Description
Kedar Tal Trek
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 in the midst of 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 close 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 the next to Kedar Kharak and on to Kedar Tal the next day. This is an extremely hard trekking route all the way 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.
Day 1: Dehradun – Uttarkashi – Gangotri: Drive 258 Kms, 10 hours
Board a shared cab from Rispana Pul in Dehradun to Uttarkashi.
Get a drive for 5-6 hours that takes you through Mussoorie Bypass Road giving you the most spectacular views including the precious views of Tehri Dam Lake as well and proceed to Chilyanisaur.
Take a short break at Uttarkashi and continue travelling to Gangotri via Harsil that would take another four hours.
If you start around 06:00 AM, you will reach Uttarkashi by 12 noon. From Uttarkashi, you will have to take another shared cab to reach Gangotri.
Once you reach Gangotri, go to the temple to perform evening aarti and afterwards, get a permission to enter the Gangotri National Park.
If time permits, do a hiking to Surya Kund as well.
Stay overnight in a hotel in Gangotri.
Day 2: Gangotri – Bhoj Kharak: Trek 8 Kms
Today in the morning, visit the sacred shrine of Gangotri and wander around the local markets.
Cross the bridge over Bhagirathi River and start climbing the ascent on the right.
Walk the steep in a slow constant pace so that you would not be tired so easily.
The trail passes through pine trees and it goes to enter a mix vegetation zone of fir and bhoj trees.
The silently flowing Kedar Ganga is visible from the top, deep down in the gorge.
Then you will witness the first glimpse of Thalaysagar and every step will take you closer to this mystical mountain.
Before reaching Bhoj Kharak there is a steep and slant rock amidst the trail with space of just a few steps, it is also known as Spider Wall amongst trekkers.
During early June or late October if the rocky face is covered with snow then it will require some skills to cross this section because one slip can drag you to few hundred feets below.
Cross this section and you’ll reach Bhoj Kharak.
Situated at the elevation of 3,780 mts above sea level Bhoj Kharak is a small campsite. If you are fit and managed to reach Bhoj Kharak at around noon then try to push and reach Lower Kedar Kharak on the same day.
Day 3: Bhoj Kharak – Kedar Kharak: Trek 5 Kms
Stretching along for 5 KMs that passes through some of the complicated rugged terrains will take you to Kedar Kharak.
After every 30 minutes, the serenity seems to change; it starts with a rich flora filled trail and after some time the Manda peaks' views will come on the way.
Enjoy the mesmerising views of Bhrigupanth peak and you near to Kedar Kharak.
Cross the zone of Gila Pahar and if it is not a proper condition, you can take the trek route down to Kedar Ganga, cross the river and then continue hiking against the river flow till you cross the Gila Pahar intersection and then hike back to the trail that leads to Kedar Kharak.
A wide valley opens up as you proceed towards Lower Kedar Kharak (4100mts) and the trek ends up at the beautiful meadow of Kedar Kharak situated at an elevation of 4,280mts above sea level.
The trek demands good physical strength even though it extends up to 5 KM only.
But in the end it is a well paid off effort because Kedar Kharak is one of the most beautiful campsites in the Gangotri National Park region.
Bharal (Blue Sheep) visiting the location for grazing arranges a perfect background for the location.
The sight of Bhrigupanth and Thalaysagar peaks standing high together is like a surreal dream.
Day 4: Kedar Kharak – Kedar Tal – Jogin ABC – Kedar Tal: Trek 10 Kms
Yet another 5 KM long trek to reach Kedar Tal from Kedar Kharak which is filled mostly with moraines and glaciers covered with moraines.
If you are trekking in June you might have to trek on snow for last couple of kilometres before Kedartal.
Cross the brook carrying icy cold water and climb the steep rocky terrain. Keep following the cairn markings to ensure that you are on the right trail.
After climbing the final ridge, Kedar Bamak Glacier's views along with other lakes become obvious from a distance.
The foot of Mt. Bhrigupanth and Mt. Thalaysagar merges with the Kedar Bamak Glacier would be pleasing sight. Continue trekking for another hour further to behold the magnificent views of the high altitude lake, the immaculate Kedar Tal.
The view of Thalaysagar peak reflecting on the still water of Kedartal is mesmerizing.
Kedar Tal is situated at an altitude of 4780mts above sea level.
Explore Jogin Advance Base Camp and leave from Kedartal around noon and trek towards Jogin ABC (4900mts).
This hiking stretch will not only get you well acclimatized but it will also showcase the best views of Thalaysagar peak, its West Ridge will open up and you’ll see the Thalaysagar Icefall from near.
Later, trek back to Kedar Tal and stay overnight in tents.
Day 5: Kedar Tal – Gangotri: Trek 18
Capture the mind blowing sunrise views early in the morning and then head out to enjoy a long and tiring hike back to Gangotri that will take around 7-8 hours.
If you reach Bhoj Kharak by 03:00 PM, then proceed to Gangotri or camp at Bhoj Kharak.
Day 6 - Gangotri – Uttarkashi – Dehradun: Drive 258 Kms and10 hours
Wake up early morning and enjoy the views of the sunrise and wind up the tour as you arrive at Dehradun from Gangotri. It will take almost 10 hours to reach Dehradun.
Basics Gears
- Backpack & Rain Cover (40-60 Litres)
- Trekking Shoes
- Trekking Pole
- LED Torch
- One Water Bottle (one litre)
- Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)
Clothes
- Trekking Jacket
- Three (Five in winter) Warm Layers
- Two trek pants (one Wear and one carry)
- Two collared t-shirts
- Thermals
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreeen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
- Lip Balm (SPF 30)
- Sun cap
- Synthetic hand gloves
- Two pair of Socks
- Raincoat/Ponchos
Others
- Daypack (20 litres), if you opt to offload your backpack
- Toiletries
- Cutlery
- Plastic cover (for wet clothes)
Mandatory Documents
Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or voters ID, Medical Certificate)If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.