Overview
The name Kedartal literally translates into "Kedar Lake." It is a glacial lake situated in the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand. It is located in the Gangotri area where Gangotri forms the base for what is popularly known as an out-and-back trail to the lake. The lake is nestled among some of the highest Himalayan mountains, such as Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Meru and Manda Parvat.
The trail includes forested slopes, birch forest, rock areas, and alpine meadows until you reach the lake. Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak are two places that are regularly referred to as overnight campsites in the literature. As you gain altitude, the surroundings become steeper and tougher.
There is disagreement between published sources about the altitude of the lake and the overall trekking distance. Uttarakhand Tourism mentions its altitude at about 4,912 m, while trekking operators refer to distances ranging between 4,750–4,877 m.
The trek to Kedartal cannot be considered as an easy hike for a novice mountaineer due to its height, steep and rocky trails, and rockfalls.
Highlights
- Kedartal Lake
- Thalay Sagar
- Bhrigupanth and Meru
- Bhoj Kharak
- Kedar Kharak
- Birch forests
- Gangotri
Trek Details
Seasons
Departure Cities
Terrain
Itinerary
- 1
Dehradun to Gangotri
Drive: approximately 240–260 km · 9–11 hours Travel through Uttarkashi and Harsil to Gangotri, the trek's base village. Check into a guesthouse, arrange permits and rest. Overnight: Gangotri · approx. 3,100 m
- 2
Acclimatisation in Gangotri
Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude with gentle activity, rest and hydration. Visit Gangotri Temple or explore the nearby area without strenuous exertion.
- 3
Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Trek: approx. 6–8 km · 5–7 hours Start along the Kedar Ganga valley and climb through forested terrain. The trail includes steep sections and the exposed rocky traverse commonly known as the Spider Wall. Overnight: Bhoj Kharak · approx. 3,780 m
- 4
Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Trek: approx. 3–5 km · 4–5 hours Continue uphill through rugged terrain as the forest gives way to alpine meadows and rocky slopes. Enjoy views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks while preparing for the following day's high-altitude excursion. Overnight: Kedar Kharak · approx. 4,250–4,300 m
- 5
Kedar Kharak to Kedartal and back
Trek: approx. 6–8 km round trip · 6–8 hours Begin early with your qualified guide and traverse steep, rocky terrain and glacial moraine to Kedartal. The lake lies beneath dramatic peaks, including Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth. Allow time for photographs, then return to Kedar Kharak. Overnight: Kedar Kharak · lake elevation approx. 4,750–4,900 m
- 6
Kedar Kharak to Gangotri
Trek: approx. 13–15 km · 7–9 hours Retrace the route downhill via Bhoj Kharak to Gangotri. This is a long descent over uneven ground, so start early and allow sufficient time for breaks. Overnight: Gangotri · approx. 3,100 m
- 7
Gangotri to Dehradun
Drive: approx. 240–260 km · 9–11 hours Leave Gangotri in the morning and travel back through Harsil and Uttarkashi to Dehradun, completing the journey.
Things to Carry
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