Minkaini Pass
District Kangra/Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Position - N32 20.385 E76 17.516
Altitude – 4061 metres above MSL
Trail Orientation – South - North
Closest Settlement(s) – Kareri (South), Darkund (North)
If there is one reason you ever need to go to Minkaini Pass, its best coverage of all the Dhauladhar lakes would be it. Starting at Kareri Lake on the South side, the trail leads bang in the middle of the lakes on the North. An hour away from the south base camp at Nigar is Lam Dal, Chanderkup Dal is one and a half. The only lake significantly far is the Nag Dal. If you need a second reason, just go to Kareri Lake and stare north. If the mountain you see reflected in the lake does not appeal to you at once and does not bring out a primitive desire to just conquer it, stop going to the mountains. Add to that the vistas of the high snow filled valley at the back of Dhauladhars with the odd lake thrown in and the picture is complete. The lack of popularity of the route amongst shepherds (which I can understand) and tourists alike (which I cant understand) makes it a silent trail, left all to the trekker who ventures on it.
Each year about 5-6 groups of sheep and 1-2 groups of trekkers cross the pass starting somewhere in late April. The only local use of the trail apart from the shepherds is for the Lam Dal pilgrims.
Trekking to Minkaini Pass:
Its a pass not much ascented. In my 1 year of trekking around Himachal, I have only ever heard of one group of people doing that and they are professional trekking guides. Its a bit of dilemma for me because ever since I first saw it from Kareri Lake, I wanted to do it. The route, like most Dhauladhar trails is an age old shepherd route, though not the most popular one.
The best way to get to Minkaini is to go to Kareri Lake, get captivated by the peak and the pass, go right to the top, climb down on the other side, camp at Kala Chho or Nigar, right next to a lake, go around all the lakes on the other side when there is still snow around and the lakes are all liquid. And if you still have something left in you, come back via the Baleni Pass enjoying a bird's eye view of the high valley and some fantastic vistas of the Pir Panjals. If you have had enough of climbing, go down to the land of the Gaddis towards Bharmour.
The trail is easy on both sides and often has remnants of a path paved for Lam Dal pilgrims. The ascent from Kareri Lake is just about a 1000 metre gain in elevation, the descent towards Nigar is barely 500 metres. Early season in April, there is a possiblity of lots of snow and ice axes and ropes may be needed. Starting May end, most of the snow melts leaving a combination of soft ground and granite to walk on.
I would recommend this for October or early November when there is enough fresh white snow and liquid lakes to make this a stunning landscape. For the route map from Kareri Lake, click here.
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