A 24-year-old youth died after drowning in a stream while returning from the Kareri Lake trek in Shahpur subdivision of Kangra district.The deceased has been identified as Shashank Aryan, a resident of Raja-Ka-Talab, Nurpur. He was pursuing Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the Institute of Dental Sciences in Paonta Sahib.The police said a group of four-five youths had gone trekking to Kareri Lake on Jattvibeday with a local guide. On Monday, while returning from the trek, the group reached near Half Point Kareri when Shashank insisted on bathing in a nearby stream.Despite repeated warnings from the guide against entering the water due to the strong current, the youth reportedly went into the stream. Soon after stepping into the waters, he got caught in the fast flow and began drowning.On seeing this, the guide and other people accompanying the group rushed to rescue him. After considerable struggle, they managed to pull him out of the water. With the help of local residents and the guide, the youth was rushed to the Regional Hospital, Dharamsala, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.The incident came to light after Vijay Kumar, a resident of Kareri who runs camps in the area, informed the police about the incident on Monday.The police have initiated inquest proceedings.  Kangra Additional Superintendent of Police Bir Bahadur said an investigation was under way.He also appealed to tourists and trekkers to avoid bathing in rivers and mountain streams, particularly in high-altitude areas where water currents can suddenly become dangerous.Officials and local guides have advised visitors undertaking trekking expeditions to strictly follow safety instructions and avoid venturing into streams or waterfalls, even if the water appears calm. They warned that mountain drains and streams often witness sudden and unpredictable increase in water flow, especially during changing weather conditions.The authorities further said trekkers should remain cautious near slippery rocks and riverbanks, avoid risky behaviour during group travel, and check weather conditions before undertaking mountain excursions.