Kara Lake is a captivating high-altitude lake in the Bhaba Valley of the Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3,550 meters (11,650 feet), this serene lake is a hidden gem offering breathtaking scenery and a tranquil escape for nature lovers and trekkers. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and alpine meadows, the lake remains frozen for most of the year and is accessible only during the summer. Kara Lake Trek is a must do trek if you are a trekking enthusaost and are in Kinnair.
Location and Accessibility
District – Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Valley – Bhaba Valley, known for its stunning landscapes, lush green meadows, and the Bhaba River.
Starting Point for Trek – The most common base for trekking to Kara Lake is Kafnu, a charming hamlet in Kinnaur.
Kara Lake Trek Overview
Trek Duration: 4–5 days (from Lippa and back)
Trek Distance: ~28–30 km (one way)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Best Season: Mid-May to September
Altitude Gain: Starts at ~2,800 m (Lippa) to ~4,560 m (Kara Lake)
Kara Lake Trek Details
The trek to Kara Lake typically takes around 2 to 3 days. The trail passes through dense forests of conifers, charming meadows strewn with wildflowers, and alongside the gushing Bhaba River. The terrain varies from gradual ascents to steeper sections, making it a moderate to challenging trek. The key campsites along the way often include Mulling, before reaching Kara Lake.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to undertake the Kara Lake trek is from May to October, offering pleasant weather and clear views. The monsoon season (July-August) can also be considered as the valley becomes exceptionally green with blooming flowers, although it may involve more rain.
Detailed Itinerary from Delhi
Day 1: Delhi to Reckong Peo (via Shimla)
Start early morning from Delhi. Overnight stay at Reckong Peo or Kalpa, which offers excellent views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. The distance from Delhi to Rekong Peo is approximately 570 km.
Day 2: Reckong Peo to Lippa Village (Base Camp)
Distance: 50 km (2–3 hrs drive). Explore Lippa – a charming Kinnauri village with ancient Buddhist monasteries and apple orchards. Overnight stay in tents or a local homestay in Lippa.
Day 3: Lippa to Soobling Meadow (Camp 1)
The trek starts from Lippa and ascends through dense forests and rhododendron groves. Reach Soobling Meadow (~3,500 m), a scenic campsite with views of forested valleys. Trek Duration: 5–6 hrs. Camp overnight in tents.
Day 4: Soobling to Kara Lake (Summit Day)
Trek ascends steeply across alpine meadows and moraines. Reach Kara Lake – a serene, high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by majestic peaks. Spend time exploring the lake and its surroundings. Set up camp near the lake or descend to Soobling for the night (depending on weather).
Day 5: Kara Lake to Lippa and Drive to Kalpa/Reckong Peo
Retrace your steps to Lippa Village (6–7 hrs trek). Drive back to Kalpa or Reckong Peo by evening.
Stay overnight.
Day 6: Reckong Peo to Delhi
Start early and return via Shimla or take an overnight Volvo from Shimla.
How to Reach Kara Lake from Delhi
By Road
Delhi → Shimla (345 km) – Via NH44 and NH5 (8–9 hrs by car/bus). There are private as well as HRTC buses plying between Delhi and Shimla and even from Delhi to Rekong Peo direct. One can check from the Bus booking apps like RedBus, AbhiBus etc.
Shimla → Reckong Peo (230 km) – Via Rampur, Jeori, and Karcham (8–9 hrs). If you have reached Shimla and intend to take bus from here go directly to the ISBT Shimla and make your inquiries and bookings.
Reckong Peo → Lippa Village (50 km) – Lippa is the base village for the Kara Lake trek.
You can hire a local taxi or take a shared jeep from Reckong Peo to Lippa.
By Train
Delhi → Kalka (via train) – Kalka Shatabdi or Himalayan Queen (5–6 hrs).
Kalka → Shimla – Take the Kalka–Shimla narrow gauge toy train (optional).
Continue by road to Reckong Peo → Lippa.
By Air
Nearest airport: Shimla Airport or Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) – Limited flights. From there, travel by road to Reckong Peo → Lippa.
Features and Highlights of Kara Lake
Scenic Beauty. Kara Lake itself is a small yet mesmerising lake that reflects the surrounding majestic mountains and verdant landscapes, creating a truly picturesque setting.
Tranquil Atmosphere. The remote location of the lake ensures a peaceful and undisturbed environment, perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
Trekking Experience. The journey to Kara Lake is as rewarding as the destination, with diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and river valleys.
Flora and Fauna. The Bhaba Valley is rich in biodiversity, and trekkers may encounter various species of flora and possibly some fauna, including Himalayan wildlife.
Camping & Accommodation
Lippa: Homestays or local guest houses.
On the trek: Campsites at Soobling and Kara Lake. Kara Lake offers a fantastic camping location and experience, with opportunities for stargazing in the clear mountain skies. You can carry your own tents or hire a local guide with camping equipment from Kalpa/Reckong Peo.
Things to Keep in Mind for Kara Lake Trek
Trek Difficulty. The Kara Lake trek is considered moderately challenging and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Altitude. As the lake is at a high altitude, acclimatisation is essential to prevent altitude sickness.
Stay and Food. There are limited accommodation options beyond camping during the trek. It’s crucial to carry necessary trekking gear, food, and water. There are no shops or facilities en route or at the lake.
Permits and Fees. It is always advisable to check for any required permits or entry fees when planning treks to remote areas in the Himalayas. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) may be required here as it’s close to the Indo-Tibet border. This can be obtained from DC Office in Reckong Peo.
Guides. Though not compulsory but hiring a local guide is recommended for safety and to navigate the trails effectively.
Fitness: Moderate to good physical fitness is necessary due to the high altitude.
Mobile Connectivity: Limited beyond Reckong Peo. Carry a BSNL SIM for better chances of connectivity.
Weather: Carry thermal wear, waterproof gear, and good trekking boots. Weather changes quickly at high altitudes.
Supplies: Stock up on essentials in Reckong Peo or Kalpa. No shops beyond Lippa.
To Conclude
The Kara Lake Trek is one of the hidden gems of Kinnaur, offering a blend of adventure, raw Himalayan beauty, and solitude. Its serene beauty and the adventurous trek to reach it make it a unique destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience. Just perfect for trekkers looking to escape the crowds and soak themselves in the wilderness, this trek requires preparation but rewards generously with breathtaking views, peaceful meadows, and a stunning high-altitude lake that remains etched in memory. Combine it with a visit to Kalpa and Lippa for a complete cultural and scenic experience of Kinnaur. It is an ideal offbeat trek for explorers seeking something truly authentic in Himachal Pradesh.
