Kedartal Trek
7 Days
30 Km
15,500ft
18+
Difficult
The Kedartal Trek is a breathtaking high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand, leading to the stunning Kedartal Lake (15,485 ft), a glacial lake fed by the Kedar Glacier. Located near Gangotri, this trek offers spectacular views of towering Himalayan peaks, including Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Manda Parvat, and Mt. Gangotri. The challenging yet rewarding trail passes through dense forests, rugged moraines, and high-altitude meadows, making it one of the most scenic and thrilling treks in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Why This Trek?
- Pristine Glacier Lake: Witness the emerald green Kedartal Lake, reflecting snow-covered peaks.
- Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure: At 15,485 ft, it is one of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand.
- Spectacular Himalayan Views: Get close-up views of Thalay Sagar, Mt. Gangotri, and Bhrigupanth.
- Diverse Terrain: Experience lush forests, rocky moraines, glacier crossings, and alpine meadows.
- Offbeat & Less Crowded: Unlike popular treks, Kedartal offers solitude and raw natural beauty.
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Kedartal Trek
Complete Trek Information
The best time for the Kedartal Trek is May to June and September to October. Pre-monsoon (May-June) offers clear trails with some snow patches, while post-monsoon (September-October) provides crystal-clear views and a vibrant landscape. Winters (November-April) are extremely harsh, making the trek inaccessible.
By Train
Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) is well-connected to major cities across India.
Popular Trains:
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From Delhi: The Shatabdi Express and Nanda Devi Express offer frequent services.
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From Mumbai: The Dehradun Express connects Mumbai to Dehradun.
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From Kolkata: The Doon Express operates from Kolkata to Dehradun.
From the railway station, you can hire a taxi, take an auto-rickshaw, or use local buses to reach your destination within Dehradun.
By Bus
Dehradun is well-connected by road, with several state-run and private buses operating from major cities.
- From Delhi: Buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate include Volvo, deluxe, and semi-deluxe options. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
- From Chandigarh: Regular bus services take about 5-6 hours.
- From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Frequent buses make the 1.5-2 hour journey.
Buses typically arrive at Dehradun’s ISBT. From there, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take local buses to reach your desired location within the city.
By Flight
- Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is located about 30 kilometers from Dehradun city center.
- Connecting Flights: There are regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- From Delhi: Several daily flights by airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India.
- From Mumbai: Direct flights available.
- From Bangalore: Direct and connecting flights available.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use airport shuttle services to reach Dehradun. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Mobile Network & Internet:
- Last mobile network coverage is in Gangotri (Airtel, BSNL, and Jio).
- No network after Gangotri, including at Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak, and Kedartal.
- No internet connectivity during the trek, so inform family beforehand.
ATMs & Cash Availability:
- Last ATMs: Available in Uttarkashi, but cash runs out quickly.
- Gangotri has limited ATM facilities, so withdraw cash in Dehradun or Uttarkashi.
- Carry ₹4,000-₹5,000 in cash for transport, rentals, and personal expenses.
Electricity & Charging Points:
- Last charging point: Hotels in Gangotri.
- No electricity on the trek; carry a power bank (preferably 10,000mAh or more).
- Batteries drain faster in cold temperatures—keep them in your sleeping bag at night.
FAQs about
Kedartal Trek
The Kedartal Trek is located in Uttarakhand, starting from Gangotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. It leads to Kedartal (Kedar Tal), a high-altitude glacial lake situated at 4,750 meters (15,580 feet), surrounded by majestic peaks like Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi. The trek offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas.
Kedartal is considered a challenging trek, best suited for experienced trekkers. The trail includes steep ascents, rocky paths, and high-altitude conditions, requiring good physical fitness and acclimatization. The trek involves navigating glacial moraine, boulder zones, and occasional snow patches, making it a technical and endurance-based trek.
The best time for the Kedartal Trek is May to June and September to October. Pre-monsoon (May-June) offers clear skies and moderate weather, while post-monsoon (September-October) provides crystal-clear views of snow-clad peaks. Trekking in monsoon is not recommended due to landslides, and winters bring heavy snowfall, making the trek inaccessible.
The Kedartal Trek covers approximately 38 km and takes around 6-7 days to complete. It starts from Gangotri (3,100 meters) and gradually ascends to Kedartal (4,750 meters). The daily trekking distance varies between 5 to 10 km, depending on the altitude gain and terrain.
Kedartal is known for its breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and spiritual significance. The emerald-green glacial lake at the base of Thalay Sagar Peak is a mesmerizing sight. The trail passes through dense pine forests, high-altitude meadows, and rocky moraines, offering an adventurous experience. Additionally, it is one of the best treks to witness Himalayan wildlife, including blue sheep (Bharal), Himalayan black bears, and even snow leopards in rare cases.
Yes, a permit is required for the Kedartal Trek as it falls under Gangotri National Park. Trekkers need to obtain permission from the Forest Department at Gangotri. Foreign nationals may require additional documentation, and it is advisable to hire a registered trekking guide or join an organized trek for hassle-free permits.
Accommodation on the Kedartal Trek is primarily camping-based, as there are no guesthouses or lodges beyond Gangotri. Trekkers need to carry tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. In Gangotri, there are basic hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas available for an overnight stay before starting the trek.
For the Kedartal Trek, it is essential to carry warm clothing, high-quality trekking shoes, and rain gear due to unpredictable weather. A sturdy backpack, trekking poles, sunglasses, and gloves are recommended for comfort and safety. Since the trek is at high altitude, packing essential medicines for altitude sickness (AMS), energy snacks, a refillable water bottle, and sunscreen is crucial. A good-quality sleeping bag and tent are also needed for camping.
To reach the trek’s starting point, take a train or flight to Dehradun. From Dehradun, hire a shared taxi or private cab to Gangotri (250 km, 8-10 hours drive). Buses are available from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi, followed by a taxi to Gangotri. Gangotri is the base camp where trekkers spend a day for acclimatization before starting the trek.
Absolutely! The Kedartal Trek is one of the most rewarding treks in the Indian Himalayas, offering a mix of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and serene solitude. The experience of reaching the pristine Kedartal Lake, surrounded by towering peaks, makes the challenging trek completely worthwhile. It is a dream trek for those looking for an offbeat, high-altitude
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