A Sojourn to the Breathtaking Glacial Lake with Kedartal Trek

Himalayan trekking is a fantasy for most adventure enthusiasts. Among the numerous lovely treks, the Kedartal Trek is one of the most picturesque and demanding ones. It leads trekkers to the stunning Kedartal, a high-altitude glacial lake in Uttarakhand. The trek provides breathtaking vistas of snow-clad peaks, green valleys, and an experience of a lifetime for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

About the Kedartal Trek

Kedartal, or Shiva’s Lake, is found at an altitude of 4,750 meters (15,580 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas. Kedar Ganga River, one of the tributaries of the sacred Bhagirathi River, rises from the lake. The towering peaks of Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Jogin, and Gangotri surround the lake. Kedartal Trek is an exhilarating experience through boulder-choked trails, dense forests, and rough ground.

Best Time to Visit Kedartal Trek

The most suitable time for the Kedartal Trek is summer and post-monsoon season. The best time is May-June and September-October. The weather during these months is clear, with great views of the mountains. The trek during monsoons is not recommended because of rain and landslides, while winter makes it very challenging as there is heavy snowfall.

How to Reach the Kedartal Trek Starting Point

The Kedartal Trek begins from Gangotri, a popular pilgrimage place. To go to Gangotri, you have to go to Dehradun or Haridwar first. From there, you can board a bus or take a cab to Gangotri. The distance from Dehradun to Gangotri is approximately 240 km and takes 8-10 hours by road.

Difficulty Level of Kedartal Trek

The Kedartal Trek is a challenging to moderate trek. It demands good physical health and previous trekking experience. The trek includes steep climbs, narrow ridges, and high-altitude terrain. Trekkers must be mentally conditioned for cold weather and changing weather patterns.

Kedartal Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Gangotri (3,415 meters)

Gangotri serves as the base camp for the Kedartal Trek. It is a sacred town famous for the Gangotri Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Trekkers tend to stay here for a day to acclimatize to the high altitude before embarking on the trek.

Day 2: Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak (8 km, 6-7 hours)

The hike starts with a challenging climb through birch and pine forests. The path runs alongside the Kedar Ganga River, providing stunning views of the mountains around. Bhoj Kharak is a small camp at 3,780 meters.

Day 3: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak (5 km, 4-5 hours)

This section of the trek is shorter but is a bit of a steeper climb on rocky paths. There are great views of Thalay Sagar Peak to see along the route. Kedar Kharak, at 4,280 meters, is a lovely campsite with grassy meadows.

Day 4: Kedar Kharak to Kedartal (5 km, 4-5 hours)

This is the toughest section of the Kedartal Trek. The path becomes steeper and more demanding because of rocky moraines and thin air at high altitudes. After arriving at Kedartal, trekkers are rewarded with a stunning view of the crystal-clear lake and snow-capped peaks around.

Day 5: Kedartal to Bhoj Kharak (10 km, 6-7 hours)

Upon having a glimpse of the beauty of Kedartal, the trekkers start their downward journey. The return trip is the same as the ascent route, providing another view of the terrain.

Day 6: Bhoj Kharak to Gangotri (8 km, 5-6 hours)

The final day of the trek gets you back to Gangotri, the conclusion of this phenomenal journey.

Things to Carry for the Kedartal Trek

Warm Wear—The temperature at high altitudes can be very low, so bring thermal clothing, a fleece jacket, and gloves.

Trekking Shoes—Waterproof, good-quality trekking shoes are required.

Backpack—Rain cover provided; backpack is required.

Sleeping Bag—A warm sleeping bag for cold nights.

Trekking Pole—Assist in balancing on steep paths.

Water Bottles and Energy Snacks—Keep yourself hydrated and take nuts, dry fruits, and energy bars along.

First Aid Kit—Take necessary medicines, band-aids, and painkillers along.

Torch and Batteries—Useful during night trekking and camping.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen—Avoids UV rays and snow glare.

Why Go for the Kedartal Trek?

Scenic Beauty—The trekking route provides breathtaking views of towering mountains and green valleys.

Challenging Adventure—Ideal for trekkers who crave a high-altitude adventure.
Spiritual Connection—Its proximity to Gangotri makes the trek religious in nature.
Less Crowded—In contrast to other known treks, the Kedartal Trek is not as commercialized, providing quiet and seclusion.
Unique Wildlife—See rare Himalayan wildlife such as blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, and exotic birds.

Safety Tips for Kedartal Trek

Acclimatization is Crucial—Spend one day in Gangotri to acclimatize yourself to the altitude.

Trek with a Guide—Having an experienced guide can make your trek safer and more enjoyable.

Drink Plenty of Water—Drink lots of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Avoid Bad Weather—Avoid trekking during bad weather.

Carry Oxygen Cylinders—Useful in case of breathing problems at high altitudes.

Conclusion

The Kedartal Trek is an outstanding adventure that takes you to the most scenic high-altitude lakes of the Himalayas. It is an excellent combination of adventure, nature, and spirituality. The trek is difficult but immensely rewarding, so it’s a memory to treasure for trekkers. If you are an avid trekker who is on the lookout for an exclusive and spectacular Himalayan adventure, then the Kedartal Trek is a must on your list.