There are journeys that test endurance, and then there are those that feed the soul. Our trek to Kara Lake was a perfect blend of both—an odyssey through towering Himalayan peaks, verdant meadows, and pristine alpine landscapes. Accompanied by my friend Joban and his relative Jashan – a young chap new to trekking, this adventure etched memories that will linger forever in our heart.

The Journey Begins: Chandigarh to Wangtu

Our journey commenced on the night of October 15, 2024, as we departed from the Sector 43 – Bus Stand in Chandigarh. With backpacks loaded and spirits high, we set out on the first leg of our expedition. By dawn, we arrived in the bustling town of Shimla, where the crisp morning air embraced us at 5:00 AM. After a short break, we hopped on another bus heading toward Rampur, where the mesmerizing Himalayan foothills began unveiling their grandeur.

From Rampur, our adventure took another turn as we boarded a bus to the quaint village of Wangtu, where we finally arrived at 5:30 PM on October 16. The exhaustion of the long journey melted away in the face of the adventure ahead. Our trek organizer, Sh. Dharmender Negi (9805961512), had meticulously crafted the itinerary, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience. The total trek cost per person came to Rs. 13,255, covering everything from transport to stay in home stay, camps, sleeping bags, meals, potters, cab and last but not the least fresh Himalayan apples of Kinnaur.

Day 1: Wangtu to Mulling – Into the Heart of the Himalayas

At 8:00 AM on October 17, we embarked on our journey into the untamed wilderness, the crisp mountain air awakening our senses with its refreshing embrace. On the way at Wangtu, we witnessed the segregation of apples—a fascinating process that highlighted the region’s rich apple orchards. Stacks of freshly harvested apples, glistening in shades of deep red and golden yellow, were carefully sorted based on their size, color, and quality. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of ripe apples, blending seamlessly with the crisp mountain breeze. It was a mesmerizing sight—a glimpse into the hard work and dedication behind Himachal’s famous apple industry.

We then moved towards our destination and the trail unfolded like a storybook, weaving through dense pine forests where sunlight filtered through the towering trees, casting golden patches on the forest floor. The gentle murmur of hidden streams accompanied our footsteps, their crystal-clear waters tumbling over moss-covered rocks. As we ventured deeper, we crossed streams and wooden bridges, each one a gateway leading us further into nature’s untouched sanctuary.

The landscape was nothing short of breathtaking—an artist’s masterpiece painted with hues of emerald green, earthy browns, and the endless blue of the sky. For kilometers, we trekked over massive boulders, carefully navigating rocky stretches that tested our endurance, only to be rewarded with serene meadows where wildflowers swayed gently in the mountain breeze. Coniferous trees stood like ancient sentinels, their needles whispering secrets of the Himalayas. At every turn, the scenery changed, offering a fresh perspective of nature’s grandeur—rolling valleys, cascading streams, and rugged cliffs that seemed to touch the heavens. The farther we walked, the deeper we felt connected to the raw, unfiltered beauty of the mountains, a world so pristine and powerful that it left us utterly spellbound.

The trail ahead promised an adventure through some of the most pristine landscapes of the Himalayas, and it did not disappoint. The initial stretch of the trek took us through dense coniferous forests, where towering pine and deodar trees stood like ancient sentinels, their needles whispering secrets of the mountains. The scent of fresh earth and pine resin filled the air, invigorating our senses as we climbed higher.

The Bhabha River, a stunning shade of aqua blue, accompanied us throughout our journey, its crystal-clear waters carving through deep gorges and cascading over smooth boulders. At times, the river roared with untamed power, crashing against the valley walls, while in other moments, it flowed gently, reflecting the endless sky above. Crossing rustic wooden bridges over the river was both thrilling and mesmerizing, as the sound of rushing water beneath our feet reminded us of nature’s raw, unrelenting force.

As we ascended, the landscape gradually transformed—dense forests gave way to vast, open meadows. Towering snow-clad mountains loomed in the distance, their icy peaks gleaming under the sun, standing as silent guardians over the valley. The sight of these rugged peaks, combined with the serene presence of the Bhabha River, made the trek feel like stepping into a dream.

After several hours of trekking through rocky trails, river crossings, and gentle slopes, we finally arrived at Mulling at around 1:30 PM after five and a half hours of trekking, our first campsite. Nestled in a lush green valley surrounded by mountains, Mulling was nothing short of a paradise. The Bhabha River, now calmer, flowed gracefully beside the campsite, its aqua-blue waters shimmering in the fading light of the afternoon. The breathtaking scenery, with the Himalayan giants towering around us and the river whispering its ancient song, made us forget all our exhaustion. As we set up camp and took in the beauty of our surroundings, we knew this was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

The Mulling campsite is a breathtaking paradise where nature unveils its most enchanting wonders. As we strolled , we were instantly captivated by the surreal beauty surrounding us. Towering snow-capped mountains stood like silent guardians, their majestic peaks kissed by the golden hues of the afternoon sun. The valley stretched wide, adorned with lush green brown meadows that felt like nature’s own carpet, inviting us to pause and soak in the serenity.

Flowing gracefully through this pristine landscape, Bhabha River crystal-clear waters reflected the sky like a shimmering mirror. The river meandered through the valley, its gentle ripples creating a soothing melody that blended seamlessly with the whispers of the mountain breeze. At times, the water rushed over smooth stones, forming tiny cascades that glistened under the sunlight. The air was filled with the crisp scent of pine and fresh earth, making every breath feel rejuvenating.

The Mulling trek, typically covered in 5-6 hours, is considered one of the more challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh. What makes this trek truly exhilarating is its ever-changing landscape—every turn unveils a new terrain, from dense pine forests and gushing streams to vast meadows and rocky moraines. This unpredictability, while breathtaking, also presents formidable challenges that test a trekker’s endurance, agility, and skill.

Due to its demanding nature, this trek is best suited for experienced trekkers who are well-prepared for steep ascents, uneven trails, and occasional river crossings. The rugged Himalayan terrain requires proper trekking gear, with sturdy trekking shoes being an absolute necessity for grip and stability. Additionally, carrying the right equipment, including trekking poles, layered clothing, and essential supplies, is crucial to tackling the trek safely and comfortably.

Mulling’s lush green and brown meadows stretched infinitely, kissed by the golden hues of the afternoon sun. The place felt like something out of a dream—a sanctuary where nature painted its finest masterpiece. Our knees were hurting badly & we were exhausted and thirsty. There was no pit shop there but just one source to quench our thirst and that was the ice chilled stream running by. We filled our bottles with it, and quenched our thirst. We laid down on the meadows for hours enjoying the abode of nature, listening to neighing of horses, the gushing sound of the stream and birds chirping. It was a heavenly feeling to see the snow capped mountains and tall coniferous tress & above all finally accomplishing the trek. We didn’t realize when we had gone off to a sound sleep, lying down on the meadows when our guide Dharmender Negi came and woke us up and asked for the lunch.

The meal felt nothing short of a royal feast in the heart of the wilderness. We were served steaming hot rice and dal, their comforting aroma blending with the fresh mountain breeze. Alongside, there was a serving of sabzi (vegetable curry), crispy papad, and tangy pickle, adding a burst of flavor to our meal. The warm food was a welcome delight against the cool mountain air, each bite replenishing our energy and lifting our spirits.

Sitting on the soft grass with the majestic Himalayas towering above us and the pristine Bhabha River glistening under the afternoon sun, the experience of eating amidst nature’s grandeur was truly special. The combination of good food, fresh air, and breathtaking scenery made our lunch at Rejuvenated and satisfied, we stretched out on the meadows, basking in the warmth of the sun, letting the beauty of Mulling seep into our souls.

We pitched our tents to spend the night there before heading for Kara lake the next day. It’s just not possible to cover Kara lake the very same day as the trek is a tedious and challenging one. As the sun dipped behind the towering peaks, casting golden hues across the Mulling meadows, we settled into our cozy campsite, eager to embrace the wilderness. The crisp mountain air carried the aroma of our evening meal—simple yet delicious, a feast made all the more satisfying by the day’s trek. As darkness blanketed the valley, we huddled inside our tents, playing cards under the flickering glow of our torches, sharing laughter and stories that echoed into the stillness of the night. The true magic, however, lay above us—a vast expanse of sky adorned with a million shimmering stars, their celestial glow mirrored in the glacial streams nearby. We took turns capturing the spectacle with our cameras, each shot a testament to the untouched beauty of the Himalayas. Wrapped in the warmth of friendship and the embrace of nature, we drifted into a peaceful slumber, dreaming of the adventures yet to come. We finally called it a day and retired for the night under a starlit sky.

Day 2: Mulling to Kara Lake Via Neugal – The Jewel of the Himalayas

October 18 began with an invigorating trek toward Neugal camp site, a segment enroute Kara lake that tested our endurance yet rewarded us with spellbinding landscapes. We got up the next morning early to head forth to Neugal camp site which was around 4 kms ahead but seemed like eternity for me when I started it off. We trekked fast to make it early to Neugal so that we can have our lunch and have some rest and finally trek to Kara lake and back all the way to Neugal camp site and explore that area also.

The journey from Mulling to Neugal was a true test of endurance, with the trail winding through steep slopes, dense verdant forests, and rugged rocky paths that demanded both agility and determination.

As we ascended higher, the crisp mountain air grew thinner, but the breathtaking scenery around us fueled our spirits. Towering pine trees swayed gently in the wind, their whispers blending with the distant gushing of glacial streams. By around 2:00 PM, we reached the Neugal campsite, we collapsed onto the soft grass, basking in the warm embrace of the afternoon sun while relishing a well-earned snack. Nearby, we spotted the revered Bhojpatra trees, their ancient bark a reminder of the sacred texts of the Ramayana, once inscribed upon them.

Amidst the vast open meadows and towering Himalayan peaks, our horses (porters) found their own moment of respite. As we rested and soaked in the golden warmth of the afternoon sun, they grazed peacefully on the lush green grass, their silhouettes blending into the breathtaking landscape. Watching them roam freely against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and whispering pine trees was a sight to behold—a perfect harmony between nature and the untamed spirit of the mountains.

We settled into our campsite at Neugal, surrounded by the untouched wilderness of the Himalayas. The cool mountain breeze carried the fresh scent of pine, while the distant murmur of a flowing stream added to the serenity of the evening. Exhausted yet exhilarated , we relished a sumptuous lunch, each bite warming us against the crisp air.

After a moment of quiet admiration, we resumed our trek, embarking on the final stretch toward the elusive Kara Lake. The trail to Kara Lake was nothing short of a surreal passage into another realm. The path gradually transformed, meadows giving way to barren landscapes as we approached the glacial lake shimmering under the vast Himalayan sky. The sight of Kara Lake—pristine and untouched—left us awestruck, its still waters mirroring the surrounding snow-clad peaks.

Stunning ! the first word that struck our minds after reaching Kara Lake and the view was breath taking. The beauty of it will be captured not just in your eyes but even in your heart and soul for a lifetime. The sight before us was nothing less than ethereal. Encircled by snow-capped mountains, the lake lay still, mirroring the heavens above. The water, crystalline and untouched, reflected the grandeur of the surrounding peaks, creating a spectacle that words fail to describe. It was so windy. Sitting by the shore, gazing at the tranquil expanse, time itself seemed to pause. We breathed in the raw beauty of the place, capturing its essence not just in our cameras but in our souls.

At the end, I felt relieved for having pushed my limits for such a thrilling experience and witnessing the creation of God. I was sitting in the lap of mother nature. It was calm, pleasant, serene and not just this but I found myself in an entirely different world. After soaking in its ethereal beauty, we made our way back to Neugal by evening, where a hearty, sumptuous dinner awaited us. As the evening light began to wane, we retraced our steps back to Neugal, where we settled into our campsite, still enchanted by Kara Lake’s mystical charm.

As darkness enveloped the valley, we gathered around a crackling bonfire, its golden glow flickering against the towering Bhojpatra trees nearby—silent witnesses to centuries of history. The night sky was a spectacle of its own, a canvas dotted with countless stars, their brilliance unhindered by city lights. Wrapped in layers of warmth and camaraderie, we shared stories, laughter, and reflections on the incredible journey we had undertaken. Under the vast celestial dome, with the Himalayas standing as our silent guardians, we drifted into a deep, peaceful slumber, eager for the adventures that awaited. As night descended, we gathered around a crackling bonfire, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows as we shared stories, laughter, and a deep sense of gratitude for the unforgettable adventure.

Day 3: The Descent – Wangtu Bound

On October 19, we bid farewell to the mountains and began our descent back to Wangtu. The return trek, though familiar, held a different charm—perhaps because we now carried with us a newfound reverence for the landscapes that had so warmly embraced us. As we reached Wangtu by evening, the feeling of accomplishment mixed with the bittersweet realization that our adventure was nearing its end.

Back to Civilization: Homeward Bound

The final leg of our journey commenced in the October 19 afternoon, as we boarded a cab back to Chandigarh. The drive through the winding mountain roads felt nostalgic, every bend revealing a glimpse of the terrain we had conquered. By evening around, we reached home, our hearts brimming with memories of an extraordinary adventure.

The Kara Lake trek was not just about traversing landscapes; it was a journey through nature’s untouched splendor, a test of willpower, and a celebration of friendship. From the lush meadows of Mulling to the divine serenity of Kara Lake, every moment was a reminder of the raw, untamed beauty that the Himalayas hold.

If you seek an adventure that tests your spirit, rewards your perseverance, and gifts you moments of pure magic, then the Kara Lake trek awaits. The mountains call—will you answer?