This was a college trip — just me and a friend. We squeezed two treks into one trip: the Kareri Lake trek (13 km, overnight at the lake) and the Triund trek (classic ridge camping with sunset views). Both started from McLeodganj. Budget was tight, treks were incredible.
Day 1 — Jaipur to McLeodganj
April 13–14, 2022
Took the 10:20 AM train from Jaipur to Pathankot — Train no. 14661, sleeper tatkal. Cost ₹1,122 for two people.
Reached Pathankot at 3:30 AM the next morning. Waited at the station till 5:00 AM and took the first bus to McLeodganj — ₹200 per person.
Reached our hotel around 10:00 AM. Took a room for ₹1,100/night, freshened up, and rented a scooty for ₹600 for the day.
Afternoon — Exploring Dharamshala
Headed out on the scooty and covered a few spots:
- Kangra Fort — Entry ₹50. One of the oldest forts in India, worth a quick visit.
- Dharamshala Cricket Ground (HPCA Stadium) — Scenic ground surrounded by mountains.
- Tea Garden — Pleasant walk through the tea estates.
- War Memorial — A quiet tribute worth stopping at.
Had dinner and called it a day. Also spoke to a guide for the Kareri Lake trek the next morning.
Day 2 — Kareri Lake Trek (Day 1)
April 15, 2022
Morning — Scooty to Ghera Village
Since getting a pickup from McLeodganj to the trek starting point was expensive, we took the same scooty to Ghera village — about an hour’s ride. The road isn’t risky but watch out for sharp curves. Parked the scooty at the start of the trek where our guide was waiting.
We rented the scooty for 2 days for ₹1,000 (excluding fuel) for the Kareri stretch.
The Trek — 13 km to Kareri Lake
The trek is 13 km long but absolutely worth the hike. The route is beautiful — lush trails through forests and open meadows. There was a bit of snow at that time which made the scenery even more stunning.
We reached Kareri Lake by evening. Clicked some photos at the lake — and then it started raining. Hailstones came down too. Unfortunately, our sleeping bag got a little wet in the process.
Night — Freezing Cold
There were 7 people in our group total, but we only knew each other — the rest were strangers. Three of us shared a tent, but with the wet sleeping bag, I could barely sleep. It was freezing cold — my feet were practically frozen.
But there was a waterfall flowing right beside the tent, and hearing it through the night was oddly wonderful. A miserable but memorable evening.
Trek package included: Snacks, dinner, and next day’s breakfast. Guide cost ₹1,200 per person.
Day 3 — Kareri Lake Trek (Day 2) & Back to McLeodganj
April 16, 2022
Woke up to a sunny, bright morning — a complete contrast to the previous night. Had breakfast and started the trek back around 8:00 AM.
Reached the starting point by about 3:00 PM and rode the scooty back to McLeodganj. Rested for a bit, did some shopping in the market, and ate dinner.
We also talked to an agent for the Triund trek the next day — ₹800 per person (tent, guide, lunch, snacks, and dinner included).
Tip: Book your tent at the top from McLeodganj itself. It’s tough to find one up there, and you’ll get a guide included.
Day 4 — Triund Trek
April 17, 2022
Morning — Bhagsu Waterfall to Triund Top
The trek started at around 10:00 AM from Bhagsu Waterfall, where the guide met us. It was a 3-hour hike to the top. Since we reached fast, we got the best spot for our tent — prime location with unobstructed views.
Afternoon & Evening — The Ridge
Had lunch at the top and rested for a bit. Walked around the ridge, taking in the views. Spent the evening watching the sunset over Dharamshala and McLeodganj from above — one of those moments that sticks with you.
Had dinner, then did some stargazing before going to bed. Another clear Himalayan sky.
Trek package included: Lunch, snacks, and dinner. Cost ₹800 per person.
Day 5 — Descent & Back to Pathankot
April 18, 2022
Woke up early and started walking down since we had a train to catch the same day. Made it back to McLeodganj, took a bus to Pathankot, and boarded our train back to Jaipur. Reached the next morning.
What It Cost (Per Person)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Train: Jaipur → Pathankot (sleeper tatkal, 2 people) | ₹1,122 total (~₹561 each) |
| Bus: Pathankot → McLeodganj | ₹200 |
| Hotel in McLeodganj (per night) | ₹1,100 (split 2 ways = ₹550) |
| Scooty rental (1 day for exploring) | ₹600 (split 2 ways = ₹300) |
| Scooty rental (2 days for Kareri trek) | ₹1,000 (split 2 ways = ₹500) |
| Kangra Fort entry | ₹50 |
| Kareri Lake Trek (guide, food, tent) | ₹1,200 |
| Triund Trek (guide, food, tent) | ₹800 |
| Bus: McLeodganj → Pathankot | ₹200 |
| Return train | ~₹561 |
Note: Food outside trek packages, fuel for scooty, and shopping not included.
Things to Know
- Kareri Lake trek is 13 km — It’s a full day hike. Carry warm layers even if it looks sunny — weather changes fast and hailstones are possible.
- Book Triund tent from McLeodganj — Don’t try to find one at the top. Book through an agent in the market. Guide comes included.
- Scooty to Ghera village saves money — The pickup from McLeodganj to the Kareri trek start is expensive. Ride a scooty instead (~1 hour, watch the curves).
- Sleeping bags can get wet — If it rains or hails at Kareri, your sleeping bag might suffer. Carry a backup or a dry bag if you can.
- Triund is easier than Kareri — 3 hours up, well-marked trail. Good for beginners. Kareri is longer and tougher but more rewarding.
- Reach Triund early — First to arrive gets the best tent spot with the best views.
- Star gazing at both spots — Minimal light pollution. Both Kareri and Triund offer clear night skies.
- Pathankot buses start at 5 AM — If your train arrives late at night, wait at the station and take the first morning bus.
Final Thoughts
Two treks in one trip, both completely different. Kareri Lake was the tougher one — 13 km, snow, hailstones, a wet sleeping bag, and frozen feet. But the lake itself and the waterfall beside the tent made it worth every uncomfortable moment.
Triund was the easier, more picturesque one — the sunset from the ridge, the view of Dharamshala lit up below, and a clear starry sky. It’s the classic Himachal trek for a reason.
If you’re in McLeodganj and can only pick one, do Triund. If you have the time and energy for both, don’t skip Kareri — it’s the kind of trek that gives you a story.
