Detailed Route
Kedartal Trek — Detailed Route
Duration
6 Days
Total Distance
36 KM
Max Altitude
15,584 FT
Trek Type
circuit
Altitude Profile
Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.
Day by Day Breakdown
Drive: Dehradun to Gangotri
Pick up from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:30 AM. A spectacular drive following the Bhagirathi river. Harsil is perfect for a quick snack stop. Gangotri is your base at 10,200ft. Night stay in a hotel. This 8,000ft gain in 10 hours is the first shock to the body — stay super hydrated today. Visit the temple for the evening Aarti for a spiritual start.
Key Landmarks
Acclimatization Day at Gangotri
Non-negotiable rest day. Walk to the confluence where the turbulent Kedar Ganga meets the Bhagirathi. This is the water you will be following for the next 5 days. Spend time at 10,000ft+ to prepare your lungs for the 12,000ft+ climb tomorrow. Check gear and finalize permits at the Forest Range Office.
Key Landmarks
Trek: Gangotri to Bhojkharak
One of the steepest Day-1s in Indian trekking. You start climbing immediately behind the temple. The 'Spider Wall' is a 50-meter ledge on a granite cliff with limited footprints — you must lean into the wall. Below you, the Kedar Ganga thunders through a narrow gorge. Campsite is a small, tight clearing in the Bhojpatra forest. Very cold nights.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Bhojkharak to Kedarkharak
Terrain changes from forest to high-altitude alpine meadows (Kharaks). The ascent remains steep but the views open up significantly. You are now in the home of the Bharal. Kedarkharak is a massive, beautiful meadow. You are now above the tree line. The air is noticeably thinner here.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Summit Day: Kedarkharak to Kedartal and return
The technical climax. Navigate a 3km field of unstable boulders on the Kedar glacier moraine. One wrong step can lead to a twisted ankle. Kedartal is a stark, absolute emerald lake at the base of the Thalay Sagar vertical wall. It is silent and spiritually powerful. Spend time at the lake for photos and prayer, then carefully descend back to Kedarkharak.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek: Kedarkharak back to Gangotri
A massive descent. Be extremely careful at the Spider Wall — it's harder descending than ascending. Use trekking poles. Your knees will feel the 3,900ft drop. Reach Gangotri by evening. Hot shower and a warm bed at the hotel is your reward.
Key Landmarks
Drive: Gangotri to Dehradun
Same return route. Reach Dehradun by 8:00 PM. Highly recommended to book your flight or train for the NEXT morning to allow for buffer.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Patangni Dhar Ridge Line
+2 DaysExtra climb to the Patangni Dhar ridge for a 360-degree view of the entire Gangotri range peaks.
Day by day, camp by camp. Send this to your group so everyone's on the same page.
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