Kedartal Trek

Kedartal Lake Trek

A high altitude trek near Gangotri glacier

Duration
7 Days
Trek Altitude
14,520 Feet
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
50 KM
Group Size
12
Best Time
Summers/Autumn

Kedartal Lake Trek Overview

Kedartal is a splendid Glacial lake located in the Gangotri valley of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Kedartal Trek is one of the most beautiful yet challenging and spiritual treks in Uttarakhand. The high altitude and quick elevation gain make the Kedartal trek a difficult one. Therefore, this Himalayan Trek can be done by experienced trekkers who have done at least 1 or 2 high latitude Himalayan treks before.
 
The altitude of Kedartal is nearly 15,500 ft which makes this trek a high-altitude glacial lake trek. The trek starts from one of the most divine places of Uttarakhand and one of the Char Dhams known as 'Gangotri'. From Gangotri, you will begin your trek and walk by the Kedar Ganga River. Kedar Ganga river originates from Kedartal and Kedartal gets its water from the Gangotri Glacier.
 
After a while, you will find yourself among the lush green forests of Gangotri Valley. The steep climb starts from this forest line and takes you to Alpine meadows and moraines. In some sections, you will trek through the landslide-prone areas.

Kedartal Lake - PC: Dheeraj Tanwar

 
Your first day camping will be at Bhoj Kharak, which is a small opening through the forest. Since there is no plain ground available here, we will fix our camps on slightly sloping areas. The sunset and sunrise views from the Bhoj Kharak campsite are magnificent.
 
The next day, you will reach Kedar Kharak. This too is a beautiful small Himalayan meadow. From there on, you will have to walk through moraines to reach the divine Kedartal. The very first sight of the divine Kedartal lake will take away all your exhaustion, and you will find yourself in a completely different state of consciousness. You will get sufficient time to feel those moments of solitude.
 
The famous mountain peaks of India like Bhrigupanth, Thalaysagar, Jogini peaks, and Mandar Parvat are visible from Kedartal. The view that is created by the reflection of Thalaysagar over the bluish water of Kedartal will remain there in your heart till eternity. Come, join us on this Thrilling Adventure...
 

Customize Your Trek with Himalaya Shelter:

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.

Itinerary

Drive: 185 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 6,430 ft (1,960 m)

Accommodation: Guest House / Homestay / Hotel

Meals: Dinner

 

From Dehradun we drive to Gangnani via Uttarkashi. Gangnani is known for the natural hot water spring baths it has. We can also drive till Gangotri on this day itself. We stay at a guesthouse overnight.

Drive: 52 km, 2 hrs

Trek: 8 km, 4-5 hrs

Altitude: 6,430 ft (1,960 m) – 10,000 ft (3048 m) – 12,400 ft (3,780m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

After early morning breakfast we drive to Gangotri(30 km) via beautiful villages. We reach Gangotri and visit the temple. The trek to Bhoj Kharak begins with a steep trail through fir forests before traversing the Kedar Gorge to reach camp. We will trek 8 km (5-6 hrs) as we follow the Kedar Ganga (Lord Shiva’s contribution to Bhagirathi), all the while enjoying the thundering sound of the river emerging from Kedartal.

Trek: 4 km, 4 hrs

Altitude: 12,400 ft (3,780m) – 14,010 ft (4,270 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

We will trek 4 km (4-5 hours) passing through a beautiful birch (bhoj) forest, before departing from the tree line and arriving at camp. The Bhrigupanth peak provides a nice backdrop as we make our way across the long meadow, where the shepherds come to graze their sheep and goats. The day is short in distance, but it has its steep sections, so caution is necessary.

Trek: 5 km, 4 hrs

Altitude: 14,010 ft (4,270 m) – 15,500 ft (4,725 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

The 5km (4-5 hrs) trek up to Kedartal is considered to be laborious, and crosses very difficult terrain of boulders and stones. It is a maze of rocks and relatively easy to get turned around, but if you look closely you will see little cairns that have been placed on the route to the lake. Kedartal is one of the most enchanting glacial lakes with the majestic Thalaysagar (6,904 m) looming up behind it. Some of the climbs to this peak have been testpieces of modern mountaineering. Thalaysagar is truly a delight to watch at sunset! Another peak on the left side of Thalaysagar is Bhrigupanth (6,772 m)Once the ridge ends, you descend into the vast, undulating Pushtara bugyal i.e. Pushtara meadows. Post the exhilaration of the ridge walk, you feel a sense of liberation as you marvel at the expanse around you.
The day today can be really rewarding as we start heading up further into the valley & we care welcomed by the sight of one waterfall after another, all up to the campsite of Dev Kyara, which brings us significantly close to Mount Ranglana (5,554 meters). The last stretch of the trek is over boulders and rocks and can be a bit tiring. However the alpine flowers that are visible here are very refreshing. Once the valley opens up a bit, the views of the majestic Ranglana Peak are amazing towards the head of the valley. This is not a peak frequently attempted by mountaineers due to its technical challenges. We camp at Dev Lyara and can rest for a day to explore the valley or climb any nearby rocky outcrops.

Trek: NA

Altitude: 15,500 ft (4,725 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

We rest this day to enjoy the pristine surroundings. Be sure to get up extra early to catch the magnificent sunrise and reflections of the lake and surrounding peaks!

Trek: 17 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 15,500 ft (4,725 m) – 10,000 ft (3048 m)

Accommodation: Guest House / Homestay / Hotel

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

We wake up early and trek all the way back to Gangotri. Being downhill we can cover this in 1 day. The stay is at a guest house in Gangotri.

Drive: 240 km, 9-19 hrs

Altitude: 10,000 ft (3048 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)

Meals: Breakfast

 

The trek to Har ki Dun concludes today as we leave Gangotri and reach Dehradun by late afternoon.

As you return, take with you the splendor of the divine Himalayan mountains and friendships that are new. The trip may conclude, but the recollections will stay as a reminder that you have gone through an incredible expedition. We hope that Kedartal Trek has forever sealed a place in your heart, and beckons you to visit us again for more Himalayan expeditions. Safe journey, and may the mountains’ reverberation guide you back to your home.

Upcoming Treks

  • June 10, 2023 open

FAQ's about Kedartal Trek

The starting point of Kedartal trek is the town of Gangotri in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. From Gangotri, travelers usually take a route through the spectacular Himalayas, passing by places like Bhojkharak, Kedarkharak, Kedartal and finally reaching the glacial lake of Kedartal.

Kedartal lake also known as Shiva’s Lake, Kedartal Lake is located at an altitude of about 15,580 feet (4,750 meters) above sea level.

It is recommended to complete this 18 km trek from Gangotri in three days to better adjust to the altitude. However, this trek could easily be completed in two days. The trek stops at Bhojkharak, Kedarkharak and Kedartal for camping.

In Hindu mythology, Kedartal is a sacred lake associated with Lord Shiva. Kedartal is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated deeply in search of solitude away from worldly distractions. According to legend, Lord Shiva choose this remote and ancient place in the Himalayas to deepen his spiritual practice.

When packing for the Kedartal trek, make sure you have adequate walking gear, warm clothes, supportive shoes, high backpack, personal essentials and remember to carry a hat, medicine if sunscreen and water bottle will come.

The best time to trek in Kedartal is during the summer months (mid-April to June) and monsoon (September to mid-November).

Inclusions
  1. Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
  2. Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station
    Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  3. All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
  4. Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
  5. First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
  6. Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
  7. Rent for camping equipment like Clean sleeping bags and foam mattresses, Good quality ‘A’ shaped or dome tents, Camping stools, Table and Crampons and gaiters if required
  8. Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  9. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
  10. Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
  11. Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
  12. All applicable taxes
Exclusions
  1. Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  2. Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
  3. Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
  4. Accommodation in Dehradun
  5. Adventure Insurance
  6. Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
  7. Porter and mule support to carry personal Luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day (weighing up to 12 kg)
  8. Please carry a lunch box for packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythenes and Aluminium foils. Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱