Nag Dal Trek

🏔️ Nag Dal Trek Itinerary – 3 Nights / 4 Days

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Max Altitude: ~13,000 ft

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Distance: ~32 km

Best Time: May to October

📍Day 1 – McLeod Ganj ➝ Kareri Village ➝ Rioti Camp

1. Start Point: McLeod Ganj (Drive to Kareri, ~1.5 hrs)
2. Trek Begins: Kareri Village (6,500 ft)
3. Route: Forest trails alongside Nyund stream
4. Terrain: Dense deodar forests, small wooden bridges, and gentle slopes
5. Highlights:
6. Scenic walk through pine forests and tribal villages
7. Camp near the stream at Rioti (8,500 ft)
8. Stay: Tents at Rioti
9. Meals: Packed lunch, evening tea, dinner

📍Day 2 – Rioti ➝ Kareri Lake

1. Trek Distance: ~6 km
2. Altitude Gain: 8,500 ft ➝ 9,650 ft
3. Duration: 4–5 hrs
4. Route: Alpine meadows, boulder crossings, and snow patches (early season)
5. Highlights:
6. Reach the pristine Kareri Lake, nestled beneath Minkiani Pass
7. Temple of Lord Shiva at lakeside
8. Panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range
9. Stay: Camp near Kareri Lake
10. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

📍Day 3 – Kareri Lake ➝ Nag Dal ➝ Return to Kareri Lake

1. Trek Distance: ~9–10 km round trip
2. Altitude: ~13,000 ft (Nag Dal)
3. Duration: 6–7 hrs (moderate to strenuous)
4. Route: Steep climb along glacial trails and ridges
5. Highlights:
6. Explore the sacred high-altitude Nag Dal (Serpent Lake), associated with local mythology
7. Stunning views of Baleni Pass, Minkiani Pass and the valley below
8. Return to Kareri Lake by evening
9. Stay: Camp at Kareri Lake
10. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

📍Day 4 – Kareri Lake ➝ Kareri Village ➝ McLeod Ganj

1. Trek Distance: ~10 km descent
2. Duration: 3–4 hrs
3. Route: Retrace trail through pine forests and streams
4. Highlights:
5. Final trek through scenic forest terrain
6. Drive back to McLeod Ganj
7. End Point: McLeod Ganj by afternoon
8. Meals: Breakfast

✅ Inclusions:

1. Tented accommodation (3 nights)
2. All meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 breakfast
3. Experienced local trek guides
4. Camping gear & safety equipment
5. Forest permits and entry fees

🌟 Trek Highlights – Nag Dal Trek

✅ Sacred Alpine Lakes

Visit the spiritually revered Kareri Lake and Nag Dal, believed to be associated with Lord Shiva and local serpent deity mythology.

✅ Panoramic Views

Uninterrupted vistas of the Dhauladhar Range, including Minkiani Pass, Baleni Pass, and glacier-fed ridges.

✅ Rich Flora & Fauna

Trek through vibrant rhododendron and pine forests, alpine meadows, and freshwater streams teeming with Himalayan life.

✅ Cultural Exposure

Walk past traditional Gaddi shepherd villages and experience the serene rhythm of remote Himachal.

✅ High-Altitude Adventure

Reach an elevation of ~13,000 ft, ideal for trekkers seeking a challenging yet scenic route without technical climbing.

✅ Offbeat & Less Crowded

Unlike Triund or Indrahar, the Nag Dal route is tranquil and untouched, perfect for nature seekers.

🎒 Packing List – Essentials for Nag Dal Trek

Clothing:

1. 2–3 Quick-dry T-shirts (layering)
2. 1 Warm fleece / sweater
3. 1 Down / padded jacket (for cold nights)
4. 2 Trek pants (quick-dry, full length)
5. Thermals (top & bottom) – 1 set
6. Poncho / Rain jacket
7. Woolen cap + Sun cap
8. Lightweight gloves
9. Extra undergarments & socks (4 pairs)

Footwear:

1. Good quality trekking shoes (ankle-high, water-resistant)
2. Slippers / floaters (for campsite)

Gear:

1. 20–30L backpack (with rain cover)
2. Water bottles (2L total capacity)
3. Headlamp / Torch (with extra batteries)
4. Trekking poles (optional but helpful)

Personal Essentials:

1. Sunglasses (UV protected)
2. Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
3. Lip balm
4. Wet wipes / hand sanitizer
5. Quick-dry towel
6. Small personal first aid kit (include Diamox, ORS, basic meds)
7. Power bank
8. ID proof (original & photocopy)

Optional:

1. Energy bars, trail mix, dry fruits
2. Lightweight camera / GoPro
3. Notebook & pen (for journaling)