INCREDIBLE HIMALAYAS

Mc Leodgunj Minikiani Trek Chamba

The Trek Altitude - 4250m A pleasant, moderately strenuous trek of 5-6 days across the Dhauladhar; 3 nice lakes en route. Best period: 20 May to 30 June and 20 August to 10 October.

Duration: 10 Days
All the treks of Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) is connected by 'our coach' with Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar.
Best time to Visit: August to October.

ITINERARY

Day 01:

McLeod Ganj-Kareri village (1870m) 13km Follow the metalled road towards Dharamshala cantonment to reach the small Dal Lake. Now descend steeply on a rocky path for about 1h 30 to a stream and a few tea shops. Cross the stream and climb steeply for 3Km; thereafter the ascent is gradual for 4Km to Kareri village.

Day 02:

Kareri-Kareri Lake (3500m) 13Km - From the resthouse the track turns left and climbs gently along a ridge. Passing through forest for about 3Km the trail meets a stream. Without crossing it, turn right and climb through dense woods for 4Km until coming to the Kareri Nala that issues from the lake. Follow it upstream for 6-7Km to the lake; small temple and many shepherds' stone huts on meadows round the lake. Unoccupied huts can be used for overnight [the route for Baleni Pass (3765m) forcks left (NNW) from here].

Day 03:

Kareri Lake-Mikiani Pass-Minikiani Got (3500m) 8Km - The lake is situated right below the pass and several snow gullies can be seen sweeping down from the ridge. Aim for the extreme left gully, or ask a local shepherd for directions. During June and later the best way is well defined. The approach heads up slippery grass slopes then (usually) soft snow, and may take 4-5h to cover the 4Km to the top. The last part lies through a big maze of boulders and the top of the pass is strewn with them. The other side is less rough; tread right then bear left to reach Minikiani Got below in 3-4Km. A few huts and rock shelters here.

Day 04:

Minikiani Got-Lam Dal and back 6Km - Diversion. Lam Dal lies 3Km E of Minikiani Got and the way lies over large boulders. The lake is held to be sacred by local people. About 3Km above this lake is another called Nag Dal (3960m) and beyond it yet another called Chanderkup (4260m). From the latter one can reach Laka Pass further E (qv).

Day 05:

Minikiani Got-Drakund (1860m) 15Km - From Minikiani Got traverse a few snow slopes NW then follow the left bank of Donali Nala downstream. After 7Km the trail crosses the Nala and reaches Gaddi Got in another 3-4Km. Now follow a rough track along the right bank and re cross the stream. The last stretch of 2Km goes through dense woods until arriving at Drakund camps this is a two roomed building with a separate kitchen pleasantly situated in an apple orchid, with the Donali Nala flowing 100m below.

Day 06:

Drakund-Dunali (1200m) 17km - The trail passes through Drakund village, crosses the Nala and descends along the right bank to reach donali; a few hamlets and tea shops along the way. On the main Chamba-Brahmaur road, Donali is a small settlement with a few eating shops. Chamba is 28Km W and Brahmaur 37Km E (buses).