Trip Overview
Start – Dehradun
Finish – Dehradun
Destination – Kedar tal, a glacial lake 17 kms north of Gangotri
Theme – Trekking
Duration –5 nights 6 days.
Category – #trekking #adventure #camping
Style – #original #diy #fixeddeparture
Trip Summary
“Mountains are not Stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion.”
― Anatoli Boukreev
Kedartal (also known as Shiva’s lake) is an emerald green colored glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,750 meters (15,580 ft) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in India. The lake is fed by the snowfall over Thalay Sagar (6,904 m), Meru (6,672 m), Bhrigpanth (6,772 m) and other surrounding peaks, and is the source of Kedar Ganga, which in Hindu mythology is considered to be Shiva‘s contribution to Bhagirathi(a source-stream of the Gages).
Kedartal, at a distance of 17 km from Gangotri, is one of the toughest and exclusive trekking destinations. Starting from Gangotri the route involves a steep rocky climb along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge en route to Bhoj Kharak, 8 km away. From there it is 4 km to the next available camping site of Kedar Kharak, and a further 5 km to Kedartal. The route passes through scenic Himalayan birch forests, but is made hazardous in places by falling rocks, high altitude and segments of steep ascent.
Legends say that the bark of birch trees were used in writing puranas and vedas in Hindu mythology.
During the trek, one can encounter blue sheeps, snow leopard and other carnivores making it one of the most difficult treks in the wilderness.
Why you will love this trip?
- One of the toughest and exclusive treks only meant for trained trekkers.
- Transportation, accommodation and meals included.
- Experienced local guides making your way to the lake covering the most dangerous parts of the trek.
- A lot of wildlife to be encountered during the trek.
Is this trip right for you?
- This trip is mostly suitable for experienced trekkers who have an experience of trekking to atleast 13k -14k feet.
- The trip involves steep ascents of trekking. It is recommended to prepare for strength and endurance at least one month before a trek.
- Try to pack accordingly and try to make your luggage as light as you can. There will be porters, but it is recommended that you carry your own backpack.
- Keep the clothes considering the weather.
- Before taking any adventure activity, please mention if you are pregnant, have heart related disease.
Itinerary
Reach Dehradun early morning by taking overnight volvo/train from New Delhi. We start our day 1 from Dehradun after having morning tea at a cab stand. Enroute Gangotri, we stop at various locations to have breakfast and lunch. By evening, we reach Gangotri after crossing the beautiful apple village Harsil and also Bhaironghati, famous for its gorges.
We attend the evening Ganga aarti at Gangotri temple. We do the final checking of our backpacks and other important equipment required for the trek.
After dinner, stay at the hotel.
After having early breakfast, we leave Gangotri for Bhojkharak. The trail passes through Bhoj (Birch) trees. In ancient India, the bark of birch trees was used in writing many sacred texts.
We set up our camp after crossing spider wall. After setting up kitchen tent, we prepare tea, soup and other snacks and dinner for the day. Meanwhile, we take a walk nearby camp and take photographs of snow laden peaks. After dinner, stay at the camp.
Although easy for 1st km, the trek to Kedar Kharak is mixed with rough trails, steep portions, sighting of blue sheep, etc. Kedar Kharak is our 2nd base camp site on the meadow. The meadow offers mesmerizing sights of Garhwal Himalayan peaks such as Bhrigupanth, Thalay Sagar, etc.
After dinner, stay at the camp.
The trail to Kedar taal is through rocky mountains with cairns assisting in finding the right trail to the lake. The trail is 5 km and generally takes 2-2.5 hours to reach the trail. The view of Kedar tal surely negates all the aches and pains of the body. After dinner, stay at the camp.
After breakfast, we leave Kedar tal and start our descent to Gangotri. Packed lunch on the way to Gangotri. We reach Gangotri by evening. Night stay in Gangotri.
After breakfast, we leave for Dehradun. We reach Dehradun by evening. Take evening / night volvo/train to New Delhi.
Inclusions
Meals
Breakfast - 5 Breakfast (2 in Gangotri and 3 while at the trek)
Dinner - 5 Dinner (2 in Gangotri and 3 while at the trek)
Lunch - 4 Lunch (on the trek)
Bonfire during the trek
Transport - Dehradun - Gangotri - Dehradun
Sedan cab - 2 to 3 people
Suv cab - 4-5 people
Tempo traveler - 8 people
Accomodation
2 nights in hotel in Gangotri
3 nights in alpine style camp during the camp.
Activities
Trekking to Kedar tal
GST
Add on activities (Chargeable)
1. Single sharing camp while on the trek.
2. Jeep safari to Nelong valley.
Exclusions
- Meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Transport that is not mentioned in inclusions.
- Any porter charges.
- Any entry fees to wildlife/ trek region.
- Any expense of personal nature packaged drinking water/ phone calls/ laundry/camera, etc.
- Any kind of travel insurance.
- Costs arising due to force majeure.
- Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions.
Essential Trip Information
Things to do in this trip? What weather you can expect during the trip? What are the best months to visit? What to pack and what not to?
