In the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, where the air grows thin and the towering peaks kiss the heavens, there exists a trekking experience like no other - the Kedartal Trek. At an elevation of 4,800M, this trek takes you to an astoundingly beautiful lake that is surrounded by some of the famous mountain peaks of India. This enchanting journey is not merely a walk through the mountains; it's an odyssey into a world of unparalleled natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Nestled amidst the rugged grandeur of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedartal Trek promises a profound adventure that transcends the ordinary. In this article, we invite you to traverse the awe-inspiring Kedartal trail with us, uncovering the highlights and wonders of this trek.
Highlight 1: Gangotri - Starting point of Kedartal
The trek to Kedartal starts from Gangotri, Uttarakhand. Gangotri, often called the ‘Gateway to the Gods,’ is the trailhead for many famous treks and expeditions. To be on this trek is a great opportunity to relish all that Gangotri has in store for you. This delightful little town welcomes you with open arms, offering a mix of bustling markets, a centuries-old temple that comes to life with its famous nightly Aarti ceremony, hidden gems like ashrams and caves waiting to be discovered, tranquil walks through fragrant pine forests, and the serene presence of wandering Sadhus. There's truly no other starting point for a trek which is quite like this one.
For more on all that makes Gangotri astonishing, read Gangotri, the World's Greatest Trailhead?
Highlight 2: The inaugural campsite
After a day’s rest in Gangotri, we kick off the trek on the third day. With the Kedar Ganga river flowing beside you, you'll be ascending to higher altitudes from here on. As you make your ascent, the lush pine forests gradually give way to a dense grove of birch trees. This enchanting landscape opens up to reveal Bhoj Kharak, our very first campsite on this adventure. The birch trees offer a welcome canopy of shade, and in the distance, you'll catch sight of vibrant purple rhododendrons swaying in the breeze. The first campsite on this trek sets high standards for the remaining campsites to live up to!
Highlight 3: The infamous Spider Wall
While the Kedartal Trek is renowned for its stunning beauty and spiritual significance, it also presents trekkers with a formidable challenge—the infamous Spider Wall. Right before you reach your first camp of Bhoj Kharak, you'll encounter this naturally occurring 60-degree tilted stone, with just enough footholds for you to reach the other end, which is a test of both skill and nerve. Navigating the 15-meter-long rock slab ahead, you'll notice two slender ledges that offer just enough room for your shoe's edge to secure a grip, aiding your progress to the next step.
You can only cross this section by mimicking a spider's moves and its nimbleness - it’s a unique experience for sure.
One of the rewards of conquering the Spider Wall is the unparalleled view it offers. As you ascend higher, the Spider Wall presents breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and the Kedartal Lake below. The sense of elevation and the dramatic landscapes around you turn this challenge into a highlight!
Highlight 4: Kedar Kharak - A Spectacular Campsite
Kedar Kharak, the second campsite for this trek, lives up to the high bar set by the first campsite, Bhoj Kharak. It is nestled amidst a majestic amphitheater of towering peaks. As you stand at the campsite, you're surrounded by some of the most iconic mountains of the region, including Drigubanth, Thalaysagar, and Jogin 3, forming a protective embrace around you. Their snow-clad peaks glisten in the sunlight, and their rugged slopes add drama to the landscape. The campsite is frequently visited by herds of blue sheep. These graceful creatures roam the vicinity, adding the charm of wildlife to your campsite experience.
The challenging route to this campsite only adds to its beauty. Washed off in places by an old landslide, the loose and unstable trail with a sharp drop into the river on one side makes getting to Kedar Kharak an exciting journey.
Highlight 5: Thalay Sagar - The Majestic Guardian
As you progress into the third day of your trek, a remarkable sight begins to reveal itself. Mt. Thalaysagar, a majestic peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, starts to make its presence known. However, amidst challenges like the spider wall and the rocky terrain, you might inadvertently overlook this breathtaking marvel.
The strikingly jagged and snow-laden facade of Mt. Thalaysagar shines brilliantly before you. Its towering presence exudes an aura of sheer power and majesty. The mountain's peaks glisten in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of natural beauty.
For photographers and mountain enthusiasts, Thalay Sagar is a dream come true. From the comfort of your campsite at Kedar Kharak, you have the privilege of gazing upon Thalay Sagar's awe-inspiring peaks. The proximity to this majestic mountain allows you to fully appreciate its grandeur. As you look up at Thalay Sagar, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer power and breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
Highlight 6: Kedartal - The Jewel of the Himalayas
Day 5 marks the final stretch to the beautiful Kedar Tal taking you through three ridges made up of scattered boulders with occasional dirt trails along the top. Think of these trails as a kind of natural roadmap, marked by rock towers called cairns, that guide your way.
As you conquer the first two ridges, you catch a sneak peek of the third one, only raising your curiosity about what lies beyond. Once you reach the top of the third ridge, you're in for a breathtaking surprise. Before you, the magnificent Kedartal lake shimmers like a frozen emerald. At an elevation of about 4,800M, this glacial lake is nothing short of nature's masterpiece. You name the peak and it’s right in front of you in its complete entirety, from top to bottom. Imagine standing on the banks of Kedartal, feeling the crisp mountain air, and being surrounded by the imposing Thalay Sagar, Mt. Bhrigupanth, Mt. Meru, and countless other Himalayan peaks. The serenity of this place is truly humbling. Its crystalline waters mirror the surrounding peaks, creating a visual so surreal that it makes you weak in the knees witnessing it.
Highlight 7: Spiritual Serenity
Kedartal isn't just about physical exploration; it's a spiritual journey as well. Legend has it that Lord Shiva meditated in this pristine realm, infusing the place with divine energy. Along the trek, you may encounter sadhus (Hindu holy men) in saffron robes, each on their own spiritual quest. Witnessing their rituals and feeling the spiritual aura adds a unique and profound dimension to your adventure.
These sadhus, deeply connected to the spiritual tapestry of the Himalayas, often welcome fellow trekkers to participate in their rituals. Sharing moments with them provides a glimpse into the profound spirituality that permeates this land.
As you trek through this sacred realm, you'll not only witness nature's beauty but also connect with the spiritual essence that has drawn seekers to these heights for centuries. We hope you liked the above highlights, and we hope you get to experience them for yourself soon. In case of any queries, feel free to reach us.
