Overview
Kedartal is one of Garhwal's toughest and most rewarding treks — an 80 km round trip from Gangotri to a glacial lake at 15,500 ft, ringed by Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth. The route crosses moraine, boulder fields and exposed ridges, and demands prior high-altitude experience.
- Emerald glacial lake at 15,500 ft
- Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth and Jogin peaks
- Boulder-strewn high-altitude trail
- Acclimatisation day at Gangotri
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Dehradun to Gangotri
Long mountain drive to Gangotri (10,200 ft).
- 2
Acclimatisation at Gangotri
Rest, short exploration hike and gear check.
- 3
Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Steep climb through birch forest along the Kedar Ganga.
- 4
Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Boulder-strewn ascent to the higher meadow camp.
- 5
Kedar Kharak to Kedartal and back
Summit day to the lake at 15,500 ft, return to Kedar Kharak.
- 6
Kedar Kharak to Gangotri
Long descent back to Gangotri.
- 7
Gangotri to Dehradun
240 km return drive.
Elevation profile
Peaks at 15,500 ftIndicative profile — actual daily gain depends on weather and acclimatization pace.
What's included
- Dehradun to Dehradun transport
- Camping with sleeping bags and mats
- All meals on trek
- Experienced high-altitude trek leader
- Permits and forest fees
- Medical kit with oximeter and portable oxygen
Not included
- 5% GST
- Personal trekking gear
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
- Anything not listed in inclusions
How to reach Uttarkashi region
Your base for this trek. Common pickup on Day 1 morning; drop-off on the last day evening.
- Airport — Jolly Grant (DED)
- Railhead — Dehradun / Haridwar
- Road — 8–10 hr from Dehradun. Shared Tempo Traveller included in the trek price.
Things to carry
The honest list — 8 kg on your back is plenty for this trek. Layers still matter — nights drop below 5 °C.
- Ankle-length waterproof trekking boots (worn in)
- Down or synthetic jacket rated to −10 °C
- Waterproof-breathable shell jacket
- Two full sets of thermal base layers
- Three pairs of merino or synthetic socks
- Insulated + liner gloves, wool cap, sun cap
- Category 3 UV sunglasses (Category 4 on snow above 4,000 m)
- One-litre insulated flask + one reusable water bottle
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Personal medication + basic strip (paracetamol, ORS, band-aids)
- Government photo ID (original)
- · Tents, sleeping bags and mats rated to trek altitude
- · Micro-spikes and gaiters on snow sections
- · Full medical kit with pulse oximeter and portable oxygen