Kareri Village - Kareri Lake - Minikaini Pass - Kareri Lake - Kareri Village
Tucked away in the majestic Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, Minkiani Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that offers raw Himalayan beauty, solitude, and an adventurous trekking experience. Less commercialised than other treks in the region, it is a perfect route for seaso...
Read MoreYou’ll begin your trek by meeting your guide at Kareri Village or near the Nohli Bridge.
The trail leads you into a dense coniferous forest filled with pine, oak, and rhododendron trees, offering a refreshing start to the journey.
Around the halfway point, you’ll reach Reoti, a scenic resting spot where you can pause before continuing onward.
As you get closer to Kareri Lake, the path becomes rockier and more rugged.
Upon arrival, you'll set up camp and spend the night in tents by the tranquil lakeside.
Meals: Dinner
Night: Stay in the tents near Kareri Lake
The day begins with a sunrise breakfast, setting the tone for an adventurous trek ahead.
The trail starts off well-defined, winding through rocky terrain and gradually ascending over 4–5 hours to reach Kareri Base Camp, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
From here, the trail becomes more demanding as you climb toward the Minkiani Pass, navigating steep ascents and taking in sweeping panoramic vistas along the way.
After 6–7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the Minkiani Pass before beginning your descent toward Kareri Lake.
The return journey retraces the same scenic route, revealing new perspectives of the terrain you crossed earlier.
You’ll spend the night camping beside Kareri Lake, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Dhauladhar range.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Night: Stay in the tents near Kareri Lake
Start your day with a stunning sunrise over Kareri Lake, followed by a warm cup of tea and a hearty breakfast by the lakeside.
You’ll then begin your descent back to Kareri Village, retracing your steps along the same enchanting forest trail.
The return journey is easier and quicker, typically taking about half the time it took to ascend.
Upon reaching Kareri Village in the afternoon, you’ll be free to continue on to your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Night: Nil
Dinner (Rice or Roti & Daal or Sabzi)
Breakfast (Bread Omelette or Maggie)
Tea (Morning and Evening)
Tents (sharing basis)
Sleeping Bags or Blankets
Guide
Water Bottles
GST 5%
Entry Fees by the Forest Department
Trek Gears
Medical Expenses
Any costs arising from natural calamities
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Bonfire
Any travel expenses incurred to reach the starting point of the trek
Cancellation Policy
Important things to remember
Things to Carry
The Minkiani Pass Trek is a high-altitude trekking route in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh. It’s often approached via Kareri Lake, offering a mix of alpine meadows, rocky ascents, and panoramic views of snow-clad peaks.
The trek typically covers a distance of around 40–45 km round trip, depending on the route and side explorations (e.g., via Kareri Lake).
The Minkiani Pass is situated at an approximate altitude of 4,250 meters (13,940 feet) above sea level.
Starting from Kareri Village (~1,900 m) and reaching Minkiani Pass (~4,250 m), there is an elevation gain of about 2,300–2,400 meters.
The distance between Kareri Lake and Minkiani Pass is approximately 8 to 10 km one way, depending on trail conditions and weather.
From McLeodganj to Minkiani Pass, the total trekking distance is around 25–30 km one way, typically covered over 2 to 3 days via Kareri Lake.
The trek is rated moderate to difficult, with steep ascents, high elevation, and rough terrain near the pass. It demands good physical fitness, and having prior trekking experience is advisable.