Max Altitude
15,500 FT
Grade
Moderate To Difficult
Duration
7 Days
Trekking KM.
37 KM
Suitable for: | 15+ years. |
Experience: | First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated. |
Fitness: | Cover 6 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress. |
Customise Trek
Trek Info
Why Kedar Tal Is A Must-Do Trek?
If watching the mountains directly wasn’t a thrill, capturing them in the reflections of a lake is a thrill. Kedartal is an emerald lake that manifests the flawless reflection of the Thalaysagar peak. After Shivling Peak, Thalaysagar is considered the most beautiful peak. The surprising fact is both of them lie in the Gangotri Range. And after Gaumukh Tapovan this is another trek heading from Gangotri, therefore it does not lag in enticing views.
Lying at 15,500 feet, Kedartal is one of the most astounding glacial lakes. 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 mountain peaks like Manda, Bhagirathi, Gangotri, Bhrigupanth, Mt. Meru, and Thalaysagar encompass the skyline. In the barren lands of the higher Himalayas, the lake fits perfectly 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 a rocky path right from day 1. The path is steep, and filled with scree, dust, and boulders. The first day of 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 streams crossing over Kedar Ganga, the trail has it all.
If you are an experienced trekker and willing to go on an exceptional adventure then the Kedartal Trek is waiting for you!
About The Trek
Kedartal is a difficult grade trek and is ideal for those who have done a couple of Himalayan treks before. The lake sits amid high-rising mountains like Mt. Thalaysagar, Manda Parvat, Mt. Bhrigupanth, Mt. Jogin, and Mt. Gangotri. There are very few Himalayan treks that will bring you to such proximity to the mountains and this trek is also much less crowded as compared to other Himalayan treks and the solitude comes as a great blessing.
The transportation from Dehradun to Gangotri is arranged by TTH and you will be driven to Gangotri on the first day of the journey, followed by an acclimatization day at Gangotri. The following day the trek will lead to Bhoj Kharak and then next to Kedar Kharak and on to Kedar Tal the next day. This is an extremely hard trekking route to Kedar Tal and you get surreal views of the Gangotri Ranges. Descending from Kedar Kharak to Gangotri, you will be driven back to Dehradun in a Tata Sumo or similar vehicle.
What Can You Expect At The Trek
The trek starts at an altitude of 11,000 ft and takes you to an altitude of 16,000 ft and the altitude gain happens within a period of 3 to 4 days. The terrain can be quite tricky most of the time with steep ascents and descents and you need adequate mental and physical preparation before doing the trek. You need to prepare well for the trek if you want an enjoyable experience. There are a couple of spider walls on the trek that is near-vertical boulders and you have to climb them to progress ahead. Good physical fitness is a must for the trek.
There are diverse sceneries along the trek and it includes charming forest covers in Bhoj Kharak, followed by some beautiful high-altitude meadows the tranquility at the lake is simply indescribable.
It is a 50 km trek and the entire journey from Dehradun and back takes 7 days including driving days and acclimatization days. The trek lies in the greater Himalayas and is thus big on mountain views. The trek can be done in two seasons, one is in summer between the months of mid-May to June and in autumn during the months of mid-September to the end of October. In summer you will find leftover snow from winter in some sections of the trail and in autumn there are no traces of snow. In summer the temperature is pleasant and lingers between 15 to 20 °C in the daytime, however, the nights can be pretty cold with the temperatures dropping close to 0°C. In autumn the temperatures go as high as 20°C in the daytime and at night range between 3-5°C
Kedratal region is also the natural habitat of the mountain goats – Bharal but you will rarely spot them on the trail. Keep an eye out and your fingers crossed, you may spot one feeding on the sides of the mountain.
This is not a trek that you can do by yourself and will need a guide with technical skills to complete the trek. All our trek leaders are mountaineering certified as well as Wilderness First Aid Responders and as such, they will assist you every step of the way, especially on technical sections like the spider wall and there is also a rockfall section from Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak, where technical skills help. These sections require technical safety equipment as well as a skilled technical safety team. Trying to do this trek without technical assistance can be quite risky.
On the lower part of the trek, the weather is more or less stable and as you gain altitude, the weather becomes unpredictable, and at an altitude above 15,000 ft, snowfall can occur at any time of the trek. So carry the appropriate gear and clothing layers to be prepared at all times of the trek. In summer, snow on the Kedartal Trek is a big probability and sometimes the snowfall can obstruct the previously cut path and this means fresh paths have to be cut by us. The technical team with the trek leader will decide if we are to proceed on the trek or turn back.
The base camp for Kedartal is at Gangotri which is already at a high altitude of 10,000 ft and goes all the way to Kedartal at 15,484 ft. so the oxygen level is already low from the beginning of the trek and it only gets rarer as you trek to higher altitudes. Relatively colder temperatures and high oxygen levels can make you susceptible to AMS and you might develop your symptoms as early as Bhoj Kharak or even before that. Our trek leaders are all trained to detect the signs of AMS early on and will provide the necessary precautions. We also add additional acclimatization days to the itinerary to maintain the safety of our trekkers. If you feel any symptoms of AMS, report to the Trek Leader immediately.
Health Awareness
Government Employees {SCL}
Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)
Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.
Note
After reaching Dehradun get ready for a long drive to one of the most revered places in Uttarakhand, the Gangotri Dham. It is one of the Char Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage. You will reach Gangotri in the evening and it is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River at 3100 meters. During the summer months, the Gangotri Dham is crowded with pilgrims as well as adventure seekers. After reaching Gangotri, you will check into a guesthouse and rest in the hotel after the long drive.
Gangotri is the base camp for your Kedartal trek and on the first day, we will drive from Dehradun to Gangotri. The pickup is scheduled at 6:00 am from Dehradun Railway Station and you will be driven to Gangotri in a comfortable Tata Sumo or similar vehicle. The drive takes about 8 to 9 hrs and all along the route, you will see stunning views of the Himalayan Ranges and you will also cross the Tehri Dam on the way. You will cross the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and after Uttarkashi, the roads become narrower and the forest becomes denser. It also gets colder as you gain altitude. You will cross the lovely town of Harshil on the way. If you are doing the trek in the summer months, Gangotri will be brimming with pilgrims visiting the Gangotri Dham, as it is the time for the Chardham Yatra.
Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges, is steeped in mythology. The legend has it that King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva for the salvation of the souls of all his 6000 sons and obliging to the request, Lord Shiva requested Goddess Ganga to flow down earth and purify the ashes of Bhagirath’s sons. This and many more mythologies elevate the status of the River Ganga to purify one’s soul.
On reaching Gangotri, we will check into a guesthouse and stay the night in Gangotri.
Wake in God’s lap in the mystical environs of Gangotri. Gangotri is a small pilgrim town in Uttarkashi with a temple of Goddess Ganga at it’s heart. Nestled amidst Himalayan peaks, dense forests and glaciers, the serenity of Gangotri will rejuvenate you thoroughly. It’s a hustling hub of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra. Make the most of your day and explore the Gangotri shrine and explore the Gangotri shrine and the nearby areas You can visit Gangotri temple, Surya Kund and watch the Ganga Aarti. Today is specially reserved for acclimatization. Therefore, try to stay outdoors and let your body adjust to the high altitude.
Today’s day is reserved for acclimatization. At higher altitudes, when the oxygen becomes rare, there are chances of AMS if you gain altitude too quickly. We add a day for acclimatization in our itinerary to help your body adjust to the high altitude and low temperature conditions. You can explore the nearby areas and take short acclimatizations hike on the trail and back to your basecamp. Take in the town’s sights and surroundings and return to your guesthouse to rest for the night.
Wake up early and get ready to trudge on the actual trekking path. Today we will trek from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak. The trek is 8-9 km long and unique. Today the apth to Bhoj Kharak is different and you will be ready to witness it. Head towards the Bhairav Ghati Bridge across the Bhagirathi River and follow the trail it heads towards Bhoj Kharak. In the beginning of the trail, you will see GMVN cottages on you right and you will also cross the ashrams of a few sages. The trail has already begun to ascend at this point. The path to Bhoj Kharak is rocky and this is the only way to reach the forest. You will find many people accompanying you on the way. Kedar Ganga will remain on your left and there are an abundance of Bhojpatra trees on today’s trail. It is believed that in ancient times the leaves of Bhojpatra trees were used to write literature. The locals also use the leaves of these trees as shoe soles for insulation against cold. 200 metres into the trail and you will take a sharp turn towards right alongside another ashram. You are now in the beginning of the Bhoj Kharak trail. You will notice fir trees in the beginning of the forest and after about an hour of climbing the fir trees give way to Bhoj trees. The trail ascends very steeply all the way to Bhoj Kharak. Below you you can hear the strong gushing noise of the Kedar Ganga passing by. The deeper you go, the narrower the valley becomes. There are also flat walk sections on the trail that allows you to catch your breath.
While on the trek, do not forget to take sips of water every now and then to stay hydrated. The trail will also pass by three water points so you can refill your water bottle form here. After walking a couple of hours, you will reach a spider wall which is nearly vertical standing at an angle of 60 degrees. This is a risky and technical path and you can only place one foot at a time as you cross the wall. Our technical team will assist you across this difficult patch and once you climb the patch, you arrive at Bhoj Kharak, your campsite for today. Find a flat patch of land to pitch your tents and the valley is quite narrow here as well. The campsite is marked by Bhoj and Rhododendron trees and the views of Thalaysagar make it a great camping spot. Rest today in your tents.
Today’s hike is shorter and easier compared to yesterday. However, the trail begins with a steep climb at first. Kedar Kharak is located at an altitude of 14,000 ft and the trek distance is 4.5 kms from your Bhoj Kharak cmpsite. As you move up the treeline seems to vanish. Then the trail opens up to meadows filled with colourful blossoms. The meadows are especially beautiful during the autumn season. After yesterday\'s rocky terrain today will be a pleasant walk with a few steep up and downs. Once you enter the emadows it is relaxing stroll for the next 2 kms with a few steep ascents.
Bharal or Blue sheep, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear 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. This is a great spot to capture some stunning pictures with Bhirgupanth peak in the background. The climate starts to get chillier with the gain of altitude and you may notice thin layer of frosts over the stones. After one last river crossing over Kedar Ganga, you will reach the campsite. Do not miss the famous sunset from this spot. As the sun sinks behind the Bhrigupanth Peak, the entire meadow is strewn in orange hues. Settle in your campsite at night.
This is the most exciting day of your trek as you finally get to see the dreamy emerald lake. However, approach to the lake is not easy and you have to overcome rocky and barren terrains with 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 with no greenery around. Although the terrain is barren, it is quite thrill crossing this patch to the trek. Steep ascents and descents mark the trail and requires a great deal of energy to cross the trek. After a few hours of trekking on such path, the final steep ridge is reached. There are cairns placed to mark the trail. About a half a kilometer away from the lake, you can see the glorious Thalaysagar peak across the ridge. 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. Temperature drops drastically at Kedartal and you will see a beautiful reflection of Thalaysagar peak on the lake.
Spend the most rejuvenating time at the lake and get ready to retrace steps back to Kedarkharak along the same path.
Wake up early and capture the breathtaking sunrise views from the Kedar Kharak campsite and then head out towards your downhill trek to Gangotri. It is a long trek of 13.5 km and takes about 8 to 9 hrs to reach the trek. Trace the same path that you came up in , cherishing the surroundings for the final time. While descending be careful of the loose rocks on the trail. If you reach Gangotri by early evening, you can catch the Ganga Aarti. You will stay the night at Gangotri and head back to Dehradun the next morning.
The time has come to say goodbye to the mountains. After Morning tea, you will check out from the guesthouse. Our vehicle will pick you up from Gangotri and drop you at Dehradun by evening.
First of all everyone has to reach Dehradun, after that TTH will take care of your further travel plan.
Our pick-up location is Dehradun Railway Station at 06:00 AM
The distance from Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to Railway Station is 6 km, without traffic it will take 15 minutes.
Options to reach Dehradun
1. Take an overnight train/bust to Dehradun, and then take a cab to the pickup point.
We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am positively.
2. Take flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) (25 km, 50 min), if coming by flight then come one day early.
Trekkers will be dropped at Dehradun Railway station by 06:00 PM, for onward journey from Dehradun it is advised to make arrangements after 08:00 PM.
The distance from Railway Station to Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) is 6 km, it will take approx 25 minutes.
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: Tempo Traveller/Sumo/Bolero (Depends on availablity)
• 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.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Insurance (Mandatory).
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.
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
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.
Special Offers
Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.
If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.
Terms and conditions
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 [email protected] 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
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:
At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
Note
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.
In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.
Note:
Cash Voucher Terms:
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.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 2 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Moderate To Difficult |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
Customise Trek
Date | Status |
---|---|
16 Sep - 22 Sep 2023 | Open |
23 Sep - 29 Sep 2023 | Open |
30 Sep - 06 Oct 2023 | Open |
07 Oct - 13 Oct 2023 | Open |
14 Oct - 20 Oct 2023 | Open |
Date | Status |
---|---|
16 Sep - 22 Sep 2023 | Open |
23 Sep - 29 Sep 2023 | Open |
30 Sep - 6 Oct 2023 | Open |
7 Oct - 13 Oct 2023 | Open |
14 Oct - 20 Oct 2023 | Open |
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