Minkiani Pass and Lam Dal
This pass located at roughly 4300m, is in the Western section of the Dhauladhars. This trek is a very popular passage for the locals to visit the holy Lam Dal (Second largest lake in HImachal) and to cross over into Chamba. Minkiani Pass offers an opportunity to gain views towards the north, where peaks like Sickle Moon (6574 mts) and Brammah (6515m) falling in Kishtwar region of Kashmir are most prominent.Sudden weather change, blizzards and white out conditions are common phenomena at this pass. This is a fine trek passing through innumerable streams, rivulets, deep and dense jungle with rich fauna and flora. Villages along the route are located on steep slopes. The yellow and green terraced fields that interspaced them are a photographer’s delight.
Trek Itinerary
Trek Itinerary
Day-1 - Drive from Dharamshala to Ghera Village
Early morning we leave for Ghera Village, which will take upto 2 hrs. After rest and refreshments, we will trek to Kareri Village which will take another few hours. Upon reaching we can either camp at the nice meadow near the stream or check ourselves in the Forest Guest House which is 10 minutes walk from the camping ground or stay at the nearby home stays.Meals and refreshments would be provided by GharSeBhago team along with bonfire.
Day 2: Kareri Village Camp to Lioti (2450m).
Duration: 4-5 hrs walk
Our today’s trek begins with a steep ascent through dense forest along the Liund river to Liyoti.The trail goes along the river which has to be crossed a number of times over some improvised bridges and boulders. We camp tonight in an open meadow at Liyoti
Day-3 Kareri Village to Kareri Lake
- Today’s walk is not a very long walk. Kareri lake is small mountain lake at the base of Minkani pass. The lake keeps religious significance for the local people who come here on pilgrimage every year. Our tonights camp in an open meadow on the side of the lake with big views of Baleni Pass, Minkani pass and the valley below.
Day 4- Kareri Lake to Minkiani Got over Minkiani Pass
An early start is essential in order to get the views from the pass as it normally gets cloudy by the afternoon. It takes four to five hours to reach the top. Another two hours downhill descend to reach the campsite at MinkIani Got. Overnight in the tents.
DAY 05: MINKIANI GOT – LAMDAL LAKE (3900 MTS.) – MINKIANI GOT (10 KMS.)
Today we do a side excursion to Lamdal Lake which is the biggest lake in the Dhauladhar Mountain Range. The lake is considered a very sacred one as the local Gaddi Tribal People believe that lake is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of September locals come to this lake to take the holy dip in the water of the lake. Back to the campsite for the overnight stay.
DAY 06: MINKIANI GOT – DRAKUND (1800 MTS. / 14 KMS.)
After breakfast descend down the valley along a stream which comes from the lake. It is a long downhill walk until we reach Drakund. Drakund is a very small village comprising of only 4 or 5 houses. Camp near Forest Rest House for the overnight stay.
DAY 07: DRAKUND – DUNALI (10 KMS.)
Today we pass through some of the tribal villages before reaching the road head at Dunali. Trek Ends here. Drive from Dunali to Chamba takes about two hours. Upon arrival at Chamba check into hotel for the overnight stay.
End of Trek
Trek Itinerary
Day-1 - Drive from Dharamshala to Ghera Village
Early morning we leave for Ghera Village, which will take upto 2 hrs. After rest and refreshments, we will trek to Kareri Village which will take another few hours. Upon reaching we can either camp at the nice meadow near the stream or check ourselves in the Forest Guest House which is 10 minutes walk from the camping ground or stay at the nearby home stays.Meals and refreshments would be provided by GharSeBhago team along with bonfire.
Day 2: Kareri Village Camp to Lioti (2450m).
Duration: 4-5 hrs walk
Our today’s trek begins with a steep ascent through dense forest along the Liund river to Liyoti.The trail goes along the river which has to be crossed a number of times over some improvised bridges and boulders. We camp tonight in an open meadow at Liyoti
Day-3 Kareri Village to Kareri Lake
- Today’s walk is not a very long walk. Kareri lake is small mountain lake at the base of Minkani pass. The lake keeps religious significance for the local people who come here on pilgrimage every year. Our tonights camp in an open meadow on the side of the lake with big views of Baleni Pass, Minkani pass and the valley below.
Day 4- Kareri Lake to Minkiani Got over Minkiani Pass
An early start is essential in order to get the views from the pass as it normally gets cloudy by the afternoon. It takes four to five hours to reach the top. Another two hours downhill descend to reach the campsite at MinkIani Got. Overnight in the tents.
DAY 05: MINKIANI GOT – LAMDAL LAKE (3900 MTS.) – MINKIANI GOT (10 KMS.)
Today we do a side excursion to Lamdal Lake which is the biggest lake in the Dhauladhar Mountain Range. The lake is considered a very sacred one as the local Gaddi Tribal People believe that lake is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of September locals come to this lake to take the holy dip in the water of the lake. Back to the campsite for the overnight stay.
DAY 06: MINKIANI GOT – DRAKUND (1800 MTS. / 14 KMS.)
After breakfast descend down the valley along a stream which comes from the lake. It is a long downhill walk until we reach Drakund. Drakund is a very small village comprising of only 4 or 5 houses. Camp near Forest Rest House for the overnight stay.
DAY 07: DRAKUND – DUNALI (10 KMS.)
Today we pass through some of the tribal villages before reaching the road head at Dunali. Trek Ends here. Drive from Dunali to Chamba takes about two hours. Upon arrival at Chamba check into hotel for the overnight stay.
End of Trek
