Seven Sisters Lake Trek (Lam Dal) in Dharamshala
A 5-6 day high-altitude Dhauladhar trek to Lam Dal and the seven sacred glacial lakes, crossing the Gaj and Minkiani passes between Kareri and Darkund.
At a glance
Highlights
- Lam Dal (3,960 m) — the largest of the seven sacred Dhauladhar lakes, holy to Lord Shiva
- The cluster of seven high-altitude glacial lakes of the Dhauladhar
- Two high passes — Gaj Pass (4,140 m) and Minkiani / Mankiani Pass (4,250 m)
- Darkund base camp and the remote upper Dhauladhar
- Finish at Kareri Lake and the descent to Kareri village
- Wild, remote camping far from the day-trek crowds
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Dharamshala → trailhead → Darkund base camp
- Morning pickup and drive to the trailhead.
- Trek up to Darkund — the base camp and first point of the route.
- Set up camp; acclimatisation walk and briefing with the guide.
- Dinner and overnight in tents at Darkund.
Day 2 Darkund → ascent toward the lakes
- Early start, climbing higher into the upper Dhauladhar.
- Steady ascent through alpine meadows and moraine.
- Camp at a high meadow below the pass line; rest and acclimatise.
Day 3 Gaj Pass (4,140 m) → Lam Dal
- Cross the Gaj Pass (4,140 m) — a demanding high-altitude crossing.
- Descend to Lam Dal (3,960 m), the largest of the seven sacred lakes.
- Camp by the lake; evening at the shrine site.
Day 4 Explore the seven sacred glacial lakes
- Day among the cluster of seven Dhauladhar lakes around Lam Dal.
- Time for photography, rest and the sacred lake surroundings.
- Second night camped at altitude near the lakes.
Day 5 Minkiani Pass (4,250 m) → toward Kareri Lake
- Cross the Minkiani / Mankiani Pass (4,250 m) — the highest point of the trek.
- Long descent across ridges toward Kareri Lake.
- Camp near Kareri Lake, the trek's last high checkpoint.
Day 6 Kareri Lake → Kareri village → Dharamshala
- Morning at Kareri Lake, then descend through forest to Kareri village.
- Drive back to Dharamshala.
- Drop-off at your hotel — trek ends. (Schedule can run 5 or 6 days by route and pace.)
What to pack
- Proper high-altitude trekking boots, broken in
- Insulated layers, down jacket, waterproof shell and gloves — it is cold and exposed
- Sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm (high UV, snow glare)
- 2-3 L water capacity, water purification, headlamp and trekking poles
- Personal medical kit; tell us in advance about any conditions
Safety & good to know
- A registered local guide and porters are included — this is not a route to attempt solo
- Real altitude risk above 4,000 m — we build in acclimatisation; ascend slowly and hydrate
- Best window is roughly June to October; passes hold snow outside this and weather turns fast
- Good fitness and some prior trekking experience are strongly recommended
- Mandatory before departure: a Registration Form, a Medical Certificate signed by a registered MBBS doctor, and a signed NOC — we share the formats on booking
The Seven Sisters Lake Trek leads to Lam Dal (Laam Dal), the largest of the seven sacred glacial lakes of the Dhauladhar, set at about 3,960 m (12,990 ft) in the Piura Dhar of Chamba district. The seven lakes are all held sacred to Lord Shiva and draw pilgrims as well as trekkers. This is a serious 5-6 day high-altitude trek that links the range's high passes and lakes: Darkund serves as the base camp and first point of the trek, the route crosses the Gaj Pass (4,140 m) and the Minkiani / Mankiani Pass (4,250 m), takes in the cluster of glacial lakes around Lam Dal, and finishes at Kareri Lake before descending to Kareri village. It rewards fit, experienced walkers with some of the wildest, most remote scenery in the Kangra-Chamba Dhauladhar — run with born-and-raised local guides, porters, camping, permits and transport all arranged.
The Seven Sisters Lake Trek is one of the most rewarding high-altitude treks in the Dhauladhar. Lam Dal (Laam Dal), the largest of the seven sacred glacial lakes, sits at about 3,960 m (12,990 ft) in the Piura Dhar of Chamba district — held sacred to Lord Shiva, as are all seven lakes. This 5-6 day moderate-to-difficult route links the high passes and lakes of the range: Darkund serves as the base camp and the first point of the trek, the trail climbs over the Gaj Pass (4,140 m) and the Minkiani / Mankiani Pass (4,250 m), takes in the cluster of seven glacial lakes around Lam Dal, and finishes at Kareri Lake before descending to Kareri village. It is a serious mountain trek for fit, experienced walkers, run with born-and-raised local guides, porters, camping, permits and transport all arranged.
Frequently asked questions
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