Kedartal Trek is one of the highest treks that take you to an altitude of 4780 ft meters. The trek takes you through steep and slant rocks- the 8 kilometer long Spider Wall trail, Gila Pahar zone, snow, moraines, and glaciers. The nearest railway head to the trek is Rishikesh at 234 kilometers. Jolly Grant airport is the nearest one at 250 kilometers. The best season to experience the breathtaking trek is around Autumn from mid-September to mid-October. You will find snow every time as this place witnesses heavy snowfall even in summers with the Kedartal lake being frozen.
Maximum altitude- 15,583 ft.
Trek Difficulty- Moderate
Duration- 5N/6D
Trekking distance- 38 km
Trail type- Moderate
Rail head- Rishikesh
Airport- Jolly Grant Airport
Snow Season- All months
Best season- May, June, September and October
Region: Uttarakhand
Who can participate: People above the age of 7 years with high physical fitness.
Transfer to Gangotri
Arrive in Dehradun and transfer to Rispana Pull in Uttarkashi.
Travel 5-6 hours through Mussoorie Bypass Road while witnessing Tehri Dam Lake.
Proceed to Chilyanisaur and reach Uttarkashi.
Take a small break at Uttarkashi before reaching Gangotri via Harsil in approx 4 hours. You will have to take a different shared cab from Uttarkashi to Gngotri.
Visit the Gangotri temple and be a part of the evening Aarti, after which you can explore the National Park of Gangotri.
If you still have time in hand then you can go for a quick hike to Surya Kund at 500 meters.
Stay overnight in the hotel in Gangotri.
Carry a backpack with a capacity of 35 to 40 liters.
Small 20-liter daypack (camera, and water)
Hiking shirts and pants
Hiking shoes that can be worn on any ground, especially snow
Thermal layers of sweaters, and pants
Woolen scarf, and ear coverings
Coat or sweater that is warm
Several pairs of socks and gloves
Raincoat—for when it rains
Flashlight and extra batteries
Sunglasses
Eatables- biscuits, protein bars, glucose-based chocolates, cup noodles, dry fruits, and quick energy bites.
Toiletry-Toothpaste, tissues, soaps, cold coral, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, and anti-fungal cream are among the toiletries.
Medical kit with medicines and first-aid supplies.
Kedartal lake is believed to have originated after the melting of the Kedartal Glacier.
The Hindu legend says King Bhagirath prayed to the lord for the deliverance of the souls of his 60,000 sons.
Lord Shiva blessed him and requested Goddess Ganga to release the water for purification of his soul and ashes.
Kedartal Lake is believed to be Lord Shiva’s contribution to the Bhagirathi river.
If you choose Kedartal Trek in may-June, you will witness thousands of pilgrims at Gangotri.
This is due to the Chardham Yatra season.
The trek is suitable for experienced trekkers as the terrain is extremely difficult.
Throughout Kedartal Trek, there is no village or no human population that you will come across.
The terrain is extremely difficult with steep climbs, slanty rocks, snow, and moraines.
You will encounter the infamous 'Spider Wall', watch and measure each footstep.
Visit a doctor prior to the trek to assess your level of fitness and to receive any necessary checkups.
After Gangotri, there wouldn't be a mobile phone network. Therefore, you should notify your family and close friends in advance.
As the atmospheric pressure drops at such high altitudes with less oxygen inhaled, practice ventilation techniques.
You will gain high altitudes in three days with increased chances of elevation and mountain sickness.
Uncomfortable symptoms like headaches, hypoxic conditions, vomiting, and many other medical issues may result from the sudden drop in oxygen levels.
So, keep medications on hand and take the necessary precautions to avoid them.
To ward off the cold, dress in thermal layers or several layers of clothing.
As cold waves hit your face and head, your body temperature will begin to drop.
Avoid climbing too quickly because it could wear you out or result in an unfortunate accident.
Since snow reflects the sun and can result in snow blindness, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage.
Have 7-9 hours of quality sleep the night before your trek because moving around restlessly will make it difficult for you to travel and will make you uncomfortable.
You will witness snow plumes, the phenomenon of snow flying off a mountain cliff by the wind. Be careful as it can be intense enough to block your vision.