Overview
If watching mountains directly wasn’t the thrill, capturing them in the reflection of a lake is a definite thrill. Kedartal is emerald lake that manifests the flawless reflection of Thalaysagar peak. After Shivling peak, Thalaysagar is considered as the most beautiful peak. The surprising fact is both of them lie in the Gangotri range. And after Gomukh Tapovan this is the second trek heading from Gangotri. Therefore it is no behind in enticing views.
Lying at 15,485 ft Kedartal is one of the most astounding glacial lakes in the world. It is fed by the melting snow of Thalaysagar and Brighupanth peak. This lake is the best place to witness the magnificence of huge peaks from the closest. The peaks like Manda, Bhagirathi, Gangotri, Bhrigupanth, Mt. Meru and Thalaysagar. In the barren lands of the higher Himalayas, the lake fits perfect in the landscape. It is like a blooming lotus in the mud! Except the mud here is rising black-white mountains.
This trek is considered difficult due to the presence of rocky path right from day 1. The path is steep, filled with scree, dust and boulders. In fact, the first day of the trekking goes through a thin ledge on 60 degrees rock face. And the complexity keeps increasing. Until the final steep summit ridge. The trail also goes through vibrant blossoms and lush meadows. With a few stream crossing over Kedar Ganga, the trail has it all.
If you are an experienced trekker and willing to go an exceptional adventure. Then Kedartal trek is waiting for you!
Trek Highlight
- Hike to one of the most astonishing glacial lakes in the world – witness magnificence of huge peaks from closest
- Relish a pilgrim route and seek blessings of goddess Ganga in Gangotri Temple
- Exceptional campsites to grand fantastic views of the colossal mountains encompassing the settings
- Enjoy captivating trail with myths in the air, flora and the peeping snow-covered hilltops. A perfect weekend trek for the pro trekkers and adventure enthusiasts
Itinerary
After Dehradun get ready for a long drive heading towards the epitome of religious places of India. The drive to Gangotri will go through Uttarkashi. On the roadsides keep your eyes to spot many famous places. The drive goes through dense forests until you reach Gangotri in the evening. As you know, Gangotri is the birthplace of Ganga. It is one of the Dhams of the Char Dham Yatra. Gangotri is situated on the banks of Bhagirath river at 3100 meters height.During the time of Char Dham Yatra from April end to June, Gangotri is crowded with pilgrims along with adventurers and trekkers like you. Rest in the hotel after the long drive. You can save your exploration desire for the next day.
Wake up in God's lap. Make the most of this day and try to explore Gangotri the religious centre. You can visit temples, caves, meet Sadhus, walk through pine forests etc. Do not miss the Gangotri temple, Surya Kund and Ganga aarti. This day is specially reserved for acclimatization. Therefore, try to stay outdoors and let your body adjust to the high altitude.
Wake up early and get to trudge on the actual trekking path. The trail is 8-9 km long and unique. Today the path to Bhoj Kharak is different and you will witness it. Most of the path is rocky and it is the only way to reach Bhoj Kharak. So you will find many people accompanying you.Kedar Ganga will always be towards left. You will find abundant Bhojpatra trees. It is believed that the leaves were used to write ancient literature. The path gets narrower as you move ahead. After hours of trekking, you will reach the Spider Wall which is 60 degrees inclined rock face. The path is extremely narrow such that only one foot can be placed. Once this risky patch is crossed you will arrive at Bhoj Kharak. This campsite is marked by Bhoj trees and purple rhododendrons. Moreover, the views of Thalaysagar make this a perfect camping place. Rest for the day in tents.
Today the hike is shorter and easier compared to yesterday. However, the trail begins with a steep climb at first. As you move up the treeline seems to vanish. Then the trail opens up to meadows filled with colourful blossoms. After yesterday's rocky terrain today will be a pleasant walk with a few steep up and downs.Bharal or Blue sheep and variety of birds are known to be seen so keep your eyes and ears awake. The campsite is set between meadows with wonderful sights of Brighupanth peak. After one last river crossing over Kedar Ganga, you will reach the campsite. Do not miss the famous sunset from this spot.
And finally, the day has arrived when the dreamy emerald lake will be in our sight. However, the approach to Tal is not easy. It can be described as overcoming various rocky, barren and 3 ridges to reach the lake.The path goes through barren land and dry sights around with only 2-3 stream crossing. The weather gets unpredictable here, therefore, being on schedule is the key. The trail is through scree, dust and boulders. After a few hours of trekking on such path, the final steep ridge is reached. There are cairns placed to mark the trail. Once you climb the final ridge you will the stunning Kedartal. One last descend to the lake and you will be right next to the Kedartal. You can find a flawless reflection of Thalaysagar on the lake. From the lake, you should get the panorama of Mt. Manda, Brighupant, Gangotri, Thalaysagar, Bhagirathi and Mt. Meru. Spend the most rejuvenating time and get ready to retrace steps back to Kedarkharak.
Wake up with the amazing flashes of Kedartal, it is time to go home. Walk back upon the same path towards Gangotri.
The returning day has come. Look back once again to the most memorable places you have visited. Your will pickup will arrive early and drop you at Dehradun railway station.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
- 2.Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
- 3.Trek equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
- 4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
- 5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
- 6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
Cost Excludes
- 1.Any kind of personal expenses.
- 2. Food during the transit.
- 3. Insurance.
- 4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- 5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Bag Pack
Basic Trek Essentials
Rucksack (60-70 ltr with cover)
Down Jacket
Fleece
Gloves (Woollen and Waterproof)
Poncho or a Rain Coat
Trekking Pole
Head Torch
Trek Shoes – Men or Women
Trek Pant – 2 Nos. Preferred
Day Pack ( 20-30 litres)
Clothes :
A pair of Thermals
Warm Socks and cotton socks ( 2-3 pair)
Woollen Cap
Sun Cap
Gloves ( Woollen and waterproof)
Extra Layering of Warm Clothing as per necessity
Extra lowers for Nights
Utensils : Plates, Spoon and Coffee Mug
Photo ID proof
Balaclava
Personal Utilities :
Sun Glasses ( UV Protected )
Hand Towel
Sun Screen Lotion (Min SPF- 30 min)
Moisturiser
Lunch box, Coffee mug and spoon
Water bottle or Hydration Bag
Sandals
Basic First Aid
Energy Bars
Power Banks
Toiletries :
Toilet paper rolls
Towels
Wet wipes (unscented)
Zip Lock Bags
Sanitizing Toilet Spray
Soap and Handwash (pocket sized)
Tooth Paste and Tooth Brush
A.1.1. Process – The cancellation process is completely automated. Please login to you’re Trekstory account and find relevant instructions on your dashboard. You can choose your preferred mode of refund (Instant/Cash) as per the policy below and your refund would automatically be processed by the system.
A.1.2. Replacement of participant(s) – Our system allows you to seamlessly replace any of the participants in your booking through the Trekstory login account dashboard. Please note that this feature is applicable only when the status of the Booking is “Paid” and there are at least 5 days remaining prior to the departure date (departure date minus 5). If you are unable to replace a participant through your dashboard, then, drop an email to infotrekstory@gmail.com the screenshot of the error. The new participant needs to print, sign, scan and send the undertaking form to infotrekstory@gmail.com
Please note that the replacement would not be applicable on any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant. The same would be automatically cancelled. This is simply because the seats booked in such transport mediums are not transferrable.
A.1.3. Cash Refund: Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers. Also, the cash refunds would not be applicable in case of shifted batch bookings & if the status of the Booking is “Booked”.
The Refund of the amount would be processed as per deduction guidelines outlined below:
- Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date – 5% deduction
- Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure – 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days of departure – No Cash Refund
All cancellation refunds will be processed back to the bank account or the credit card account from which the event fee has been paid. The amount for refund processing would always be calculated basis the net amount paid* for booking the event w.r.t the Base Price of the event (excluding additional components like transport, insurance, rent, portage, etc.).
A.1.4. Voucher Refund: This option is available for all types of bookings including the bookings made under promotional offers.
The Trekstory would offer you a short term voucher that would enable you with a flexibility to book any other The Trekstory Hike event using the voucher. The option of claiming a voucher is available till 5 day prior to the departure of the event. The Refund of the amount would be processed as per deduction guidelines outlined below:
- Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date – No deduction
- Less than 5 days prior to departure – No Refund
The amount for refund processing would always be calculated basis the net amount paid* for booking the event w.r.t the Base Price of the event (excluding additional components like transport, insurance, rent, portage, etc.). Please note that the voucher issued would not include the service tax amount paid while making the booking. However, when you use the voucher to book again on our website, service tax would not be applicable on the voucher amount. Validity of the voucher would be 10 months from the date of issue.*Net Amount Paid would be the amount paid to The Mountain Hike Ak at the time of booking after adjusting for all rebates provided by applying vouchers.
Please note that any additional transport bookings are completely non-refundable, be it cash or voucher refund. For e.g. If you have booked Monal Top Trek by paying a base prices of INR 6,950 along with the transportation from Dehradun to Village Wan and back, and with portage and insurance, then in case of postponement or cancellation, only the base price of INR 6,950 would be considered for calculations of refund as per the slabs defined above or for the matter of issuing a voucher (for postponement cases). The additional transport fee deposited is completely non-refundable.A.2. In case of Cancellation or change initiated by The Mountain Hike
The Mountain Hike reserves the right to cancel your booking or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in our brochures or website. We will endeavour to advise you of any changes known at the time of booking. We plan the arrangements for your events many months in advance and may occasionally have to make minor changes..Transport timings and carriers shown or communicated on our website are for guidance only and are subject to change.
However in the field of adventure activities, there are many variables beyond our control like weather conditions, landslides, road situations and any other force majeure conditions. Circumstances amounting to “force majeure” include any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not even with all due care, foresee or forestall such as (by way of example and not by way of limitation) war, threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, industrial disputes, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, natural or nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, health risks and pandemics, ban by local authorities, acts of God, unavoidable and unforeseeable technical problems with transport for reasons beyond our control or that of our suppliers, closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential adverse weather conditions, and any other similar events. In such situations we might be forced to change the itinerary or even cancel an event. In case of a change /cancellation, you will have the choice of either:
Accepting a replacement event from us of equivalent or similar standard and price (at the date of the change), if we are able to offer you one; or Cancelling your event, in which case you shall receive a full refund*, including all the components paid by you (transport, base fee, taxes).
*The refund would always be in the form of a voucher (validity 6 months) if the change or cancellation arises from circumstances amounting to “force majeure” or from any other reason beyond our control. However, for cancellations made otherwise (low participation due to cancellation by other participants), the participant would have a choice between voucher of 6 month validity or cash refund. Please note that in case you have made the booking using a voucher, cash refund would only be made for the part paid in cash. However, we will reactivate your consumed voucher with an additional validity of 6 month.A.3 In case of changes/cancellation of the event after departure
A.3.1. When the change or cancellation arise from circumstances amounting to “force majeure” or for any other reason beyond our control The Mountain Hike shall not be liable to refund the amount already deposited.
A.3.2. When the change or cancellation arising otherwise: We will, wherever possible, make suitable alternative arrangements. If we are unable to make such alternative arrangements, or you reject the same for good reason then we will return you to your point of departure and refund you for any unused services, as appropriate. The refund would be primarily made in the form of a voucher (6 month validity). However, in case the participant desires, the same amount can also be refunded in cash.
A.4. In case of drop out by the participant in between the event We shall not be liable to make any refund in such situation. The participant would also have to pay additionally for unplanned expenses on planning and executing the retreat of the participant on actual basis. In case suitable arrangements for retreat are not possible, The Mountain Hike reserves the right to deny such drop out in between the event.
A.5. In case of early return from an event In situations wherein the participant(s) return early from the event due to the event being completed earlier than estimated or wherein due to force majeur conditions, the participant(s) had to return early, in such cases, any extra service(s) availed or extra night(s) accommodation booked, etc., the participant will have to bear the expenses incurred.
A.6. In case of Emergency Evacuation While we do have first aid and experts available on all our events but still there might be situations under which an emergency evacuation might be needed. We are committed to make a safe evacuation for you in case of an emergency. We would make necessary and adequate arrangements for your evacuation till the nearest road head that is well connected by road, and would also help you in boarding a vehicle to the nearest Hospital or any other facility so required. Any additional expenses incurred, that of porters, vehicle, ambulance, hospitalization, or any other expense incurred for evacuation, would be covered by the participant
