Region: Uttarakhand
Duration: 7 days
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: 4750mts
Approx kms: 17kms
Best Season: Mid May-June & Mid August -October
Max group size: 12
Kedartal is a Glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,750m (15,600 feet) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. Also known as the “Shiva’s lake”, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Uttarakhand! This will undoubtedly be the most magnificent feature of this trek! Massive Himalayan peaks flank the lake from all around, and the glacier feeding the lake can be seen up close. Further enhancing the splendour of the lake are the surrounding peaks of Thalaisagar, Meru, Bhrigupanth and Jogin, whose melting snow sustains it. The reflection of various mountains in the clear waters adds a very surreal and three dimensional beauty. It’s as if there is another world below the surface! For those fascinated with Hindu mythology, Kedartal finds importance as Lord Shiva’s contribution to Bhagirathi, a source stream of the Ganges. The glacial lake melts and descends the mountains as ‘Kedar Ganga’, which finally joins the Ganga at Gangotri, 17 kms away. This would be the starting point of The Kedartal Trek. The trail follows Kedar Ganga, through Bhoj Kharak and Kedarkharak and then towards Kedartal. The journey towards the lake is in itself an adventure! “Serenity with Variety” is how one could best describe the trek to Kedartal! The steepness of the trail, as well as the large altitude gain makes it important to distribute the ascent over 3 days to acclimatize the high altitude and climate. Below is the brief itinerary, along with the detailed itinerary!
Day 1:- Haridwar to Gangotri (By Road)- 270 kms
Day 2:- Gangotri to Bhoj kharak - 08 kms - 5 to 6 hrs
Day 3:- Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak - 4 kms - 3 to 4 hrs
Day 4:- Kedar kharak to Kedartal - 5 km - 3 to 4 hrs
Day 5:- Kedartal to Bhoj kharak - 09 kms - 5 to 6 hrs
Day 6:- Bhoj kharak to Gangotri - 08 kms - 4 to 5 hrs
Day 7:- Gangotri to Haridwar (By Road) 270 kms
Day 01: Haridwar to Gangotri (By Road)- 270 kms
Morning after breakfast, we move towards Uttarkashi (1150 mt) via a hill town of Chamba & Tehri which takes 5-6 hrs. Then we drive towards Gangotri via a beautiful valley of Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri), on the banks of Bhagirathi river . After relaxing, we shall visit to the temple for prayers. The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and Dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila”, situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. We would stay overnight. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.
Day 02: Gangotri to Bhoj kharak - 08 kms - 5 to 6 hrs
Breakfast is followed by a continuous climb to Bhoj Kharak, named after the Bhoja Patra trees that grow in abundance here! The entire trek along the Kedar Ganga river covers 8 km in all, through fir (cedus ) and Bhoj (birch) trees. The trek, though tough for the untrained legs, offers some respite as one gets to see beautiful waterfalls as we go through the Bhoja Patra forests. Once we arrive at Bhoj Kharak, we will set up camp. Get your cameras ready! Enjoy photography and relish the beautiful sights of the narrow gorge and the gushing Kedar ganga, thought to be Shiva's gift to Bhagirathi! Overnight in tents!
Day 03: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak - 4 kms - 3 to 4 hrs
Post breakfast we gain altitude and eventually cross the tree line to find beautiful meadows, and a grand stand view of the Bhrigupanth peak! The camping area is equally captivating and is located near a bubbling stream with crystal clear water surrounded by the meadow. Though strenuous, one realizes that the total distance covered in the day has been a mere 4 kms to reach a suitable campsite. This will be a treat for the adventurous and an experience for those who are new to such expeditions!
Day 04: Kedar kharak to Kedar Tal - 5 km - 3 to 4 hrs
After breakfast we cross the meadows and go on to a trail through scree, rocks & loose boulders. After continuing carefully through a strenuous uphill walk, we will be able to see the famed Kedar Tal Lake. Overnight in tents near the lake. We might be able to enjoy a sunset above Thalaisagar peak, with its reflection in the lake!
Day 05: Kedartal to Bhoj kharak - 09 kms - 5 to 6 hrs
After breakfast, view the area around the lake, and capture the spectacular sunrise painting the Thalia Sagar mountain in strange colours! Spend the day exploring, with an occasional appearance of the Himalayan Ibexes. Post lunch, retrace the previous route to Bhoj Kharak. Overnight in tents.
Day 06: Bhoj kharak to Gangotri - 08 kms - 4 to 5 hrs
After an early breakfast, start early for Gangotri in time to witness the Ganga Arti ceremony at the Gangotri Temple. This should not be missed! Then spend the entire day exploring this fascinating town! Gangotri is one of the most sacred destinations for Hindus, and the holy water of the river Bhagirathi (Ganges) is stored in every Hindu household for religious purposes. So important is the Ganga and its water, that the water from this river is put on the lips of the dying to ease their path to salvation. It has been tested time and again that the water from the Ganges never turns putrid, even if stored for years! Perform Pooja at the temple built in honour of Mother Ganga. Interestingly, the temple was built by the feared Nepalese conqueror of the area, General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th Century. Then relax in the peaceful surroundings of the gushing river.
Day 07: Gangotri to Haridwar (By Road) 270 kms
After breakfast, get ready to drive back to Haridwar in a pre arranged vehicle for the day. Going backwards will make you miss the mountains and gives you a drive to come back.
Campsite at Kedartal can experience weather dipping to minus 5 degree Celsius and below. Day temperature remains pleasant and extremely windy. Expect some chance of snow fall at Kedartal. It may rain heavily in trail from Gangotri till Kedar khadak in monsoon season time
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.) (Egg)
3. Trek equipments.
4. Permits
5. First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
6. Qualified & experienced Professional trek Leader, Guide and Support staff
7. Transport from Haridwar to Gangotri and return.
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
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