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Dhauladhar 7 Lake Trek(Seven Mirrors of Dhauladhar)

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Price $1870 7 Days
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Dhauladhar 7 Lake Trek(Seven Mirrors of Dhauladhar)

$1870 per person

The Dhauladhar 7 Lake Trek is a challenging and scenic journey through the rugged landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, taking trekkers to seven beautiful alpine lakes nestled in the Dhauladhar Range.

The trek starts from McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama, and passes through dense forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude ridges. With views of snow-capped peaks and remote valleys, the trek’s highlights include pristine lakes such as Kareri Lake, Bhagasu Lake, and the famous Dal Lake. Trekkers also pass through the Guna Devi Temple and local villages, immersing themselves in the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness. The trek, at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters, offers a physically demanding adventure, best suited for experienced trekkers.

According to local legends, the Dhauladhar range is considered the abode of the gods, and the seven lakes are believed to be sacred sites where deities bathe and perform rituals. These mystical waters are said to possess spiritual significance, with the serene surroundings amplifying their divine connection. Local villagers often visit these lakes to offer prayers and seek blessings from the mountain gods, further adding a layer of spirituality to this breathtaking trek.

Each lake – Kareri Lake (2,934 m), Lam Dal (3,800 m), Kali Kund (4,050 m), Nag Dal (4,350 m), Chandra Koop (4,200 m), Sukh Dal (4,200 m), and Dam Ghodi (4,100 m)-holds cultural and spiritual significance for local communities, many of whom believe sages and monks have meditated along their banks for centuries. The full circuit typically takes 6–8 days, covers roughly 60–70 km of trekking, and reaches a maximum altitude of about 4,350m at Nag Dal Lake.

 

Details of the trek:

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Steep ascents, rocky moraines, and occasional snowfields (especially pre‐monsoon) require good fitness and trekking experience
  • Best Season: Mid‐June to mid‐September (post‐monsoon avoids heavy snow), or late September to October when trails are clear and lakes sparkle under crisp skies
  • Starting/Ending Point: Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj, from where you drive to Kareri Village (base of the trek)
  • Permit Requirements: No special permits for Indian nationals; international trekkers need an Inner Line Permit available in McLeod Ganj.

 

Highlight of the Trek:

  • Hidden Alpine Lake (Dhauladhar Lake / Nag Dal) – A serene, lesser-known glacial lake nestled deep in the Dhauladhar range, offering pristine views and solitude.
  • Majestic Dhauladhar Views – Towering snow-covered peaks, sharp granite ridges, and dramatic mountain backdrops throughout the trek.
  • Offbeat Trail & Remote Beauty – Less crowded than popular Himachal treks, it provides raw Himalayan beauty with meadows, shepherd routes, and rocky terrain.
  • Cultural Connection with Gaddi Shepherds – Trail crosses paths with traditional Gaddi herders, giving glimpses into their nomadic mountain lifestyle.
7 Days
16+ Age
1
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Airport Pick-up & Hotel Stay in Delhi
Our representative will receive you at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and transfer you to your hotel in central Delhi. Relax, freshen up, and prepare for your Himalayan journey. Stay: 4/5 star hotel in Delhi Altitude: 216m
2
Day 02: Arrival in Dharmshala – Airport Pick-up & Hotel Stay in Dharmshala
  • Arrival in Dharamshala (by flight)
  • Transfer to hotel, freshen up and relax
  • Mid-morning to Afternoon Sightseeing:
  • War Memorial – A tribute to martyrs with peaceful gardens
  • Dal Lake – Small but serene lake surrounded by deodar trees
  • St. John in the Wilderness Church – Beautiful British-era stone church amidst pine forest
  • HPCA Stadium – One of the world’s most scenic cricket stadiums
  • Tea Gardens of Dharamshala – A quick walk or photo stop
  •  Mcleodganj Visit (upper Dharamshala)
  • Namgyal Monastery – Residence of the Dalai Lama
  • Tibetan Market – Handicrafts, prayer flags, woolens
  • Bhagsunag Temple & Waterfall (if time permits).
  • Overnight Stay: Dharamshala
3
Day 03: Dharamshala → Kareri: (Drive + Trek 10 km, 5–6 hr)
Gain steep elevation to Minkiani Pass (4,050 m) - the technical crux with loose scree and potential snow patches (especially June). Then descend ~250 m to Lam Dal (3,800 m). Above the treeline, the trail cuts across moraines. Watch for melting snow; trekking poles and gaiters are helpful.  On reaching Lam Dal, you’re rewarded with wide panoramic views of the Dhauladhar peaks. Lam Dal is considered one of the holiest lakes in the circuit; camping here puts you at 3,800 m with ringing snowfields Bikat AdventuresHimalaya Shelter. Set up camp on grassy terraces near the lake. Nights can be below freezing; ensure proper insulation.
4
Day 04: Kareri Lake → Lam Dal(Ascent 6 km, 6–7 hr)
Gain steep elevation to Minkiani Pass (4,050 m) - the technical crux with loose scree and potential snow patches (especially June). Then descend ~250 m to Lam Dal (3,800 m). Above the treeline, the trail cuts across moraines. Watch for melting snow; trekking poles and gaiters are helpful.  On reaching Lam Dal, you’re rewarded with wide panoramic views of the Dhauladhar peaks. Lam Dal is considered one of the holiest lakes in the circuit; camping here puts you at 3,800 m with ringing snowfields Bikat AdventuresHimalaya Shelter. Set up camp on grassy terraces near the lake. Nights can be below freezing; ensure proper insulation.
5
Day 05: Lam Dal → Nag Dal (via Kali Kund):(8 km, 7–8 hr)
From Lam Dal, ascend briefly to Kali Kund (4,050 m) - a glacial tarn believed to cleanse pilgrims’ sins. Then continue 2 km to Nag Dal (4,350 m) (the highest lake of the trek). Kali Kund is set on a saddle beneath a glacier tongue; walking distance from Lam Dal takes 2–3 hours. From Kali Kund, approach Nag Dal through loose moraines—the lake sits in a cirque beneath sharp peaks. Nag Dal’s mirrored surface often shows pristine reflections on a clear day. Establish camp on the flat meadows above Nag Dal. Nights become very cold (−5 °C to −10 °C possible); proper sleeping systems and down layers are critical.
6
Day 06: Nag Dal → Chandra Koop (Lake Excursion):(7 km round‐trip, 4–5 hrs.)
Early departure from Nag Dal to Chandra Koop (4,200 m). Trail undulates across glacial moraines and passes near a series of minor tarns. Chandra Koop (Moon Lake) is a semi‐frozen lake set under a snow‐clad ridge; the moraine approach rewards trekkers with expansive vistas of the Dhauladhar’s central spines. Return to Nag Dal by afternoon. Re‐camp at Nag Dal. Use midday snowmelt streams for water. Allow extra time for rest and acclimatization.
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Day 07: Nag Dal → Sukh Dal → Dam Ghodi Lake → Nag Dal:(6 km Loop: 5–6 hrs)
From Nag Dal, traverse east toward Sukh Dal (4,200 m)- a verdant basin housing the third lake. Then descend slightly to Dam Ghodi (4,100 m), the “Horse’s Neck”—a shallow lake held by a natural moraine wall. Loop back to Nag Dal. Sukh Dal’s grassy margins provide excellent photography spots. Dam Ghodi’s turquoise waters are often fed by seepage from Sukh Dal. Return to Nag Dal and pack up early, preparing for descent next morning.
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Day 08: Nag Dal → Kareri Lake(Traverse Minkiani Pass, 12 km, 8–9 hrs)
Retrace back over Kali Kund (4,050 m) to Lam Dal (3,800 m) then ascend to Minkiani Pass (4,050 m). From the pass, descend steeply to Kareri Lake (2,934 m). Enjoy final snowfield traverses on the pass, followed by descending through rods of silver birch and rhododendron. Late afternoon at Kareri Lake is perfect for a warm respite and sharing stories around a campfire. Same campsite as Day 1. Clean gear, rest muscles, and prepare for final descent.
9
Day 09: Kareri Lake → Kareri Village → McLeod Ganj(10 km trek + 30 km drive, 6–7 hrs total)
Leisurely breakfast beside Kareri Lake, then descend 10 km to Kareri Village which is 3–4 hours walking. Continue drive (1.5–2 hours) from Kareri Village back to McLeod Ganj. Final stretch passes quaint Gaddi hamlets, terraced fields, and meets motorable road at Kareri Village. Celebrate trek completion back in McLeod Ganj.
10
Day 10: Buffer / Reserve / Departure Day
  • Certificate
  • Party
  • End of tour

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Accommodation
Meals
Overall
Transport
Value for Money

Inclusion in the Trek Accommodation & Gear
  • High-quality alpine tents (twin sharing basis)
  • Season-rated sleeping bags and insulated sleeping mats
  • All essential camping gear provided and set up by our team
Meals & Hydration
  • All meals included: Nutritious vegetarian breakfast, packed lunch, evening tea/snacks, and hot dinner
  • Boiled or filtered drinking water provided daily
Support Team
  • Experienced trek leader and certified mountain guide
  • Skilled cook and kitchen team
  • Camp helpers and porters/mules for luggage and equipment transport
Transfers
  • Pick-up and drop-off as per the trek itinerary (from base location)
Medical Safety
  • Comprehensive first-aid kit with basic high-altitude medications
  • Oxygen cylinder available for emergency use (on high-altitude treks)
Luggage & Packing
  • Participants need only carry a light daypack with essentials (water bottle, snacks, jacket)
  • Main backpack/duffel (up to 10 kg) will be carried by porters/mules

Exclusions – Not Included in the Trek Package

The following services and expenses are not covered in the trek cost:
  • Travel & Rescue Insurance: All participants are required to carry personal travel and emergency evacuation insuranc    
  • Personal Expenses: Expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery charging, and additional porters/horses if required.   
  • Unexpected Costs: Any expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the itinerary (e.g., weather delays, route changes, natural calamities).                                                                                                                             
  • Town-Based Costs: Any meals, drinks, or accommodation outside the trekking route (in towns or cities) are not included.         
  • Gratuities: Tips for trekking staff, guides, and support crew are not included (though appreciated).                                 
  • Anything Not Mentioned Above: Any services or items not explicitly listed under “Inclusions” are to be considered additional.