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5 Reasons Why Indiahikes
We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes. When you join our treks, we first make our No-Compromise Safety Promise. It’s our unwavering commitment to keep you safe, no matter what.
Our commitment to the environment is relentless. We don’t just encourage responsible trekking; we insist on it. That’s why our Green Trails principles are non-negotiable. They don’t involve just our trekkers or our staff members. Our entire trek processes and policies are designed to favour the environment, even if it is often counterintuitive to our business.
More than 30,000 trekkers trek with us every year. In addition, our outdoor learning division (InSoul) has participants from the who’s of the education organisation in India, from the IIMs to BITS to top international schools. More than 5,000 participants from these institutions trek with us annually. We do not spend a single rupee on advertising to get these participants. Our reputation precedes us.
We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have documented and brought out most of India’s famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023-24 alone, we brought out nine new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own. We believe everyone must trek.
We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey.
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
TREK DURATION
7 days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
15,500 ft
TOTAL TREK DISTANCE
22.4 kms
BASECAMP
Gangotri
A Rare Adventure Among Big Mountains
The Kedartal trek is an adventure-seekers' dream. It is for trekkers who have explored the Himalayas and now want to push themselves further. This is no easy trek—it is challenging, demanding, and tests your limits. But the rewards? They are nothing short of magical.
Kedartal, a high-altitude glacial lake nestled at approximately 15,500 feet, offers an experience like no other. Standing at the lake’s edge is profoundly moving, with Mount Thalaysagar’s pyramid-like summit towering across the water. The sight of iconic peaks like Mt. Bhrigupanth, the Jogin sisters, and Mandar Parvat rising 6,000 to 7,000 meters high surrounds you with an unmatched grandeur. For many trekkers, the beauty is so overwhelming that it tears their eyes.
The trek begins at the pilgrim town of Gangotri, weaving through dense coniferous forests, overhangs, and loose scree trails. As you ascend to Bhoj Kharak, a campsite tucked onto a sloping ledge, and further to Kedar Kharak at 14,500 feet, the changing landscapes are awe-inspiring. Here, the skies are a vivid blue, and the sunsets, casting vibrant hues on the big mountain peaks, are spectacular. From enchanting Bhojpatra forests to the tranquil Kedartal Lake cradled by Himalayan giants, this trek offers peace, adventure, and a profound sense of accomplishment. It stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Who can do this trek?
This trek is not for the faint-hearted. It challenges you with steep ascents, tricky descents, and unpredictable terrains like boulders and scree slopes. The rapid altitude gain from 11,000 to over 15,000 feet in just a few days makes it imperative to prepare well, physically and mentally. This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers or those with good fitness and strong determination.
What makes the Kedartal Lake trek special:
The Gangotri Base Camp
Gangotri is no ordinary base camp. It sits beside the Bhagirathi River, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance. As you arrive, the majestic Sudarshan peak rises before you—a rare sight for a base camp. It also serves as the starting point for the renowned Gaumukh Tapovan trek, adding to its allure. This base camp teases you with the promise of Himalayan grandeur and leaves you yearning for more.
Being Among the Big Mountains
The trek is a gateway to the heart of the Greater Himalayas. Here, the mighty Mt. Thalaysagar, Mt. Bhrigupanth, Manda Parvat, Mt. Jogin, and Mt. Gangotri surround you like silent sentinels. Camping in the shadows of these peaks is an experience of unmatched intimacy with nature’s giants. It is rare to be this close to such iconic mountains and rarer still to spend so much time soaking in their magnificence.
The Serenity of Kedartal Lake
Reaching Kedartal Lake feels like stepping into a dream. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Thalaysagar, the lake shimmers in shades of blue, emerald, or grey, depending on the weather. Its still waters often mirror the towering peak above, creating a scene of almost otherworldly beauty. The calmness of this high-altitude lake is a balm to the soul and a fitting reward for the challenging climb.
The Thrill of Adventure
Kedartal is not for the faint-hearted. The trek brims with adrenaline-pumping moments. From crossing a rock face enroute to Bhoj Kharak to navigating the infamous Spider Wall—a narrow ledge on a vertical rock face—you will find your limits tested. The trail to Kedartal itself, strewn with rocks and requiring constant focus, ensures that every step is an adventure.
The Kedartal trek is a journey of contrasts—serene yet adventurous, rewarding yet challenging. It is a journey that stays with you long after your return, not just as a trek but as an experience of a lifetime.
The Kedartal trek is an adventure-seekers' dream. It is for trekkers who have explored the Himalayas and now want to push themselves further. This is no easy trek—it is challenging, demanding, and tests your limits. But the rewards? They are nothing short of magical.
Kedartal, a high-altitude glacial lake nestled at approximately 15,500 feet, offers an experience like no other. Standing at the lake’s edge is profoundly moving, with Mount Thalaysagar’s pyramid-like summit towering across the water. The sight of iconic peaks like Mt. Bhrigupanth, the Jogin sisters, and Mandar Parvat rising 6,000 to 7,000 meters high surrounds you with an unmatched grandeur. For many trekkers, the beauty is so overwhelming that it tears their eyes.
Kedartal - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Kedartal trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Photo Gallery
Kedartal Trek Videos
Trek Trivia
Why Pilgrims Throng at Gangotri
If you are visiting Gangotri in May-June, expect to see thousands of pilgrims at Gangotri. This happens especially during the Chardham yatra season. They throng here to see the source of the river Ganga, so sacred in Indian mythology.
It is said that King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva for the 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 the River Ganga as a means to purify one’s soul.
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