A lot of trekkers research the Kedartal trek expecting a Kedarkantha-style winter walk, then find out too late that it’s a completely different mountain, season, and difficulty level.
This guide covers what actually matters before you book: real distance and altitude figures, an honest difficulty rating, current package costs, and — since it comes up often — why December usually isn’t on the table for this particular trek. Add it to your Explurger Bucket List once you’ve confirmed the season works for you.
Kedartal Trek Distance and Route Overview
The kedartal trek distance runs roughly 24 to 30 km round trip from Gangotri, depending on which operator’s route breakdown you go by.
- The trail starts in the forests around Gangotri Dham and climbs through Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak before reaching the lake.
- Most itineraries spread this over 6 days total, including arrival and departure days at Gangotri.
- Day 4 is typically the summit push: Kedar Kharak to Kedartal and back to Kedar Kharak in a single long day.
Also Read: Jalori Pass Trek: The Easy Himalayan Hike Guide
Kedartal Trek Height: What Altitude Are You Actually Climbing To?
The lake itself sits at an approximate kedartal trek height of 4,912 meters (16,116 feet).
- You gain roughly 740 m on the very first trekking day alone, from Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak.
- Most of the trail beyond Kedar Kharak sits above 14,000 ft, where low oxygen becomes a real factor even for fit trekkers.
- Acclimatization days built into the itinerary matter more here than on lower-altitude treks.
Kedartal Trek Difficulty: Is It Right for Beginners?
Kedartal is short compared to many Himalayan treks, but it’s rated moderate to difficult, not beginner-friendly.
- Steep ascents and descents, combined with high altitude, make this better suited to trekkers with some prior experience.
- The trail’s most talked-about obstacle is a section nicknamed the “spider wall,” widely considered the hardest stretch of the route.
- Trails near the top are often covered in snow or black ice, which can hide loose rocks and increase the risk of a slip or ankle injury.
- If you’re a first-timer, go with an experienced operator and be honest with yourself about fitness and cold-weather trekking experience before booking.
Traveller’s Experience
[QUOTE: “The spider wall section is no joke — it’s short but it’s the one part of the trek where you really need to focus.” — suggested source: trekking forum or trip report]
Kedartal Trek Package Options and Cost
A typical kedartal trek package costs somewhere between ₹14,000 and ₹18,000 per person, though this shifts with group size and season.
- Larger groups (8–10 people) tend to bring the per-person cost down.
- Most packages include meals, camping equipment, and a guide from Gangotri onward, but always confirm exactly what’s covered before booking.
- Since the trek requires forest permits within Gangotri National Park, book through an operator who handles this as part of the package rather than arranging it yourself.
Kedartal Trek Best Time: When Should You Actually Go?
The real kedartal trek best time window is narrower than many other Himalayan treks.
- May to June: Good conditions overall, though May can still bring residual snow near the lake given its altitude.
- Mid-September to mid-October: Considered the most reliable window, with the monsoon cleared out, stable weather, and the lake at its fullest.
- July–August (monsoon): Not recommended — heavy rainfall raises the risk of landslides, mudslides, and flooding along the Kedar Ganga River.
- The route sits inside Gangotri National Park and is generally accessible from the first week of May to the last week of October.
Not sure which of these windows fits your calendar? Ask NIVU AI in the Explurger app to check your available dates against this trekking season and flag anything that overlaps with the monsoon shutdown.
Also Read: Chandrakhani Pass Trek: Complete Guide to Route, Distance & YHAI Itinerary
Kedartal Trek in December: Why It’s Usually Not an Option?
If you’ve searched kedartal trek in december, it’s worth clarifying this upfront: it’s generally not a viable season for this specific trek.
- The Gangotri trailhead and the routes leading to Kedartal typically close after Diwali, in the October–November window.
- Heavy snow at altitude and closed access points make a December attempt unsafe and largely unsupported by trek operators.
- This is a common point of confusion with Kedarkantha, a different trek near Sankri that’s specifically popular as a winter, snow-season trek. If a December Himalayan trek is what you’re after, Kedarkantha is the one operators will actually run that month, not Kedartal.
Also Read: Kodachadri Trek: Complete Guide to the Trail, Jeep Ride & Nature Camp
Kedartal Trek Distance from Gangotri and How to Reach?
Understanding the kedartal trek distance from Gangotri also means understanding how to get to Gangotri in the first place.
- From Dehradun: Gangotri is roughly 250 km away, a 9–10 hour road journey by shared taxi, bus, or private vehicle.
- Via Uttarkashi: A common midway stop, with shared taxis to Gangotri available from the Uttarkashi taxi stand for roughly ₹300–400.
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport; alternatively, fly into Delhi and take an overnight bus to Dehradun before continuing to Gangotri.
- From Gangotri itself, the trek begins on foot, so this is the last point with regular vehicle access before the trail starts.
Also Read: Buran Ghati Trek: Complete Guide to Itinerary, Distance, Cost & Best Time
Conclusion About Kedartal Trek
The Kedartal trek rewards trekkers who respect its altitude and season rather than treating it like a casual weekend climb. Time it for May–June or the post-monsoon autumn window, book a package that actually includes permits and a guide, and save the trek to your Bucket List so it’s ready when the season lines up. Once you’re back, your Automatic Travelogue will have the whole route mapped alongside every other trek you’ve logged.
Ready to explore? Download the Explurger app and start your journey today.
Confirm the season, train for the altitude, and the spider wall will be the only surprise left on the trail.
FAQs About Kedartal Trek
2. What is the altitude of Kedartal?
Kedartal sits at an approximate altitude of 4,912 meters (16,116 feet), with much of the trail beyond Kedar Kharak already above 14,000 feet. This altitude is a major reason the trek is rated moderate to difficult rather than beginner-friendly.
3. Is Kedartal trek suitable for beginners?
Not really. It's rated moderate to difficult due to steep ascents, high altitude, and a notoriously tricky section known as the "spider wall." First-timers who still want to attempt it should go with an experienced operator and be realistic about their fitness level.
4. Can I do the Kedartal trek in December?
Generally, no. The Gangotri trailhead and Kedartal routes typically close after Diwali in the October–November window due to heavy snow, and most operators don't run trips in December. Kedarkantha, a different trek near Sankri, is the more common choice for a December Himalayan trek.
5. What is the cost of a Kedartal trek package?
Most Kedartal trek packages cost between ₹14,000 and ₹18,000 per person, varying with group size and season. Confirm what's included, meals, camping gear, permits, and guide services, before comparing prices across operators.
6. What is the best time to do the Kedartal trek?
May to June and mid-September to mid-October are the two reliable windows, with the post-monsoon autumn period generally considered the most stable. July and August should be avoided entirely due to monsoon-related landslide and flooding risk.
