Gangotri Kedar Tal Trek

An astonishing trekking experience to Shiva’s Lake!

The Gangotri-Kedar Tal trek is an amalgam of mysticism and thrill. Kedar Tal – The Shiva’s Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,750 meters in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The trek route starts from the holy town of Gangotri which is home to the Gangotri temple – the seat of the goddess Ganga. It is one of the four sacred pilgrimages in Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra.

Kedar Tal is the source of Kedar Ganga and as per Hindu mythology, it is Shiva’s contribution to the river Bhagirathi - the source stream of the holy Ganges. Kedar Tal has gained popularity as a trekking destination. The trek is challenging due to steep ascent and rock fall zones and requires the trekker to be physically fit to cover long distances and challenging terrains on foot. Nevertheless, witnessing the mystic lake at an altitude of 4,750 metres surrounded by Thalay Sagar and Meru peaks creates an astonishing experience for adventure lovers.

Snapshot

Region: Gangotri National Park, District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Duration: 5 Nights and 6 Day
Grade: Moderate to Difficult
Max altitude: 4,750 meters
Approx. trekking: 35 kilometers

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Gangotri (270 kilometers)
Day 2: Trek from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak (9 kilometers)
Day 3: Trek from Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak (4.0 kilometers)
Day 4: Trek from Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back to Kedar Kharak (5.4 kilometers)
Day 5: Trek from Kedar Kharak to Gangotri (5.4 kilometers)
Day 6: Drive from Gangotri to Rishikesh (270 kilometers)

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Gangotri

Destination	Maximum Altitude	Drive Distance	Accommodation
Gangotri	3100 meters	270 km	Overnight stay in a guesthouse

We start our day early in the morning driving from Rishikesh - The Yoga Capital of India to the pilgrim town Gangotri. Admiring the scenic views that the route offers we stop en route for a lunch break and continue our journey to the holy town of Gangotri via the beautiful Harsil Valley. The day ends in Gangotri where we will stay in a guesthouse overnight.

Day 2: Trek from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak

Destination	Maximum Altitude	Trek Distance	Accommodation
Bhoj Kharak	3893 meters	9 km	Overnight stay in camping tents

We start our trek after offering our prayers at the Gangotri temple. The trek begins as we cross the bridge over river Bhagirathi followed by a steep ascent through a fir forest. The trekkers are made vigilant about carrying all essential items as the trek starts. We start ascending as the river Kedar Ganga flows below us on the left. After trekking for a couple of hours the trail will give way to the birch forest. Birch, known as Bhoj Patra, was used in ancient times to write texts. As we leave the forest behind to reach Bhoj Kharak - our campsite for the day, we have to cross two narrow vertical rocks popularly known as the Spider Wall. After crossing the rock paths carefully we will reach Bhoj Kharak where we will have our dinner and stay overnight in tents.

Day 3: Trek from Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak

Destination	Maximum Altitude	Trek distance	Accommodation
Kedar Kharak	4340 meters	4 km	Overnight stay in camping tents

We start our 5.0 kms trek towards Kedar Kharak from Bhoj Kharak. The terrain is rugged but the path is relatively easier compared to day 2. The trail starts with Bhoj Patra trees and soon changes with the peaks revealing themselves. After an hour we leave the birch forest behind and reach the meadows. We will get our first glimpse of the Bhrigupanth peak. We ensure that trekkers are cautious on the trail by keeping an eye out for falling rocks while crossing the Gila Pahar zone. After crossing this area the valley opens up and the day ends in Kedar Kharak - our campsite for the day. Kedar Kharak is a picture-perfect highland meadow that is often visited by Blue Sheep. The day ends with dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 4: Trek from Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back to Kedar Kharak

Destination	Maximum Altitude	Trek distance	Accommodation
Kedar Tal	4750 meters	5.4 km	Overnight stay in camping tents

Day 4 starts early as we trek towards Kedar Tal from Kedar Kharak through the glacial path. The day is the most arduous due to changes in altitude and the rocky terrain. The area is covered with moraines and after a steep rocky ascent, the mighty Thalay Sagar Peak comes into view. After crossing the final ridge the path goes down to the mystic lake at an altitude of 4,750 meters surrounded by Thalay Sagar, Meru and other unnamed peaks creating an astonishing experience for adventure lovers. The reflection of the Thalay Sagar reflecting in the emerald Kedar Lake is a surreal sight in itself. The view is immaculate in every season. We will soak in the mysticism of Shiva’s Lake before starting our trek back to the Kedar Kharak campsite. The day ends with dinner at the campsite and an overnight stay in tents.

Day 5: Trek from Kedar Kharak to Gangotri

Destination	Maximum Altitude	Trek distance	Accommodation
Gangotri	4340	5.4 km	Overnight stay in a guesthouse

The day starts early with a splendid sunrise and after breakfast, we start our trek from the Kedar Kharak meadow towards the pilgrim town Gangotri. We descend through the same trail till we reach Gangotri. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 6: Drive from Gangotri to Rishikesh

Destination	Maximum Altitude	Drive distance
Rishikesh	3100 m	270 km

The itinerary successfully concludes as you drive from the pilgrim town Gangotri towards Rishikesh with memories and great pictures to share your experience with your family and friends.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE TREK?

INCLUSION

Accommodation (guesthouse and tents)
Meals
Government permits, forest camping and environmental fees
Trekking equipment (tent, sleeping bag with mattress, dining and toilet tent)
Cook and porters for carrying food material and equipment
Mountaineering Certified Guide and trek leader

Team Himalayan View specializes in leading treks and challenging mountain expeditions with humbleness and respect for the environment ensuring client safety as the prime motive of the team.