Kedartal Trek

Overview

Cost: $750          4 Days           

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Trek Difficulty: Hard

Highest Altitude: 15,000 ft. 

Distance: 22 miles 

Accommodation: Hotel & Tents

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Day 1

Begin your journey with a scenic morning drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, covering approximately 100 kilometers in 4 hours along winding mountain roads that follow the course of the sacred Bhagirathi River. Along the way, pass through charming Himalayan villages, dense pine forests, and dramatic river gorges, with opportunities to stop at points of interest like Harsil Valley or Gangnani hot springs. As you ascend, the air grows crisp and the peaks more prominent, culminating in your arrival at Gangotri (3,100 m), one of the holiest towns in India and the spiritual starting point of many Himalayan pilgrimages. After checking into a guesthouse, spend the afternoon exploring the Gangotri Temple and the surrounding trails, while beginning your acclimatization for the high-altitude adventure ahead.

Day 2

Begin your trek from Gangotri (3,100 m) at 8 am, following a steep and strenuous trail that winds through dense cedar and birch forests before ascending into the high alpine zone. The path climbs sharply, leading you past the first major rest point at Bhojkharak, then continues through rugged terrain and glacial moraine to the windswept meadow of Kedarkharak. This is the hardest day of trekking over the course of 7 hours you gain 4,000 ft. of elevation. 

Day 3
After a hot breakfast start trekking at 8 am from the Kedarkharak campsite (around 4,300 m) for the final push to Kedartal Lake, a challenging but rewarding ascent through rocky moraines, loose scree, and high-altitude terrain. As you climb steadily upward, the towering peak of Thalay Sagar grows ever closer, and the air thins noticeably, making each step a test of endurance and acclimatization. After 2–3 hours of trekking, you'll arrive at the breathtaking Kedartal Lake (4,750 m), a glacial jewel surrounded by dramatic Himalayan giants like Brigupanth and Jogin peaks. Spend time soaking in the serene, surreal landscape before retracing your steps carefully back to Kedarkharak, descending to your campsite by late afternoon for a well-deserved rest and warm meal under the stars.

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Day 4

Begin your descent from the Kedarkharak campsite at 8 am in the morning, retracing the steep and scenic trail back toward Gangotri, with sweeping views of the Bhagirathi valley and the towering peaks you've just journeyed among. The downhill route passes through Bhojkharak and dense alpine forests, offering a final glimpse of the dramatic terrain and tranquil wilderness of the high Himalayas. Upon reaching Gangotri by early afternoon, enjoy delicious Indian food in one of the local restaurants. Head back to Uttarkashi (4 hour drive). As you descend through pine-covered slopes and river-carved valleys, reflect on the powerful journey you've completed, arriving in Uttarkashi by evening for a well-earned rest.