Kedartal Lake
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate - Difficult
TREK DURATION
7 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
14,520 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
32 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
Mid-April to June | September to Mid-November
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Kedartal Lake Trek Overview
Kedartal Lake Trek 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.
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...
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri
Day 2: Trek from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Day 3: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Day 4: Kedar Kharak to Kedartal
Day 5: Rest day at Kedartal Lake
Day 6: Kedartal to Gangotri
Day 7: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
Points to Remember:
- Documents Required: Trekkers should carry a copy of the Aadhar Card (Indian National) or a copy of the Passport and visa(International Tourist) along with the Medical Certificate signed by a Doctor.
- Accommodation: Trek stays in an A-Shape tent/ North Face Tent. Built to withstand extreme weather conditions and, at the same time, make you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
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- Do not litter the Mountains. Kindly carry all the non-biodegradable bags with you and throw them in the dustbin.
- Please do not feed animals (especially dogs) with biscuits.
- Biscuits can cause health issues; their fur starts shedding, which makes it difficult for them to survive in the winter.
- Cloakroom: We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
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.
The name “Kedartal” means “Lake of Lord Shiva”. This lake is a gift to Lord Shiva. You will see the Thalay Sagar Peak behind the lake. This peak is the guardian of the Kedartal Lake. The Thalay Sagar Peak is one of the most difficult expeditions in Garhwal. People believe that challenges mean the strength and endurance of the devotees. Locals believe that the waters of Kedartal Lake are divine. Many sages and yogis meditated near the lake due to its holiness and peace. The Kedartal Lake is not very commercialized like other temples and places because it is not part of the main pilgrimage circuit. People who love nature and believe in the divineness trek to Kedartal Lake for blessings.
Kedartal Lake became a trekking spot when mountaineers started exploring the Gangotri region. You can experience calmness and beauty. This beauty attracts lots of nature lovers. When you reach the lake, you find reconciliation with your heart. Mountaineers also camp near the lake. The Kedartal is also an acclimatization zone for many expeditions. When you trek to the lake, you can see shepherds with their cattle. They have been using the trail for centuries.
- Celestial Kedartal Lake: The Kedartal lake is a beauty and a gift of nature. You will trek for days to reach the Kedartal. Your tiredness and pain will disappear the second you see the Kedartal Lake. This majestic lake is so attractive and divine. Touch the cold waters and you can feel the warmth of holiness.
- Challenging Terrain: Your trek to Kedartal Lake is not easy. You will start your trek from simple terrain and walk into the forest area. The camping sites in the forests are not plain and you may have to camp in a sloping area. The final ascent to Kedartal Lake is very difficult. You need good strength and guidance to reach Kedartal without any trouble.
- Diverse Flora And Fauna: The trail to Kedartal is beautiful and filled with greenery. The forest area has different types of trees like Pine, Oak, and Rhodo. The small meadows in the trail grow wildflowers. You can also see local shepherds with their cattle in the meadows. At night, you can hear the sound of wild animals. You can also spot rare Himalayan Ibex and snow leopards on the trail.
- Remote And Untouched Trails: The Kedartal Lake is still holding its authentic natural beauty due to its remote location. The minimum contact with humans is saving the lake from any harm. You can still feel the pioneer of Himalayan roots and lifestyles.
How to Reach Kedartal Lake Trek
How to Reach Kedartal "On Your Own"
How to reach Dehradun by Train
How to reach Dehradun by Flight
You can make your plans to visit the Kedartal Lake in summer around late May. Another good time for Kedartal Lake trekking is the autumn.
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Kedartal Lake In Late May And June
The best trail conditions to visit the Kedartal lake is summer. The snow starts melting, and the trails will open for trekking. The weather also became nice with decent daytime temperatures. You can also see greenery and wildflowers in the meadows.
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Kedartal Lake In July And August
Monsoon is not a good time to visit Kedartal Lake. The difficulty level of the trek is already very high, and rains make it worse. You can see big and small landslides on the trail. The trail became very muddy and slippery.
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Kedartal Lake From September To Mid-October
Another good time to plan your Kedartal Lake Trek is the post-monsoon season. The route becomes dry and manageable. You can see autumn in the Himalayas. The trek will be less crowded and peaceful.
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Kedartal Lake From Late-October To April
You cannot visit Kedartal Lake in the winter. The lake will be buried in the snow. The temperature can drop to -15℃, and trekking becomes extremely challenging. Only experienced mountaineers trek to Kedartal Lake in winter for some special expeditions.
The Kedartal Lake Trek is a difficult trek and you should prepare well to make it comfortable. Pack your bag well as you have to carry it with you on your own in the whole trek.
Clothing And Backpack
You need a comfortable backpack (60L) that can keep all your items. Get a backpack with good back support and a waterproof cover. Now pack a small backpack (20L) for the day summit. For clothing, start with your warmers. Pack a pair of warmers for the night. Now pack 4 quick-dry T-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a good quality fleece as a mid-layer. You will also need a down jacket. Now pack a sun cap for day trekking. Get a woolen cap and gloves. Pack your windcheater rain jacket, as you can get rain anytime on the trek.
Footwear
Start packing with a pair of good-quality trekking shoes. Your shoes should provide good ankle support. If you are a new pair of shoes, then wear it for at-least 2 weeks before starting your trek. Your feet should be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of cotton socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. You can also pack a pair of sandals for campsites.
Personal Care
Pack all your toiletries in a small pack. Now pack a quick-dry towel and toilet paper roll. Get sunscreen for daytime. Pack your moisturiser to prevent skin dryness and a lip balm for chapped skin. Make a medical kit with basic medicines. You must carry a government ID like an Aadhar Card with you.
Mandatory Backpacking List for Kedartal Lake Trek
- High-Altitude Challenges
The Kedartal Lake is located at an altitude of 4912 m. You may face difficulty in breathing because the oxygen level will be less in this height.The air becomes very thin, and you can get AMS symptoms.
- Difficult Terrian
The route to Kedartal Lake is not simple. You will walk on rocky patches and moraines. The terrain can challenge your mental and physical strength. You should have expertise in ascending high-altitude areas.
- Unpredictable Weather
Weather conditions in high-altitude areas are not stable. You can see a bright sunrise and snowfall by the evening. The trail can become very challenging in rain and snowfall. The rain and snow make the trail slippery, and you can face difficulty while walking. Heavy rainfall can also sweep out the trails.
- Trek Duration And Remoteness
You will walk about 50 km in the Kedartal Lake Trek. The distance is not very lengthy, but you have to cover it in a week. You will walk for about 8-10 km uphill daily. The lake is situated in a very remote location, which means you won’t see any rest shops on the way.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri
Drive: 242 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.
Day 2: Trek to Bhoj Kharak
Trek: 8 km, 6-7 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.
Day 3: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
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.
Day 4: Kedar Kharak to Kedartal
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.
Day 5: Rest day at Kedartal Lake
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!
Day 6: Kedartal to Gangotri
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.
Day 7: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
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.
Inclusion
- Transport support from and to Dehradun: starting from pickup on day 1 to drop on day 7
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek).
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions - Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
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