From Dehradun we drive to Gangnani via Uttarkashi. Gangnani is known for the natural hot water spring baths it has. We can also drive till Gangotri on this day itself. We stay at a guesthouse overnight.
Meals: D
Accommodation: Guesthouse
After early morning breakfast we drive to Gangotri(30 km) via beautiful villages. We reach Gangotri and visit the temple. The trek to Bhoj Kharak begins with a steep trail through fir forests before traversing the Kedar Gorge to reach camp. We will trek 8 km (5-6 hrs) as we follow the Kedar Ganga (Lord Shiva's contribution to Bhagirathi), all the while enjoying the thundering sound of the river emerging from Kedartal.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
We will trek 4 km (4-5 hrs) passing through a beautiful birch (bhoj) forest, before departing from the tree line and arriving at camp. The Bhrigupanth peak provides a nice backdrop as we make our way across the long meadow, where the shepherds come to graze their sheep and goats. The day is short in distance, but it has its steep sections, so caution is necessary.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
The 5km (4-5 hrs) trek up to Kedartal is considered to be laborious, and crosses very difficult terrain of boulders and stones. It is a maze of rocks and relatively easy to get turned around, but if you look closely you will see little cairns that have been placed on the route to the lake. Kedartal is one of the most enchanting glacial lakes with the majestic Thalaysagar (6,904 m) looming up behind it. Some of the climbs to this peak have been testpieces of modern mountaineering. Thalaysagar is truly a delight to watch at sunset! Another peak on the left side of Thalaysagar is Bhrigupanth (6,772 m).
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
We rest this day to enjoy the pristine surroundings.Be sure to get up extra early to catch the magnificent sunrise and reflections off the lake and surrounding peaks!
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camp
We wake up early and trek all the way back to Gangotri. Being downhill we can cover this in 1 day. The stay is at a guest house in Gangotri.
Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Guesthouse
On this day we drive back to Dehradun.
Meals: B
When humans set their feet and eyes on the Himalaya, it is a romantic meeting between the Earth´s youngest species and the earth´s youngest mountain. As the Himalayan mountains have developed on Earth, the evolution of humans has also been accompanied by the making of an inner Himalaya. Every human has a Himalaya within himself or herself. It is the peak of human potential and challenge as well as a place of silence and peace. Our Journey started in the humble roots & persistent efforts of an authentic mountain trek leader, Bachan Rana, who founded Himalaya Shelter, after he had to forego his long journey as a Trek Leader at one of the finest Outdoor Activities organizer in India, in 2013, following Kedarnath Disaster which led to dwindling tourist influx, crippling the tourism sector in Uttarakhand.
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 30 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 30 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 30 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 30 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
In the event you opt for Refundable Booking, click here to read the terms and conditions for claiming a refund.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package 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 the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
If you have had experience trekking the Himalayas and want to engage in a bit more challenging endeavor, you should definitely take part in the Kedartal Trek. You will encounter a series of abrupt ascents and descents across immensely challenging terrain within a brief span that makes it one of the most difficult adventures to take part in. Apart from the tranquil Kedartal Lake, you get other rewarding reasons like trekking through vast, high-altitude and colorful meadows, beautiful Bhoj forests, and getting the view of some of the Greater Himalayan peaks like the Mt. Gangotri, Mt. Bhrigupanth, Mt. Jogin, Manda Parvat, etc.
The Kedartal Trek best time lies around the pre-monsoon/summers and the post-monsoons/autumns. The summer season stretches from mid-May to mid-June and offers snowy trails, a frozen Kedartal Lake, and occasional bursts of bad weather. On the other hand, the post-monsoon/autumn season has the most danger-loving trekkers and seasoned hikers embarking on this journey because of several superb offerings. These include the reflection of Mt. Thalay Sagar on the quiet waters of the Kedartal, excellent mountain views amidst clear blue skies and pleasant weather, and a rare chance to witness Bharal.
It is a one-way trail type, starting and ending at the pilgrim town of Gangotri, with the 50-kilometer trekking distance taking you to a maximum elevation of 4750 meters at the Kedartal across a span of 7 days. You need to hike for four days and have at least one day for high-altitude acclimatization. While you are hiking the trail, the only place to stay is in campsites. Traveling with a reputed tour guide or operator will ensure that your Kedartal Trek cost includes accommodation and meals.
Amongst the list of essentials that you need to carry on the Kedartal Trek, a pair of sturdy, well-made hiking boots with defined ankles and good grip is the most important. You will encounter a steep hike across the rock face of the Bhoj Kharak, and your shoes should be made to endure all that strain. A 50-60-liter backpack, warm clothes including a couple of full-sleeved quick-dry shirts, three insulation layers- 2 light fleece layers and one light, full-sleeve sweater, an outer, regular padded/shell jacket on the outside keeps the wind out, raincoats/ponchos, windcheaters and a pair of quality hiking pants made from the same quick-dry, waterproof material as your full-sleeved shirts should comprise your packing list.
Carry other essentials, including a pair of sunglasses for UV protection, suncap, balaclava, synthetic and woolen hand gloves, a few pairs of underwear, extra pairs of socks, and a sports bra (for women), rain cover for the backpack, a smaller daypack for offloading, etc.
Right from day one, the Kedartal Trek consists of rocky paths, boulders, steep ascents, and descents, and these continue for 3 to 4 days. There is a thin ledge on a 60-degrees rock face, and the trek’s difficulty keeps on increasing. Hence, carrying a pair of well-made trekking poles is essential. Apart from these, take basic toiletries consisting of biodegradable soaps, excess toilet paper rolls, moisturizers, lip balms, etc., along with medicines and first-aid kits. It would be best to carry water bottles and hydration packs to avoid polluting the Greater Himalayas with disposable plastic. Pack for all eventualities, yet keep your luggage lightweight.
There are several tour operators and acclaimed travel agencies offering the Kedartal trek package. But all of them insist that this is not a trek for the faint-hearted. Only seasoned campaigners who have done several high-altitude adventures and Himalayan expeditions can participate in this trek. Therefore, the trek demands you to stay in maximum physical and mental fitness. You can keep increasing your physical fitness through cardiovascular endurance exercises like swimming, jogging, staircase jumping, light running sessions along with custom indoor fitness routines, irregular-terrain climbing, etc. You should also do strength and conditioning exercises to stay at the peak of your fitness levels.
If you face any emergency during any adventures in Uttarakhand and the northern parts of the country, you should contact the following-
- Uttarakhand Glacier burst helpline- 1070/9557444486
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 108/102
- Fire: 101
- Child helpline: 1098
- Women helpline: 1090
- NDMA (Disaster management): 1070/1078/9711077372
- Anti poison helpline- 011-1066 (Delhi)
Is something not as per your expectation after your trip has started?