Tour overview
About the Activity:
Guarded by the mighty snow-clad peaks and enriched greenery, Kedartal near Gangotri is a most sought after destination in Uttarakhand.
An enchanting lake situated next to Kedar Bamak Glacier at the foot of the enormous Thalaysagar (6,904) and Brigupanth Peak (6,772mts), Kedartal is one of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in India at a height of 4780 meters.
A challenging trek towards the lake demands exquisite mountaineering experience and here is a 6 day long trek to the holy site of Gangotri and Kedartal which goes through the rough trails encircled by fir and bhoj trees in plenty.
Start the trip from Dehradun to Uttarkashi. If you arrive around 06:00 AM at Dehradun, you can reach Uttarkashi by 03:00 PM and then enjoy the trip to Gangotri.
Tread the hardest trekking routes that lead you to Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak and Kedartal; relish the utmost beauty possessed by the nearby locations and glacial valleys as much as you want.
Being a photographers’ paradise, the entire Kedartal location can offer you numerous good and breathtaking views, letting you linger for long.
The package includes food, accommodation in tents and hotels and transportation from Dehradun to Uttrakashi and return
Things To Carry: Comfortable clothes, Jackets and sweaters, Woolen caps, Gloves, Trekking shoes, Insect repellent
,Moisturiser, Lip balm, Energy bars or ready to eat snacks, Water bottle
Included
- Pick-Up & Drop (Dehradun to Dehradun)
- Accommodation
- All necessary permits, forest camping and environmental charges
- All necessary trekking equipment (tent, sleeping bag with inner mattress, dinning tent, toilet tent. etc)
- Porter for food material, cook and mule for kitchen and equipment
- Mountaineering certified guide throughout the trek
- Services of experienced trek leader
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, From Uttarkashi to Gangotri again 4 hours drive via harsil.
Once you reach Gangotri, go to the temple to perform evening aarti and afterwards, get a permission to enter the Gangotri National Park.
Stay overnight in a hotel in Gangotri.
Day 2 - Gangotri – Bhoj Kharak: Trek 7 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 – Join 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.
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