Location:
Uttarakhand
Duration:
7
Days
Difficulty:
Moderate to Difficult
Highest Altitude:
15500
ft.
Distance:
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!
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
• TTH’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.
What is included?
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.
What is excluded?
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 TTH 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.
Booking and cancellation policy
Paying the Trek /Tour fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must
be notified of the same in writing at info@trekthehimalayas.com. At the time we receive your
written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip:
Refund options
•Get 95% cash refund
•100% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip:
Refund options
•Get 70% cash refund
•100% cash voucher for same trip till one year
•85% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip:
Refund options
•Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
•Get 50% cash refund
•80% cash voucher for same trip till one year
•70% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek:
Refund options
•Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend
•No cash refund
•20% cash voucher for same trip till one year
•10% cash voucher for any trip till one year
Note: 1. Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
2. In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
3. TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
4. Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
Cash Voucher Terms:
• This is a non transferable voucher
• The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
• The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
• To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
• All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
• Trek The Himalayas holds rights to add/remove any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Essentials for the trek
Fitness requirements
Fitness regime recommendation
Maps
FAQs
