Minkiani Pass Lam Dal Lake Trek 10 Nights / 11 Days Tour
Delhi - Dharamshala - Mcleodganj - Kareri - Minkani pass - Lam Dal - Dankund - Chamba
Trekking Grade :
Minkani Pass is one of the more visited passes in western Dhauladhar. After crossing the Pass we reach Lam Dal, one of the biggest mountain lake in Dhauladhar mountain range. Every year during the month of August and September local people from the foothills of Dhauladhar got on a pilgrimage to Lam Dal and some continue from Lam Dal to Manimahesh Lake in Bharmaur.
Morning: Orientation tour of Dharamsala visiting H.H. Dalai Lama Temple and Tibetan Cultural centre. Afternoon a short walk . Overnight stay in Hotel.
After a short drive for 20 minutes we reach Satobari village, the starting point of our trek. It is downhill walk for two hours from Satobari to Ghera village. At Ghera we cross a small stream over an improvised hanging bridge and continue the walk on a steep ascent for another three hours to Kareri village. Camp near a small stream next to Kareri village.
It is steep ascent through dense forest along the Liund river to Riyoti.The trail goes along the river which has to be crossed a number of times over some improvised bridges. Camp in an open meadow at Riyoti.
This short state is included in order to get acclimatized to the steep increase on the altitude. 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 very often. Camp in an open meadow on the side of the lake. From here you have view of Baleni Pass, Minkani pass and the valley below.
Leave after an early breakfast. It is steep ascent for four to five hours to reach the pass. During premonsoon (May and June) we have to walk on some patches of snow and ice to reach the pass but after June there is no snow on the trail to the pass. From the pass we have good view of the higher mountain on one side and the valley on the other. You descend to the other side of pass.The trail crosses over some a huge glacial moraine to reach the next campsite below Dal Lake.
This day you do not shift your camp go for a side walk to visit Lam Dal, the biggest mountain lake in Dhauladhar. On the way you come across some small lakes. Walk back to Dalli for overnight stay in camp.
It is downhill walk through the alpine pasture full of wild flowers and crossing over small rivers we get to Drakund, the first village in Chamba Valley. Camp here in the middle of the forest near Drakund Village.
After breakfast we walk down to Dunali, the neares road-head in Chamba valley. We come across several other tribal villages. Drive to Chamba town. Check in Hotel. Afternoon explore the historical town of Chamba.
After breakfast drive to Amritsar. Check in Hotel in Amritsar. Afternoon witness the extraordinary joint retreat ceremony of the India and Pakistani guard and Indo-Pakistan board at Wagha. Evening visit the Historical Golden Temple.