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Minkiani Pass Trek Overview
Quick Facts of Minkiani Pass Trek
Maximum altitude: 4343 m
Grade: Moderate
Duration: 4 days/ 3 Nights
Trekking distance: 48 km
Rail head: Dharamshala Railway Station
Airport: Gaggal Airport
Snow Season: January and February
Service from: McLeodganj
Base camp: McLeodganj
Best season: December to April
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Minkiani Pass Trek Itinerary
Arrival in McLeodganj
Arrive from your home towns to the meeting point which is at McLeodganj and check into your hotels to freshen up before embarking on your Minkiani Pass Trek.
Take refreshments at the hotel and set out on your trek by first heading to Kareri village along an easy trail through dense forests of pine trees.
Stop awhile on the trail to enjoy your packed lunch and a little rest in the shade of the trees.
You will pass through several small villages on this 5-hour trek where you can also stop by to interact with the local villagers.
Reach the campsite in Kareri Village by sundown where you can have dinner and rest for the night.
Kareri Village to Kareri Lake (12 km/9625 feet)
Start the second day on your Minkiani Pass trek itinerary with a wholesome breakfast before setting off on your trail that begins with a narrow path between green mountains and a narrow gorge.
Witness an exotic and diverse flora along the way until the density slowly begins to diminish as you gain height.
Find yourself on a rocky stretch of the trail that takes you alongside a river and only fir and spruce trees for vegetation.
Enjoy spectacular views of the Baleni Pass, Minkiani Pass and a valley below and find a nice picnic spot to enjoy your packed lunch.
Once you reach the campsite after the 4 hours’ trek, have a sumptuous dinner and rest for the night.
Kareri Lake – Minkiani Pass – Kareri Lake (9.5 km/13,943 feet)
Begin your day with a healthy and filling breakfast as you prepare to embark on the most challenging stretch of your Minkiani Pass Trek all the way to the summit of Minkiani Pass at an altitude of around 14000 feet above sea level.
You will trek almost 4.5 km to reach the peak and the same distance to come back to your campsite.
Once at the top, delight in the exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and snow covered peaks.
Spend the night in your camps by the Kareri Lake, a scenic and serene spot where you can capture some memorable photos as well.
Kareri Lake to Kareri Village to McLeodganj
Start your trek from Kareri Lake on the final day alongside a gushing river.
Once you make some descent you will soon start having the dense vegetation and lush green forests of deodar and pine trees back in sight.
Once you reach the Kareri Village, you will find a jeep awaiting you to drive you back to McLeodganj.
Set off on the drive back which brings you to the end of the Minkiani Pass and Kareri Lake Trek.
What to Pack for Minkiani Pass Trek?
- Warm fleece and woolen jackets
- Windproof jacket preferably with a hood.
- 3 collared and full sleeved T-shirts.
- Trekking pants with zippered pockets.
- Thermal inner wear particularly for the nights
- Woolen cap, woolen gloves, woolen socks for the night
- 3 to 4 pairs of regular socks
- Sun hat or cap with neck cover to protect from the sun
- Raincoat / poncho.
- Warm fleece and woolen jackets
- Windproof jacket preferably with a hood.
- 3 collared and full sleeved T-shirts.
- Trekking pants with zippered pockets.
- Thermal inner wear particularly for the nights
- Woolen cap, woolen gloves, woolen socks for the night
- 3 to 4 pairs of regular socks
- Sun hat or cap with neck cover to protect from the sun
- Raincoat / poncho
- UV protected sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizers
- Toiletries
- Cutlery
- Lightweight floaters or sandals
- At least two water bottles of 1 liter each
- Light snacks such as dry fruits, granola bars, chocolates, energy drink powder
- Lightweight towel
- Insect repellant
- Rescription medicines
- ORS / electrolytes
- Pain relief spray
- Band aids
- Bandages and crepe bandages
- Medicines for fever
- Medicines for pain
- Medicines for indigestion
- Medicines for altitude sickness
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Anti-fungal powder and cream
Know Before You Go for Minkiani Pass Trek
You have to first reach McLeodganj from where you will set off on your Minkiani Pass Trek and there are several ways to reach McLeodganj.
- By Air
The nearest airport to McLeodganj is the Gaggal Airport which is about 20 km from the main town. You can avail one of the few flights that operate here from different parts of the country or take a flight to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and a connecting flight to McLeodganj from there. Once at the airport, you can take a bus or taxi service to reach McLeodganj in 30 minutes.
- By Road
There are several AC, deluxe and non-deluxe buses for McLeodganj operated by the HRTC that you can take from Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Dehradun, Pathankot or Dharamshala. The distance from Delhi to Pathankot is about 500 km that can be covered in approximately 13 hours.
- By Train
The nearest railway station to McLeodganj is at Pathankot which is almost 100 km away. It is well connected by direct trains from most of the major cities across the country such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jammu Tawi, Amritsar, Tatanagar, Durg and Haridwar. Once at the station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach McLeodganj.
The Minkiani trek is a moderately challenging one, which is still considerably untapped. You can make the most of this breathtaking trail and make it extremely memorable by following a few simple tips.
Carry your camera along with extra batteries as this trek is an extremely scenic one and you will come across several photo worthy points.
Plan for your Minkiani Pass trek in April because this is when you will enjoy the best views and have the most pleasant weather ideal for the journey.
Carry quick dry T-shirts and pants as opposed to cotton that tend to soak in sweat and not dry easily.
Get into a fitness regime at least a month before the scheduled date of your trek and work on your level of stamina. You can do this by completing a distance of 5 km in 35 minutes or less at the beginning and go up to 10 km in 60 minutes or less before you begin the trek.
Carry all your prescription medicines.
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FAQs of Minkiani Pass Trek
Where is the Minkiani pass trek located?
The Minkiani Pass trek lies on the Dhauladhar range in the Kangra district of McLeodganj in Himachal Pradesh. The pass is situated at an altitude of almost 4343 meters above the sea level.
How difficult is the Minkiani pass trek?
The Minkiani Pass trek is considered a moderate to challenging one with some steep climbs, rocky trails, and tricky stretches. It has an altitude of almost 14,000 feet above sea level and is not recommended for beginner level trekkers.
What is the best time to do the Minkiani Pass trek?
The best time of the year to do the trek is between the months of December and April. The Minkiani Pass Trek in April has the most pleasant weather, is ideal for the journey, and you can enjoy some of the best views during this time.
What is the highest altitude of the Minkiani pass trek?
The highest altitude of the Minkiani pass trek is about 14,107 feet above sea level that you can reach after trekking for about 50 km. The trek starts from the village of Kareri and takes you past the Kareri lake all the way to the very summit from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Pirpanjai and Zanskar ranges.
Treks in Ladakh & Kashmir