KEDARTAL

4724 Meters | Uttarakhand

KEDARTAL

4724 Meters | Uttarakhand

4 May & 11 June 2023

DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Hard

DURATION

07 Days

BEST TIME

Apr-Jun | Sept-Nov

COST

₹ 26,000

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OVERVIEW

The Kedartal trek is an adventure not to be missed if you are an experienced trekker looking for an exceptional challenge. Kedartal is a high-altitude lake located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, fed by the Kedarganga River. The trek begins from Gangotri, a holy town situated at an altitude of 3,415 meters above sea level, which is also the source of the river Ganges. From there, the trek takes you through dense forests, rolling meadows, gushing streams, and majestic peaks, offering a breathtaking view of the Kedartal lake, which is considered one of the holiest lakes in Hindu mythology.

The landscapes on the Kedartal trek are breathtaking and offer a stunning view of the surrounding peaks such as Thalay Sagar, Meru, Bhrigupanth, Jogin, and Kedar Dome. The trail takes you through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, which burst into a riot of colors during spring. You also get to see the magnificent Kedar glacier, which is one of the main attractions of the trek.

This is a challenging trek with a rocky path, scree, dust, spider walls, near-vertical boulders that you have to climb to progress. The trail also goes through vibrant blossoms and lush meadows with streams crossing over Kedar Ganga. The trek starts at an altitude of 11,000 ft and takes you to an altitude of 15,500 ft, and the altitude gain happens within a period of 3 to 4 days. The trek can be done in two seasons, one in summer between the months of mid-April to June and in autumn during the months of September to the mid of November.

The Kedartal trek is less crowded compared to other Himalayan treks, and the solitude comes as a great blessing. The Kedartal region is also the natural habitat of the mountain goats, Bharal, but spotting them on the trail is rare. With its stunning landscapes, challenging terrain, and beautiful campsites, the Kedartal trek is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

ITINERARY

Day 01: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (242 km, 8 hours). The drive takes you through beautiful valleys and towns, passing by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers at Devprayag. You’ll reach Gangotri by evening and can check into your lodge.

Day 02: Acclimatization day in Gangotri. Explore the town and visit the Gangotri Temple.

Day 03: Trek from Gangotri (3069 m) to Bhoj Kharak (4023 m) (9 km, 5-6 hours). The trek starts with a steep ascent and remains so throughout the trail. The terrain is rocky in many parts, and there are several streams en route that you can cross. The trail takes you through dense forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees.

Day 04: Trek from Bhoj Kharak (4023 m) to Kedar Kharak (4340 m) (4.25 km, 3 hours). The trek starts with a steep ascent of 1 km, followed by 3 km of moderate ascents and descents. The trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth. The terrain is rocky, and there are several streams en route.

Day 05: Trek from Kedar Kharak (4340 m) to Kedartal (4724 m) and back to Kedar Kharak (4340 m) (5.40 km, 8 hours). The trek is challenging, with a continuously ascending trail over rocky terrain. You’ll pass through boulder fields and steep climbs before reaching the glacial lake of Kedartal, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After spending some time at the lake, you’ll trek back to Kedar Kharak.

Day 06: Trek from Kedar Kharak (4340 m) to Gangotri (3069 m) (8.50 km, 8 hours). The trail is continuously descending over rocky terrain, passing through dense forests and streams en route. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Jogin and Thalay Sagar.

Day 07: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun (242 km, 8 hours). You’ll reach Dehradun by evening, marking the end of the Kedartal trek.

INCLUSIONS

2 nights stay in a lodge in Gangotri.
3 nights of camping in tents during the trek.
Day 1 dinner, Day 2-5 all meals, and Day 6 breakfast.
Stretcher, oxygen cylinder, and medical kits to ensure safety during the trek.
All necessary camping and trekking permits.
Qualified and Mountaineer Certified Trek Leaders, Guides and Support Staff.
Necessary trek equipment such as sleeping bags, foam mats, tents, kitchen tents, dining tents, and toilet tents.
Participants will get an exclusive 15% discount on all Fast&Up products.

EXCLUSIONS

Any personal expenses.
Food during the transit.
Mules/Porters to carry personal luggage (Pack as much as you need).
Insurance.
Transportation from Dehradun to Gangotri and back (We will arrange the vehicles but the cost has to be borne separately).
Personal clothing, shoes, backpacks, etc.
Offloading – 400 per day per bag.
Anything not mentioned specifically in the inclusions.

PREPARATION GUIDE

Have Previous High altitude Trekking/Mountaineering Experience.
Weight training the body. Walk uphill or stairs steps with a weighted backpack.
Strength training for the lower body and core. Do planks, crunches, and cycling.
Climbing to Kedartal requires a fit body and a conscious mind. One needs to be exercising regularly for the past couple of months.
Any high-altitude trek requires you to build a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. Jogging is the best exercise to increase your stamina.
You need strong legs to successfully finish a high-altitude trek. Squats are the best way to build leg strength quickly—especially your thighs, glutes, and knees.
For detailed advice and coordination, we’ll have a WhatsApp group.