Kedartal, also known as Shiva’s Lake, is a glacial lake in Uttarakhand, India, situated at an altitude of 4,750 meters. It holds religious significance in Hindu mythology and is a challenging trekking destination, starting from Gangotri. The trek offers stunning landscapes and is best visited from May to October.
Kedartal Trek
Trek Details
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Max Altitude
4750 m
Trek Length
40 KM
Difficulty
ModerateBest Season
May to October
Start Point
Gangotri
End Point
Gangotri
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant
Overview
Your Adventure at a Glance
About the Trek
Mythology, Best Time & More More
Significance
Mythology and Cultural
The temple was built by the Pandavas to atone for their sins after the Mahabharata war. It is also believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, where devotees seek blessings for spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is deeply ingrained in Hindu culture, with thousands of devotees undertaking the journey each year to pay homage to Lord Shiva and experience the divine aura of the Himalayas.
Month
Best Month
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months from May to June and the early autumn months from September to October.
Day-by-Day Plan
Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun to Uttarkashi to Gangotri
Departure Point: Dehradun, a city nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, marks the commencement of the journey. Known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, Dehradun serves as a gateway to many Himalayan treks.
Drive to Uttarkashi: The first leg of the journey takes you to Uttarkashi, a town situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. This town is an important stopover, offering a glimpse into the religious and cultural life of the Garhwal region.
Arrival at Gangotri: Continuing from Uttarkashi, the road leads to Gangotri, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Gangotri, set amidst captivating surroundings, is revered as the origin of the River Ganges and serves as the starting point for the trek to Kedar Tal.
Day 2
Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Trail Commences: The trek begins at Gangotri, winding through dense forests and along the rugged terrain of the Garhwal Himalayas. The path to Bhoj Kharak is marked by steep ascents and the serene beauty of the wilderness.
Camp at Bhoj Kharak: Reaching Bhoj Kharak, trekkers are greeted with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. This site is named after the Bhojpatra (Birch) trees found in the area, providing a serene setting for the night's camp.
Day 3
Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Journey Continues: The trek progresses from Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak, offering changing landscapes and increasing altitudes. This segment showcases the diverse ecosystems of the region, including alpine meadows and glacial streams.
Arrival at Kedar Kharak: Kedar Kharak serves as a base for exploring Kedar Tal. The area is known for its breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and the tranquil Kedar Bamak Glacier.
Day 4
Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal to Kedar Kharak
Trek to Kedar Tal: A highlight of the trek, the journey to Kedar Tal is challenging but rewarding. Kedar Tal, a crystal-clear glacial lake, is set against the backdrop of Thalay Sagar and Brigupanth Peak, offering mesmerizing views.
Return to Kedar Kharak: After spending time at Kedar Tal, trekkers return to Kedar Kharak to rest and reflect on the day's experiences amidst the majestic Himalayan scenery.
Day 5
Kedar Kharak to Gangotri
Return Trek: The trek back to Gangotri retraces the path through the stunning landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas. This return journey is an opportunity to soak in the beauty of the region once more.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
- Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
- Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
- Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
- Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
- Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
- Non-veg meals are not served.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
- Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
- First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
- Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
- Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.
EXCLUSION
- All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
- Anything that we have not mentioned above.
- The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day. (Food starts from dinner at base camp on day first till last day morning breakfast).
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Getting There
How To Reach
Location
Trek Route Map
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
| Policy | Upto 30 days | 29–21 days | 21–15 days | 14–0 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Shifting | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Refund | 100% | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
Preparation
What To Pack
Clothing & Footwear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
- Down jacket (600+ fill power)
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
- Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
- Warm balaclava & beanie hat
- Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
Gear & Essentials
- 35–45L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
- UV-protection polarised sunglasses
- Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
- Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets
- Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kedartal trek difficult?
Yes, the trek to Kedartal is difficult due to its high altitude, rugged terrain, and challenging weather conditions. Trekkers need to be physically fit, experienced, and prepared for the journey.
How many days in Kedartal Trek?
It is a 6 Days and 5 Nights Trek starting from Gangotri to Gangotri.
How long is Kedartal Trek?
The trek to Kedartal usually takes around 6 to 7 days to complete, including the ascent and return journey.
Why is Kedartal famous?
Kedartal is famous for its stunning beauty, high-altitude glacial lake, and its association with Hindu mythology, particularly its connection to Lord Shiva. It is also renowned as a challenging trekking destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts and pilgrims a like.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
Is there mobile signals available on treks?
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
How do you manage toilets?
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
Do I need to carry trek equipment?
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.