Kedartal Trek with Patangnidhar & Rudugaira Valley Base Camp Trekking

Arrive at Gangotri, meet our trek representative/Guide at Gangotri. Check in your hotel. Visit Gangotri Temple for evening aarti and buy trek essential items (if any) from Gangotri market. Dinner and night stay in Gangotri Hotel.

Check how to reach Gangotri : How to reach Uttarkashi.

Visit the sacred shrine of Gangotri in the morning; also buy all the necessary items from the market. Cross the bridge over Bhagirathi River and start the climb on the right. The first few kilometers of the trek is very steep so try to walk with a slow yet constant speed. The trail initially passes through pine trees then enters a mix vegetation zone of fir and bhoj trees. While trekking you’ll see Kedar Ganga flowing on your left, deep down in the gorge. The cascading sound of the furious river and the whispering sound of trees are a treat to ears.

Soon you’ll witness the first glimpse of Thalaysagar and every step will take you closer to this mystical mountain. Just before reaching Bhoj Kharak there is a steep and slant rock amidst the trail with space of just a few steps, it is also known as Spider Wall amongst trekkers. But while it may seem daunting in the pictures, it is not that difficult to traverse this section in the absence of snow. During early June or late October if the rocky face is covered with snow then it will require some skills to cross this section because one slip can drag you to a few hundred feet below. Cross this section and you’ll reach Bhoj Kharak.

Situated at the elevation of 3,780 mts above sea level Bhoj Kharak is a small and an average looking campsite. If you are fit and managed to reach Bhoj Kharak at around noon then try to push and reach Lower Kedar Kharak on the same day.

This 5 km stretch passes through some patches of complicated rugged terrains. After every half an hour into the trek, you’ll see a pleasant change in the scenery. Initially, it starts with a flora rich trail with numerous Bhojpatra trees and colorful wild bushes around. Soon the view changes with Manda peaks revealing itself.

Stunning views of Bhrigupanth peak will also catch up as you trek nearer to Kedar Kharak. Concentrate on every step while you cross the land sliding zone of Gila Pahar. If this section of Gila Pahar is in very bad shape then try and trek down all the way to Kedar Ganga, cross the river and hike against the river flow until you cross the Gila Pahar intersection then cross the river again and hike back to the original trail that leads to Kedar Kharak.

A wide valley opens up as you proceed towards Lower Kedarkharak (4100mts) and the trek ends up at the beautiful meadow of Kedar Kharak situated at an elevation of 4,280mts above sea level. Even though this trekking stretch is just 5kms long, it demands good physical strength and endurance from trekkers. However, in the end, it is a well paid off effort because Kedarkharak is one of the most beautiful campsites in the Gangotri National Park region. In addition, Bharal (Blue Sheep) often visit here for grazing, making it a picture-perfect location for photographers. The sight of Bhrigupanth and Thalaysagar peaks standing high together is like a surreal dream.

It takes another 5 kms to reach Kedar Tal from Kedar Kharak and most of the route is on moraines and glacier covered with moraines. If trekking in June you might have to trek on snow for last couple of kilometres before Kedartal. Cross the brook carrying icy cold water and climb the steep rocky terrain. Keep following the cairn markings to ensure that you are on the right trail.

After climbing the final ridge, Kedar Bamak Glacier comes in the view along with its glacial lakes. The foot of Mt. Bhrigupanth and Mt. Thalaysagar merges with the Kedar Bamak Glacier. An hour further into the trek reveals a beautiful high altitude lake, the immaculate Kedar Tal. The view of Thalaysagar peak reflecting on the still water of Kedartal is mesmerizing.

Kedar Tal is situated at an altitude of 4780 mts above sea level. AMS is quite common at such altitude so it is better to go for an acclimatization hike. We take a walk around the Kedartal Lake (in hindi: Parikrama) and head back to Kedarkharak for night stay in Camps.

Note: Camping is not allowed in Kedartal.

Today is a short hike but with good incline. Since there is steep climb involved for Patangini Dhar, we will camp at its base on a hanging ridge and get acclimatised for next days tough climb.

Today we will climb through the ridge of Patangnidhar. The entire route is quite strenuous through bolder zone. The entire Kedar Basin and the surrounding mountain range will much more prominent from the pass. On a clear day one can also easily point out Auden's Col from the pass. 

Through the Rudugaira Nala we have to cross the glacier to base of Mount Rudugaira .The camp site offered excellent views of the snow peaks around. We had the Rudugaira peak to the South-West, Gangotri I, Gangotri II, Gangotri III to the South and the Jogin Ito the South-East. Night stay in Camps in Rudugaira Upper Nala Campsite.

Wake up early in the morning for a glorious sunrise and absorb as much beauty as you can. It is one long and tiring hike back to Gangotri this day which takes around 7 hrs to complete.  Reach Gangotri in the evening. Night stay at Hotel in Gangotri.

Check and departure from Gangotri after breakfast. Our trek services for this Kedartal Trek will end at Gangotri.