Kedar Dome Expedition

An epic expedition in Uttarakhand Himalayas

Duration
24 Days
Trek Altitude
6,832 m
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
40 km
Group Size
12
Best Time
Summer & Autumn

Kedar Dome Expedition Overview:

Starting the Kedar Dome expedition set up in the Gangotri ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas is a thrilling high-altitude expedition which does not require technical climbing skills. Sitting at a whopping altitude of 6999 meters this expedition is suits the climber seeking significant altitude gain. Beginning from Gangotri, the path moves through a variety of terrains that can be totally green with dense forests to snow covered glaciers. It is a perfect precursor for potential aspiring skiers preparing for the much steep peaks or those who wish to do ski-mountaineering. The first successful attempt was made by a Swiss team in 1947 simultaneously they were also successful in the Mt. Kedarnath.

The Terrain Description of the Kedar Dome expedition:

  • Starting Point: The expedition starts at Gangotri moving through lush forests, alpine pastures and then onward.
  • Forest Trails: There are oak and pine trees in the early part of the expedition with paths that are often get marshy at some points.
  • Alpine Meadows: Namely, in the regions of Tapovan and Chirbasa, there are much of majestic meadows and fields.
  • Rocky Terrain: Part of the trail to Kirti Glacier and Base Camp contains rocky parts as well as glacier moraines—it is a challenging trail.
  • Snow-Covered Areas: Snow can be present up to certain altitudes of the places. Trekking poles and crampons are to be used to provide some measure of sure-footedness and safety.
  • Steep Ascents: The last phase to Kedar Dome has some strenuous climbing on the steep sides and occasionally, exposed faces. Preparation before the game and acclimatization should be done right.
  • Descent: The descent through the woods and pastures is slightly less demanding in terms of the grade but the path is still quite tricky.

Equipment that One Needs for the Kedar Dome Expedition:

Gear in Backpack Overview          
Food Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits depending on their preparation, freeze-dried meals
Water | Hydration systems or water bottles; portable filters; or purification tablets.
Bedding An appropriately designed sleeping bag for harsh climate conditions and /or high-altitude travel
Shelter   A medium to large tent suitable for use during the cold seasons and especially the snowy period.
Clothing Moisture wicking outer garments, insulating mid layers of fleece jackets and multiple layers of water proof jackets/ coats, head gear which include caps/ helmets paired with winter/ waterproof gloves.
Cooking Kit A foldable/ portable cook stove, stove fuel, and a set of minimal cooking requirements.
Campsite/Camping Guide This may include items that are appropriate for use in different weather conditions of different seasons.
Essential or Survival Equipment First Aid Kit, Emergency Blanket, Multi Tools & Fire-Starting kit.
Navigation: preferably maps, a compass or even a good Global positioning system device.
Medications: Pain killers, and medicines used in management of acute mountain sickness and personal medication.
Flashlight: Helmet-mounted or handheld lights for nighttime use
Snow/Ice Clothing Wear trekking poles, mitts, and neck gaiter to deal with snow/ice hurdles.

Kedar Dome Expedition Itinerary

Begin your expedition in the city that is the starting point of all treks in the region, Dehradun. Ensure that you have all necessary equipment with you, get to know people you will be hiking with and prepare for the trip. Overnight in Dehradun.

Drive: 190km roughly 8 hours

Uttarkashi can be reached through the eye-soothing beauty of the Shivalik ranges and the dense forest area of Uttarakhand. Overnight stay in Uttarkashi.

Drive: 250km in 10 hours.

From there, I can proceed further to Gangotri which is a starting point for many Gangotri treks I plan to have. Some of the views to look out for are the views of the Himalayan foothills and the Bhagirathi River on the way. Overnight in Gangotri.

Rest and Acclimatize

Spend this day in propitiating the change in altitude that has taken place in Gangotri. Take a walk around the sacred place and be prepared for the further days which will mostly be devoted to trekking. Overnight in Gangotri.

Trek: kilometres, roughly 6-7 hours

Begin your journey through beautiful oak and pine trees. Get to Chirbasa, your campsite by the river. Pitch your tents and just relax and enjoy being in the middle of nature. Overnight in tents.

Trek: An 8 kilometre distance rucking taking about 4-5 hours but the time mainly depends on the terrain of the area to be covered.

This is another day which is considered to be a long hiking day passing through Chirbasa and reaching Bhojbasa which is placed at a height of 3,784 meters.

Continue to Bhojbasa going through difficult terrains and also having views of large mountains. Once commonly known as ‘tent up,’ you have a bit of free time you might as well get some shut-eye. Overnight in tents.

Trek: 10km, that is approximated to 5-6 hours.

This particular day moves trek from Bhojbasa to Tapovan which is 11 kilometers long in the height of 4,420 meter.

Rise up to Tapovan, a beautiful alpine pasture situated at high altitude accompanied with the awe-inspiring views of the Gangotri mountains. Cross rocky paths and glaciers moraines from time to time. Overnight in tents.

Trek: 8 kilometres; 4-5 hours.

Toward Kirti Glacier, start from ground zero, Base Camp (BC). Walk through especially narrow terrains of glaciers and rocky slopes and Savor the beauty from the base camp. Overnight in tents.

Rest and Gear Check

Rest at Base Camp, rest further and pack properly as the climbing equipment will be required. Prepare for what is coming next. Overnight in tents.

Expedition period when the two camps are established above base Camp C1 (5,300 m): Establish Camp 1 because of the low altitude to facilitate in the adjustment to higher altitude.

C2 (6,000 m): Descend to Camp 2 for the final preparation to make the last push to the top.

Summit Push: Climb Kedar Dome and go back to the Base Camp.

Weather Buffer

These reserved days make for the contingency in case of a probable break in the weather or in case of some other form of delay.

Descent: Around 8km that translates to about 5-6 hours.

Descend back to Tapovan from where one gets to see different views that one has not for the most part seen before.

Descent: 13km, up to 6 -7 hours

With this, you proceed to have your descent to Chirbasa while taking time to view the changing profile along the way.

Trek: 13km or roughly about 6-7 hours of walking time and yes logical as it is a transportation mode for locals.

Drive: 250km that is roughly 10 hours.

Retrace your route and drive back to Gangotri before heading back to Uttarkashi. The Long but Unbelievable Journey is over and take the time, Savor a restful night.

Drive: 190 km or 7-8 hours

Journey back to Dehradun. After the successful completion of your Kedar Dome trek you will be saying bye to all the fellow trekkers and guides.