Kedartal Trek with Patanginidhar & Rudugaira Valley Base Camp

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.