Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath Trek Via Mayali Pass, Masar Tal – Painya Tal and Khatling Glacier
Vasuki Tal, at an altitude of 4800 meters, has been a cynosure of trekkers eyes since the time immemorial. The divine lake even lured the Devtas and celestial nymphs who came here to procure the magical waters. The lake is cocooned amidst the rugged mountains towering over the Kedar base. There are a number of routes to attempt Vasuki Tal Trek. This itinerary covers the best of the Kedar range of the Garhwal Himalayas. You name it and this Vasuki Tal - Kedarnath trek itinerary offers it. In the beginning, this itinerary follows the challenging trail of the old Gangotri-Yamnotri trekking route. This is followed by a thrilling adventure of camping at Garhwali Bugyals, steep ascent on rocky terrains, crossing of the windy Mayali Pass and finally camping under the stars in a desolate wildlife sanctuary. The peaks like Sumeru, Kedar Dome, Chaukhambha, Thalaysagar, Nilkanth, and Mt. Vasuki can be seen throughout the considerable part of the trek. Hence, it is certainly one of the most adventurous, challenging, and offbeat treks of Uttarakhand.
Wildlife enthusiasts may seek a never-had-before experience. Ghorals, Bharals, Himalayan Bears, musk deer, red giant flying squirrels, vultures, wild owls, and high-altitude Himalayan reptiles are commonly spotted on this trek. Snow leopards have also been a common sighting in Kedar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thanks to the Musk Deer conservation program, there are a plethora of musk deer. Hence, the number of leopards has seen a constant increase too. The Rich flora of Panwali Kantha Bugyal, Birodh, and Chowki Bugyal give you a feel of virtually attempting the Valley of Flowers trek. Almost all the species of flowers in the valley are found on this route.
Myriads of birds greet you throughout the trek. You may also get an opportunity to click on some of the rare species. The coniferous forest of this region nurtures the birds like Himalayan Monal, Dark Breasted Rosefinch, Yellow Breasted Greenfinch, Redstart, species of Treecreepers, Wagtails, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Himalayan Bulbul, and Ashy Drongo.
Trekking through isolated landscapes helps you connect with your inner self. Moreover, a visit to one of the most auspicious shrines of Kedarnath makes this journey a spiritual one. Besides covering the places of religious importance like Kedarnath and Vasuki Tal, you would unravel a totally unconventional route experiencing the eccentricity of Mother Nature. This is your chance even to take a closer glimpse of Garhwali culture. Staying at rustic villages like Gangi and Ghuttu gives you an opportunity to sneak into the local homes, their languages, folksongs, and of course the local food.
