Kedartal Trek with Patangini Dhar

Kedartal Trek with Patanginidhar & Rudugaira Valley Base Camp

Duration
8N7D
Trek Altitude
4900 m
Destination
Kedar Tal
Trek Distance
51 km
Group Size
6-12
Best Time
August September

Kedartal Trek Overview:

This 8-day trekking expedition begins with a drive to Gangotri, the revered source of the holy river Ganga. From there, the trek unfolds to reveal the pristine beauty of Kedartal (4780 meters) and Patangni Dhar, offering close encounters with awe-inspiring Greater Himalayan peaks like Thalayasagar (6904 meters), Brigupanth (6772 meters), and the Gangotri group alongside the Rudugaira Valley base camp.

Throughout this journey, you'll have the opportunity to witness a diverse array of high-altitude fauna including Bharal (blue sheep), Goral, and the elusive Himalayan black bear. The region is also a haven for a splendid variety of birds, adding to the immersive experience of nature's wonders."

This trek is an incredible adventure that not only showcases the grandeur of the Himalayas but also offers encounters with the unique flora and fauna of the high-altitude ecosystem. The route encompasses stunning views of majestic peaks, serene lakes, and the opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a holistic and unforgettable Himalayan experience.

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.

Itienerary

Drive: 237 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 10,000 ft (3,048 m)

Accommodation: Guest House / Hotel

Meals: Dinner

 

Upon arrival at Gangotri, you’ll be greeted by our trek representative/guide. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gangotri Temple for the evening aarti, a beautiful ritual. Should you need any essential trek items, you can explore and purchase them from the Gangotri market.

Later, dinner will be served, and you’ll spend the night in a comfortable Gangotri Home Stay accommodation, ensuring a restful stay before the trek begins

Trek: 8 km, 5-6 hrs

Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,048 m) –  12,400 ft (3,780 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Begin your day by visiting the sacred shrine of Gangotri in the morning and seize the opportunity to gather all the necessary items from the local market. As you set off, cross the bridge over the Bhagirathi River and embark on the trail to the right. The initial kilometers of the trek are notably steep, so maintaining a slow yet steady pace is advised.

The journey will reward you with the first breathtaking view of Thalaysagar, drawing you closer to this mystical mountain with every step. Just before reaching Bhoj Kharak, a remarkable feature along the trail emerges—an inclined rock formation, often referred to as the Spider Wall among trekkers, offering only a few steps of passage. It’s a thrilling segment of the trek that adds to the adventure.

Trek: 5 km, 4 hrs

Altitude: 12,400 ft (3,780 m) – 14,041 ft (4,280 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

This 5 km stretch traverses through various challenging terrains, offering a diverse landscape at every turn. The journey unfolds with a rich flora-filled trail adorned with Bhojpatra trees and vibrant wild bushes. As you progress, the scenery transforms, revealing the majestic Manda peaks.

The trek provides stunning vistas of the Bhrigupanth peak as you approach Kedar Kharak. Pay close attention to your footing while navigating through the land sliding zone of Gila Pahar. In the event that this section of Gila Pahar is particularly rugged, an alternative route might involve descending to Kedar Ganga, crossing the river, trekking against the river flow until past the Gila Pahar intersection, crossing the river again, and rejoining the original trail leading to Kedar Kharak.

It’s crucial to remain attentive and adaptable during this part of the trek, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

Trek: 12 km, 8-9 hrs

Altitude: 14,041 ft (4,280 m) – 15,682 ft (4,780 m) – 14,041 ft (4,280 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

The trek continues for another 5 kilometers from Kedar Kharak to reach Kedar Tal, mostly on moraines and glacier-covered terrain. If trekking in June, the last few kilometers before Kedartal might involve traversing snow-covered paths. Crossing an icy cold brook, you’ll ascend steep rocky terrain while staying attentive to cairn markings to ensure you’re on the right path.

Upon cresting the final ridge, the majestic sight of Kedar Bamak Glacier unfolds, accompanied by its glacial lakes. The convergence of the foot of Mt. Bhrigupanth and Mt. Thalaysagar with the Kedar Bamak Glacier is a breathtaking view. Continuing for another hour unveils the pristine beauty of Kedar Tal, a captivating high-altitude lake. The reflection of Thalaysagar peak on the tranquil waters of Kedartal creates a mesmerizing scene, etching a memory that’s truly awe-inspiring.

Trek: 5 km, 2-3 hrs

Altitude: 14,041 ft (4,280 m) – 14,900 ft (4,542 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Today’s hike is shorter but involves a notable incline. Given the steep ascent towards Patangini Dhar, we’ll set up camp at its base on a hanging ridge. This strategic pause allows for acclimatization before tackling the challenging climb awaiting us the following day.

Trek: 11 km, 8-9 hrs

Altitude: 14,900 ft (4,542 m) – 16,125 ft (4,915 m) – 14,900 ft (4,542 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Today’s journey involves ascending through the ridge of Patangnidhar, navigating through a challenging boulder zone. As we reach the pass, the entire Kedar Basin and the encompassing mountain range become strikingly prominent. On clear days, one can even spot Auden’s Col easily from this vantage point.

Continuing through the Rudugaira Nala, we’ll traverse the glacier toward the base of Mount Rudugaira. The campsite offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks all around. To the South-West, the Rudugaira peak stands tall, while to the South, Gangotri I, Gangotri II, and Gangotri III command attention. Additionally, to the South-East lies Jogin I, creating a stunning panorama. We’ll spend the night in camps at the Rudugaira Upper Nala Campsite, surrounded by these awe-inspiring vistas.

Trek: 10 km, 6 hrs

Altitude: 14,900 ft (4,542 m) – 10,000 ft (3,048 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)

Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner

 

Start your day early to witness a glorious sunrise and soak in the breathtaking beauty around you. Today involves a long and demanding hike back to Gangotri, spanning approximately 7 hours to complete. Anticipate reaching Gangotri by evening, concluding this memorable trek.

Drive: 237 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,048 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)

Meals: Breakfast

 

After breakfast, we’ll check out from Gangotri and begin our journey back to Dehradun.

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.

Reviews

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. 🌱