Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek

Take part in the Dhauladhar Secret Lakes Trek and uncover seven unexplored lakes hidden between Dhauladhar ridges in Himachal Pradesh. Your adventure starts by trekking to Kareri Lake on day 1, before ascending 4000m Minkiani Pass leading to Lam Dal. As these lakes hold great significance for residents camping beyond Lam Dal is strictly prohibited; instead, a day trip is taken the following day to visit all five other lakes which offer stunning views from Dhauladhar ranges, Pir Panjal ranges as well as Punjab plains on both ends – on return you travel over Minkiani Pass before finishing up at Kareri Lake on day 2.

Itinerary for Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek

Day 1: Dharamshala towards Kareri Lake (3000 m) via Kareri Village – 30 km Drive, 10 km Trek.

Start your day right by rising early at Dharamshal, then quickly hopping onto your vehicle for the short ride to Kareri Village trek head. Thereafter, enjoy an enjoyable trek that winds its way along a tranquil stream while passing beautiful oak and rhododendron trees and leads eventually to your campsite beside peaceful Kareri Lake.

Day 2: Kareri Lake to Nagar Lake (3700 m) via Minkiani Pass (4050 m) 6-km Trek.

Today we will take the hilly journey up to Minkiani Pass for breathtaking views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges as well as Punjab plains. Once at the pass, we descend towards Lam Dal Lake which holds sacred significance before setting up camp here for the evening.

Day 3: Nagar Dal to Chandrakup Lake (4200 meters) by Lam Dal and Kali Kund for 11 kilometers.

Start your day right by embarking on an excursion from Nagar Dal to explore five tranquil lakes, culminating with Chandrakup Lake as both the final and highest lake. While trekking, we will pass by Lam Dal, Kali Kund, and two additional unnamed lakes before making our return journey to our campsite in Nagar Dal for the night.

Day 4: Nagar Dal to Kareri Village via Minkiani Pass – 15 km.

Today we’ll return to Minkiani Pass but this time in the opposite direction before descending to Kareri village and driving through Dhala, where our trek ends.

Trek Highlights of Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek

• Discover many hidden glacial lakes such as Nag Dal Kali Kund, Lam Dal, and Chanderkup Lake, located deep within the Dhauladhar range at elevations exceeding 4,500 meters.
• Trek at a higher elevation, which is less often visited by tourists. Therefore, this offers the perfect chance to witness an unspoiled Himalayan landscape and culture.
• Remote trek route that features glaciers, moraines, rocky ridges, and meadows.
• Lakes near the Gaddi tribes and local shepherds in this region are believed to be sacred sites, drawing tourists during Lam Dal Yatra each August.
• Stargazing can be an ethereal experience due to its quiet surroundings and sheer magnitude.

How To Reach Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek

By Road: Buses traveling overnight depart for Delhi, Chandigarh, and Pathankot.

By Air: Kangra Airport (Gaggal), located approximately 20km away, is the nearest airport from Dharamshala.

By Train: Pathankot station is the nearest major railhead; then take an auto-bus or taxi service from there to Dharamshala (90 kilometers away).

Drive to Kareri Village (Trek Start Point). Hire an auto or shared jeep from McLeod Ganj to Kareri Village (approx. 26km, 1.5 hours away). From here, our journey begins.

Best Time to Visit Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek

When planning to visit the Dhauladhar Hidden Lakes Trek, the ideal time of year is between mid-June and late September when snow has mostly melted away, alpine treks have opened, and weather conditions remain stable.