My Adventure Journey: Trek to Kedartal

Trek To Kedartal

September 24th -29th, 2009

Kedartal (also known as Shiva's lake) is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4900 meters MSL, surrounded by Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Bhrigupanth (6,772m) and other snow covered peaks from three sides, which is what makes it so precious destination for trekkers from India and abroad. Main feature of this trek is its changing landscape every day from treeline to grasslands to Balu sand to rocks and finally seeing the beautiful Kedartal surrounded by snow covered mountains. It takes a 4-day trek from Gangotri to reach Kedartal and come back.

1st day the route involves a steep rocky climb along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge en route to Bhojkharak. The route passes through scenic Himalayan birch forests (Bhoj trees), well-known for the use of its bark for writing in ancient India.
2nd day route goes through the grasslands of kedarkhadak and balu sand that made the trail hazardous in places by falling rocks, land slide, high altitude and segments of steep ascent.
3rd day trek goes through loose rocks and boulders with frozen ponds and glaciers in between to the precious lake and return to Kedarkhadak. Walking through the maze of rocks looks very confusing and one might be tempted to turn back before getting lost, but if one looks closely one will be able to see little cairns that have been placed on the route to the lake. Night stay at Kedar Tal is avoided due to harsh weather conditions.
4th day will be the return journey back to Gangotri.