Kedartal

India

A punishing but spectacular 15,500ft trek to Shiva's glacial lake.

1 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹25,500

Let's get one thing straight: Kedartal is not a casual weekend hike for your Instagram feed. Sitting at a breathless 15,500 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, this emerald glacial lake...

Best forHardcore TrekkersMountain PhotographersGlacial Lake EnthusiastsThrill Seekers

Difficult

|You should be able to run 5 km in under 30 minutes comfortably. Strong core and leg muscles are required for the steep ascents and boulder hopping.

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Soul Seeker

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Kedartal

Soul Seeker - Kedartal Trek High-Altitude Sacred Lake 15500ft

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From Dehradun

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What to Expect

Expect to be humbled. You'll face steep, continuous inclines right from day one, tricky boulder-hopping over moraines, and freezing winds. You'll sleep in tents pitched on rocky terrain, eat basic but hot meals, and wake up to the kind of mountain alpenglow that makes the blisters worth it. Zero mobile network, zero luxuries, 100% wilderness.

Honest Heads-Up

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a very real threat here. The altitude gain from Gangotri is rapid.
The 'Spider Wall' section between Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak is a narrow rock ledge with a sheer drop. Not for those with severe vertigo.
Rockfalls are common, especially in the afternoons and during monsoon.
Do not confuse this with Kedarnath. There are no mules, no paved paths, and no tea houses on the trail.
There is absolutely no mobile network once you leave Gangotri.

Things to Do

Gangotri Temple Visit

1-2 hours·Free

Group

Gartang Gali Wooden Bridge

Half day·₹150 permit

Group

Harsil Village Walk

Half day·Free

Group

Tapovan Trek

6-7 days·₹15,000 - ₹20,000

Group

Dayara Bugyal Trek

3-4 days·₹8,000 - ₹10,000

Group

Nelong Valley Safari

Full day·₹2,500 - ₹3,500 (shared cab)

Group

Plan Your Trip

How to Reach

Fly into Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) or take a train to Dehradun Railway Station. From Dehradun, take a cab or bus to Uttarkashi (6-7 hours), then another shared taxi to Gangotri (4 hours). The trek starts on foot from Gangotri.

Travel Tips

1Spend an extra day in Gangotri (10,000 ft) before starting the trek just to acclimatize.

2Pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your backpack. Rain at high altitudes is unforgiving.

3Keep your headlamp and water bottle inside your sleeping bag at night so the water doesn't freeze and the batteries don't drain.

4Trim your toenails before the trek. The steep descent will destroy your toes otherwise.

5Listen to your guide. If they say you have AMS and need to descend, do not argue.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg Friendly

Eat even if you lose your appetite (a common symptom of altitude). Your body needs the calories to stay warm and push through the steep climbs.

Culture & Etiquette

Kedartal is considered the sacred lake of Lord Shiva. Treat it with immense respect.
Do not wash clothes, utensils, or yourself in the lake or the streams leading to it.
The entire Gangotri region is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free zone.
Loud music and drone flying are prohibited inside the National Park.

FAQs

Is Kedartal the same as Kedarnath?

No, not at all. Kedarnath is a highly commercialized pilgrimage site with paved paths and helicopter access. Kedartal is a remote, hardcore alpine trek starting from Gangotri with zero infrastructure.

Can a beginner do the Kedartal trek?

Absolutely not. This is a Level 4 (Difficult) trek. You need prior high-altitude trekking experience (at least one trek above 12,000 ft) and excellent cardiovascular fitness.

What is the 'Spider Wall' everyone talks about?

It's a tricky 100-meter section of the trail where the path narrows to a rocky ledge with a steep drop into the Kedar Ganga river. You have to press against the rock wall to cross it. Guides usually set up a fixed rope here for safety.

Will I get mobile network on the trek?

Say goodbye to your phone at Gangotri. There is zero connectivity (BSNL, Jio, Airtel, nothing) on the entire trail.

How cold does it get at night?

Even in peak summer (May/June), night temperatures at Kedartal camp drop to -2°C to -5°C. In October, it can easily hit -10°C. Layering is non-negotiable.

Do I need to take Diamox?

Consult your doctor, but many trekkers take a preventive course of Acetazolamide (Diamox) starting a day before the trek, as the altitude gain from Gangotri (10,000 ft) to Kedartal (15,500 ft) in just 3 days is aggressive.

Are there washrooms on the trail?

No permanent washrooms. Group tours will set up dry-pit toilet tents at the campsites (Bhoj Kharak, Kedar Kharak, Kedartal).

Can I drink the water from the streams?

Yes, the mountain streams are generally clean, but it's highly recommended to use a Lifestraw or water purification tablets to avoid any stomach bugs that could ruin your trek.

Group Trips to Kedartal

If you are looking for group tours to Kedartal, prepare yourself for one of Uttarakhand's most rewarding but demanding treks. Unlike commercialized trails, Kedartal trek packages attract serious high-altitude enthusiasts wanting to stand face-to-face with Mt. Thalay Sagar. Starting from the holy town of Gangotri, this 15,500-foot ascent is a pure adventure trip in India that tests your endurance with steep inclines, rocky moraines, and the notorious Spider Wall crossing. Because of the challenging terrain, booking a guided Kedartal group tour is highly recommended over going solo. TripzSearch aggregates the most reliable operators offering Kedartal trekking itineraries starting around ₹25,500, ensuring you have expert guides, proper acclimatization schedules, and high-quality alpine tents. Whether you are an avid photographer chasing alpenglow on Himalayan peaks or a nature lover seeking the raw isolation of glacial lakes, a Kedartal group trip delivers an unfiltered mountain experience. Just remember, this isn't a beginner's hike—it requires solid fitness, mental grit, and a deep respect for the Garhwal Himalayas.

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