Overview
Minkiani Pass is located on the crest of Dhauladhar near Dharamshala and lies on an old connection between Kangra Valley and Chamba/Bharmour. Most operators do an out and back trip from Kareri Village with Kareri Lake as the high camp, not crossing to the other side of the pass. The trail goes through the Nyund valley following chir pines and broad leaf forests to boulder strewn grasslands leading to Kareri Lake at approximately 9,650 feet. From here the ascent to Minkiani Pass is around 4.5 km of steep terrain of rocks, scree and snow patches, depending on the month of the year. Reports of the altitude of Minkiani Pass vary from 4,000 m to 4,250 m.
An average itinerary is four days – two days to Kareri Lake, one for reaching Minkiani Pass and returning and one for descending down to Kareri Village. The pass day is strenuous with a round trip of 9-10 km. The weather conditions may make you return. District Administration of Kangra has banned trekking beyond 3,000 m and you need to get prior approval of the Superintendent of Police for access on routes like Kareri.
Highlights
- Minikiani Pass crossing
- Kareri Lake
- Forest approach
- Views across Kangra
- Chamba-side descent
- Traditional pastoral landscapes
Trek Details
Seasons
Departure Cities
Terrain
Itinerary
- 1
Dharamshala/McLeodganj to Reoti (Liyoti)
Drive about 25 km to Kareri Village (around 2 hours), then trek to the camp at Reoti, also written Revti, Liyoti or Rioti. The walk is steep in places and takes roughly 4–6 hours, climbing from about 5,900 ft to about 8,000 ft.
- 2
Liyoti to Kareri Lake
Follow the Nyund stream upstream over rocky, sometimes narrow ground to the lake at about 9,650 ft. Operators quote roughly 6–7 km and 4–6 hours. The lake is the base for the pass.
- 3
Kareri Lake to Minkiani Pass and back
Start early. The climb to the pass is about 4.5 km one way, steep over rock and scree, with possible snow. Operators quote about 9–10 km round trip and 6–8 hours including time at the top. Turn back if weather closes in; permissions can be revoked on a weather alert. Overnight stay: Camping at Kareri Lake.
- 4
Kareri Lake to Kareri Village, drive to Dharamshala/McLeodganj
Descend about 13 km along the stream in roughly 4–6 hours, then drive back (around 2 hours). Allow time at the end and avoid tight same-day onward travel.
Things to Carry
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