KEDAR TAL

4300 Meters | Himachal

DIFFICULTY

Moderate/Hard

DURATION

07 Days

BEST TIME

Apr-Jun | Sept-Nov

COST

On Enquiry

overview

The Kedartal Trek is one of the most demanding non-technical treks in the Indian Himalayas. Set in a rugged glacial basin beneath towering peaks, Kedartal sits at approximately 4,750–4,900 metres.

The route involves rocky moraines, steep ascents, and long walking days at high altitude. The environment is stark and unforgiving, with little vegetation and cold nights. Reaching the emerald-blue Kedartal Lake is a powerful moment of achievement.

This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with altitude, long days, and rough terrain.

 

Note: Prices apply to Indian passport holders; foreign nationals may have different costs.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek.

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

  • Transportation

    • Pick-up and drop-off from the designated reporting point to the trek start and end points.

    Accommodation

    • Stay in guesthouses, lodges, or homestays where available.
    • Comfortable camping in high-quality expedition tents on twin sharing basis during trekking days.

    Meals

    • All meals DURING THE TREK, starting from Dinner on Day 1 until Breakfast/Lunch on the final trekking day, as per itinerary.
    • Nutritious vegetarian meals including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks/soup and dinner.
    • Hot beverages such as tea served in the morning and evening.

    Trek Leadership & Support Staff

    • Experienced and certified Boots & Crampons trek leaders and guides.
    • Dedicated support staff including:
      • Expedition cook
      • Kitchen helpers
      • Camp setup team
    • Porters or mules for carrying camping equipment and group logistics.

    Equipment & Safety

    • Expedition-grade tents, sleeping mattresses, and dining tents.
    • Kitchen equipment and cooking supplies.
    • First aid medical kit and emergency oxygen support where required.

    Permits & Fees

    • Forest permits, national park permits, and camping fees.
    • All applicable government charges.

    Additional Benefits

    • Exclusive participant discount on Fast&Up nutrition products.
    • Trek completion certificate (for applicable trekkers).

     

EXCLUSIONS

  • Travel & Transportation Outside Trek Itinerary

    • Travel expenses from hometown to the trek reporting location and return.
    • Any transportation not mentioned in the itinerary.

    Personal Equipment & Gear

    • Personal trekking gear, including:
      • Trekking shoes
      • Sleeping bag (unless specifically included)
      • Trekking poles
      • Personal clothing and equipment

    Personal Expenses

    • Porter services for carrying individual luggage (can be arranged at additional cost).
    • Bottled water, snacks, beverages, and personal purchases.
    • Personal toiletries and medication.

    Insurance & Medical

    • Personal travel insurance.
    • Emergency evacuation costs if required.

    Miscellaneous

    • Tips and gratuities for guides and support staff (optional but customary).
    • Any additional expenses arising due to:
      • Weather delays
      • Natural disasters
      • Personal early exit from trek

PREPARATION GUIDE

Please read carefully before registering

At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for.

    • This is a beginner-friendly trek and does not require prior trekking or mountaineering experience.
    • You should be reasonably fit, healthy, and comfortable with walking for several hours a day.
    • If you are not regularly active, 1–2 weeks of basic preparation is recommended.
    • Practice walking uphill or climbing stairs, preferably with a light backpack.
    • Build basic cardiovascular endurance—jogging or brisk walking is highly recommended.
    • Focus on leg strength with simple exercises like squats and step-ups.
    • Mental readiness is important—weather, terrain, and plans may change in the mountains.
    • Follow instructions given by the trek leader and support staff at all times.

Proper preparation increases not just your chances of success, but also your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.

THINGS TO PACK

For Your Head:

  • Woolen warm cap to protect against cold winds
  • Balaclava for extra warmth
  • Bandana (can be used as a sweatband or to cover your face from dust)

For Your Feet:

  • 4-5 pairs of regular socks
  • 1-2 pair of thick woolen socks for warmth
  • Trekking boots with ankle support and good grip
  • Extra pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes to wear at the Tea House

For Your Hands:

  • 1-2 pairs of warm inner gloves
  • 1 pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry
  • Hand warmers (optional, but useful in very cold weather)
  • A pair of fleece gloves for extra insulation

Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer:

  • 1 pair of thermal innerwear (top and bottom) for base warmth
  • 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
  • 1 pair of windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex trousers
  • 1 Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket for wind and rain protection
  • 1 poncho (optional) for sudden rain
  • 1-2 fleece jacket for light warmth
  • 3–4 full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts for layering
  • 1 heavy down or padded jacket (800-900 Fills) for extreme cold

Navigational & Survival Gear:

  • 20-30L Backpack (for water, snacks, fleece, etc.)
  • 50-60L Backpack / Duffle Bag
  • 1 trekking pole (or 2 for better balance)
  • Filter water bottle (2 bottles of 1 Ltrs)
  • Thermos flask (for warm water or tea)

Personal Care Compact:

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Face towel, tissues & wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer & lip balm
  • Moisturizer (optional but helpful in dry climate)
  • Personal medication kit
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Illumination & Eye Protection:

  • Headlamp with extra batteries – a must-have for night treks and early morning starts
  • Sunglasses – Polarized, Category 4 with 100% UV protection and a wrap-around fit to guard your eyes from harsh sun glare and snowy reflections. Carry a backup pair just in case.

Soul Nourishment:

  • Camera – capture the beauty and magic of the mountains
  • Music player or earphones – enjoy peaceful moments with your favorite tunes
  • Books or playing cards – perfect for downtime and relaxing at camp
 

*Rental Gears Required*
Visit our Contracted Business Partner website – Summit Yak
for details on trek-specific rental gears and rates.

Frequently asked questions

This trek follows moraines, rocky valleys, glacial streams, and high alpine landscapes, culminating at Kedartal Lake (also called Shiva’s Lake) below towering peaks and glacial walls.

Kedartal lies at approximately 4,750–4,900 m, making it a serious high-altitude trek.

This is challenging, primarily due to:

  • steep glacier moraine approaches
  • high altitude
  • rocky, uneven terrain

This trek is not technical but requires excellent fitness and acclimatization.

Not recommended for complete beginners. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly advisable.

You should have strong cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and altitude resilience.

➡️ More detail in the Preparation Guide.

Water must be treated or purified before consumption.

Train with:

  • long hikes at elevation
  • strength training
  • altitude exposure if possible

➡️ Preparation Guide has full training tips.

  • WhatsApp group creation for participants
  • Zoom briefing session + Q&A

WHY CHOOSE US

01

Trustworthy​

Proven expedition company with transparent processes, certified leaders, and strong participant safety standards.

02

Success Rate

Consistently high summit and completion rates through careful planning, acclimatization, and expert leadership.

03

Customized

Flexible itineraries tailored to participant fitness, goals, timelines, and expedition objectives.

04

Experience

Led by seasoned mountaineers with extensive Himalayan and international expedition experience.

05

Eco-Friendly

Committed to responsible trekking, Leave No Trace principles, and environmentally conscious expedition practices.

06

Variety of Destination

Wide range of treks and expeditions across Himalayas and iconic global mountain destinations.

SAFETY MEASURES

Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.

Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.

While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:

  • Medical Kit containing High Altitude Emergency Medicines and Life Saving Drugs
  • Oximeter to measure pulse rate and oxygen saturation in blood while on the trek
  • Oxygen Cylinders ONLY for climbs above 6000 Mtrs.

Still have questions?

Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.

Need your questions answered right away?

Get in touch with us at

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