Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 7 Days
Grade :- Moderate To Difficult
Max Altitude :- 15,500 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 37 Kms.
If watching mountains directly wasn’t the thrill, capturing them in the reflection of a lake is a definite thrill. Kedartal is emerald lake that manifests the flawless reflection of Thalaysagar peak. After Shivling peak, Thalaysagar is considered as the most beautiful peak. The surprising fact is both of them lie in the Gangotri range. And after Gomukh Tapovan this is the second trek heading from Gangotri. Therefore it is no behind in enticing views.
Lying at 15,485 ft Kedartal is one of the most astounding glacial lakes in the world. It is fed by the melting snow of Thalaysagar and Brighupanth peak. This lake is the best place to witness the magnificence of huge peaks from the closest. The peaks like Manda, Bhagirathi, Gangotri, Bhrigupanth, Mt. Meru and Thalaysagar. In the barren lands of the higher Himalayas, the lake fits perfect in the landscape. It is like a blooming lotus in the mud! Except the mud here is rising black-white mountains.
This trek is considered difficult due to the presence of rocky path right from day 1. The path is steep, filled with scree, dust and boulders. In fact, the first day of the trekking goes through a thin ledge on 60 degrees rock face. And the complexity keeps increasing. Until the final steep summit ridge. The trail also goes through vibrant blossoms and lush meadows. With a few stream crossing over Kedar Ganga, the trail has it all.
If you are an experienced trekker and willing to go an exceptional adventure. Then Kedartal trek is waiting for you!
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri
• Altitude: 3,100m/10,200ft (Gangotri).
• Coordinate: 30°59’44″N, 78°56’11″E (Gangotri).
• Pick up time 06.00 am at the parking of Dehradun railway station.
• Drive 240 km, 8-9 hours from Dehradun.
• Breakfast and lunch on the way (not included in the cost)
• After Uttarkashi keep a warm jacket handy.
• Local Market and network is available.
• Full functioning AMT at Uttarkashi.
• Gangotri is one of Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
• Dinner at guest house (included in the cost)
• Stay in Guest House (double or triple sharing).
Day 2: Acclimatisation day around Gangotri
• After breakfast visit Pandav gufa, Gauri and Surya kund.
• Post lunch can visit Gangotri temple or go for shopping.
• Lunch at guest house.
• Stay in Guest House.
Day 3: Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
• Altitude: 3,900m/12,800ft (Bhoj Kharak).
• Altitude gain 800m/2,600ft.
• Coordinate: 30°57’48″N, 78°56’31″E (Bhoj Kharak).
• Trek: 9 km, 5-6 hours.
• Rocky terrain, most of the part is steep ascent.
• Trek is under tree line.
• Limited Sources (approx 3) on the way.
• Kedar Ganga River will always be towards left.
• Can see Thalaysagar Peak on the way.
• Will find abundant Bhojpatra trees. • Packed lunch on the way.
• Will reach camp site by afternoon.
• Stay in tent (two in one tent).
Day 4: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
• Altitude: 4,350m/14,300ft (Kedar Kharak).
• Altitude gain: 450m/1,500ft.
• Coordinate 30°56’5″N, 78°57’12″E (Kedar Kharak).
• Trek: 4.5 km, 4-5 hours.
• Initial 1km is steep ascent; rest is gradual ascent and descent.
• Most of the part is on meadow.
• Easy day compared to the previous day.
• Can see Thalaysagar Peak on the way.
• Sufficient water sources on the way.
• Hot lunch at camp site.
• Will reach camp site by early afternoon.
• Stay in tent.
Day 5: Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back to Kedar Kharak
• Altitude: 4,700m/15,500ft (Kedar Tal).
• Altitude gain: 350m/1200ft.
• Coordinate 30°54’54″N, 78°57’27″E (Kedar Tal).
• Trek: 5 km, 4-5 hours one way.
• Spend 1 hour and trek back to Kedar Kharak
• Continuous steep ascent on a rocky terrain with no greenery around.
• Carry enough water as there are no water sources.
• Stay in tent at Kedar Kharak.
Day 6: Kedar Kharak to Gangotri
• Altitude: 3,100m/10,200ft (Gangotri).
• Altitude Loose: 1,600m/5,300.
• Coordinate: 30°59’44″N, 78°56’11″E (Gangotri).
• Trek: 13.5 km, 8-9 hours.
• Enough water sources on the way.
• Packed lunch on the way.
• Stay in guest house.
Day 7: Gangotri to Dehradun
• Drive: 240 km, 8-9hours.
• Will reach by 5pm.
• Breakfast and lunch on the way (not included in the cost).
• Gangotri to Dehradun driving time may increase due to of heavy traffic. Make your further travel plane from Dehradun after 8:00 pm.
Who can participate?
• First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
• The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
• The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.
• Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri
After Dehradun get ready for a long drive heading towards the epitome of religious places of India. The drive to Gangotri will go through Uttarkashi. On the roadsides keep your eyes to spot many famous places. The drive goes through dense forests until you reach Gangotri in the evening. As you know, Gangotri is the birthplace of Ganga. It is one of the Dhams of the Char Dham Yatra. Gangotri is situated on the banks of Bhagirath river at 3100 meters height.
During the time of Char Dham Yatra from April end to June, Gangotri is crowded with pilgrims along with adventurers and trekkers like you. Rest in the hotel after the long drive. You can save your exploration desire for the next day.
Day 2: Acclimatisation day around Gangotri
Wake up in God’s lap. Make the most of this day and try to explore Gangotri the religious centre. You can visit temples, caves, meet Sadhus, walk through pine forests etc. Do not miss the Gangotri temple, Surya Kund and Ganga aarti. This day is specially reserved for acclimatization. Therefore, try to stay outdoors and let your body adjust to the high altitude.
Day 3: Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Wake up early and get to trudge on the actual trekking path. The trail is 8-9 km long and unique. Today the path to Bhoj Kharak is different and you will witness it. Most of the path is rocky and it is the only way to reach Bhoj Kharak. So you will find many people accompanying you.
Kedar Ganga will always be towards left. You will find abundant Bhojpatra trees. It is believed that the leaves were used to write ancient literature. The path gets narrower as you move ahead. After hours of trekking, you will reach the Spider Wall which is 60 degrees inclined rock face. The path is extremely narrow such that only one foot can be placed. Once this risky patch is crossed you will arrive at Bhoj Kharak.
This campsite is marked by Bhoj trees and purple rhododendrons. Moreover, the views of Thalaysagar make this a perfect camping place. Rest for the day in tents.
Day 4: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Today the hike is shorter and easier compared to yesterday. However, the trail begins with a steep climb at first. As you move up the treeline seems to vanish. Then the trail opens up to meadows filled with colourful blossoms. After yesterday’s rocky terrain today will be a pleasant walk with a few steep up and downs.
Bharal or Blue sheep and variety of birds are known to be seen so keep your eyes and ears awake. The campsite is set between meadows with wonderful sights of Brighupanth peak. After one last river crossing over Kedar Ganga, you will reach the campsite. Do not miss the famous sunset from this spot.
Day 5: Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back to Kedar Kharak
And finally, the day has arrived when the dreamy emerald lake will be in our sight. However, the approach to Tal is not easy. It can be described as overcoming various rocky, barren and 3 ridges to reach the lake.
The path goes through barren land and dry sights around with only 2-3 stream crossing. The weather gets unpredictable here, therefore, being on schedule is the key. The trail is through scree, dust and boulders. After a few hours of trekking on such path, the final steep ridge is reached. There are cairns placed to mark the trail. Once you climb the final ridge you will the stunning Kedartal. One last descend to the lake and you will be right next to the Kedartal. You can find a flawless reflection of Thalaysagar on the lake. From the lake, you should get the panorama of Mt. Manda, Brighupant, Gangotri, Thalaysagar, Bhagirathi and Mt. Meru.
Spend the most rejuvenating time and get ready to retrace steps back to Kedarkharak.
Day 6: Kedar Kharak to Gangotri
Wake up with the amazing flashes of Kedartal, it is time to go home. Walk back upon the same path towards Gangotri.
Day 7: Gangotri to Dehradun
The returning day has come. Look back once again to the most memorable places you have visited. Your will pickup will arrive early and drop you at Dehradun railway station.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun
By Train :-
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi
Nandadevi Express – Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival – 5:40am)
Dehradun Express – Train no: 12687 (Departure – 9:10pm; Arrival – 5:00am)
By Bus :-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station
• Himalayan Hike’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00 am.
• Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek.
• You will reach Gangotri by 5:00 pm.
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation: (as per the itinerary).
• Guest house in Gangotri on Day 1, Day 2 & Day 6 (twin/triple sharing basis).
• Camping during the trek (Day3 to Day 5).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
• All meals Gangotri to Gangotri
• Day 1 Dinner to Day 6 Dinner.
3. Trek equipments:
• Sleeping bag, Mattress, Utensils.
• Trekkers tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dinning tent, Toilet tent, Ropes.
4. First aid:
• Medical kits.
• Stretcher.
• Oxygen cylinder.
5. Support:
• 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader.
• Guide (Number of guides depend on the group size).
• 1 High Altitude chef.
• Support staff.
6. Transportation: (as per the itinerary)
• Dehradun Railway station to Gangotri (Day 1).
• Gangotri to Dehradun Railway station (Day 7).
7. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals.
8. Porters to carry the central luggage.
9. Services from Dehradun railway station and return.
Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Insurance.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Any kind of emergency evacuation charge, hospitalization fee or etc.
5. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Note :
Normally Himalayan Hike expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:
INR 3200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance.
INR 3500/- if you inform us after reaching Base Camp.
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kg. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: –
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.