Description: Kedar Tal is one of the highest glacial lakes in Uttarakhand. This lake is the perfect place to visit the Himalayan mountains in close proximity and is formed by the melting of large ice masses of the Kedar glacier. According to Hindu folklore,Kedar Tal lake was Lord Shiva’s commitment to the formation of the mighty Bhagirathi river. It then strings its direction to the Kedar Ganga river which is additionally a significant feeder of the Bhagirathi. Its emerald blue color manifests the majestic reflection of the Thalaysagar peakand the Bhrigupanth peak of the Gangotri range.It resembles a sprouting lotus amidst the black and white peaks. The Bhoj forests, huge high-elevation knolls, and incredible tranquility will leave you with an extremely high sensation of achievement.

Region: Kedar Tal is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Distance covered: Approximate trekking distance is 37 km (Day 1: 242 km [driving distance], Day 3: 9 km, Day 4: 4 km, Day 5: 5.4 km, Day 6: 9 km, Day 7: 242 km [driving distance]).

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Highest Altitude: 4,750 m

Best time to visit: May to June (Summer Trek), September to October (Autumn Trek).

Duration: 7 days

Points to note:

· Carry your Id card as it will be verified at several check posts.

· It is quite a difficult trek so it is more suitable for trekkers with prior experience in the Himalayas.

· The trek should be completely avoided during the monsoon as the region is prone to landslides and cloudbursts.

· Disclaimer certificate and medical certificate is mandatory in this trek.

Quick itinerary: 7 days 6 nights from Dehradun to Dehradun.

· On day 1, reach Dehradun by bus, air, or train. From Dehradun take a cab to Gangotri via Uttarkashi which will require 8 hours approx.

· On day 2, take your time to acclimatize to the high altitude and low temperature. Visit the nearby temples and watch Ganga Arti.

· On day 3, trek to BhojKharak which is a difficult trek consisting of steep ridges, rocky terrain, and multiple spider walls. The trek will take 6 hours approx.

· On day 4, climb up to KedarKharak which is a relatively moderate climb than day 3. The gradual ascents and descents will take approximately 3 hours.

· On day 5, D-day arrives as you climb up through steep rocky ridges to Kedar Tal and take a moment there to absorb the beauty. From Kedar Tal descend back to KedarKharak. The total journey will take 8 hours maximum.

· On day 6, return to Gangotri through a descending track over rocky terrain. It will require 8 hours approx.Utilize the day by roaming around the market and shrines of Gangotri.

· On day 7, return to Dehradun by shared cabs and back to your respective destination. The drive will require 8 hours maximum.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day1:Reach Dehradun early morning via bus or by train (the nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station) or by air (the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport) and take a bus or cab to reach Uttarkashi. The drive is smooth and will take 6 hours. From Uttarkashi drive for another 4 hours to Gangotri passing through dense forest. Gangotri(3,100 m), one of the Dhams of Char Dham of the Hindus, is the origin of the river Ganga. On reaching Gangotri, make yourself comfortable in a hotel for the night.

Day 2: Take the day for adjusting yourself to the high altitude and low temperature. Utilize the day by sightseeing the attractions of Gangotri Dham like Surya Kund and Ganga Arti.

Day 3:Start the day early by trekking to BhojKharak(3,900 m) which is an approximately 9 km journey.The path is rough in many parts and it is the only path. As you will gain altitude, it is almost likely that you will struggle for your breath. You will hear the rumbling sound of the KedarGanga river flowing down and above will be the dense Fir forest. There are short stretches of level strolls that permit you to pause and rest. The deeper you will ascend, the valley will become narrower.Following 90 minutes of climbing, the Fir forest disappears and opens uptoBirch or Bhoj trees.After around four hours of traveling, the path arises out of the timberland. Here, you get your first 'spider wall' or a narrow wall on a close upward rock face. The path has barely sufficient room to keep one step at a time. concentrate around the following stage and don't peer down - you'll beable to serenely cross this way.The path moves for an additional fifteen minutes before you arrive at the subsequent spider wall. Cross this and you will arrive at the camping area in five minutes or less. You will need to find a flat stretch of land to set up your campground surrounded by bhoj and rhododendrons.

Day 4:The journey from BhojKharak to KedarKharak (4,350 m) is generally straightforward contrasted with the earlier day's ascension. However there are a couple of bleak patches, the territory has uniform risings and plunges.After a 1 km journey across the Bhoj woodlands, the path leaves the timberline and enters knolls which are multi colors in pre-winter - a dumbfounding setting for photography with the snow-shrouded Bhrigupanth in the scenery.The following 2 km feel like a loosening-up walk around as there are less steep climbs. It is in this stretch that you might be able to experience high-altitude fauna like Bharal (blue sheep), Goral, Himalayan wild bear, and various birds. After crossing a few rivers you will reach the KedarKharak campsite. The camp is set on a tremendous dry knoll with a couple of inadequately dispersed rocks next to a wide stream. The place is more than perfect to watch the sunset at the backdrop of Bhrigunath peak which fills the entire stretch with orange hues.

Day 5:Start the journey early towards the most anticipated green emerald lake of KedarTal (4,750 m). The 'Tal' is a 5 km trudge from KedarKharak through rough mountains with definitely no vegetation around.With steep climbs and not very many plunges, it takes a lot of energy and worksto arrive at the place on time, taking into account the uncertain weather patterns,with the likelihood of snow and downpour being very high. After a couple of hours, the final steep ridge is reached. If not cautious, one can easily get turned around and find the course misguided. So you will find piles of cairns have been put on the way to Tal which points towards the correct direction. You have to be extra cautious here as there are a lot of free stones loosened around the way. Once you cross this ridge, the descent starts. The temperature decreases radically at Kedar Tal. You can see the impeccable impression of the strong old Thalaysagar top on the Tal. You will also get a panorama of Mt. Manda, Bhrigupanth,Gangotri, Bhagirathi, and Mt. Meru. Invest your maximum energy here to absorb the astounding view before turning around to KedarKharak on a similar course.

Day 6:Begin the drop to Gangotri just after breakfast. Follow the similar way back and treasure the environmental elements one final time. Since the majority of the path is going down, it requires you lesser time to reach. But be aware of loosened rock rocks on the way. If you reach Gangotri early, then you can absorb the beauty of Ganga Arti again.

Day 7:The time to appreciate the beauty of mountains while saying goodbye has arrived. Reach Dehradun from Gangotri via shared cabs. From Dehradun, you can reach your respective destinations via train, air, or bus.

Approximate cost: