Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

The Kagbhusandi Lake trek is a hidden gem for those seeking an escape into the lap of nature. This enchanting journey takes you through a picturesque landscape of lush meadows, ancient forests, and pristine glacial lakes.

The adventure begins in the quaint village of Bhyundar, which is easily accessible from the popular town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand, India. From Bhyundar, a scenic trail leads you into the heart of the mountains.

The Kagbhusandi Lake trek is considered moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The path is well-marked, and the gradual inclines allow for a comfortable pace. It's important to acclimatize and maintain a steady rhythm to fully enjoy the journey.

As you ascend, you'll be greeted by a diverse range of flora and fauna. Towering pines, rhododendrons, and ancient oaks provide a rich canopy, while vibrant wildflowers carpet the meadows in a riot of colors. Keep an eye out for playful Himalayan birds and elusive wildlife.

One of the highlights of this trek is the enchanting forest section. Tall trees create a natural cathedral, their roots forming gnarled archways. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow.

History of Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

The name 'Kagbhusandi' has been derived from Sanskrit word. 'Kag' means crow and 'Bhushundi' was the name of a famous sage. Sage Bhushundi was called as 'Kagbhusandi' because he was cursed to be reborn as a crow. According to Hindu mythology, Kagbhusandi was a great devotee but later he became an arrogant sage. Being proud of him he insulted Lord Shiva. Then he was cursed by another sage to become a crow in his next birth.

However, later Lord Shiva forgave him and blessed him with immortality and immense spiritual wisdom. Thereafter he chose to stay near this solitary lake and meditate. He meditated here for years and recounted divine stories to people. 

In the Ramcharitmanas, Tulsidas depicted Kagbhusandi as a great devotee of Lord Rama. Kagbhusandi was the one who narrated Ramayana to Garuda, the king of birds. It is believed that since Kagbhusandi has spent a long time near the lake and narrated thousands of divine stories, this is why the lake has received such a radiant and spiritual aura. 

The Kagbhusandi lake is believed to be spiritually charged and spending time here makes you feel calm and gives clarity of mind. Locals believe this lake is a 'Tapobhumi' (land of penance) and visiting it purifies one's karma.

Highlights of Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

• Remote and Unexplored Terrain:

The trail to Kagbhusandi Lake is one of those remote and untouched trails where trekkers usually don't come often. It offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the raw wilderness of the Himalayas and explore more about nature and yourself. Its untouched forests, isolated meadows and silent valleys provide you a peaceful escape from worldly distractions.

• Unique Flora and Rare Fauna:

The trails of Kagbhusandi are bloomed with unique Himalayan flora like cobra lilies, Brahma kamal, blue poppies, slipper orchids, creeping snowberries and more. Some of them are very rare and you can hardly see them anywhere. Not even rare flora but elusive faunas such as Himalayan tahr, monals and even snow leopards can be found here. This unique biodiversity thrives due to the region's pristine ecosystem.

• Incredible View of Peaks and Valleys:

At high-altitude (around 5,000 m), Kagbhusandi Lake offers panoramic views of Himalayan majestic peaks like Hathi Parvat and Nilgiri. The reflection of snow-clad peaks in the emerald water of the lake looks so ethereal. You can also get the sweeping views of beautiful Bhundyar Valley which is filled with alpine meadows, bridges and waterfalls.

• Spiritual Detachment and Solitude:

Kagbhusandi Lake is located in an isolated area. As per Hindu mythology, it has deeper connection with epics like Ramayana. It is believed to be the place where the great devotee and sage recounted thousands of divine stories. Trekkers often feel a spiritual fulfillment here which help them to bring self introspection and clarity of mind. If you're someone who is into spirituality, must visit this lake.

Difficulty Level of Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

Kagbhusandi Lake trek is a moderate to challenging trek suitable for those who have prior trekking experience or a good fitness level. The elevation point of the trek is around 5,230 m (17,160 ft) which makes it considerable but manageable during the trekking journey.

The trek is not ideal for families, kids and elderly people, especially those who have no prior high-altitude trekking experience. The trail demands physical and mental endurance as trekkers have to walk for 5-7 hours in a day through uneven terrain, steep ascents, rocky and glacial sections along with river crossings and dense forest paths. Trek duration is around 6 to 8 days, depending on the route (from Govindghat or Vishnuprayag) and acclimatization schedule.

However, no particular mountaineering skills are needed for trekking here but due to remote areas and limited access to emergency facilities, the path's difficulty increases.

Beginners can attempt this trek but they have to be physically fit and need to be guided by professional trek leaders. Better they practice on easy trails before attempting Kagbhusandi Lake trek. The terrain includes dense forests and high-altitude meadows and valleys. Chances of encountering wildlife are also there, especially in forest sections hence taking help of a certified guide or joining a group is highly recommended. 

Weather is also an important factor. The best time is early summer and autumn. Outside of these windows, rain and snowfall make the trail slippery and unsafe. The route is remote and isolated, with no proper shelter, shops or mobile network, hence it’s crucial to carry all supplies and camp gear.

Best Time to Visit the Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

Kagbhusandi Lake trek is best done during summer (May-June) and autumn (September-October). This time the weather is more stable and the sky is more clear to spot the stunning views of Garhwal Himalayas.

• May-June

During this time, the snow starts melting and opens up the trails into reviving alpine meadows. Summer makes landscapes green and fresh. This is the right time to do adventure and explore more about the places. The daytime temperature is around 12°C to 15°C while the night time temperature can drop to 7°C to 2°C at higher camps. Sudden rainfall or hailstorm can happen; keep check on weather updates.

• September-October 

After the monsoon, the weather becomes dry and crisp but the sky is at its clearest which makes mountain visibility perfect. Forests start turning golden and red which give warm and cozy vibes. Due to visibility, photography can be done at its best. The daytime temperature remains around 8°C to 12°C while at night time can drop below 0°C. The trails are dry and comfortable for walking.

• Months to Avoid

July-August should be avoided due to the monsoon and heavy rainfall. Trails become slippery and prone to landslides. Leeches are common and chances of bacterial infection are high. Similarly, from October to April, heavy snowfall can block the trails and the weather is too cold to acclimatize. 

How to Reach Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

Kagbhusandi Lake is located near the famous Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. To reach here, you need to trek through challenging terrain.

The journey begins from Govindghat which is well connected by road to major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. You can take a bus or taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Govindghat. It’s about 275 km and takes around 10–12 hours by road. The nearest railway station is at Haridwar and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

From Govindghat, start your trek towards Ghangaria which is a common base camp for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. It is a 10 km trek and takes about 5–6 hours. You can stay overnight at Ghangaria. Basic lodging and food are available here.

From Ghangaria, Kagbhusandi Lake can be approached via two main trekking routes: from Kankul Pass or Bhyundar Khal. The trek to Kagbhusandi from here usually takes 3 to 4 days to reach the lake and return.

Since there are no permanent settlements or shops on the trail beyond Ghangaria, you need to carry your own camping gear, food and trekking equipment. It is highly recommended to go with a certified guide or join a trekking group for safety.

Things to Carry in the Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

Clothing

• 3 quick-dry T-shirts (full sleeves preferred)
• 2 trek pants (water-resistant if possible)
• 1 fleece jacket or woollen sweater
• 1 down jacket or heavy padded jacket
• 1 thermal inner set (top + bottom)
• Waterproof & windproof jacket
• Poncho or raincoat
• Woolen cap + Sun cap
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• 2–3 pairs of synthetic/woolen socks + 1 pair of woolen gloves
• Innerwear (quick-dry), towel

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (ankle-high, good grip)
• Floaters/sandals (for campsites)
• Gaiters (recommended due to snow/rock)

Bags

• 50–60 litre backpack (with rain cover)
• Daypack (10–20 litre) for summit day or acclimatization walks
• Dry bags or ziplocks (to keep items dry)

Personal Gear

• Trekking pole(s)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Water bottles (2L total capacity) or hydration pack
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (SPF)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
• Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper, sanitary pads/tampons (carry back used items)
• Small quick-dry towel

Personal Medical Kit

• Diamox (for altitude)
• Crocin/Dolo, Combiflam, Digene
• ORS sachets, antiseptic cream
• Band-aids, gauze, crepe bandage
• Personal meds (if any)
• Betadine/Savlon

Documents

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
• Medical certificate (fitness)
• Disclaimer form (from your trek operator)

Others

• Power bank
• Extra camera batteries (cold drains battery fast)
• Energy bars, dry fruits, glucose
• Notebook + pen (optional for journaling)