- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- FAQ
The Dhauladhar Mountain Trek is a breathtaking 7-day journey through the heart of Himachal Pradesh, offering a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and spirituality. Starting from McLeod Ganj, this scenic trek takes you through dense pine and rhododendron forests, past the tranquil Kareri Lake, the sacred Guna Devi Temple, and up to the stunning Triund Ridge. Along the way, you’ll witness panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range, visit remote Himalayan villages, and camp under star-lit skies. Ideal for trekkers seeking an immersive experience, this circuit trek combines moderate trails with rich cultural and natural beauty — a must-do for anyone exploring the mountains of Dharamshala.
🗺️ Dhauladhar Mountain Trek – Outline
1. Introduction
- Trek name: Dhauladhar Mountain Trek – Kareri Lake to Triund
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Starting Point: McLeod Ganj
- Ending Point: McLeod Ganj
- Trek difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: April–June & September–November
2. Overview Paragraph
- Summary of the trek
- Key highlights (Kareri Lake, Guna Devi Temple, Triund, Lahesh Cave)
- Blend of nature, adventure, and spirituality
- Internal links for SEO
3. Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: McLeod Ganj to Kareri Village (via Dal Lake, Ghera)
- Day 2: Kareri Village to Kareri Lake
- Day 3: Kareri Lake to Bagga Campsite
- Day 4: Bagga to Guna Devi Temple
- Day 5: Guna Devi Temple to Triund via Balh Village
- Day 6: Triund to Lahesh Cave and return
- Day 7: Triund to McLeod Ganj via Galu Devi Temple & Dharamkot
4. Trek Information at a Glance
- Total distance
- Max altitude (Lahesh Cave – 3500m)
- Difficulty level
- Trail type (circuit)
- Best season
- Fitness requirement
5. Includes & Excludes
- ✅ What’s included (meals, guides, camping, permits, etc.)
- ❌ What’s not included (personal expenses, gear, insurance, etc.)
6. Pricing Name
- Package title: Dhauladhar Mountain Trek – 7 Days All-Inclusive Package
- Optional: Per person cost / group discounts
7. Excerpt
- A short hand-crafted summary for use in the theme layout or blog listing
8. FAQs
- Suitability for beginners
- Weather conditions
- Gear requirements
- Safety
9. Internal Links
Itineraries
Day 01
McLeod Ganj to Kareri Village (13 km | 1800m)
Begin your trek from McLeod Ganj, home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The path winds through the picturesque Dal Lake and deodar forests to Ghera village. After crossing the Gaj River, climb gradually to the serene Kareri Village, offering panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range.
Highlights:
- Dal Lake, deodar and rhododendron forests
- Hanging bridge at Ghera
- Himalayan village views
Day 02
Kareri Village to Kareri Lake (13 km | 3200m)
Follow a gentle ascent along a glacial stream to Kareri Lake, an alpine jewel nestled below towering snow-clad peaks. The lake is surrounded by meadows, wildflowers, and conifer forests.
Highlights:
- Stunning high-altitude lake
- Campsite with Dhauladhar backdrop
- Wild flora and peaceful setting
Day 03
Kareri Lake to Bagga Campsite (4–5 hrs | 2900m)
Descend from Kareri Lake and trek along forested ridges to reach Bagga, a remote ridge-top campsite. The area is sparsely vegetated but provides spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
Highlights:
- Ridge walk and forest trail
- Isolated campsite
- Views of Gaj Pass
Day 04
Bagga to Guna Devi Temple (5–6 hrs | 2320m)
Hike down to the sacred Guna Devi Temple, an important pilgrimage site for local Gaddi shepherds. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the temple sits amidst thick forests and offers spiritual and cultural immersion.
Highlights:
- Spiritual atmosphere
- Gaddi shepherds’ culture
- Forested trails
Day 05
Guna Devi to Triund via Balh Village (5–6 hrs | 2875m)
From Guna Devi, ascend through Balh village and Galu Temple to reach the iconic Triund Ridge. This popular campsite offers unmatched views of Kangra Valley and glittering Dharamshala at night.
Highlights:
- Sunset over Kangra Valley
- Views of Dhauladhar peaks
- Night camping under stars
Day 06
Triund to Lahesh Cave & Back (10 km | 3500m)
Take a day hike to Lahesh Cave, a natural shelter used by shepherds and trekkers near Indrahar Pass. The trail gradually climbs through alpine meadows, ending at the rocky cave at 3500m.
Highlights:
- Illaqua Gote and alpine terrain
- Lahesh Cave experience
- Dhauladhar up close
Day 07
Triund to McLeod Ganj via Galu Devi & Dharamkot
Descend through oak forests and pass Galu Devi Temple and Dharamkot village before reaching McLeod Ganj. The final stretch is a reflective walk through forest and peaceful mountain life.
Highlights:
- Final views of snow peaks
- Village trails
- Back to civilization
✅ Includes
- ✔️ Accommodation in tents on twin/triple sharing basis
- ✔️ All vegetarian meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- ✔️ Experienced local guide and support staff
- ✔️ Camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat
- ✔️ Forest permits and necessary entry fees
- ✔️ First aid kit and oxygen cylinder (if required)
- ✔️ Mules/porters for carrying common equipment
- ✔️ Transportation (as per package from McLeod Ganj, if opted)
❌ Excludes
- ❌ Travel to/from McLeod Ganj
- ❌ Personal trekking gear (shoes, jackets, backpacks)
- ❌ Any meals or snacks not mentioned above
- ❌ Personal expenses (laundry, tips, phone calls, etc.)
- ❌ Insurance – travel, medical or evacuation
- ❌ Emergency rescue or evacuation costs
- ❌ Anything not specifically mentioned in the ‘Includes’ section
Yes, this trek is suitable for beginners with a basic level of fitness. The route includes gradual ascents and well-defined trails, making it a great introduction to multi-day Himalayan trekking.
The best months are April to June and September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the views of the Dhauladhar range are at their best.
The highest point is Lahesh Cave at 3,500 meters. Most of the trail remains between 1,800 to 3,200 meters, making altitude gain gradual and manageable.
At higher camps like Kareri Lake, Triund, and Lahesh Cave, temperatures can drop to 0°C to 5°C at night. Warm layers and sleeping bags are essential.
Accommodation is in high-quality alpine tents on a twin or triple sharing basis, with sleeping bags and mats included.
Basic toilet tents are provided at campsites. However, facilities are limited in remote areas, and trekkers should be prepared for basic conditions.
Yes, the route is safe and frequently used by trekkers and local shepherds. Our guides are experienced, and safety measures like first aid kits and oxygen are carried on all treks.
Essentials include:
• Trekking shoes
• Warm layers & waterproof jacket
• Personal medicines
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen & sunglasses
(A full packing list can be provided on booking.)
Yes, forest permits are required and included in your package cost. We take care of all necessary documentation and permissions.
Early exits are possible in case of emergencies, but may involve additional transport costs. Our team will assist you as needed with safety as a priority.
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