Vasuki Tal Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Time, How to Reach and Itinerary

Kedarnath village is set in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas and is one of India’s most worshipped pilgrim attractions. The village is constructed around the Kedarnath temple which is located at 3,580 meters above sea level. It is located near the Chorabari glacier which is the source of the Mandakini river.

Vasuki Tal is a beautiful lake located near Kedarnath at a height of 4,135 meters. It is fed by snow-covered mountains and glaciers such as the Vasuki Glacier and the Chor Bamak Glacier. The lake is filled with icebergs with water mirroring the Kedarnath hills. This lake is also the source of the Vasuki Ganga river. Beautiful views of Chaukhamba Peak can be seen from the site.

Vasuki Tal trek is at a distance of 8 kilometers from Kedarnath and is also a popular destination for Uttarakhand Treks.

Vasuki Tal is surrounded by very high mountains and offers a stunning view of various Himalayan peaks. Lord Vishnu is said to have bathed at this lake in ancient times. Vasuki Tal’s crystal pure water flowing through the lake and displaying the rock stacks within is an attractive sight. This lovely lake adds to the glory of the nearby Chaukhamba mountain. The Vasuki Tal trek is surrounded by various gorgeous bright blooms, one of which is the Brahma Kamal. The lake is completely frozen during the winter.

History of Vasuki Tal Trek

The historical name of this location is “Kedar Khand,” and tradition has it that the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, after defeating the Kauravas, felt sorry for killing so many people and sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. The Lord constantly eluded them and sought sanctuary at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The Lord vanished into the earth, leaving his hump visible on the surface of Kedarnath.

Vasuki Tal is named after Lord Shiva’s snake, and many believe that Lord Vishnu took a bath in it, making it holy. The water is clean because Mt. Vasuki feeds it. 

Highlights of Vasuki Tal Trek

Location of Vasuki Tal Trek

Kedarnath village is set in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas and is one of India’s most worshipped pilgrim attractions. The village is constructed around the Kedarnath temple which is located at 3,580 meters above sea level, near the Chorabari glacier which is the source of the Mandakini river.

Vasuki Tal is a high altitude (4,978 m) lake in the Garhwal Himalayas. Vasuki Tal is named after Lord Shiva’s snake, and many believe that Lord Vishnu took a bath in it, making it holy. The water is clean because Mt. Vasuki feeds it. There is little vegetation here and the lake is situated between two glaciers, yet there are many of Brahma Kamal, giving it a wonderful appearance.

Best Season of Vasuki Tal Trek

The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and October. Due to excessive snowfall, the town is closed throughout the winter season. Therefore, months of May to October are ideal for visiting Vasuki Tal since the weather is moderate and pleasant. The months starting from May till mid-June are ideal for the Vasuki Tal hike. The weather is pleasant with blazing sun that keeps the hikers warm. The temperature drops during the night. 

During the monsoon season, heavy rain makes the journey nearly impossible. The path from Chorbari Bamak glacier to Vasuki tal becomes treacherous and muddy, obstructing further progress. It is recommended to avoid the monsoon season. The spring months of mid-September to mid-October are ideal for trekking to Vasuki Tal. Due to the intense cold, it is not possible to trek to Vasuki tal during the winter. The weather conditions do not favor the hikers. It is not advised to visit Vasuki tal during the winter season.

How to Reach Vasuki Tal Trek

The trekking distance or path to Vasuki tal is determined by how long the trekkers choose to trek. One can ride a pony to Kedarnath and start hiking from the Kedarnath Temple or one can start trekking from Gaurikund.

By Air:-

Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport which is 229 kilometers away from Gaurikund and may be reached through Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Rudraprayag.

By Train:-

Dehradun railway station is 253 kilometers away, Rishikesh railway station is 212 kilometers away, and Haridwar railway station is 236 kilometers away from Gaurikund.

By Road:-

Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads to the rest of Uttarakhand state. Dehradun ISBT is 256 Km, Rishikesh is 215 Km, Haridwar is 235 Km, Uttarkashi is 226 Km,Tehri is 181Km, Devprayag is 141km, Srinagar is 109 Km, Rudraprayag is 74 Km, from Gaurikund.

Itinerary of Vasuki Tal Trek

Day 1: Arrive at Gaurikund

The Kedarnath- Vasuki Tal walk begins when you arrive at Gaurikund, the beginning point for the Kedarnath climb. Gaurikund, located at an elevation of 1,982 meters, is the site where Gauri (Parvati) endured difficult penance to appease Lord Shiva to marry him. It is surrounded by beautiful green woods and eye-pleasing natural magnificence, with Vasuki Ganga running nearby and a sulfurous hot water spring.
Gaurikund may be reached by road from the nearest railway stations, Rishikesh (about 211 km) and Haridwar (about 234 km), as well as the nearest airport, Dehradun (about 226 km.). Check into the hotel and spend the night after your arrival. (You can also pay a visit to the Gauri temple.)

Day 2: Gaurikund – Kedarnath (16 km. trek)

Begin your journey to Kedarnath as soon as possible. Before beginning the hike, it is auspicious to take a sacred bath at the hot water spring. As you begin your journey, your eyes will be treated to aesthetically beautiful landscapes washed by a succession of waterfalls that will captivate you. It is worth noting that the previous 14 km route was wiped out in the 2013 flash floods, and the new one is 2 km longer. The new path, on the other hand, is more picturesque and keeps the trekkers’ spirits high.

You may take a break in two places: Rambara (about 7 kilometers) and Linchuli (about 12 km.). It is a delight to hike along the Mandakini River, which entertains trekkers with its beauty and melodious noises. Arrive at Kedarnath and settle into your pre-booked hotel. Later, pay a visit to the sacred Kedarnath Temple, which is home to a triangle-shaped Shiva Lingam.

As per some popular legends,  while Shiva was hiding from the Pandava brothers, his hump (as the lord dressed as a bull) emerged from the earth around here. The Pandavas erected a temple here, and Shiva pledged to wipe away the sins and sorrows of anybody who came here. Kedarnath, at a height of 3,853 meters, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, four Chota Char Dham destinations, and 275 Paadal Petra Slams. The breathtaking scenery provided by the tall snow-capped peaks of Kedarnath and Kedar Dome adds to the region’s allure.
Spend the night at Kedarnath.

Day 3: Kedarnath – Vasuki Tal (8 km. trek) – Kedarnath

Begin early this morning as we make our way to Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake nourished by Vasuki Glacier and located at the base of Vasuki Peak. Lord Vishnu is said to have showered in the lake, which explains its religious significance. Furthermore, it is a magnificent emerald beauty with crystal clear water and serene surroundings.

You may come across the revered Brahma kamal, which is also the state flower, as well as many other colorful blooms along the road. While the first 3-4 kilometers are quite easy to walk, the following section is relatively challenging to cross due to an increase in steepness. The breathtaking vistas of Chaukhamba Peaks and other Himalayan peaks make every shot worthwhile. Spend some time by the lake at a height of 4,135 meters before beginning the walk down to Kedarnath. Spend the night at Kedarnath.

Day 4: Kedarnath – Chorabari Glacier (3 km. trek) – Kedarnath

Get up early and begin your journey to the 3,800-meter-high Chorabari Glacier. The glacier has two snouts, one feeding River Mandakini and the other supplying Chorabari Tal. The hiking path takes trekkers directly to sky-touching peaks like Kedarnath. Chorabari Tal, popularly known as Gandhi Sarovar, is located close. Shiva is said to have taught yoga to the Seven Sages on the shores of this lake. In 1948, Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were submerged in the lake. Enjoy the beautiful settings that appear to be from a fairy-tale world upon arrival. 

Descend again and pay a visit to Bhairav Temple, another religiously significant place. It is positioned on a hill one kilometer from Kedarnath and gives amazing views of the whole valley. Bhairav (Shiva’s ferocious form) is revered as the region’s guardian. Pray and return to the hotel for the night.

Day 5: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Guptkashi (30 km. drive)

Descend to Gaurikund, from which you may take a road trip to Guptkashi. At a height of 1,319 meters, the town is home to the Vishwanath Temple, which is modeled after the Varanasi temple of the same name. Shiva is said to have disguised himself as a bull and hit the ground at Guptkashi while fleeing the Pandavas. When you arrive, check into your accommodation and explore the temples and other monuments at your leisure. Stay for the night.

Day 6: Departure

Leave Guptkashi in the morning and start your journey back to home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Vasuki Tal Trek