The short version
- 17 days, about 32 km on foot, topping out at 4,720m. Rated Moderate on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- 3Starts from Gangotri, reached via Dehradun.
- 4Operators charge ₹15,000 to ₹16,000 per person; 3 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
Kedartal (Shiva's Lake) sits at 4,720m in the Gangotri region — a dark glacial tarn reflecting the perfect pyramid of Thalaysagar, at its most stunning in the still water at dawn. The trail from Gangotri is among the most demanding non-technical routes in Garhwal, climbing 2,500m over boulder-strewn terrain, so reaching it is genuinely earned.
Right for you if
- You've slept above 4,000m without getting properly sick
- Scrambling over boulders, using your hands, doesn't faze you
- Heights are fine: the Spider Wall traverse is a narrow path above a big drop
- Camping only: sub-zero nights at the lake
Think twice if
- It's your first Himalayan trek
- You're afraid of heights
- You want a gentle start: it climbs about 1,300m of steep trail in 2–3 days from Gangotri
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Dehradun
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Dehradun
By road
Dehradun to Gangotri, about 240 km and 9 to 10 hours, usually with a night in Uttarkashi
Most operators run a shared pickup from Dehradun early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Altitude
Altitude
The highest point is 4,720m. Check that your operator's itinerary sleeps no more than 300 to 500 m higher each night above 3,000 m, with a rest day on longer climbs.
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Moderate. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 40 minutes, or climb 40 floors with a 5 kg pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Inside Gangotri National Park, which limits daily entries. Book early.
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Kedartal Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- Warm layers for a high camp well below freezing, even in summer, and glacier glasses for snow
- Sunglasses rated UV400, worn all day on snow, and SPF 50 for your face and lips
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
3 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹15,000 to ₹16,000 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Indiahikes4.8₹15,000
- Trekup India4.3₹15,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹16,000
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Kedartal Trek?
It's rated Moderate on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 40 minutes, or climb 40 floors with a 5 kg pack. The highest point is 4,720m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Kedartal Trek?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Kedartal Trek take?
7 days including travel to and from the trailhead. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Kedartal Trek?
Most groups meet in Dehradun. Nearest airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Nearest railway: Dehradun. Dehradun to Gangotri, about 240 km and 9 to 10 hours, usually with a night in Uttarkashi.
How much does the Kedartal Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹15,000 to ₹16,000 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Kedartal Trek?
Inside Gangotri National Park, which limits daily entries. Book early. Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.