Kedartal Trek
Kedartal Trek Guide: Witness Shiva’s Emerald Lake In Gangotri
Highlights
- Witness Shiva’s Emerald Lake In Gangotri
- High-altitude glacial lake situated at an elevation of 4,912 meters
- Often referred to as 'Shiva’s Mirror'
- Source of Kedar Ganga in the Garhwal Himalayas
Kedartal Trek — Overview
Kedartal Trek is in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 4912 m. Perhaps, it is the source of Kedar Ganga and it is believed that it is a contribution to Bhagirathi by Lord Shiva. Kedartal Trek is an Enthralling Gangotri valley in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand India,…
Kedartal Trek — Complete Guide
Our mission has always been to ensure that no trekker steps into the Himalayas without the right perspective. A trek is not just a checklist of summits; it is a serious commitment to the outdoors. Having the right information is what separates a reckless climb from a soulful journey.
This section serves as your definitive manual for the Kedartal Trek. We have distilled years of mountain experience and real-time feedback into this guide to give you a clear, honest picture of the trail.
We provide this depth of information because we want you to be more than just a visitor—we want you to be a prepared, responsible trekker who respects the mountains as much as we do.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri Via Uttarkashi
- Drive Distance: 258 km (10–11 Hours)
- Altitude: 3,415 Meters
Difficulty: Difficult — Suitable for fit beginners.
You will cover a total distance over 7 trekking days, gaining significant altitude. The terrain includes steep ascents and rocky paths. Weather can change rapidly at altitude — rain, snow, and mist are common. Our Trek Leaders monitor conditions and make safety decisions accordingly.
Altitude: You will reach 15,500 ft. At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Fitness helps, but even experienced trekkers can be affected.
Best months to visit:
The base camp is accessible by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Nearest railway station is Haridwar; nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. We arrange pickup from Rishikesh.
- Layered woollen clothing (thermal base + mid-layer + rain jacket)
- Trekking poles
- Good quality trekking shoes (waterproof)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal first aid kit and any prescription medicine
- Water bottle (2L minimum)
- Light snacks (nuts, dry fruits, energy bars)
Start training 6 weeks before the trek. Focus on:
- Cardio — 45 minutes of jogging/cycling, 5 days a week
- Stair climbing — builds leg and lung capacity
- Squats and lunges — strengthen knees for steep descents
- Weekend hikes — practice with a loaded backpack
Fitness Benchmark: Complete 5 km in under 40 minutes before the trek.
Your safety is our priority. We bring oxygen cylinders, high altitude medical kits, and certified Trek Leaders who are trained as Wilderness First Responders.
Complete Package from Dehradun To Dehradun, Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House at Gangotri, Tents on Twin Sharing during the trek, Meals: Nutritious meals during the trek, Transport: Dehradun to Gangotri and return, Certified high-altitude guide and support staff, Permits: Trekking permits for Gangotri National Park, Safety equipment & first aid.
Personal gear and expenses, Meals during transit to and from Gangotri, Comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory), Optional Services: Backpack Offloading charge ₹500, Single Tent/Hotel Room occupancy on request, extra cost.
Detailed maps and GPS coordinates will be provided in your pre-trek briefing document.
Yes, with proper fitness preparation. The difficulty is rated Difficult.
- Himalayan Ibex offers both online and offline booking options.
- Payment: We require a 25% advance payment for booking treks. The remaining amount is to be paid in cash at the basecamp before the trek starts.
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