Planethimalayas

The journey to Gangotri begins from Dehradun, following the classic approach route used by trekkers and pilgrims alike. The drive follows the Bhagirathi River for most of the day, passing through Mussoorie, Chamba, and Uttarkashi — the last major town before entering the upper Bhagirathi valley.

Beyond Uttarkashi, the road narrows and climbs steadily through deep gorges, conifer forests, and scattered mountain settlements. The terrain becomes noticeably more alpine as you approach Gangotri, with colder air, reduced vegetation, and increasing views of high Himalayan slopes. By late afternoon or evening, arrive at Gangotri (3,100 m), check into a guesthouse, and spend time acclimatising to the altitude. Dinner and overnight stay at Gangotri.

This day is reserved for acclimatisation and exploration around Gangotri to help the body adapt to the altitude before moving higher. Short walks are undertaken around the town, allowing trekkers to stay active without gaining additional height.

Visit key landmarks in the Gangotri region including Surya Kund and Gauri Kund — natural rock formations and water pools near the temple complex — as well as Pandav Gufa, located a short walk away along the forested trail. Time is also spent at the Gangotri Temple area, observing the upper Bhagirathi valley and the surrounding mountain terrain.

The remainder of the day is focused on rest, hydration, and preparation. Trekkers are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid exertion, and carefully attend the trek briefing conducted by the trek leader. Route details, safety protocols, gear checks, and expectations for the days ahead are discussed. Dinner and overnight stay at Gangotri, getting ready to begin the trek towards Bhoj Kharak the following day.

The trek begins from Gangotri with an immediate and sustained ascent, setting the tone for what lies ahead on the Kedartal route. The trail quickly leaves the settlement behind and starts climbing along the steep valley walls, crossing the Bhagirathi River before entering forested terrain.

The climb is continuous and demanding. The path winds through fir forests, with rocky underfoot conditions dominating much of the trail. As you gain height, the Kedarganga can be heard flowing far below, reinforcing the steepness of the valley. Short, flatter sections appear occasionally, offering brief moments to recover before the ascent resumes.

Higher up, the forest transitions into birch trees — locally known as bhoj — marking a clear change in altitude and vegetation. The trail remains narrow and rocky in parts, requiring careful foot placement and steady pacing. Hydration is important today, with a few natural water points available along the route to refill bottles.

As the forest thins out, the trail becomes more exposed, passing across narrow rocky sections carved into the mountain side. These stretches demand focus but are manageable with calm movement and guidance from the trek leader.

Bhoj Kharak is a small, high-altitude campsite located on limited grassy patches along the trail, enclosed by steep valley walls. The setting feels remote and rugged, offering the first true sense of the isolation that defines the Kedartal trek. Dinner and overnight stay at Bhoj Kharak.

Today’s trek is shorter in distance but continues the gradual climb deeper into the Kedartal valley. The trail begins with a steep ascent straight out of Bhoj Kharak, cutting through the last stretches of bhoj (birch) forest before crossing the tree line.

After the initial climb, the terrain opens up into high-altitude meadows and wide alpine slopes. The gradient eases out, allowing a steadier pace as the trail undulates gently with moderate ascents and descents. With vegetation thinning, views expand dramatically, and the snow-covered mass of Bhrigupanth begins to dominate the skyline.

This section of the valley feels quieter and more expansive. The open terrain increases the chances of spotting high-altitude wildlife such as bharal (blue sheep), goral, and Himalayan bird species. As altitude increases, the air grows noticeably colder, and small streams along the route often carry icy water, sometimes edged with frost.

Kedar Kharak is located on a broad, dry alpine meadow beside a wide glacial stream, surrounded by massive rock faces and snowbound peaks. The campsite feels exposed and remote, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains. As evening approaches, the setting sun casts warm tones across the meadow and the face of Bhrigupanth, creating one of the most striking campsites of the trek. Dinner and overnight stay at Kedar Kharak.

This is the most demanding and anticipated day of the Kedartal trek. An early start is essential as the route to the lake is long, exposed, and completely alpine in nature. The trail climbs steadily out of Kedar Kharak, immediately entering a stark, rocky landscape with no vegetation and no water sources along the way.

The ascent is continuous, navigating through a maze of loose rocks, moraine, and uneven boulder sections. The terrain is physically taxing and requires constant attention to foot placement. With minimal descents, the effort remains sustained throughout the climb, making this the toughest day of the trek. Due to the open terrain and high altitude, weather conditions can change quickly, and trekkers must maintain a steady pace to reach the lake safely.

As you approach the upper reaches of the valley, the massive granite walls of the Kedartal basin come into view. About half a kilometre before the lake, the imposing face of Thalay Sagar rises dramatically across a rocky ridge, marking the final approach. Crossing this ridge, the trail descends slightly and Kedartal suddenly reveals itself — a striking emerald-blue glacial lake resting beneath towering peaks at nearly 4,900 metres.

Temperatures drop sharply at the lake, and the environment feels harsh and isolated. The still waters of Kedartal reflect the surrounding mountains with remarkable clarity, creating a moment that makes the long ascent worthwhile. Time at the lake is limited due to altitude and weather considerations.

After soaking in the views, retrace the same route back to Kedar Kharak. The descent demands caution on loose rocks and tired legs. Arrive back at camp by late afternoon or early evening for dinner and overnight stay at Kedar Kharak.

The final day of the trek is a long descent back to Gangotri, retracing the same trail taken on the ascent. Starting early from Kedar Kharak, the route drops steadily through the Kedartal valley, crossing familiar sections of rocky terrain, exposed ledges, and narrow mountain paths that now demand equal care while descending.

As the trail winds back through the upper valley and into forested stretches, the day offers a chance to reflect on the physical and mental challenges faced over the past days — the steep climbs, high altitude, and relentless terrain that defined the journey. Though the direction is downhill, caution remains essential, especially along narrow traverses and loose rock sections where focus is required till the very end.

Gradually, signs of civilisation begin to return. Mobile network reappears as you approach Gangotri, along with the unmistakable sounds of the bustling temple area and the constant roar of the Bhagirathi River below. The transition from remote alpine silence to the energy of Gangotri feels abrupt yet grounding.

The trek concludes upon reaching Gangotri, marking the end of a demanding yet deeply rewarding Himalayan journey. Overnight stay or onward travel arrangements can be made from Gangotri.