6 Days 5 Nights
Daily Tour
13 people
Dehradun
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or someone seeking a spiritual connection through nature, Kedar Tal promises an unforgettable experience. Nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedar Tal Trek is a pristine alpine adventure that captivates every nature lover and trekker with its raw beauty and spiritual energy. Located at an altitude of 4,750 meters (15,580 feet), Kedar Tal, also known as Shiva’s Lake, is a glacial lake formed from the melting snow of Thalay Sagar and surrounding peaks. The trek begins from Gangotri, one of the Char Dhams, making it not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one.
Kedar Tal offers stunning views of some of the most majestic peaks in the Indian Himalayas, including Thalay Sagar (6,904 m), Bhrigupanth (6,772 m), and Jogin group of peaks. Unlike the popular Gaumukh or Valley of Flowers treks, Kedar Tal remains relatively less crowded, allowing you to experience the true wilderness of the Himalayas. It is an immersive experience that combines the serenity of alpine lakes, the majesty of Himalayan peaks, and the sanctity of an ancient pilgrimage route. With a moderate to difficult grade, it offers a perfect challenge for adventurers looking to explore beyond the mainstream trails.
Whether you’re a photographer, a pilgrim, or a nature lover, Kedar Tal welcomes you with open arms and awe-inspiring beauty.
Now what is the best time to visit Kedar Tal?
The ideal months for the Kedar Tal trek are May to June and September to mid-October. During these periods, the weather is generally stable, the skies are clear, and the trail is accessible. Monsoon months (July and August) are best avoided due to landslides and slippery trails.
Tips for Kedar Tal Trek:
•Fitness: Prepare physically with cardio and leg strength exercises 4–6 weeks prior.
•Permits: Forest permits are required. A registered guide is recommended.
•Weather: Always check forecasts; weather in high altitudes can change quickly.
•AMS Alert: Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
•Packing Essentials: Down jacket, rain gear, trekking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, and reusable water bottles.
Highlights:
•Scenic drive through Uttarkashi and Harsil Valley
•Evening visit to the Gangotri Temple
Arrive in Gangotri, the starting point of the trek. The drive from Dehradun or Rishikesh is long but scenic, passing through lush valleys and river confluences. After settling in, you can explore the spiritual town and attend the evening aarti at Gangotri Temple.
Accommodation: Guesthouse or homestay
Altitude Gain: 0 m (drive only)
Distance: 8 km
Time: 5–6 hours
The trek begins with a gradual ascent through pine forests along the Kedar Ganga, a tributary of the Bhagirathi. You’ll soon encounter steep rock sections that require careful footing. After a few challenging stretches, you reach Bhoj Kharak, named after the Bhojpatra trees found in abundance here.
Highlights:
•First views of Thalay Sagar
•Dense alpine forests
Accommodation: Tents
Altitude Gain: ~680 m
Distance: 5 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Today’s trek is shorter but steeper. The trail opens up as you ascend, offering panoramic views of Brighupanth and Jogin Peaks. You walk through high-altitude meadows carpeted with wildflowers during the summer season.
Highlights:
•Open meadows and glacier-fed streams
•Wildlife sightings (blue sheep, Himalayan birds)
Accommodation: Tents
Altitude Gain: ~490 m
Distance: 10 km (round trip)
Time: 7–8 hours
This is the most strenuous yet rewarding day of the trek. The final push to Kedar Tal includes navigating boulder zones, moraines, and possibly snow patches, depending on the season. Once you reach the lake, the reflection of Thalay Sagar in the crystal-clear water is simply surreal.
After spending time at the lake and soaking in the views, descend back to Kedar Kharak for the night.
Highlights:
•Kedar Tal lake
•Jaw-dropping views of Thalay Sagar and Meru Peak
Accommodation: Tents
Altitude Gain: ~480 m (and descent)
Distance: 13 km
Time: 6–7 hours
Retrace your steps back to Gangotri, descending through the meadows and forests. The downhill journey is easier but demands attention on the rocky sections.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Altitude Loss: ~1,170 m
After breakfast, drive back to your onward destination, whether it’s Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Uttarkashi. With memories of one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in India, the journey ends.
A buffer day in trekking is crucial for ensuring flexibility and safety during an expedition. It acts as a contingency for unforeseen delays due to bad weather, health issues, or challenging trail conditions. Including a buffer day helps trekkers avoid rushing, reduces stress, and increases the chances of completing the trek successfully. It also allows time for acclimatization in high-altitude regions, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. Overall, a buffer day adds resilience to the trekking plan, making the experience safer and more enjoyable.
Kindly note: A sum of INR 3,500/- per person will be charged extra if the buffer day used.
It is considered a moderate to difficult trek due to steep ascents, high altitude, and long walking days.
You should be able to walk 8–10 km daily with a backpack, and your cardio endurance should be high. Regular running, hiking, and strength training are advised before the trek.
Yes, some prior high-altitude trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
The ideal time is from mid-June to mid-September, when the pass is open and snow has receded.
Typically, the trek takes 8–9 days, depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.
It is located in Himachal Pradesh, India, between the Kinnaur and Spiti regions.
Yes, if you're trekking with an organized group or agency, nutritious meals (veg) are usually provided. At Mountbuzz, we provide 4 times vegetarian meals with Daal and Vegetable dishes that changes it's type everyday, along with Soups, and sweet dishes everyday.
There is no network coverage on most of the trek. BSNL may work in Kafnu.
It’s not advisable to trek solo due to the remoteness, river crossings, glacier sections, and lack of mobile connectivity. Trekking with a group or guide is safer.
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