Vasuki Tal Trek

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri (3,048 m) - 9-10 hour drive

Day 2: Gangotri to Bhojbasa (3,800 m).

Day 3: Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3,900 m) to Tapovan (4,335 m)

Day 4: Tapovan to Nandanvan (4,340 m)- 7-8 hour trek

Day 5: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (4,463 m)- 3-4 h trek to reach Vasuki Tal.

Day 6: Descend from Nandanvan to Bhojwassa.

Day 7: continue to descend further from Bhojwassa to Gangotri

Day 8: drive back down from Gangotri to Dehradun.

At Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Vasuki Tal Trek Tour. Whether you're an avid mountaineer, an adventure seeker or a group of friends, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made expedition program. This customized program will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, technical equipment and any other premium facilities you may need during the trekking. 

Starting from Dehradun where you will be picked up all the way through Gangotri and taking in the peaceful sights in and around and trek to Vasuki Tal before returning back to your pick-up destination you will get a once in lifetime experience. 

Himalaya Shelter ensures your journey is safe and memorable with experienced local guides, technical support and all necessary permits. You can even request offbeat routes or sunrise hikes for a more immersive Himalayan experience. 

Moreover, no other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized program will enable you to enjoy your journey without any hesitation.

The name Vasuki Tal is derived from the serpent king Vasuki who assisted in the churning of the cosmic ocean. It is also here that Lord Vishnu bathed.

The Pandavas also passed Vasuki lake on their journey after the epic battle.

King Nahusha who was cursed by sages attained salvation at Vasuki Lake. Due to its mythological significance and its close proximity to Kedarnath Vasuki Tal becomes a popular destination in adventure seekers seeking spirituality.

Abundance Natural Beauty - As it’s a high altitude trek the ascend to the region provides stunning views of Garhwal peaks like Bhagirathi, Shivling, Meru, Thalaysagar, Satopanth. The lake itself offers crystal clear water and often reflects the surrounding mountain peaks in it.

In the season one can spot abundance of Himalayan flora like Brahma Kamal floating in the lake water. The trek passes through a wide variety of terrains, forests, glaciers and green meadows.

Gaumukh 

Gaumukh literally means “Mouth of a cow”, a glacial snout which is the origin of river Ganga from its source the Bhagirathi river. It is a sacred site for Hindus and one can reach Gaumukh enroute Vasuki tal trek on day 3/4. Only a limited number or people are allowed to trek the region owing to climatic disturbances. Hence one can see the splendid nature at its pure form.

Tapovan

Tapovan is a high altitude beautiful meadow located 14640 feet above sea level. It encircles the base of Mt. Shivling and thus becomes a perfect campsite enroute Vasuki Tal Trek. One can take in the green meadows, bubbling streams and Himalayan flora like wildflowers. While reaching Tapovan one will be greeted with sights of Bharal (blue mountain goats) which are indigenous to the region.

Vasuki Tal Trek is a high-altitude trek of 4135 meters and is considered moderate to challenging in difficulty level. The trek is of about 65kms spanning 7- 8 days covering steep ascents and at time unpredictable weather conditions.

The Vasuki Tal trek is generally considered moderate to challenging. It requires good physical fitness due to steep ascents, rocky terrain, high altitude, and potential for unpredictable weather. At high terrain one will even be required to traverse the region on snow or ice.

The trek is not suitable for families with young kids less 10 yrs old due to its uneven terrain and long walking hours. Acclimatization is also crucial as nights at high-altitude can be colder than expectations. During summer time, temperatures are comfortable but unpredictable weather can add difficulties.

For climbing technicalities, there are no major technical sections, so no particular mountaineering skills are required but a prior trekking experience is beneficial while undertaking this trek. The guidance of a professional mountaineer or experienced guide is important here. Solo trekking is not advisable. Trekkers should make the preparations after seeing all perspectives.

Summer months of May – June and Late September October is the best time to trek Vasuki Tal. During these months the weather is pleasant and accessible for trekking. The day time temperature ranges from 10- 20 degree C and night time temperature can fall as low as even 0 degree owing to its high altitude.

Months of monsoon July – August early September should be avoided due to danger of landslides and slippery terrains.

This trek is not advisable during winter months due to extreme cold temperatures with heavy snowfall and icy terrains.

The starting point for the Vasuki trek is Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport which is in Dehradun itself. From Dehradun it is 8-9 hr drive to Gangotri which is nearly 235kms in distance.

Dehradun is well connected to all major cities of Uttarakhand and major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Vasuki Tal trek starts from Gangotri and it is a 65kms trek and takes about 8 days.

Clothing and Backpack

Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.

Footwear

You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.

Personal Care

For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.

Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:

To overcome the difficulty level of  trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.

Inclusion

1. Transport support from and to Dehradun: starting from pickup on day 1 to drop on day 8.
2. Guide and cook fees.
3. Rent for camping equipment.
4. Forest entry charges.
5. Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment. Please note that personal luggage can be carried by mules and/or porters on chargeable basis.
6. All veg meals starting from day 1 dinner to day 8 breakfast.
7. Tented accommodation throughout the trek. Possible guest house accommodation on Day 1 and Day 7.