5 Night 6Days
Specific Tour
15-20 people
English
Shiva’s lake, Kedar Tal, is a glacier lake in India’s Garhwal Himalayas. It rises 4,750 metres (15,600 feet). Kedar Tal, near Gangotri, is Uttarakhand’s most visited spot. An attractive lake near the Kedar Bamak Glacier at the base of the enormous Thalaysagar and Brigupanth Peaks. Gangotri, at 3,048 metres, is the starting point (10,000 feet). From Gangotri, trekkers follow a well-marked road through the mountains to the lake, passing through forests, meadows, and streams. The moderate-to-difficult Kedartal trek has an average distance of 19 kilometres (12 miles) and a total rise of 1,200 metres (3,900 feet) (3,937 feet). Depending on pace, the hike can be completed in three to four days. The trek can be done from May to October, when the weather is usually dry. However, this region’s environment is unpredictable, and snow or heavy rain can occur even in July. Thus, hikers must be prepared for bad weather with warm garments, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. Trekkers can test their stamina and enjoy the Himalayas on the Kedartal walk. It starts and ends in Kedartal. Due to its steep ascent and rough terrain, the trek requires high physical fitness. Trekkers must be mentally prepared to confront the risks of altitude sickness and wild animals when climbing at high altitudes.
As you arrive in Dehradun, board a shared cab from Rispana Pul in Dehradun to Uttarkashi.Drive for 9–10 hours through the Mussoorie Bypass Road, which has some of the most beautiful views, including of the Tehri Dam Lake, and then go to Chilyanisaur.Take a short break in Uttarkashi and then keep going to Gangotri by going through Harsil, which will take another four hours. To get to Gangotri from Uttarkashi, you will need to take another shared taxi. Once you get to Gangotri, go to the temple for evening aarti and then get permission to enter the Gangotri National Park. If you have time, you can also hike to Surya Kund. Stay in a hotel in Gangotri for the night.
In the morning, go to Gangotri's holy shrine and wander around the local markets. Cross the bridge over the Bhagirathi River and start climbing the hill on the right. Walk up the hill at a slow, steady pace so you don't get tired as quickly. The trail goes through an area with pine trees and then goes into an area with fir and Bhoj trees. From the top of the gorge, you can see the Kedar Ganga, which flows quietly. You will also see Thalaysagar for the first time, and each step will bring you closer to this mysterious mountain. Before you get to Bhoj Kharak, there is a steep, slanted rock in the middle of the trail. Trekkers call this rock the Spider Wall. If you go through this part, you'll get to Bhoj Kharak. A small campsite called Bhoj Kharak is located 3,780 m above sea level.
You can get to Kedar Kharak by following a path that is 5 km long and goes through some rough terrain. Every 30 minutes, the quiet seems to change. It starts with a trail with lots of plants, and then you can see the Manda peaks. The views from Bhrigupanth peak are mesmerising. Cross the Gila Pahar area, and if it's not safe, you can take the trek route down to Kedar Ganga, cross the river, and then keep walking against the flow of the river until you reach the Gila Pahar intersection, at which point you can walk back to the trail that leads to Kedar Kharak. As you move toward Lower Kedar Kharak (4100 m), a wide valley opens up. The trek ends at the beautiful meadow of Kedar Kharak, which is 4,280 m above sea level. Stay the night at Kedar Kharak, one of Gangotri National Park's most beautiful campsites.
From Kedar Kharak, it's another 5 km walk to Kedar Tal, which is mostly moraines and moraine-covered glaciers. If you go hiking in June, you might have to walk the last few kilometres on snow before you reach Kedartal. Cross the icy cold brook and climb up the steep, rocky terrain. Follow the cairns to make sure you are still on the right path. After climbing the last ridge, you can see views of Kedar Bamak Glacier and other lakes from afar. It's a nice sight to see where the foot of Mt. Bhrigupanth and Mt. Thalaysagar meet the Kedar Bamak Glacier. Keep walking for another hour to see the beautiful views of Kedar Tal, a high-altitude lake with clear water. It is mesmerising to see Thalaysagar peak reflected in the still water of Kedartal. The height of Kedar Tal above sea level is 4,780 metres. Explore the Jogin Advance Base Camp and start walking towards Jogin around noon from Kedartal (4900 m). This part of the hike will not only help you get used to the altitude, but it will also give you the best views of Thalaysagar peak. Its West Ridge will open up, and you'll get a close look at the Thalaysagar Icefall. After that, walk back to Kedar Tal and stay in tents for the night.
Take pictures of the beautiful sunrise early in the morning, then start the long, tiring trek to Gangotri, which will take about 7-8 hours. If you get to Bhoj Kharak by 3:00 PM, you can either go to Gangotri or set up camp there.
Wake up early and watch the sun rise. When you get to Dehradun from Gangotri, the tour will be over. Get to Dehradun with a lot of exciting memories.
The best time to plan the Kedartal Trek is from May to mid-June and from September to October.
The Kedartal Trek offers a moderate level of difficulty. Since you will be trekking towards one of the most scenic glacial lakes in the world, a lot of technique and proper physique will be required from you. Not only physical, but you need to be mentally fit too to complete this trek and cover a distance of around six days.
For this Kedartal trek, you need to bring the following clothes: During the trek, heavy woollen clothes can keep you warm. - Woolen socks. - Gloves. - Hats or caps. - Sweaters and jackets
No, Kids are not allowed to go for the Kedartal trek. Anyone below the age of 18 cannot avail this trek as it is considered to be moderately difficult.
The Kedartal trek to Tapovan needs a permit, which can be gotten either from the District Forest Officer in Uttarkashi or from the forest office in Gangotri. There is a limit of 150 permits per day, and they are given out based on who gets there first.
BSNL and Airtel have a good connectivity in this region. Network is available at Gangotri. No network can be expected beyond this point.
Member Since 2022
Arjun Daksh
Highly recommended