Lam Dal or Laam Dal is a high altitude lake located in Piura Dhar of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated 45 km from the town of Chamba at an elevation of about 3,960 metres (12,990 ft) above the sea level. Lama Dal lake is held sacred to Lord Shiva. It is part of holy pilgrimage that is held in July/August based on Hindu calendar.
Kareri Lake is situated just 3 km (air distance) south west. This lake is a moderate/advance trekking destination accessible via Ghera (road accessible) - Kareri - Kareri Lake and also via Mcleod Gung (road accessible) - Truid - Bagga trail.
Mcleod Ganj to Rawa drive by jeep. From Rawa the route heads up to Bagga on a shepherd trail and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach Bagga. This place is located on a ridge and has a place to pitch the tents. A sarai is being constructed by the people to help the pilgrimage for an overnight stay at this place. Water can be had from a close by stream. There is thin vegetation around this place. Bagga offers panoramic views of the valley below and of the plains as well. O/N Stay at Tents.
It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Lamdal Lake from Bagga.A trek is being developed for the pilgrimage who visit Lamdal Lake. This is the shortest route to Lamdal and Gag Pass but very steep and arduous.Gag pass is located to the left side of the Bhim ghasutri Pass.
The climb is precipitous and demanding but negotiable.From the pass it takes only 30 Min to descend down to Lamdal Lake.The lake is the biggest in the hierarchy of mountain lakes in the Dhauladhar range. O/N Stay in a Tents.
After Lamdal we start trek to Kareri Lake after cross the Minkiani Pass 4250 meter. Kareri Lake is a small Gaddi Shelter with a small pond known as Sati Kund. O/N Camp at Kareri Lake.
After breakfast we start trek downhill to Kareri Village.The trail is covered with mixed forest Afternoon we reach at Kareri Village on the road head side.After having a lunch at Kareri Village we drive to Dharamshala. TREK ENDS.
Transport Options (Delhi – Mcleod ganj – Delhi)
For travel to Mcleod ganj and back one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is the Gaggal DHM, also known as Kangra Airport, or Dharamshala Airport and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Indigo, Alliance Air , Spice Jet.
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Mcleodganj that cost about Rs. 1200- 1500 per person. These buses depart from Majnu ka tilla every 30 mins. or so and take about 12 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details
Summer in Mcleod ganj extends from March to June when the temperature variation is recorded to be ranging between 23°c and 27°c. Mercury sometimes reaches up to 38°c but never goes beyond that. During winters the temperature can drop to -1° and the maximum temperature hardly goes up to 20°c.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications
It’s a moderate trek, suitable for those with a decent fitness level. Some rocky sections and altitude gain can be challenging, but no technical climbing is required.
Depending on the starting point and pace, it takes around 4 to 6 days. A popular route is via Kareri Lake, which adds to the scenic experience.
It’s highly recommended to take a local guide, especially since trails can be confusing and weather conditions unpredictable.
The lake is situated at an altitude of around 3,960 meters (13,000 feet).
There are no hotels or lodges on the trail. Most nights are spent camping, and homestays may be available in base villages like Kareri or Ghera.