Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek is one of the most challenging treks of the Indian Himalayas. The altitude is very high and the landscapes of the trek are unmatched. This trek is a combination of difficulty and beauty. It is a renowned high-altitude trek, starting from the Gangotri region. This is a sacred region as it is home to the holy river Ganga. You start your trek from dense forests and beautiful alpine meadows. While walking on the moraines, you will reach the majestic glacial lake of Kedartal. This is a beautiful high-altitude trek located at a height of 4,750 m. When you look at the lake, you will see a reflection of Thalay Sagar Peak. When you walk on the steep Patanginidhar Pass, it offers a panoramic view of Meru, Bhrigupanth, Shivling, and various other Garhwal Himalayas.
Kedartal
After Patanginidhar Pass, you will start descending to Rudugaira valley. It is an unrated and less-explored valley. The valley is known for its untouched natural beauty, glacial streams, and wildflowers. The Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek trail requires good physical strength due to the challenging terrain. This trek is perfect for experienced trekkers who are looking for beautiful offbeat locations.
History of Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek
Kedartal Patanginidhar trek is a mythological and spiritual walk. This trek also has a big mountaineering significance. The Kedartal is a very sacred lake known as Lord Shiva’s lake. This glacial lake is formed by the melting snow of Bhrigupanth and Thalay Sagar. This lake is linked to the spiritual practices related to Gangotri. Many devotees and sages were once used to visit and meditate at the Kedartal as an act of devotion to Lord Shiva. Today, many people who believe in the prime God often visit Kedartal while visiting Gangotri.
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp is also related to mountaineering due to various expeditions. The Rudugaira valley became popular among Indian and international mountaineers as it became a training center for climbers. Mountaineers often do training at the Rudugaira valley before climbing the Gangotri and Satopanth peaks. The Paragiri is a shepherd trail often used by tribal people with their herds for seasonal migration. Later, this trail became famous among trekkers making it a perfect trek. This trek offers a blend of spirituality and raw natural beauty.
Highlights of Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek
Gangotri Temple
Most of the trekkers start their journey by visiting the Gangotri Temple. This is one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. Starting your journey from Gangotri will give you a culturally rich experience.
Majestic Kerdartal
Kedartal, also known as Lord Shiva’s Lake, is the main highlight of this trek. This high-altitude lake, located at 4750m is very beautiful with pristine turquoise water. The reflections of Himalayan peaks in this lake enhance the grace of this lake. Kedartal is a spiritual lake and thousands of devotees visit this lake.
Challenging trails
The trek to Kedartal and Patanginidhar Pass is very challenging. Walking to a height over 4700 m is not easy. The terrain is very adventurous and has technical crossings. The trail between Rudugaira and Kedartal is very challenging. Trekkers should have good experience in high-altitude and tough terrains to complete this trek without any difficulty.
Beautiful Rudugaira Valley
Rudugaira is a remote valley and offers a very scenic view. Unlike Valley Of Flowers, this valley has a very small crowd. Only trekkers know about this valley. It offers solitude and you will feel a connection to nature. The raw beauty of Rudugaira will fill your heart with warmth.
Difficulty Level of Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek
Kedartal Pathanginidhar trek is rated as a moderate to difficult trek. This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers. You should do some high-altitude treks before this trek as it requires both physical and mental strength.
High-altitude trek
Your trek starts from Gangotri which is situated at 3,048 m. You will ascend from 3000 m to over 4700 m in 2-3 days. Ascending this altitude in 2-3 days is not easy. People often get AMS symptoms like headache, dizziness, etc. Your body requires some time to adjust to the surroundings. Trekkers should acclimatize before starting the trek.
Tough terrains
The most challenging section of the Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek is the Patanginidhar Pass. The ascend is very difficult with boulder zones. Even the descent to Rudugaira Valley is steep. The unmarked trails make this trek more difficult for amateur trekkers.
Weather conditions
The weather conditions at high altitudes are unpredictable. You can face drastic changes in the weather on the same day. Snowfall and icy winds are very common in the high-altitude zones. The sudden rain can make the trail slippery and more dangerous. Nights can be very cold even in the peak summer.
Best Time To Visit Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek
You can plan your Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek in the summer season. The weather conditions remain suitable before and after the monsoon. Kedartal trek remains closed in the winter and this region receives a good amount of snowfall.
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek from May to Mid-June
Summer is a good time to plan your trek to Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp. The skies will be clear and the weather will be cool and pleasant. The low-altitude areas will be snow-free and the trails become smooth. But the trekkers should expect snow near Kedartal and Patanginidhar passes. Trekkers must carry the essential snow gear like microspikes and gaiters.
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek from July to August
Monsoon is not a good time to plan your trek. Gangotri region receives high rainfall and is prone to landslides and cloudbursts. The trails often get blocked in these months. Trekkers should avoid trekking during the monsoon as it can be very risky.
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek from Mid-September to Early October
Post-monsoon is also a good time to plan your Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek. The weather becomes stable and the chances of getting rain are less. You will see very little snow on the trail. The sky will be clear and the views will be excellent.
How To Reach Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek?
In order to start your Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek, you have to reach Gangotri which is the base town for the trek.
Delhi To Gangotri
Delhi is a well-connected city and you can easily find any means to Delhi. After reaching Delhi, you have to look for buses to Haridwar. You can also book a train ticket from Delhi to Haridwar. Both government and private bus services are available. Now look for buses from Haridwar to Gangotri. Few UTC buses are available for this route.
Dehradun To Gangotri
Dehradun is also a well-connected city as you can find direct trains and flights from many cities in the country. After reaching Dehradun, you can look for private cabs or shared taxis to Gangotri. No direct bus is available from Dehradun to Gangotri. If you are a budget traveler; take a local bus from Dehradun to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then book a direct bus to Gangotri.
If you are travelling from the Kumaon region then you can book a cab to Gangotri directly. No direct bus services are available. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Rudraprayag and then change to another bus to Gangotri.
Things To Carry in Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp is a long and remote trek. You should pack all the essentials that help to complete the trek with comfort and safety.
Clothing
Take a 50-65 L backpack that provides good back support. Make sure your bag is waterproof or has a rain cover. Now pack 2-3 quick-dry t-shirts. 1 pair of thermal and 1 fleece jacket or sweater. Get a good padded jacket, 1 windcheater, and 2 trekking pants. You can also carry an extra pair of waterproof trekking pants. Pack a few pairs of socks, gloves, balaclava, sun cap, and a beanie.
Footwear
Always buy trekking shoes with good ankle support and grip. Now pack a pair of camp slippers for the evening. You can also pack gaiters for walking on the snow. If you are trekking in May or June then pack microspikes for walking on snow.
Personal care and toiletries
Pack toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap. Carry a quick-dry towel and toilet paper. Also carry good sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm.
Others
You can add a small first aid kit including Paracetamols, ORS sachets, band-aids, etc. Pack UV-protected sunglasses, a power bank, and government ID cards.
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek Short Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri. The road distance is 237 km and will take 7-8 hours.
Day 2: Start your trek from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak. The trek distance is 8 km and will take about 6 hours.
Day 3: Start your trek from Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak. The trek distance is 5 km and will take about 4 hours.
Day 4: Start your trek from Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back to Kedar Kharak. The total trek distance is 12 km and will take about 9 hours.
Day 5: Start your trek from Kedar Kharak to Patanginidhar Base Camp. The trek distance is 5 km and will take about 3 hours.
Day 6: Start your trek from Patanginidhar Base Camp to Rudugaira Nala Camp. The trek distance is 11 km and will take about 9 hours.
Day 7: Start your trek from Nala Camp to Gangotri. The trek distance is 10 km and will take about 6 hours.
Day 8: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun. The road distance is 237 km and will take about 7-8 hours.
Customize Your Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek With Himalaya Shelter (HS)
Get the best trekking experience at Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp with us. We are offering customized trekking services where you can plan your trek as per your requirements. Himalaya Shelter is a team of experts who are always guiding the team in every step. We believe in offering the best, reliable, and safe trekking services. Our team will take care of you from start to finish.
Himalaya Shelter (HS) provides customized itineraries so our trekkers plan the trek without any worry. You can get customized meals, and itineraries, as you need. Our team prioritizes safety and comfort so our trekkers can make every movement special. We support sustainability and ecotourism ensuring we leave no negative effects on nature behind. Plan your Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek with the Himalaya Shelter and walk with us on this spiritual and adventurous journey.
How Does Each Day Look
-
Complete day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri
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
Day 2: Trek from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Trek: 8 km, 5-6 hrs
Altitude: 10,000 ft (3,048 m) – 12,400 ft (3,780 m)
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.
Day 3: Trek from Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Trek: 5 km, 4 hrs
Altitude: 12,400 ft (3,780 m) – 14,041 ft (4,280 m)
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.
Day 4: Trek from Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back top Kedar Kharak
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)
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.
Day 5: Trek from Kedar Kharak to Patangini Dhar Base Camp
Trek: 5 km, 2-3 hrs
Altitude: 14,041 ft (4,280 m) – 14,900 ft (4,542 m)
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.
Day 6: Trek from Patangini Dhar Base Camp to Patangini Dhar to Nala Camp
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)
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.
Day 7: Trek from Nala Camp to Gangotri
Trek: 10 km, 6 hrs
Altitude: 14,900 ft (4,542 m) – 10,000 ft (3,048 m)
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.
Day 8: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Get your questions answered here
The trek lasts 8 days, reaching a highest altitude of 4,900 m (16,076 ft).
You’ll trek approximately 51 km over the course of the expedition.
You can plan your trek in the summer or autumn season. Avoid planning the Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek in the monsoon.
This trek is rated as a moderate to difficult level as it is a high-altitude trek and has rough terrain.
Group size is kept small, with a maximum of 12 people per batch.
Pickup is arranged at Dehradun (Prince Chowk), followed by a drive to Gangotri, which is the trailhead for the trek.
You’ll witness stunning views of peaks like Thalayasagar (6904 m), Brigupanth (6772 m), as well as the Gangotri group.
The area is known for bharal (blue sheep), goral, and Himalayan black bear, along with a variety of high-altitude birds.
Key camping sites include Kedarkharak, Kedartal, Patanginidhar, and the Rudugaira Valley base camp.
The trek is priced at ₹41,500 (USD 478) plus 5% GST and ₹180 for trek insurance.
Yes, helicopter service is available between Dehradun and Gangotri.
Yes, you will need permits to enter Gangotri National Park. Carry your government IDs and passport-sized photos for the permits.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!
Inclusions
Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun
Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
Professional Guide, Cook and Support staff
First-Aid kit with Oximeter and Portable Oxygen Cylinder
Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
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
Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
Accommodation throughout the trek on a triple-sharing basis
Guesthouse accommodation on the first and second last day on a triple-sharing basis
All applicable taxes
Exclusions
Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
Accommodation in Dehradun
Adventure Insurance
Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, roadblocks etc
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)
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. 🌱
Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek Videos
Read More on Kedartal Patanginidhar Rudugaira Base Camp Trek
