Kedartal Trek
Known as Shiva's Mirror — a remote glacial lake reflecting Thalaysagar peak, reached through rocky moraine and one of the Himalaya's toughest short treks.
Overview
Kedartal is one of the most demanding short treks in the Garhwal Himalaya — a remote, high-altitude glacial lake at 16,116ft that mirrors the towering Thalaysagar peak on still mornings. Starting from the pilgrim town of Gangotri, the trail climbs fast through forest and rock-strewn moraine, with much of the route sitting above 14,000ft.
This isn't a beginner's trek. Steep ascents, a notorious rocky stretch nicknamed the "spider wall," and thin air at altitude make it best suited to trekkers who've already done at least one moderate-grade Himalayan trek. What you get in return is genuine solitude — Kedartal sees a fraction of the footfall of nearby routes — and a 360° amphitheatre of peaks including Thalaysagar, Bhrigupanth, and Meru.
Itinerary
Things to Carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support (broken-in, sturdy sole)
- 5+ layers incl. thermal + down jacket
- Waterproof gloves & woolen cap
- UV-protection sunglasses (glacier-rated)
- Headlamp/torch with spare batteries
- 1–2L water bottle + electrolytes
- Daypack (50L) with rain cover
- Trekking pole (strongly recommended)
- Sunscreen & lip balm (SPF 40+)
- Personal medication + basic first aid
- Gaiters (for loose scree and snow)
- Government-ID for permits
What's Included
Included
- All entry permits, forest fees & camping charges
- All meals during the trek (vegetarian, hygienically prepared)
- Accommodation per itinerary (tents/guesthouses)
- Experienced trek leader & local support staff
- First-aid & basic emergency equipment
- Shared camping infrastructure
- All applicable taxes
Not Included
- Transport to/from Dehradun (unless specified)
- Personal trekking gear — see checklist above
- Personal expenses & tips
- Travel insurance
- Costs from itinerary changes due to weather/roadblocks
Gallery
Kedartal FAQs
No — Kedartal is rated moderate to difficult and isn't a good first Himalayan trek. We recommend at least one prior moderate-grade trek (like Kedarkantha or Brahmatal) before attempting this one.
Most of the route sits above 14,000ft, the ascent is fast and sustained, and the final push to the lake crosses a steep, rocky stretch known as the "spider wall" — loose rock and thin air together make it genuinely demanding.
Mid-May to June and September to October give the clearest views and most stable weather. The monsoon months (July-August) bring landslide risk on the Gangotri road, so we avoid scheduling then.
Booking amount is non-refundable once a trek is confirmed. Cancel 30+ days before departure: 50% refund. 15–30 days before: 25% refund. Within 15 days: no refund. If Wildfern cancels a trek, you get a full refund or a free transfer to a future batch.
