Brief About Kedartal Trek
The Kedartal trek is a challenging and remote trek for experienced Himalayan trekkers who want to push themselves. The trail offers stunning views of famous mountains like Mt Thalaysagar and Mt Bhrigupanth, and takes you to the glacial Kedartal lake.
The altitude gain is significant, climbing from 11,000 ft to over 16,000 ft in 3-4 days, requiring physical and mental preparation. The reward for the effort is the indescribable serenity of Kedartal lake, lovely bhoj forests, and vast high altitude meadows.
Kedartal is the most sought-after destination in Uttarakhand, situated next to Kedar Bamak Glacier at the foot of Thalaysagar and Brigupanth Peak. It is one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in India, catching surreal glimpses of the holy site of Gangotri. The trek is in the Garhwal Himalayas and comes under Gangotri National Park
Key details of the Kedartal Trek:
- Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 6 days and 5 nights
- Trek Distance: 38 km both ways
- Trek Altitude Range: 15,583 feet
- Starting Point: Gangotri
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Train Station (242 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (266 km)
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Kedartal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Gangotri – Hike to Surya Kund
Start by taking a shared cab from Rispana Pul in Dehradun to Uttarkashi, which takes about 5-6 hours and offers stunning views. After a short break, continue on to Gangotri via Harsil, which takes another four hours. Upon arrival, visit the temple for evening aarti and get permission to enter Gangotri National Park. If time allows, hike to Surya Kund before staying overnight in a hotel in Gangotri.
Day 2: Bhoj Kharak – The Spider Wall Trek
Travellers on Day 2 of the trek can visit the sacred shrine of Gangotri and explore the local markets before crossing the bridge over Bhagirathi River and starting the ascent on the right. You should walk at a slow and steady pace through pine trees and mix vegetation zone of fir and Bhoj trees, with views of the Kedar Ganga and the mystical Thalaysagar mountain. The trail includes a steep and slant rock section called Spider Wall, which you should cross to reach the small campsite of Bhoj Kharak, situated at an elevation of 3,780 m above sea level.
Day 3: Kedar Kharak – The Rustic Trail of Gangotri National Park
On Day 3 of the trek, one can trek for 5 km through rugged terrains to reach Kedar Kharak, enjoying changing views of rich flora, Manda peaks, and Bhrigupanth peak every 30 minutes. You can cross the Gila Pahar zone, and if necessary, take the trek route down to Kedar Ganga. Cross the river and continue hiking against the river flow until you cross the Gila Pahar intersection and return to the trail leading to Kedar Kharak.
As you proceed towards Lower Kedar Kharak, a wide valley opens up, and you will reach the beautiful meadow of Kedar Kharak. Situated at an elevation of 4,280 m above sea level, you can stay overnight stay at one of the most beautiful campsites in the Gangotri National Park region.
Day 4: Kedar Tal
Embark on a 5 km trek filled with moraines and glaciers covered with moraines to reach Kedar Tal from Kedar Kharak, with possible snow trekking in June. After crossing a brook carrying icy cold water and climbing steep rocky terrain, you will witness Kedar Bamak Glacier’s views along with other lakes before reaching the immaculate Kedar Tal.
Kedar Tal is situated at an altitude of 4780 m above sea level where you can explore the Jogin Advance Base Camp. You can trek towards Jogin (4900 m) to witness Thalaysagar peak’s best views, its West Ridge, and Thalaysagar Icefall up close, before returning to Kedar Tal for an overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Back to Gangotri
Capture breathtaking sunrise views before embarking on a long and tiring 7-8 hour hike back to Gangotri. If you reach Bhoj Kharak by 03:00 PM, you can proceed to Gangotri or camp at Bhoj Kharak.
Day 6: Reach Dehradun & Head Back To Your Home
Wake up early to enjoy sunrise views before winding up the trek and arriving at Dehradun from Gangotri. They can leave with unforgettable memories of the adventure.
What is the best time to visit Kedartal Trek
The best time to plan the Kedartal Trek is in May to mid-June and then September to October. The day temperatures are pleasant during this time at 15-20°C while night temperatures can drop close to zero.
In summer, the weather is unpredictable with sudden rain or snow. It is recommended to wear 3-4 warm layers. The summer trek offers the rare sight of a frozen Kedartal lake and snow on the trail, making it challenging yet adventurous.
However, it is important to be cautious of bad weather, as the trek is in the Greater Himalayas and prone to snow even in summer. The arrival of monsoons in late June can make the trail risky, so the summer season ends in June.
How to reach the starting point of the trek?
Gangotri is a holy town and the starting point of the Kedartal trek.
You can get to Dehradun by train, bus, or air from major cities in India. From Dehradun, take a shared cab to Uttarkashi, which is about a 5.5-hour journey, and then take another shared cab to Gangotri, which is about a 2.5-hour journey. The cab fares range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 350. Shared cabs to Uttarkashi are available from 5 am to 8.30 am, and shared cabs to Gangotri are available around noon.
Availability of accommodations and food near the trek
Food:
Meals are usually best provided by your trek guide or the local guide you pick there. You won’t find proper shops during the trek to eat anything. So it’s essential you are in touch with a guide once you start the trek
Accommodation:
You can find hotels in Dehradun around Hotel Grand Legacy, with many options are available online. Multiple guesthouses are also available in Gangotri and Dehradun, and it is recommended to make advance bookings.
The Difficulty level of the Kedartal Trek
The Kedartal Trek is rated as moderately difficult and requires both physical and mental fitness to complete. Factors that contribute to its difficulty include the high altitude gained in just three days, the presence of snow on the trails, and tricky sections such as the spider walls. While first-timers may need help, the trek can be done with good fitness and determination, with the support of guides along the way.
Is Kedartal Trek Considered Safe?
The Kedartal Trek is safe if you go with a good trekking team, ideally a local trekking organization. The minimum age for the trek is 15 and the maximum is 55, with fitness being the main requirement. Children under 15 are not allowed on the trek, as it is considered moderately difficult.
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