Kedartal Trek

SHORT ITINERARY

Day 1: Reach Gangotri; 10-12 hours drive from Dehradun. Transport will be arranged from Dehradun Railway Station at 6.00 am. Cab cost per vehicle will be Rs.6,500 (5-6 seater). This is to be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Day 2: Gangotri (10,055 ft) to Bhoj Kharak (12,402 ft); 5-6 hours, 8 km
Day 3: Bhoj Kharak (12,402 ft) to Kedar Kharak (14,000 ft); 5-6 hours, 4 km.
Day 4: Kedar Kharak (14,000 ft) to Kedartal (16,116 ft); 6-7 hours, 5 km
Day 5: Explore Kedartal
Day 6: Kedartal (16,116 ft) to Bhoj Kharak (12,402 ft); 5-6 hours, 9 km
Day 7: Bhoj Kharak (12,402 ft) to Gangotri (10,055 ft); 3 hours, 8 km
Day 8: Depart for Dehradun. Cab cost per vehicle will be Rs.6,500 (5-6 seater). You will reach Dehradun between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm.

Please note that you will be staying at a hotel in Gangotri. The stay on all other days is in tents (3 per tent).

If you wish to offload your backpack on the Kedartal trek, you would need to inform us via email at least one week before the trek begins. Last minute offloading on the slope will not be possible.

It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

 

How to get Basecamp Gangotri

Delhi → Dehradun → Gangotri

The Kedartal trek starts from Gangotri, around 242 km from Dehradun.

Indiahikes organises transport from Dehradun to Gangotri. The pick up is at 6.00 am from Dehradun Railway Station on Day 1. The cab fare is Rs.6,500 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared amongst trekkers and paid directly to the driver. 

You will reach Gangotri at around 5.00 pm.

To reach Dehradun

The best way to reach Dehradun is to book the ever reliable Nandadevi Express.  

• 12205 Nandadevi Express – 23.50 – 3.55

If you cannot find a train, then take a bus. To stay on the safe side, book buses online in advance. A better option is to reach the previous night by Jan Shatabdi from Delhi.

 

Getting back

Gangotri→ Dehradun → Delhi

The Kedartal trek ends at Gangotri. Indiahikes organises transport from Gangotri to Dehradun. The cab fare is Rs.6,500 per vehicle. This is to be shared by trekkers and paid to the driver directly. You will reach Dehradun by 6.00 pm. 

If you are travelling further from Dehradun, keep a couple of hours as buffer time in case of delay. Book your further travel from Dehradun post 8.00 pm. If you are travelling to Delhi, you can choose to go back by Mussoorie Express or Nanda Devi Express.

 

THE TREK

Day 1: Reach Gangotri

Surrounded by mountains and deodar forests, overlooking the thunderous Bhagirathi river and the thin air – Gangotri, the base camp, makes a stunning setting.  Gangotri is known as the source of river Ganga (the actual source being Gaumukh), which is known as Bhagirathi here.

It is said that King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva for salvation of the souls of his 60,000 sons. Shiva obliged and requested Goddess Ganga to release her water, which purified the ashes of Bhagirath’s sons. This mythological story elevated the status of River Ganga as a means to purify one’s soul.

• Altitude: 10,055 ft
• Time taken: 10 – 12 hours from Haridwar

Gangotri, the base camp, is situated right on the bank of Bhagirathi river. PC: Atul Rana

 

Day 2: Gangotri to Bhojkharak

• Altitude: 10,055 ft to 12,401 ft
• Time taken: 5-6 hours, 8 km
• Trek gradient: Moderate-difficult. Continuously ascending trail over a rocky terrain
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water. There are three sources on the way where you can refill your water bottles.

Negotiating the narrow path across the mountain wall requires a lot of patience. PC: Padmanava Sen

 

The trail to Bhoj Kharak starts as soon as you leave Gangotri and cross the bridge over the beautiful BhairavGhati Gorge beside the Gangotri Devi temple. This frequently trekked route is the only path available to reach Bhoj Kharak and ascends precipitously for 8 km along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge.

After an hour of climbing you get a real taste of the trek as you pass through a lengthy stretch of Fir and Bhoj (Birch) trees, that gave it its name – BhojKharak!

Due to its durability and texture most of our ancient Indian texts were written on bhoj paper. The locals use it in their shoes as insulation from the cold.

Though the terrain is strenuous, ‘rhythmic trekking’ takes the edge off it. It is important to take small sips of water at equal intervals to keep well hydrated. The trail crosses three water points from where you can refill your water bottles. After about five hours of small continuous steps the camp site is visible across a narrowly spaced stone wall over a small stream – popularly known as a ‘spider wall’ by trekkers.

Bhoj Kharak campsite PC: Atul Kini M

 

This 4 ft wide path in a wall of rock towers vertically up on one side of the narrow mountain track and needs patience and concentration to negotiate. There is absolutely no place for any misjudgement. One wrong step and the fall would be a hundred feet down the valley.

 

Day 3: BhojKharak to KedarKharak

• Altitude: 12,401 ft to 14,000 ft
• Time taken: 5-6 hours, 4 km
• Trek gradient: Moderate-difficult. 1 km of steep ascent followed by 3 km of moderate ascents and descents.
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water. There are sources on the way where you can refill your water bottles.

Meadows on the way to Kedar Kharak. PC: Sushant Ale

 

The trek from BhojKharak to KedarKharak is relatively simple compared to the previous day’s climb. Though there are a few grim patches, the terrain has uniform ascents and descents. The trek to Kedar Kharak, situated at 14,000 ft, is 4 km and takes about five hours.

The ascent is quite steep as soon as you set out of the campsite at BhojKharak. After 1 km trek though the Bhoj forests the trail leaves the tree line and enters meadows which are multi colours in autumn – an astounding setting for photography with the snow covered peak Bhrigupanth in the backdrop.

The next 2 km feel like a relaxing stroll as there are fewer steep ascents. It is in this stretch that you may get a chance to encounter high altitude fauna like bharal (blue sheep), goral, Himalayan black bear and a variety of birds.

The climate gets chillier as you gain altitude. Do not be surprised if you notice a thin layer of frost over the stones in the streams. After passing about two more water points you reach Kedarkharak.

The camp is set on a vast dry meadow with a few sparsely distributed boulders beside a wide stream. The stony path through which the stream climbs is the trail for the Day 4 Trek.

It is an exceptional sight to watch the sunset at KedarKharak. As the red ball of fire sinks behind the snow clad Bhrigupant the entire meadow looks orange and turns grey at dusk.

 

Day 4: KedarKharak to Kedar Tal

• Altitude: 14,000 ft to 16,116 ft
• Time taken: 6-7 hours, 5 km
• Trek gradient: Difficult. Continuously ascending trail over a rocky terrain. Last 400 metres descent.
• Water sources: None. Carry at least 2 litres of water.

Mt.Bhrigupanth and Mt.Thalaysagar on the way to Kedartal. PC: Sushant Ale

 

On this day the excitement level among the trekkers is usually at its peak, with the eagerness to make it to the emerald lake taking over any exhaustion from the previous days’ treks.

Start early as this stretch is the most laborious of all. At a height of 16,116 ft, the ‘Tal’is a 5 km slog from KedarKharak through rocky mountains with absolutely no greenery around.

Despite the barrenness, the terrain can be quite exhilarating. With vigorous ascents and very few descents it demands a great deal of energy and effort to be able to reach the destination on time, considering the unpredictable weather conditions, with the probability of snow and rain being quite high during this season. The trail can best be described as a rocky maze with just one or two small streams that are not close by, thus requiring us to carry adequate water supplies.

If not careful, one can easily get turned around and it takes a while to realise that the route is off beam. For this reason a lot of cairns ( piles of stones) have been placed en route to the Tal to point out the right direction. Watch your step as there are plenty of loose rocks on the way. After about 5- 6 hours of trekking, and half kilometre away from the lake, you can see the mighty Thalaysagar Peak across a rocky ridge.

Once you cross this steep ridge, the descent to the lake begins. This is the only descent on this trek! The camp is set on the slopes of the mountains-  only a few meters above the lake.

The temperature falls drastically at Kedartal.

 

Day 5: Rest and exploration day at Kedar Tal

Kedartal campsite, right next to the lake. PC: Vikas Sharma

Make sure you wake up early and watch the first rays of the sun catch the surrounding mountains. As the sky gets brighter you can see the flawless reflection of the mighty old Thalaysagar peak on the Tal. Though the water is freezing, it is quite an experience to wet your fingertips in the emerald green lake

 

Day 6: Kedar Tal to BhojKharak

• Altitude: 16,116 ft to 12,401 ft
• Time taken: 5-6 hours, 9 km
• Trek gradient: Moderate. Continuously descending trail over a rocky terrain
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water. There are few sources on the way where you can refill your water bottles.

A herd of bharal on the trail to Bhoj Kharak. These shy animals are a rare sighting though this is their habitat. PC: Padmanava Sen

 

Start the descent to BhojKharak right after breakfast. Trace the same path back. Since most of the trail is descending, it should take you lesser time to reach. Be mindful of loose rocks on the trail.

 

Day 7: Bhoj Kharak to Gangotri

• Altitude: 12,402 ft to 10,055 ft
• Time taken: 3 hours, 8 km
• Trek gradient: Moderate. Continuously descending trail over a rocky terrain
• Water sources: Carry sufficient water. There are few sources on the way where you can refill your water bottles.

Re-entering the tree line on the way to Gangotri. PC: Padmanava Sen

 

The descent is 8 km and takes about 3 hours. It is not too daunting and you can complete it leisurely. The trail follows the exact path as the descent. This also enables you to cherish the surroundings one last time.

 

Day 8: Return to Dehradun

 

GET YOURSELF FIT

The Kedartal trek is a Moderate-difficult one. You start at an altitude of 10,055 feet and reach an altitude of 16,116 ft feet in 3 days. Ideally, you should be only gaining 1,000 ft a day. However, the Indian Himalayas climb very quickly. This is called a forced ascent.

 

Cardiovascular endurance – Target 10 km in 60-70 minutes before the start of the trek
On the Kedartal trek, while the distance covered each day are not long, the trails are steep and tricky. This requires a good amount of endurance. You can begin by jogging everyday. Start slow and increase your pace everyday. Swimming, cycling and stair climbing without too many breaks in between can help too.

In order to be prepared for a high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets. In case you’re just starting with a regular fitness routine, you can phase out your targets in the following manner –

• Target completing 5 km in 35 minutes when you begin
• Gradually bring up your speed to do 5 km in 30 minutes
• Start increasing the distance you jog to get to 10 km in 70 minutes

Before the start of the trek, get to 10 km in 60 minutes. 

 

Strength – Target 3 sets of squats with 15 in each
This is another area you should work on. There is a lot of trekking distance that you will cover carrying your backpacks and trekking along with your backpack is not a very easy task. You have to walk on uneven terrain during the trek. There will be boulders and loose rocks on most days. It could be taxing for your legs. For this, strengthening your legs will help. You can do some squats to strengthen them. Start with  3 sets of squats, with 8 squats in each set and work towards reaching the target in 3 weeks.

 

Flexibility
Another aspect that will help you trek comfortably is flexibility. For this, you can do some stretching exercises – stretch your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors, lower back muscles and shoulders regularly. On your trek, it is important that you arrive on the slopes with your muscles relaxed. Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain after a while. These exercises will help you to be in good shape before the trek.

Here is a guide to help you get fit for the trek.

One month trek fitness routine for moderate treks

 

Working out indoors
If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.

 

THINGS TO TAKE

Bare Necessities

1. Trekking shoes: The trek distance is long and you will have to walk for long distances which need you to have comfortable trekking shoes. You can watch this video to learn to choose the right trekking shoes.
2. Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for backpack is essential.

 

Clothes

1. Three Warm Layers: You will be trekking and camping at high altitudes. All the campsites on this trek are windy. So make sure you have the apt clothes for the climatic conditions. It will be cold at the higher altitudes so make sure you have at least three layers of warm clothes to protect yourself.
2. Two trek pants: One pair of pants should suffice for this trek. But you can carry one spare pair in case the first one gets wet. Wear one pair and carry one pair.
3. Three collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Again, wear one and carry one. A common mistake that trekkers make is not changing their tshirts often enough. Regardless of how cold it is, the body tends to sweat a lot. Trekkers who don’t change to fresh clothes fall ill due to wet clothes and are often unable to complete their trek.
4. Thermals (Optional): Those who are more susceptible to cold can carry thermals to wear at night.

 

Accessories

1. Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness.
2. Suncap: The sun is more harsh at high altitudes so wear a suncap to protect your face and neck.
3. Synthetic hand gloves: One pair of fleece or woolen hand gloves. One pair of water proof/resistant, wind proof gloves.
4. Balaclava: You may use woollen scarves instead as well.
5. Socks (2 pairs): Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woollen socks for the night.
6. Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
7. Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.

 

Others

1. Daypack (20 litres): If you are offloading your backpack, you will need a smaller backpack to carry water, medical kit and some light snacks.
2. Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturiser, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. If you plan to use wet wipes to clean up after a trek, make sure you do not leave the used wipes/tissues back in the mountains since these are not biodegradable. The same holds for used sanitary napkins. Carry a zip lock bag to put used tissues and napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose wet tissues and sanitary napkins in the mountains. 
3. Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons.
4. Two water bottles: 1 litre each
5. Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalise things and carry few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.

 

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit

1. Diamox – 10 tablets 
2. Dexamethasone – one strip
3. Nifedipine – 5 tablets
4. Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
5. Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
6. Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
7. Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
8. Disprin – 6 tablets (headache)
9. Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
10. Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
11. Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
12. Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
13. Gauze – 1 small roll
14. Band aid – 10 strips
15. Cotton – 1 small roll
16. ORS – 10 packets
17. Betadine or any antiseptic cream
18. Moov spray (aches, & sprains)

 

Mandatory Documents

Please email a scan of your ID document (PAN, Aadhar card or Voter ID) to your Ground Coordinator as soon as you have finished registering for the trek. If you submit the Aadhar card or Voter ID scans, please make sure that we get both the side. This is required in advance to get the necessary trekking permissions.

Please carry the below documents. Document two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.

• Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.)
• Medical Certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker) – Download PDF
• Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Download PDF

Here’s a guide to help you pack for the trek – 

 

ATM Points and Mobile Connectivity

Uttarkashi is the last place on the way to the base camp that you will get an ATM.

BSNL network will be available at Gangotri. There will be no network at any other campsite. So make sure you finish all your important phone calls at Gangotri and inform anxious family members about poor connectivity.

 

SAFETY

What are the risks on the Kedartal Trek?

The Kedartal trek is graded moderate-difficult. If you have registered for this trek, then here is some information that you must know in order to have a safe trek. At Indiahikes, we believe that as long as you are well-informed and well-prepared, you can survive easily at high altitudes.

This trek starts at an altitude of 10,055 ft. You are already in rarefied air and will be covering long distances. With significant altitude gain there are chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness. You gain 2,000 ft each day. The trail from Gangotri to Kedar kharak is very tricky. You walk on a very narrow trail hugging the mountain, with a steep drop into the river below if you miss a single step. After this, the steep climbs take a toll on your legs.

What Indiahikes does to ensure your safety

Our philosophy is simple. We ingrain safety aspects in the people we work with, in the processes that we follow, and in the equipment we carry. All our trek leaders are trained repeatedly on safety issues and protocols. Most issues are resolved with their intervention.

Right from the time you decide to register for the trek till the last day of the trek, these safety procedures will be running in the background. We have listed a few of them below:

1. Fitness criteria before registration

Over years of organising high altitude treks, we have found that safety issues thrive amongst those who are unfit and unprepared for the trek. So we have introduced an eligibility criteria for the Kedartal trek. Anyone who wants to register for the Kedartal trek has to meet the fitness requirements, with the ideal BMI. The BMI and fitness regime will require proof. A high altitude trek is not to be taken casually.

2. Monitoring health on a trek

Any abnormal reading will be paid particular attention to and action will be taken immediately.  

On the Kedartal trek, your Trek Leader will be monitoring two aspects thrice a day.

•      Oxygen Level

•      Pulse Rate

Your Blood Pressure levels will be checked once a day.

This will help us ensure that your body is acclimatising as required.

Every trekker will be given a Health Card at the beginning of the trek. The Health Card is issued to monitor the trekker’s daily health, wherein they will be entering details about their health everyday. It also contains details of what symptoms one should look out for and what action should be taken during emergencies. These Health Cards will be collected back at the end of the trek.

3. High Altitude Medical Kit

Your trek leader will be carrying a full-fledged high altitude medical kit. This will include basic medicines and specific medicines catering to altitude sickness – Diamox, Dexamethasone (tablets and injections) and Nifedipine. Your Trek Leader will also be carrying a portable oxygen cylinder throughout the trek. In addition to that, there are oxygen cylinders installed at all high altitude campsites for any emergency situations.

4. High Altitude Trek Equipment

To ensure safe trekking on snowy terrain, Indiahikes will provide you with micro-spikes to attach to your shoes. This will give you good traction on hard snow. To avoid snow from entering your shoes, Indiahikes will provide you with gaiters that you can put on over your shoes. You will have qualified technical guides with you, who will lead the way on difficult terrain.

All our sleeping bags and tents are custom-made for high altitude. If it is cold outside, it will be around 10 degrees warmer inside the tent. The sleeping bags can withstand temperatures up to -10 degree Celsius.

With all these processes and equipment in place, you can be rest assured that you will have a safe trek with Indiahikes.

Nevertheless, you will need to be cautious and report the slightest of symptoms to your trek leader as soon as you feel them.

5. Being hydrated and well nourished on the trek

You need to drink a minimum of 4 litres of water every day during the trek to ensure that you’re well hydrated. De-hydration on a trek can make you lose energy very quickly and intensify the effects of AMS. Your trek leader will brief you about the amount of water that you need to carry with you at the start of each day as well as water sources on the trail.

We provide trekkers with nutritious meals to ensure that they are energized to complete the trail each day. Apart from this, snacks or packed lunch is provided wherever the trail before a meal break is likely to be long. Make sure that you do not skip any meal as this can lead to serious health emergencies on high altitudes.

What you compulsorily need to know if you’re going on the Kedartal trek

Acute Mountain Sickness:

At above 12,000 ft the chances of being hit by Acute Mountain Sickness can be quite high.

Kedar khrarak and Kedartal are the highest campsites on the trek. Trekkers tend to develop symptoms of altitude sickness at these camps. That said, Gangotri, where the trek begins, is itself at a high altitude, and you ascend 2,000 ft each day, which means that you need to take utmost care on all the days of ascent.

Do not proceed to Kedar kharak if you have symptoms of altitude sickness. Inform your trek leader about your condition. If the symptoms don’t alleviate it is best to head down to Gangotri.

This risk can be avoided by going on a course of Diamox. Even while on Diamox, the risk of AMS still prevails. While AMS can be treated with rest and medicines for the most part, the symptoms must be recognised before it can go to advanced stages – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

HAPE and HACE are critical conditions that can be fatal within hours.And they can occur without AMS preceding them. So it’s doubly important to recognise any symptoms and nip them in the bud.

Take this specific precaution – Go on a preventive course of Diamox

We strongly advise you to go on a preventive course of Diamox. Diamox is a blood thinner and helps you acclimatise much faster and reduces the chance of AMS by around 80%. Take half a tablet twice a day from one day before your trek.

What to do if you have symptoms of AMS?

If you feel any symptoms of AMS on the trek, you must report to the Trek Leader immediately. Do not wait till the end of the day’s trek. Do not try to handle it yourself either. Our Trek Leaders are well-trained and experienced to handle any cases and they will be the decision makers in any such cases.

Watch the below video to understand the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. In this video, Arjun Majumdar, the founder of Indiahikes will also tell you the protocol to follow when you see someone showing symptoms of AMS.

 

Exit points on the Kedartal trek: 

The safest point on a trek where a trekker can descend to and rest is considered an Exit Point. If there is an emergency anywhere on the trek, the trekker has to be brought down to Gangotri on the same trail.

 

Closest hospital: 

Gangotri has a government dispensary. For any advanced treatment, Uttarkashi, around 100 km from Gangotri, has the closest hospital.

Why you should personally know about the risks and precautions of high altitude treks

If ever you find yourself alone at high altitude, either while trekking independently or with another organisation, there are some life -saving steps you can take. Firstly, you should be able to recognise symptoms of altitude sickness. So acquaint yourself with the symptoms.

Secondly, there might be instances when you have to administer medicines to yourself or to a fellow trekker. There are three life-saving medicines that we suggest you always carry on you – Diamox, Dexamethasone and Nifedipine.

If you are trekking with Indiahikes, do not administer these to anyone without consulting your Trek Leader. If you are trekking independently then you need to know when exactly to administer these medicines and in what dosage.

Also ensure that you are well hydrated throughout the trek and do not skip any meal.

You can watch the video below to learn about HAPE and HACE and how to tackle them. In the video, Sandhya UC, partner at Indiahikes, explains in detail about High Altitude Pulmonary and Cerebral Edema, what the symptoms are and how to tackle them.

 

We cannot stress enough on how important it is for you to communicate any symptom to your Trek Leader. Only then your trek leader will be able to take steps at the right time.

Acute Mountain Sickness

If you’re of the opinion that fit people don’t get AMS, please get rid of that notion right away. AMS can affect anyone without paying heed to their fitness and prior experience at high altitude! Altitude sickness does not distinguish between a first timer and an experienced trekker.