- ⭐ Difficult · 6N/7D · Uttarakhand, India
Kedartal Trek
- Shiva's Sacred Glacial Lake — 4,912m in the Garhwal Himalayas
- ₹8,599 per person onwards + 5% GST
- ⭐ Difficult / 6 Nights / 7 Days / Gangotri, Uttarakhand / Best: May–Jun & Sep–Oct
- Transport Included
- Certified Guides
- All Meals Included
- Group Size: 20 Max
Duration
6N/7D
Max Elevation
4,912 m
Gradient
Difficult
Distance
37 km
Best Month
May–Oct
Group Size
20
Starting From
₹8,599
- Overview
Kedartal Trek — Overview
The Kedartal Trek, also known as Shiva’s Lake or Shiva’s Mirror, is one of the most dramatic and spiritually charged treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The glacial lake sits at 4,912 metres (16,116 feet) above sea level in Uttarkashi district, deep within Gangotri National Park. It is the origin of the sacred Kedar Ganga river.
The journey begins at the holy town of Gangotri — one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites — at 3,048m. From here the trail climbs steeply through ancient deodar and birch forests, across boulder-strewn moraines, and past a particularly demanding section known as the Spider Wall, before reaching the high alpine camps at Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak.
At Kedartal, trekkers are rewarded with what many call the finest mountain lake view in India — the emerald-green glacial lake perfectly reflecting the towering faces of Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Bhrigupanth (6,772m), and Meru (6,672m). According to Hindu mythology, Kedartal is where Lord Shiva meditated — a belief that gives the lake its deeply spiritual atmosphere.
This trek is suited for experienced trekkers with prior Himalayan trekking experience. The steep gradient, high altitude, rocky moraines, and unpredictable weather make this a serious undertaking — but one that rewards with an experience you will carry for life.
- Complete Information
Quick Facts
Base Camp
Gangotri (3,048m)
Pickup
Dehradun Railway Station
Nearest Railway Station
Dehradun / Haridwar
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Temperature
Gangotri: 10–18°C | Kedartal: 2–8°C Bhoj Kharak: -2°C | Kedar Kharak: -8°C
Mobile Network
Gangotri only (BSNL/Jio). None on trail.
Electricity
Gangotri only. Carry power bank.
Last ATM
Uttarkashi. Carry sufficient cash.
- Trek Grading
Difficulty Explained
Why Kedartal is rated Difficult — and what that actually means on the trail.
- Terrain
Steep forest climbs, glacial moraine, loose scree and the infamous Spider Wall — a near 60° rock traverse between Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak.
- Altitude Gain
From 3,048 m (Gangotri) to 4,912 m (Kedartal) in just 4 trekking days — an aggressive vertical gain that demands prior Himalayan experience.
- Daily Effort
5–8 km per day with 600–900 m of altitude gain, 5–6 hours of walking with a daypack, in low oxygen and unpredictable mountain weather.
Verdict: Not a beginner trek. Recommended only for trekkers who have completed at least one 4,000m+ Himalayan trek (Roopkund, Buran Ghati, Pin Parvati base, etc.).
- Stay Safe
Altitude Sickness (AMS) on Kedartal
Above 3,500 m the air carries ~40% less oxygen. Recognise the signs early — descent is the only cure.
- Common Symptoms
- • Persistent headache that doesn't improve with water/rest
- • Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting
- • Dizziness, disturbed sleep, breathlessness at rest
- • Severe (HACE/HAPE): confusion, frothy cough, loss of coordination
- Prevention Protocol
- • Drink 3–4 L water/day. No alcohol or smoking on trek.
- • Climb high, sleep low — use the Kedar Kharak rest day.
- • Start Diamox 250 mg twice daily from Day 1 (after consulting your doctor).
- • Inform your guide immediately on any symptom — never push through.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen cylinders on every Kedartal batch.
- Train Before You Trek
Fitness Requirement
A 6-week preparation window is the bare minimum for Kedartal.
- Cardio Benchmark
- You should be able to comfortably:
- • Jog 5 km in under 32 minutes on flat ground
- • Climb 60 floors (stairs) with a 6 kg backpack in 10 minutes
- • Cycle 20 km in under an hour
- Strength Benchmark
- • 3 sets × 15 squats (knee strength for descent)
- • 3 sets × 30-second plank (core stability on moraine)
- • 3 sets × 10 push-ups (upper-body for Spider Wall holds)
- • 30-min daily brisk walk with a 5 kg backpack
Week 1
Walk 3 km · light squats
Week 2
Jog 3 km · stairs 30 floors
Week 3
Jog 4 km · stairs 45 floors
Week 4
Jog 5 km · stairs 60 floors
Week 5
Jog 5 km + pack · hike practice
Week 6
Taper · long hike weekend
- Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary — Kedartal Trek
1
DAY
- Dehradun → Gangotri
- 🛣️ 260 km Drive
- ⏱️ 9-10 Hrs
- 📍 Gangotri: 3,048m
Drive from Dehradun through Uttarkashi along the scenic Bhagirathi River to the sacred Gangotri town. The drive passes through Uttarkashi — your last ATM stop — before following the Bhagirathi gorge to Gangotri. Visit the Gangotri Temple (one of the Char Dham sites) for blessings before the trek. Overnight stay at hotel/homestay in Gangotri.
2
DAY
- Gangotri → Bhoj Kharak
- 🥾 8 km Trek
- ⏱️ 5-6 Hrs
- 📍 Bhoj Kharak: 3,800m
The trek begins alongside the sacred Kedar Ganga stream, immediately gaining altitude. The trail passes through ancient deodar and silver birch (bhoj) forests — the birch forest at higher elevations is among the most beautiful in Uttarakhand. The ascent is steep from the start, with several stream crossings. Reach Bhoj Kharak (Birch Meadow Camp) by afternoon. Camping under the birch canopy.
3
DAY
- Bhoj Kharak → Kedar Kharak
- 🥾 5 km Trek
- ⏱️ 4-5 Hrs
- 📍 Kedar Kharak: 4,270m
Today the trail leaves the treeline and enters dramatic rocky alpine terrain. The landscape opens into enormous boulder fields and moraine. This is also where you encounter the Spider Wall — a near-vertical 60° rock face that requires careful footwork and our guide’s direct support. Beyond the Spider Wall, a beautiful hidden valley reveals itself with Bharal (blue sheep) often grazing nearby. First views of Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, and Jogin peaks appear. Rest day at Kedar Kharak for acclimatization.
4
DAY
- Kedar Kharak → Kedartal Lake → Kedar Kharak
- 🥾 5 km Round Trip
- ⏱️ 5-6 Hrs
- 📍 Kedartal: 4,912m
The summit day. Start early morning (5–6 AM) in the dark to reach the lake at sunrise. The final stretch crosses glacial moraines — loose, shifting rock requiring careful navigation. Then: Kedartal. The emerald-green glacial lake at 4,912m perfectly reflects the towering walls of Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, and Meru. One of the most iconic mountain views in India. Spend time at the lake absorbing the silence and the scale. Descend back to Kedar Kharak camp by afternoon.
5
DAY
- Kedar Kharak → Bhoj Kharak
- 🥾 5 km Trek
- ⏱️ 3-4 Hrs
- 📍 Bhoj Kharak: 3,800m
Descend from the alpine zone back through the moraine and rocky terrain to Bhoj Kharak camp. The descent offers entirely different perspectives of the peaks — look back often. Arrive at Bhoj Kharak by noon, rest and celebrate with fellow trekkers.
6
DAY
- Bhoj Kharak → Gangotri
- 🥾 8 km Trek
- ⏱️ 4-5 Hrs
- 📍 Gangotri: 3,048m
7
DAY
- Gangotri → Dehradun
- 🛣️ 260 km Drive
- ⏱️ 9-10 Hrs
- The Trail
Route Map
A 6-week preparation window is the bare minimum for Kedartal.
- Paperwork
Trek Permits
Kedartal lies inside Gangotri National Park — entry is permit-controlled and daily quotas apply.
- For Indian Nationals
- • Gangotri National Park entry permit (included in our package)
- • Forest fee: ₹150/day per person (covered)
- • Original Government photo ID required (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Driving Licence / Passport)
- • Permit issued at the Forest Office, Gangotri on Day 1 evening
- For Foreign Nationals
- • Forest fee: ₹600/day per person (additional, not included)
- • Passport + valid Indian visa required
- • Inner-line permit not needed for Kedartal (unlike Nelong/Gartang Gali)
- • Please share scanned passport copy at least 7 days before the trek date
- Getting There
How to Reach Gangotri (Base)
Gangotri is 260 km from Dehradun — a 9–10 hour scenic drive along the Bhagirathi river.
- By Air
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (DED) — 270 km from Gangotri. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru. Pre-book a cab from the airport or join our Dehradun pickup.
- By Train
Reach Dehradun (DDN) or Haridwar (HW) — both well connected to Delhi (Nanda Devi Express, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi). From there, our trek transport takes over.
- By Road
Daily Volvo and shared cabs from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun (6 hrs). From Dehradun, Gangotri is reached via Mussoorie–Uttarkashi–Harsil.
- Stay Connected
Network Availability
Be prepared for a true digital detox — connectivity ends at Gangotri.
| Location | Altitude | Mobile Network | Electricity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttarkashi | 1,165 m | All networks (Jio/Airtel/VI/BSNL) | Stable |
| Gangotri | 3,048 m | BSNL & Jio (patchy) | Available, frequent outages |
| Bhoj Kharak | 3,800 m | No network | None |
| Kedar Kharak | 4,270 m | No network | None |
| Kedartal Lake | 4,912 m | No network | None |
Carry a 20,000 mAh power bank, a head torch with spare batteries, and share emergency numbers with family before leaving Gangotri.
- Plan the Window
Weather — Month by Month
Kedartal is operational only May–June and September–October. Here’s what each month feels like.
Carry a 20,000 mAh power bank, a head torch with spare batteries, and share emergency numbers with family before leaving Gangotri.
- Be Prepared
Things to Carry
- 🎒 Basic Gear
- Backpack
- Trekking Shoes
- Trekking Pole
- LED Torch
- One Water Bottle (1 litre)
- Lunch Box
- Basic / Prescribed Medications
- 🧥 Clothes
- Trekking Jacket
- Warm Layers
- Two Trek Pants
- Full Sleeve Dry-fit T-shirts
- Thermals (1 pair)
- 🕶️ Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
- Lip Balm (SPF 30)
- Synthetic Hand Gloves
- Woolen Cap
- Three Pairs of Socks
- Raincoat / Poncho (must)
- 📄 Documents & Others
- Daypack (for Summit Day)
- Plastic cover for wet clothes
- Original + photocopy of Govt Photo ID (Passport / Aadhaar / Driving License / Voter ID)
Kedartal Trek — Package & Cost
Dehradun to Dehradun — Quad Sharing
- 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Starting from Dehradun
- Transport: Dehradun pickup to drop included
- Accommodation: Quad sharing (4 per tent/room)
- All vegetarian meals — Day 1 dinner to Day 7 tea
- Certified trek guide and support staff
- Gangotri National Park forest entry permit
- Sleeping bags, mats, and camping tents
Limited seats — call +91-6398937502
NOTE: 5% GST is to paid additional on the trek cost.
Dehradun to Dehradun — Double Sharing
- 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Starting from Dehradun
- Transport: Dehradun pickup to drop included
- Accommodation: Double sharing (2 per tent/room)
- All vegetarian meals — Day 1 dinner to Day 7 tea
- Certified trek guide and support staff
- Gangotri National Park forest entry permit
- Sleeping bags, mats, and camping tents
Limited seats — call +91-6398937502
NOTE: 5% GST is to paid additional on the trek cost.
Rishikesh to Rishikesh — Quad Sharing
- 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Starting from Rishikesh
- Transport: Rishikesh pickup to drop included
- Accommodation: Quad sharing (4 per tent/room)
- All vegetarian meals — Day 1 dinner to Day 7 tea
- Certified trek guide and support staff
- Gangotri National Park forest entry permit
- Sleeping bags, mats, and camping tents
Limited seats — call +91-6398937502
NOTE: 5% GST is to paid additional on the trek cost.
Rishikesh to Rishikesh — Double Sharing
- 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Starting from Rishikesh
- Transport: Rishikesh pickup to drop included
- Accommodation: Double sharing (2 per tent/room)
- All vegetarian meals — Day 1 dinner to Day 7 tea
- Certified trek guide and support staff
- Gangotri National Park forest entry permit
- Sleeping bags, mats, and camping tents
Limited seats — call +91-6398937502
NOTE: 5% GST is to paid additional on the trek cost.
- Choose Your Plan
- What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✅ Included
- Transport support from Rishikesh or Dehradun
- Meals from Day 1 Dinner to Tea on Day 5. All breakfast, lunch and dinner meals during the trek.
- Accommodation throughout the trek on a quad sharing basis
- Professional guide, and support staff
- Comfortable hotel Stay
- Forest entry charges for Indian nationals.
- Tolls and taxes included
- ❌ Excluded
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc
- Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg)
- Important
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, reduce, or amend a guaranteed reservation, please do so by 12 noon, 15 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charges. Any cancellation made within 15 days of arrival will be 100% non-refundable.
No cancellations will be accepted over the phone or via WhatsApp message. Please reply to the email confirmation you received at the time of booking to request a cancellation.
No refunds will be provided in case of problems arising due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. If a trek is called off at the last moment due to natural calamities, participants will be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount, valid within 365 days for any package of equal value.
Refund Policy
| Cancellation Timing | Refund |
|---|---|
| Up to 21 days prior to departure | 70% refund |
| Between 21 to 14 days prior | 50% refund |
| Between 14 to 10 days prior | 30% refund |
| Less than 10 days of departure | No refund (can transfer trek to someone else) |
Note: Refunds are subjected to deductions for any expenses incurred for hotel booking or transport. Refunds are applicable on the total cost and not on the advance amount.
- Plan Your Trip
Best Time to Visit
- ⭐ Best Season
May – June
Peak Snow Season
Clear skies, stable weather, snow patches near the lake. Peak trekking season. Days warm, nights cold (-5°C). Ideal conditions overall.
- ✅ Good Season
September – October
Early Winter
- ⚠️ Avoid
July – August
Late Winter
- ❌ Closed
November – April
Monsoon Season
- Why Mountainiax
Trusted by Thousands of Trekkers
- 🏆
4.9 ★ on Google & TripAdvisor
Trusted by 1,000+ trekkers. Consistently rated best-in-class for safety and experience across Uttarakhand.
- 🏛️
Government Registered
Registered with Uttarakhand Tourism Department and MSME. All guides certified by the state government.
- 🌍
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice
Awarded Travellers' Choice by TripAdvisor for 2021 & 2022. Ranked Top 5 Outdoor Company in Dehradun.
- 🧑🤝🧑
Small Batch Sizes
Maximum 20 trekkers per batch — never overcrowded. More personal attention, better safety management.
- 🎯
Local Dehradun Team
We are from Uttarakhand — not a travel aggregator. Our guides know these mountains personally.
- 🛠️
Customised Treks
Private group bookings and custom itineraries available. Call us to design your perfect Kedartal experience.
- Visual Journey
Kedartal Trek Gallery
- Need Help?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to do the Kedartal Trek?
The best time is May–June (clear skies, stable weather, some snow near the lake) and September–October (post-monsoon clarity, crisp views). The trek is closed November–April due to Gangotri Temple closure and extreme snow. Avoid July–August (active monsoon, landslide risk).
2. Is there mobile network connectivity on the Kedartal Trek?
Mobile connectivity (BSNL and Jio) is available only in Gangotri town. There is absolutely no network beyond Gangotri on the trail. Inform family and emergency contacts before starting the trek. Carry a written list of important numbers.
3. Can solo trekkers join a Kedartal Trek group?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome to join our fixed departure batches. This is the safest and most cost-effective option. Call +91-6398937502 or WhatsApp to check upcoming batch dates and availability.
4. Where is the last ATM before the Kedartal Trek?
The last reliable ATMs are in Uttarkashi, on the highway to Gangotri. There are no ATMs in Gangotri or anywhere on the trail. Carry sufficient cash for the entire duration — including porter charges, temple donations, or personal purchases.
5. What fitness level is required for Kedartal Trek?
This trek is rated Difficult and is not recommended for first-time trekkers. You should be able to walk 8–10 km daily with a 6–8 kg backpack comfortably. We recommend 4–6 weeks of preparation: daily jogging (5 km), stair climbing with a loaded backpack, and strength training for knees and core.
6. Is a forest permit required for Kedartal Trek?
Yes. The entire trail falls within Gangotri National Park and requires a forest department entry permit. For Indian nationals, this permit is included in our package cost. For foreign nationals, different permit charges apply — please contact us before booking.
7. Are oxygen cylinders carried on this trek?
Yes. Our guides carry medical-grade emergency oxygen cylinders on all Kedartal batches. Pulse oximeters are used to check blood oxygen levels at Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak camps. Our guides are trained in AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) recognition and management.
8. How cold does it get at Kedartal Lake?
Night temperatures at Kedar Kharak can drop to -5°C to -10°C even in peak season (May–June). At the lake (4,912m) during the day, temperatures are typically 2–8°C. Proper thermal layers, a down jacket, and a good sleeping bag (provided by us) are essential.
9. What is the Spider Wall on Kedartal Trek?
The Spider Wall is a challenging near-vertical 60° rock face on the trail between Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak. It requires careful footwork, strong grip, and direct guide support. Our guides use a human-anchor system and fixed ropes when needed to ensure safe crossing. This is the most technically demanding section of the trek.
10. What wildlife can be seen on the Kedartal Trek?
Trekkers frequently spot Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal) and mountain goats (Goral) grazing in the meadows around Kedar Kharak. Golden eagles, Himalayan monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand), and other high-altitude bird species are also commonly seen. The trail passes through Gangotri National Park — a protected biodiversity zone.
- Ready to Trek?
Ready to Trek Kedartal?
Limited seats per batch — book early to secure your spot. Free consultation call available.
- Also reachable at +91-7887449236 | 239/2 Lane no.-3, Turner Road, Clement Town, Dehradun
