Drive: 188 km, 8-9 hrs
Accommodation: Guest House/Hotel
Meals: Dinner
We all embark on this adventure to attempt Vasuki Tal Trek as soon as everyone has reported. Today’s drive takes you across the tributaries like Rispana River, Song River, Chandrabhaga, Bhagirathi, and Bhilagna Rivers. Each of these rivers offers surreal sights of the valleys carved by them. However, Tehri Dam, located on the Bhagirathi River, is usually the star of this route. The green, calm waters of the dam would accompany you for almost about 5-6 kilometers on your left. After Crossing the Zero Bridge, we would leave Bhagirathi behind and follow the course of the Bhilagna River all the way to Ghuttu Village.
Small towns and villages like Talai, Bagar, Chamba, Tehri, and Ghansali are perched along the mountain roads. You may choose to withdraw cash or complete any last-minute shopping during the small breaks on this journey.
Our destination is a rural site in Ghuttu Village which is located across the Bhilagna River. This would be our base camp from where we shall start Vasuki Tal Trek. Relieve all the tiredness of the journey by soaking in the serenity of this village.
Trek: 13 km, 7-9 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
The cacophony of the chirping birds in the village would announce the morning in this village. It is a long yet easy leisure trek to Dhu Panda. You shall be crossing remote Garhwali villages and some hillside plantations. The mild ascent on this day prepares you for the more strenuous climbs ahead. It is of utmost importance to start mildly for longer trekking journeys like this. Almost throughout the trek, you may relish the view of Rhododendron forests till your eyes can see.
Trek: 6 km, 3-5 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Bugyals are the unique beauties that Uttarakhand is blessed with. Panwali Bugyal is one of such less-explored gems of the Northern Garhwal Himalayas. It offers much more than just a trekking experience. It is a high-altitude landscape of rolling meadows at 3963 metres. The trek till here is moderately difficult but the view compensates for every single effort of reaching here. It is not even an exaggeration to call Panwali Kantha an amphitheater. Many people opt for the Panwali Kantha Trek for mesmerizing views.
It offers a 360-degree view of the major ranges like Kedar, Gangotri, Yamnotri, and Badri. The prominent peaks that you can spot are Kedar Dome, Thalaysagar, Kirti Stambh, Chaukhambha, Meru, and Nilkanth. The spring season covers the meadows with colorful flowers like poppies, daisies, primulas, anemones, and of course, rhododendrons of all varieties. It feels nothing less than a green canvas of grass painted with purple, pink, red, and yellow dancing flowers. Many of these flowers, bushes, and plants have herbal cures. Don’t be surprised to find local Vaidyas and saints plucking some of these plants to survive the tough year ahead. Most trekkers often choose Panwali Bugyal for the spectacular sunset that makes everything sparkle bright-golden.
On the other hand, winters paint all the peaks and meadows snowy white. If you love wildlife, prepare yourself to spot some rare musk dears and wild animals like Bharal, bears, weasels, and Ghoral.
Trek: 8 km, 4-6 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
For today’s trek, we shall descend towards Gangi village. The trail is well carved. You may want to be extra careful if it has rained. We shall be crossing open trails that offer a view of the widening valley down below. Some stretches also pass through dense vegetation and tall pine trees. This is an apt trail to hear and spot the local birds of the region. Gurgling waters of small streams running down the hills add to the music of the forest. Talli would be our campsite for today amidst the abundance of nature.
Trek: 8 km, 6-7 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
This day involves a reasonable amount of ascent to reach Gangi Village located at an altitude of 2,465 metres. You will initially trek through a stretch of a dense forest crossing small streams. After about 3-4 hours, the plantations and the remote Garhwali villages start to appear. Walking along the village canals and water channels amidst the swaying fields of potatoes, rajma, and other grains is exhilarating. During the early summers, these fields are full of fragrant flowers. Finally, after a short climb, we reach a village where time stands still. Gangi Village shall be our rest point for 2 nights.
After the challenging treks of the past few days, it is extremely important to rejuvenate your body. It is crucial to restore energy for more challenging trekking in the coming days. Gangi is a village untouched by modernization. It is a sleepy hamlet with a mere population of around 300+ humans. Age-old tiny wooden temples, overlooked by giant mountains sprinkled with snow, are the main attractions here. Terraced fields and the wafting fragrance of flowers become your leisure-time buddies. Enjoy this village while chatting with the elderly of the village. They have hundreds of tales to tell you about Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Alternatively, you may chase the hopping sunbirds and squeaking magpies on the outskirts of the village.
Trek: 11 km, 6-7 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
After a rest day at Gangi, we shall descend down to their winter settlement, Deokhri Channi. Further ahead, the path passes through a dense forest. The mix of mild ascents and descents enables you to enjoy the calls of Himalayan birds. To your delight, you may be able to spot Himalayan Monal, Warbler, Coppersmith Barbet, Blue Magpie, and a variety of Parakeet species.
The gurgling sound of the beautiful Kalyani stream would suggest the vicinity of today’s destination. Refill the bottle here or relax for a while in its refreshing waters. After crossing the stream, we reach the diversion. From here, the left trail stretches to Sahastra tal. It is an idyllic location that hides this isolated lake of Uttarakhand. If time permits, we may pay a quick visit to this lake. Otherwise, we must follow the right trail. The dense forest opens on your way to vast meandering meadows. This is Biroda Bugyal. Enjoy the stunning paradise created by wavy hills and evergreen conifers. 3-4 kilometres ahead of this bugyal lies our campsite for the day. Soak in the immaculate charm of mother nature here. In the evening, savour the spectacular colours of sunset. Prepare for the next morning and sleep cozily while listening to the music of the rustling leaves.
Trek: 8 km, 7-9 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
After a scrumptious breakfast, we start hiking along the trail carved beyond the village. The trail is relatively flat till the river bank. It passes through the rolling meadows in the beginning. After that, we start the ascent to a barren mountain patch devoid of vegetation. The view of the snow-capped mountains would accompany you throughout the day. Small snow-fed streams keep crossing your path. Don’t forget to spot the distant waterfalls tumbling down the Bhilangana Range.
Finally, after 8 hours of moderately difficult climb, we reach a serene spot at Tambakund. Tambakund is a small pond that can be considered the source of Bhilangana River. Relax in the evening, relish a hot dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s trek. Khatling Glacier, that feeds the river, is just 3 kilometres from this campsite. We shall spend the night under the stars at Tambakund.
Trek: 3 km, 4-5 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Today, we proceed for a mildly strenuous trek to Khatling glacier located at an altitude of 3415 metres. It is the birthplace of the Bhilangana River that nurtures the human settlements in almost half of the Northern Garhwal Region. Khatling Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. From Tambakunda, the trail starts over the wooden bridge across the river. The trail traverses through the grassy meadows of Chowki. It is frequented by shepherds who come here to feed their herds of sheep. The valley is dotted by flowering plants including that of Brahma Kamal during its blooming season. You might spot certain wild moths and butterflies along this route. It may take around 2 or more days to explore the glacier entirely. We shall aim for the ‘Zero Point’ at this glacier. It is an enchanting viewpoint in the lap of this giant icy glacier. After having enjoyed the beauty of this place for some time, we shall proceed to trace the path back to Tambakund.
Note: You shall not carry all your luggage today and have a relaxed climb by just carrying the essentials.
Trek: 7 km, 8-10 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
We start today’s trek early. Eat well to energize yourself for the steep ascent of the day. From Tamabakund, via Chowki, we keep climbing throughout the day. Post-lunch, you would see the Khatling glacier and milky-white waters of the Doodhganga River below you. The shining waters of Bhimtal Lake can also be seen down below.
Masar Lake is a small pond tucked amidst the painting-like backdrop of the lofty mountains of the Kedar Range. The picturesque woodlands and carpeted green meadows enhance the beauty of this lake. The cherry on the top is the wild flower blooming in this bugyal during monsoon. If luck favors, this campsite near the lake is perfect for star-trail photography or Milky Way spotting on a clear night.
Trek: 8 km, 8-12 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Usually, trekkers opt for a long tiring trail from Masar Tal to directly Vasuki Tal. However, our itinerary of Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath Trek allows you to enjoy the best of this trail at your pace. Today, the strenuous climb continues amidst snow-clad and brown mountains. You may want to capture this unusual shading of the mountains giving them an appearance of Vanilla-chocolate ice-cream. The trail is flanked by huge boulders and rare vegetation. After a few hours of trekking, we reach the windy Mayali Pass across Mayali glacier. Painya Tal and Teental can be reached only after this tricky climb. The soul-captivating scenery at Painya Tal would make all the mind-numbing efforts worth it. Relieve all your tiredness and re-energise yourself by resting at the bank of Painya Tal. Alternatively, you may take a short hike to Teen tal. The whole trek to Painya Tal passes through Kedar Wildlife Sanctuary. You may be able to spot bears, snow-leopards, jackals, wild boar and other high-altitude reptiles.
Trek: 6 km, 5-6 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents)
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
The most-awaited day is here. Today, we shall aim to reach the legendary Vasuki Tal perched in the lap of Mt. Vasuki. The peak gets its name from its serpentine shape and the folklore. According to the legends, Vasuki Nag would often sit here and let the Devtas use its tail to churn out the elixir of immortality from the oceans. This lake is the source of the River Vasuki Ganga which further merges with Mandakini at Sonprayag.
Tre trek is no cakewalk though the distance is just 6 kilometers. The ascents and descents on this day may tire you but the unraveling vistas fuel your soul with divine energy. Merely after 5-6 hours, the ultimate destination is unveiled in front of you.
Take a hot cup of tea, walk to the lake, and sit there for the entire evening. The musical movement of the lake creates a shaky reflection of the snowy mountains. The clear sights of the holy peaks of Sumeru, Meru, Manda, and Chaukhambha from the base of Vasuki Tal is sheerly soul-stirring. At night, don’t forget to be flabbergasted at the lake reflecting the magical sky crammed with twinkling stars.
Trek: 6 km, 4-6 hrs
Accommodation: Camping (Alpine Tents) / Guest House
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
The route from Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath is a complete descent. Nonetheless, there is no dearth of adventure on this route. Once you bid adieu to the pristine sight of Vasuki Lake, the real challenge begins. It is the time to hold your breath to cross the two glaciers namely, Chaturangi Glacier and Vasuki Glacier. The precarious narrow trail requires the trekkers to take every step vigilantly. Apart from this little adventure, the rest of the trail demands careful descent. It is crucial to not hurt your ankles or knees owing to immense pressure. Thus, the trekkers are advised to follow the guides’ instructions.
Post this thrilling day, a divine sight of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga awaits you. After reaching the lodge, freshen up to visit the temple. The black-stone structure sings the glory of devotion and art of ancient India. Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 metres, is believed to have been built by Pandavas. The legend of the Temple is closely related to the Panch Kedar Legend. During the repentance period, post-Mahabharat, Pandavas were seeking Lord Shiva. After hiding for days at Guptkashi, Shiva was finally spotted by Bhima in the form of a bull. However, before they could reach the Bull, it disappeared. It then reappeared at different places in the valley which are now known as Panch Kedars. Kedarnath is the first of these five temples. The hump of the bull appeared here and the lord is worshipped here in the same form.
Do not miss the sunset at this divine site. The Kedar Dome is tinted with the hues of saffron and then pink as the Sun God prepares to set. This holy view accompanied by the vibrating sound of temple bells creates meditative vibes in the atmosphere.
Trek: 14 km, 6-7 hrs
Accommodation: Guest House/Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening Snacks + Dinner
Get up early in the morning and devour the beauty that surrounds you. The awe-inspiring sight of Sumeru, Kedarnath Peak, and Kedar Dome is the most divine thing in the Himalayas. Experience the morning vibes of this most-visited pilgrim of Uttarakhand.
Post-breakfast, trace down the path, along the course of river Mandakini that flows on your right. After many days, you would finally hear the chirping of birds, tinkling bells of the ponies, and chanting of the pilgrims heading for Kedarnath temple. This narrow valley created by Mandakini is fed by a number of waterfalls along the route. The flock of birds bathing in the waterfalls can be seen only on this trail. Crossing the rainbows on your way is also a unique phenomenon on this trek.
By noon we reach the base at Gaurikund and board the vehicle for the return journey. A motorable road from Gaurikund via Guptkashi takes us to Rudraprayag. One of the holy Panch Prayags, Rudraprayag, has numerous legends to tell. The name of this Prayag is attributed to the Rudra form of Shiva. He is said to have performed tandav at this Prayag. Apart from the mythological mentions, Rudraprayag was widely popular among wildlife lovers. The town has now modernized way too much with the ever-expanding construction sites. However, once upon a time, the wild tigers from the Kedar and Tungnath Forest range roamed till Rudraprayag. One such man-eating wild tiger mentioned by Jim Corbett resided right here at Rudraprayag.
Drive: 188 km, 8-9 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Post-breakfast board the vehicle and reach back to Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar by evening and depart with the fond memories of the Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath trek etched in your heart.