Holding Hands For Kareri Lake Trek- Memories of The Trek Cleanup Drive

There are treks that thrill, and then there are treks that transform.
Kareri Lake wasn’t just a destination – it became a symbol of what we can achieve when we walk hand in hand, united by purpose.This trek wasn’t just about reaching the lake nestled in the Dhauladhars.
It was about leaving every trail cleaner than we found it, every heart fuller than it was before.

From the first breath of mountain air to the last piece of trash picked up, we were a team – strangers turned companions, volunteers turned changemakers.

Day 01: Journey towards Kareri

The journey towards Kareri Lake was splendid, almost too good to be true. My adventure began on May 16, 2024, at 7 AM, departing from Chandigarh with Nikhil. We were traveling to Kareri Lake as part of the Trek Cleanup Drive organized by Scoutripper, with Nikhil and me as the organizers. The 4 to 5-hour car ride took us to McLeodganj, where we spent some time with Shafana, our Trek Cleanup Drive volunteer.

In McLeodganj, we visited St. John’s Church, a beautiful and serene spot. Afterward, we went to the Four Seasons Café to celebrate Shafana’s (our TCD Volunteer) birthday with cake and coffee. By 2 PM, we continued our journey to Kareri Village, which is about 51 kilometers from McLeodganj. The drive was filled with many happy moments. The off-road path to Kareri Village was a bit rough, but the breathtaking views on both sides of the road kept our spirits high. The mountains, the river flowing beneath the road, and the bridges all added to our excitement as we approached Kareri Village.

By 4:30 PM, we reached the beautiful Kareri Village. The landscape was incredibly photogenic, with snow-capped mountains and vibrant flowers enhancing our spirits. Our homestay for the Kareri Trek offered a stunning view of the mountain range from the window, making it a perfect place to rest and prepare for the trek ahead.

In the evening, we visited the campsite and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Afterward, we went to Ravi Bhayia’s house, a local in Kareri Village, where we had a delightful dinner. After the meal, we returned to our room, feeling content and ready for the next day’s adventure. We were eager to begin the cleanup drive and contribute to preserving the natural beauty of Kareri Lake.

Day 02: A Day for Preparation and Starting Something Good

We woke up to the mesmerizing sight of the mountain ranges bathed in the soft morning light. Our day began at a charming local café run by the villagers,  named “Outside the World.” There, we savored delicious parathas with steaming cups of tea, setting a perfect tone for the day ahead. The air was filled with excitement as we started preparing for the event.

Our next stop was the campsite, where we busily arranged everything for our volunteers. As we were setting up, a gentle rain began to fall, adding a peaceful and relaxing ambiance to our preparations. The soothing sound of raindrops created a serene atmosphere, making our tasks feel even more rewarding. By the afternoon, we went to the stream below the camp, where we spent some quality time appreciating the peaceful surroundings. The sound of flowing water and the lush greenery provided a perfect backdrop for our brief respite.

At 5 PM, our volunteers started to arrive, each bringing their energy and enthusiasm. We introduced ourselves, shared stories, and bonded over cups of tea and snacks. The sense of community and shared purpose was appreciable. As the evening approached, we set up a bonfire and gathered around its warm glow. We shared ideas about environmental protection and discussed our plans for the cleanup drive. The combination of the crackling fire, the starry sky, and the towering mountains created a magical ambiance.

We ended the day with a delicious dinner, enjoying the spectacular view of the stars and the majestic mountain ranges. Day 2 was the beginning of a marvelous journey, filled with camaraderie, purpose, and a shared commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Kareri Lake. The anticipation of what lay ahead made it clear that we were embarking on something truly special.

Day 03: Trekking for a Good Cause 

The morning at the campsite was a symphony of nature’s beauty, with the sweet voices of birds and the soothing sound of the river flowing nearby. By 8 AM, everyone had freshened up and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. Under the guidance of our volunteer, Sanskar, we did some warm-up exercises to prepare for the trek ahead. Afterward, we distributed trekking equipment to all our volunteers.

Together, we made our way to the Nolli Bridge. After crossing this bridge, there was no network, making this trek a true digital detox journey. 

The initial part of the journey seemed easy, but the path soon became steeper. After trekking for 1.5 hours, we reached a small waterfall where our volunteers took a well-deserved rest before continuing towards the Kareri Lake camp. During the trek, we split into two groups: one led by our local guide, Ravi, and his assistant, and the other under Nikhil’s guidance. In our group, we had two volunteers over the age of 60, so we decided to trek slowly and carefully to avoid any casualties. Despite the cautious pace, we enjoyed every moment.

The trek’s beauty was simply breathtaking—sub-tropical pine trees, small waterfalls, natural pools, sheep crossings, green paths, and rugged rocky terrain. Along the way, we encountered rain, which forced us to take shelter in a small shack. We made omelets and tea, which rejuvenated us and added to the camaraderie. We also took photos to capture these lasting memories.

By 8 PM, we reached the campsite, having overcome all the obstacles along the path. We celebrated our arrival with a comforting meal of Maggi, reflecting on the day’s achievements and the natural wonders we had experienced. This day was a testament to our dedication to the cause and the beauty of the journey itself.

Day 04: Hold hands for Nature

Day 4 was the actual day of the cleanup drive. Kareri Lake camp was the most beautiful camp I’ve ever visited, with a super fresh and clean breeze. I could see the stunning mountain ranges and the flowing river from the camp. By 7 in the morning, we decided to trek to Kareri Lake.

The beauty of the place was breathtaking, but unfortunately, some areas around the lake were littered with plastic bottles, glass, and plastic covers. Determined to restore its pristine beauty, our volunteers and I gathered to clean up the waste. We managed to collect around four garbage bags full of litter from the lakeside.

After the cleanup, we returned to the camp, had breakfast, and packed our things to head back to Kareri Village. As we descended, we continued to collect plastic waste along the way, chatting and helping each other. The descent was more challenging than the ascent due to the steep, sloping nature of the path. We advised everyone to be careful while descending.

We stopped at one point to rest and enjoy the beauty of the water stream. One of our volunteers even took a refreshing nap. We cracked jokes, crossed bridges, and connected as we made our way to the exit of the Kareri Lake trek.

Back at the camp in Kareri Village, we spent some quality time taking photographs and relishing the accomplishment of our cleanup drive. As a team, we distributed certificates and bid a warm goodbye to everyone. This day was not just about cleaning up; it was about bonding over a shared purpose and making a tangible difference in preserving the natural beauty of Kareri Lake.

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