min exercises like – Squats, Jumping Jack, climbing stairs will be helpful.
What to pack for the trek?
The Baleni pass & Kareri Lake Trek is an easy trek with pleasant temperatures. There are chances of occasional rain depending on the weather conditions. Day-time temperatures can range from 15 °C to 18 °C and at night 0 °C . We recommend the following accessories and clothing for the trek:
Apparels:
- Sports Shoes with good grip OR Trekking Shoes (*only if available; preferably up to the ankle length and water-resistant)
- Multiple pairs of Cotton and Woolen socks (at least 2/3 pairs of each)
- Track Pants/Trousers for comfortable trekking, Denims to be avoided. (At least 2)
- Thermal inners and Sweater/warm Sweatshirt (1 each)
- Cotton T-shirts (3 minimum)
- Waterproof Jacket/Windcheater
- Warm Thermal jacket/Fleece Jacket
- 1 Sun Cap + at least 1 Woolen Cap
- Pair of warm hand gloves (Inner and outer)
Accessories:
- Rucksack/Duffel bag (No Suitcases) for the main luggage
- A small Day Back Pack (School bag/laptop bag can also work) to be used while trekking
- Drinking-Water Bottle 1 Litre
- A small lunchbox + 1 spoon
- Hand Torch/Headlamp + Batteries
- Cold Cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Chap-stick/Vaseline
- Personal toiletries (Tooth Paste/Toilet Paper/Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes etc).
- Any personal medication (Individual specific).
- High energy snacks like Dry fruits, Bars of Chocolate, Tang, Glucose etc
- Good Quality Sunshades
- Sunblock (SPF40+)
FAQ’s
1. Where is Kareri Lake located?
Kareri Lake is located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of about 2,950 meters in Kangra district. The Kareri Village is about 27 km from Dharamshala and 13 km from McLeod Ganj.
2. My child has never trekked before; is it suitable for him/her?
Yes, the Kareri Lake Trek is perfect for beginners and children as young as 6. The trek is an easy level trek with minimal altitude gain and is the perfect opportunity to introduce your child to the wonders of nature and trekking. A prior preparation of about 5-6 weeks is required.
3. What time will the trek start?
On Day 1, The vehicle will pick you up from your Hotel at 7:30 am. Request you to be ready with your daypack (carried by you) and your main backpack (to be loaded on mules).
During the trek, the guides will brief about next days plan every evening before dinner.
4. What kind of terrain, weather conditions are expected on the trek?
The entire trek route consists of mountain trails, forest, meadows, streams and some part of boulder/rocky terrain. The trail is moreover defined and it doesn’t involve any kind of difficult sections or technical climbing using ropes or other equipment.
This trek can be done round the year. In Summer (March to May), the weather is pleasant and there is a low chance of rains as the maximum altitude is close to 3000 meters. Day-time temperatures can range from 15 °C to 20 °C and at night about 02-5 degrees.
5. What kind of meals will be provided during the trek?
There will be freshly cooked meals; breakfast (Bread Omelet, Paratha, Puri Bhajii, Muesli, Corn Flakes etc), Lunch and Dinner provided during the trek which will be a mix of Indian food (Roti-Sabji, Tarkari, Daal Rice etc). We will also organize evening snacks and refreshments. Our cooks are very experienced and will be happy to entertain any particular requests kids may have for meals. All the meals are served in the common dining area/tent.
6. What will be the camp setup?
There will be sleeping tents on double sharing basis with a warm mattress and sleeping bag. A dining table where the meals will be served. There will be 3 toilet tents. A kitchen tent will be set up by the staff for them to cook the meals.
7. How much weight will the mules carry?
You need to carry your small daypack during the trek. (With your water bottle, a jacket and some trail snacks)
For the main luggage, 5kg is allowed per participant. Since it’s only 3 nights of stay on the trek, we recommend that 2 people combine a bag instead of individual small small bags. A family of three can have a combined bag with weight no more than 15kg.
8. What are the communication systems available during the trek?
Mostly all network works in Dharamshala and Mcleod Ganj. However, there is no stable network available in Kareri Vilage and almost no network once you start the trek.
9. What are the provisions for any kind of medical emergency?
Our Trek Leaders and support staffs are certified in first aid as well as experienced in dealing with altitude sickness related issues. Although, it’s an easy trek and there are almost zero chance of any medical situations, in case of any emergency, we are equipped to provide first aid and medical assistance. Our team will daily monitor the fitness of the participants and give attention to safety of the kids at all times. We will be carrying a comprehensive medical kit with medicines like Diamox (for high-altitude sickness), Combiflam/Brufen (pain killer), and generic medicines for stomach ache, bandages, Dettol etc. We will also carry an Oxymeter to monitor oxygen saturation levels in case some one is not feeling well.
10. What will be the support staff during the trek?
There will be 3 experienced guide and 1 assistant guide with the group. Apart from this there will be a cook, helpers and a mule caravan to carry the luggage.
About the company
- Run by Mount Everest and Mount Amadablam Summiteers – Sauraj Jhingan & Samir Patham .
- Have taken the youngest boy from India – 6 yrs old, youngest girl from India – 7 yrs old to the highest trek in the world – The Everest Base Camp Trek.
- Hold the record of taking the largest contingent of school Kids (25) to the Everest Base Camp from Bishop’s School, Pune.
- The only company to take India’s first School expedition to the highest peak in Africa – Mt Kilimanjaro in 2019.
- Have taken a group of 25 children from Pine Grove school to Everest Base camp, with 100% safety and summit record.
- Winners to the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award 2020, 2021 & 2022.
Contact us : +91-7823857531
Email : [email protected]
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