Himachal Pradesh

Minkiani Pass

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Minkiani Pass Trek: Dhauladhar Range Crossing

The grandeur of the Himalayas in all its glory

Cross the Minkiani Pass. A challenging trek offering spectacular views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. A rewarding high-altitude Himalayan adventure.

48-55km

Total Trekking Distance

4,250m

Highest Altitude

Sep-Oct

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Kareri Lake

The sprawling Kareli Lake at the base of Minkiani Pass offers colour to the stark landscape

Challenging Climb

The climb to the top of the pass requires scrambling to overcome multiple rocky sections

Minkiani Pass

The customary response to reaching the top of the pass is to thank the Gods for safe passage

Scenic Himalayan Mountain Drive

A breathtaking mountain road winding through towering peaks, deep valleys, and untouched Himalayan landscapes

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Minkiani Pass (4,250 m)

Region:

Dhauladhar Range,

6

Day 6 – Drive back to Dharamshala

Drive back through scenic mountain roads to Dharamshala. Arrive by afternoon, marking the end of your Himalayan adventure.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

5

Day 5 – Descend to Kareri Village

Continue descending through meadows and forests, gradually returning to greener landscapes. The trail offers beautiful views throughout the day. Reach Kareri Village and celebrate the completion of your trek.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

4

Day 4 – Cross Minkiani Pass and descend

Begin early to cross Minkiani Pass, the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. The climb is steep, but the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views. After spending time at the top, descend to the campsite on the other side.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

3

Day 3 – Trek from Kareri Lake to Base Camp

Ascend through alpine meadows and rocky terrain as you move towards higher altitudes. The landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic. Reach base camp, located in a remote alpine setting surrounded by towering mountains.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

2

Day 2 – Trek from Kareri Village to Kareri Lake

Start trekking through dense pine forests and alongside flowing mountain streams. The trail gradually ascends deeper into the mountains, offering beautiful views along the way. Reach Kareri Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks. Camp beside the lake.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

1

Day 1 – Drive from Dharamshala to Kareri Village

Begin your journey with a scenic drive through mountain roads, traditional villages, and forested hillsides. The route offers beautiful views of the Kangra Valley and surrounding mountains. Arrive at Kareri Village and settle into your homestay. Spend the evening exploring the peaceful village and preparing for the trek.

As per the itinerary

All meals included

Key Notes

A dramatic high-altitude pass trek offering breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, remote alpine lakes, and untouched wilderness. It is one of the most adventurous and rewarding treks in Himachal Pradesh.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

All meals as per itinerary

Experienced tour leader & local guides

Ground transportation for all scheduled transfers and internal travel

Not Included

Airfare or train tickets to and from the trip start and end points

Personal expenses & tips

Tips & gratuities

Alcoholic beverages

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

At Juniper Outdoor, this journey is thoughtfully crafted for fit beginners and intermediate adventurers who are ready to step beyond the ordinary — seeking a meaningful, immersive outdoor experience that challenges and inspires, without requiring commitment to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Suitable for experienced trekkers and fit beginners looking for a challenging high-altitude pass crossing. Ideal for those seeking remote trails, glacier views, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes

Challenges to Expect

Steep ascents, snow sections near the pass, rugged terrain, and long trekking days make this physically demanding. Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher altitudes.

Fitness Expectations

Good to excellent fitness is required with the ability to trek 6–8 hours daily. Prior trekking experience and endurance training are strongly recommended

FAQs

Can I customize a trip or create a private experience for my group?

Absolutely — custom and private journeys are one of our specialties. Whether it’s a milestone birthday trek, a leadership retreat, a family adventure, or a private Himalayan odyssey with close friends, we’ll co-create the itinerary with you from scratch. You can choose your preferred dates, pace, style of travel (luxury, minimalist, alpine, cultural), and add special touches like local experiences, yoga, photography, or expert-led workshops. Our team handles every detail — permits, logistics, menus, support staff — so you can just focus on the experience. Depending on the group size and region, we can also include glamping setups, private chefs, or curated stays at off-grid homestays. Whether you want to summit a pass in Sikkim or sip salt tea with nomads in Ladakh, we’ll make it happen. Reach out through the “Customized trip format section” on the website, and we’ll begin with a discovery call to design your dream journey.

Can I join a trip solo or do I need to come with a group?

Absolutely— many of our travelers come solo and end up making lifelong friendships on the trail. You don’t need to assemble a group to book with Juniper. Each trip that’s tagged under “community trip or mentor led trip”has fixed departure dates where individuals, couples, or small groups can signup and join a larger group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. We limit group sizes to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience. If you’d prefer a private departure for your family or friends, we can customize the trip to your pace and interests. For solo travelers, we pair you in shared twin accommodation (or offer a single supplement if you’d prefer your own room/tent). Our trips attract thoughtful, adventurous people, and the community vibe is a big part of what makes a Juniper experience special. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your tribe, we’re excited to welcome you.

Do I need travel insurance to join a Juniper Outdoor trip?

Yes — travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal or for trips rated 4 or 5 (difficulty rating), especially those in remote or high-altitude areas. Your policy should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, high-altitude trekking (if applicable), trip cancellation, and baggage loss or delays. While the chances of needing evacuation are rare, in the Himalayas, even minor health issues can require airlift or medical care, which is costly without coverage. We recommend policies from providers familiar with adventure travel, and we’re happy to share a list of trusted options depending on your country of residence. Please read your policy terms carefully and share your insurance details with our team before departure. For international destinations like Nepal or Bhutan, border officials may also ask for proof of insurance. Having the right protection brings peace of mind—for you and for us—so that we can focus on creating an unforgettable experience, not logistics in crisis.

Are your trips environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive?

As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

How do I book a trip with Juniper Outdoor?

Booking with Juniper Outdoor is simple. Once you find a trip that excites you, click the "Contact Us " or “WhatsApp” button on the trip page. This will lead you to a short form that collects your contact information and preferences. Our team will then reach out to you with availability, a brief consultation if needed, and next steps. You can secure your slot by paying a deposit or full amount, after which we’ll send you a detailed pre-departure pack including packing lists, training recommendations (if applicable), and travel tips. We recommend booking at least 4 weeks in advance to secure your spot, especially for treks with limited permits or during peak season. If you're planning a private or custom departure, we’ll guide you through tailoring the experience to your group’s needs. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions before or after booking.

How do I know if a trip matches my fitness level or experience?

Each Juniper Outdoor experience is tagged with a difficulty rating ranging from Easy to Advanced. These ratings account for altitude, terrain, duration and required endurance. On every trip page, we provide a “difficulty rating from 1 to 5” section that outlines the physical requirements. If you’re new to trekking or high-altitude travel, we recommend starting with a low-altitude journey or a short Himalayan escape that includes guided hikes with support staff. Intermediate trekkers can take on multi-day trails like those in Sikkim or Himachal that are rated 1-2 or 3. Advanced travellers can explore high passes, remote basecamps, or winter ascents that are rated 3-4 or 5. If you're unsure, reach out—we’ll evaluate your background and suggest trips that match your goals and experience. Some treks may require preparation or training, and we’re happy to support you with a personalised training plan. The goal is for you to feel confident and ready, no matter your level.

Key Highlights

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