Complete Guide
Kedartal Trek — Complete Guide
Introduction
Kedartal, or 'The Shiva Lake', is a high-altitude glacial lake situated at 15,500 ft in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is arguably the most stunning emerald-water lake in India, guarded by the vertical granite walls of Mt. Thalay Sagar (22,651 ft) and Mt. Bhrigupanth. Unlike other commercial treks, Kedartal is a test of pure mountain spirit. The trail is relentless, featuring steep granite traverses like the legendary 'Spider Wall' and a 4-hour navigation of unstable glacial moraines. It is a place of absolute silence and raw power, where the only movement is the shifting of the Kedar glacier and the occasional sighting of the elusive Bharal (Blue Sheep). For the elite trekker, Kedartal is the ultimate trophy—a journey that demands everything but gives back a view that feels like the edge of the world.
Iconic Spots
Emerald Lake (15,500 ft)
Spider Wall crossing
Quick Facts
Duration
6 Days
Max Altitude
15,584 ft
Difficulty
challenging
Best Time
Kedartal is an elite alpine trek with a very narro...
Trek Distance
36 km
Trail Atmosphere
Stargazing
Class 1 Dark Sky
Scent Profile
Silence Level
~15 dB
Vertigo Factor
4 / 10
Getting There
Route to Base
10-hour drive from Dehradun
Shared jeeps available from Dehradun Rly Station and Uttarkashi town
Base Village
Gangotri
10,200 ft
Nearest Railhead
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jollygrant Airport
Last ATM
Uttarkashi (95km before Gangotri). NO ATMs in Gangotri. Carry at least ₹10,000 in cash.
Nearest Medical Facility
Uttarkashi District Hospital or Gangotri PHC.
Mobile Signal
Zero signal at the lake and the approach camps. Final reliability is at Gangotri base.
Water Sources
Kedar Ganga stream. Reliable at Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak camps. The lake water is direct glacial melt (chilled).
Charging
None available beyond Gangotri roadhead. High-altitude pure wilderness trek.
For Drivers
Road Condition
Good road from Uttarkashi; prone to frequent landslide checks.
Uttarkashi
Trail Culinary & Diet
Don't miss the Siddu / Local Garhwali Dal
Buy specialized diet items at Uttarkashi town
The Content & Remote Hub
No DronesStrictly prohibited inside the Gangotri National Park boundaries.Top Vlog Spots
Video Calls
patchy-base-only
Est. 20 Mbps
UPI Reliability
4/10
Base WiFi Available
The Elite Test
Key point
This is often the 'Final Exam' for trekkers before they attempt high-altitude expeditions like Mt. Shivling or Stok Kangri.
Key point
The close-up of Mt. Thalay Sagar is so clear you can see the climbers on the vertical granite face with binoculars.
Explore In Detail
Best Time to Visit
Kedartal is an elite alpine trek with a very narrow window. Unlike lower treks, June and September/October are the ONLY viable months. It is one of the coldest camping treks in the Garhwal Himalayas outside of winter.
→ See month-by-month season guideDay by Day Itinerary
6-day route reaching 15,584ft. Covers 36km of varied terrain.
→ See full itinerary with altitude profileDifficulty & Fitness
Rated challenging. Relentlessly steep from the first step. The trail is characterized by granite bedrock, narrow ledges (Spider Wall), and unstable glacial moraine. No 'easy miles' on this trek.
→ See difficulty breakdown and fitness guideCost & Pricing
Packages range from ₹12,500 – ₹22,500. Inclusions and hidden costs vary by operator tier.
→ See full cost breakdownPermits and Regulations
Kedartal is located within the Gangotri National Park. Permits are strictly regulated and limited to 150 per day (shared with the Gaumukh route). They can be obtained online or at the Uttarkashi/Gangotri forest range office. Indian nationals require a valid ID and a signed medical certificate. Foreigners must provide passport/visa copies and require registration at the Gangotri police post. The park is closed from mid-November to April/May.
Learn more about how we vet operators and ensure transparency on our why MountRoutes page.
Packing List
Winter Clothing
- Heavy down jacket rated to -15°C
- 3 thermal base layers (full sleeve)
- 2 fleece mid layers
- Hardshell waterproof outer layer
- Stretchable trekking pants
- Woolen socks (4 pairs) + Liner socks
- Waterproof gloves + fleece gloves
- Balaclava and beanie
Footwear Snow Gear
- Sturdy high-ankle trekking boots (Vibram sole mandatory)
- Micro-spikes (useful for June/Oct)
- High-altitude gaiters
- Slippers for camp
Gear Safety
- Trekking poles (Mandatory for descents)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sleeping bag rated -10°C to -15°C
- UV400 Sunglasses (Cat 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Personal medical kit
Flora & Fauna
Flora
Fauna
Considered Lord Shiva's gift to the Bhagirathi river. The peak Thalay Sagar (22,600ft) reflects perfectly in the emerald green waters of the lake, serving as a divine mirror.
— Local folklore
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Sacred lake of Lord Shiva; pilgrims occasionally visit for ritual baths in June.
🕐 Shrine Timings: N/A
Temple Protocols
- •Strict no-litter rule at the lake
- •Follow guide's lead on silent sections
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kedartal called the "Emerald Lake"?
The lake has a deep emerald-green color due to the specific glacier minerals and its high-altitude crystalline purity.
How difficult is the trek from Gangotri?
It is significantly more difficult than Gaumukh. The trail is narrower, involves steep climbs on loose scree, and reaches a much higher altitude.
Can we see Mt. Thalaysagar?
Yes, Kedartal is situated directly at the foot of Mount Thalaysagar (6,904m) and Brigupanth peak.
Is there any forest on this route?
Only for the first 2km. Beyond that, the trail is completely in the high-altitude rocky-moraine zone.
Is the water drinkable?
The lake water is glacial and clean, but most trekkers prefer using the small side-streams for drinking.
Does the trek have any tea-houses?
None. This is an unsupported camping trek. You must carry all your supplies.
What is the best month to visit?
Late May-June and September-October. Avoid monsoons at all costs due to the fragile and steep trail.
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