The Kedartal trek is only five days long, and it is one of the hardest treks we run. That is not a contradiction — it is the whole point. From the temple town of Gangotri, the trail climbs the wild Kedar Ganga gorge to a glacial lake at 15,485 ft where Thalaysagar rises sheer above its own reflection. Shiva's mirror, trekkers call it. In between lies the infamous Spider Wall traverse and some of the best bharal (blue sheep) country in Garhwal.
What is the Kedartal trek route?
Day 1 is the 240 km drive from Dehradun to Gangotri — you sleep at 10,000 ft on night one, so acclimatisation starts immediately, with the evening aarti by the river. Day 2 turns off the pilgrim highway into the Kedar Ganga gorge: a steep 5 km birch-forest climb with ladders and rock steps to Bhoj Kharak (12,400 ft).
Day 3 crosses the exposed Spider Wall traverse — short, airy, unforgettable — into alpine meadows at Kedar Kharak (14,000 ft), where bharal graze under Thalaysagar's north face. Day 4 is a dawn push over moraine to the lake at 15,485 ft, with Thalaysagar, Bhrigupanth and Manda reflected on still mornings, then back to Kedar Kharak. Day 5 descends all the way to Gangotri and drives home.
When should you go?
May-June and September-October. The gorge holds snow into early summer; autumn brings the still, windless mornings that produce the famous mirror reflections on the lake.
How difficult is the Kedartal trek?
Genuinely Difficult, and prior high-altitude trek experience is mandatory. You gain nearly 5,500 ft in two walking days and sleep at 14,000 ft — a fierce acclimatisation profile. Our team runs fixed-line support on the Spider Wall, carries oxygen backup and checks vitals twice daily, but your fitness is the foundation: train hard for at least two months.
What does it cost?
The Kedartal trek package is ₹14,999 + 5% GST per person. Included: all meals, expedition tents with -15 degree C sleeping bags, ropes and fixed lines on the Spider Wall, trek leader plus technical guide team, Gangotri National Park permits and camping charges, oxygen backup and twice-daily health checks. The Dehradun-Gangotri shareable cab is extra.
How to reach Gangotri?
Reach Dehradun by train or flight, then take the 10-hour shared cab up the Bhagirathi valley. Since Day 1 ends at 10,000 ft, come rested and hydrated.
Why book early? The permit cap
Gangotri National Park entry permits are arranged by us and included, but the park caps daily entries — so confirm your dates early. Carry two photos and a government photo ID.
See the mirror
If you have the altitude experience, few five-day trips on earth deliver like this. Dates are on our Kedartal page.
