Detailed Route
Minkiani Pass Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A high-impact 4-day circuit starting from Dharamshala, using Kareri Lake as a base camp for a 12-hour push to the Minkiani Pass summit notch.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
4 Days
Total Distance
37 KM
Max Altitude
14,100 FT
Trek Type
circuit
Altitude Profile
👆 Interactive Route: Tap map to explore segment insights
Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Dharamshala DFO / Kareri checkpoint
Documents
Aadhar/Passport
Foreign Nationals
No restrictions.
Foreigner Process
Standard forest division pass.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Drive Dharamshala to Kareri Village & Trek to Reoti
A short drive gets you to the trailhead. Walk through pleasant oak and rhododendron forests parallel to the Nyund river. Camp halfway up to the lake at Reoti to aid acclimatization.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Reoti to Kareri Lake (Minkiani Base Camp)
A short, steep push brings you out of the tree line and onto the massive alpine meadows surrounding the glacial Kareri Lake. Spend the afternoon resting. Minkiani Pass looms menacingly directly above you.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Summit Minkiani Pass (14,000 ft) and Return to Kareri Lake
Start at 4 AM. The climb is a brutal, unrelenting scramble up massive granite boulders and scree slopes. At the impossibly narrow summit ridge, you gaze deep into the Chamba valleys. Descend carefully back to the lake.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Kareri Lake back to Kareri Village & Drive to Dharamshala
A rapid, continuous descent covering two days worth of ascent in a single go. Arrive at Kareri Village in the afternoon and drive back to McLeodganj/Dharamshala.
Key Landmarks
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Chamba Crossover
+2 DaysInstead of turning back, drop down the Chamba side of the pass and trek through the Seven Lakes (Lama Dal) exiting at Dunali.
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This encyclopedia entry for Minkiani Pass Trek is curated from a mix of public survey records, first-hand climber accounts, and official permit logs. However, mountains are dynamic. If you have been on this route recently and noticed a change in terrain, water availability, or local regulations, we want to hear from you.
Community Vetted
Last Verified: May 2026
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