Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 7 Days
Grade :- Moderate To Difficult
Max Altitude :- 15550 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 38 Kms.
If watching mountains directly wasn't the thrill, capturing them in the reflection of a lake is a definite thrill. Kedartal is emerald lake that manifests the flawless reflection of Thalaysagar peak. After Shivling peak, Thalaysagar is considered as the most beautiful peak. The surprising fact is both of them lie in the Gangotri range. And after Gomukh Tapovan this is the second trek heading from Gangotri. Therefore it is no behind in enticing views.
This trek is considered difficult due to the presence of rocky path right from day 1. The path is steep, filled with scree, dust and boulders. In fact, the first day of the trekking goes through a thin ledge on 60 degrees rock face. And the complexity keeps increasing. Until the final steep summit ridge. The trail also goes through vibrant blossoms and lush meadows. With a few stream crossing over Kedar Ganga, the trail has it all.
Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun to Gangotri
After Dehradun get ready for a long drive heading towards the epitome of religious places of India. The drive to Gangotri will go through Uttarkashi. On the roadsides keep your eyes to spot many famous places. The drive goes through dense forests until you reach Gangotri in the evening. As you know, Gangotri is the birthplace of Ganga. It is one of the Dhams of the Char Dham Yatra. Gangotri is situated on the banks of Bhagirath river at 3100 meters height.
During the time of Char Dham Yatra from April end to June, Gangotri is crowded with pilgrims along with adventurers and trekkers like you. Rest in the hotel after the long drive. You can save your exploration desire for the next day.
Day 2: Acclimatisation day around Gangotri
Wake up in God's lap. Make the most of this day and try to explore Gangotri the religious centre. You can visit temples, caves, meet Sadhus, walk through pine forests etc. Do not miss the Gangotri temple, Surya Kund and Ganga aarti. This day is specially reserved for acclimatization. Therefore, try to stay outdoors and let your body adjust to the high altitude.
Day 3: Gangotri to Bhoj Kharak
Wake up early and get to trudge on the actual trekking path. The trail is 8-9 km long and unique. Today the path to Bhoj Kharak is different and you will witness it. Most of the path is rocky and it is the only way to reach Bhoj Kharak. So you will find many people accompanying you.
Kedar Ganga will always be towards left. You will find abundant Bhojpatra trees. It is believed that the leaves were used to write ancient literature. The path gets narrower as you move ahead. After hours of trekking, you will reach the Spider Wall which is 60 degrees inclined rock face. The path is extremely narrow such that only one foot can be placed. Once this risky patch is crossed you will arrive at Bhoj Kharak.
Day 4: Bhoj Kharak to Kedar Kharak
Today the hike is shorter and easier compared to yesterday. However, the trail begins with a steep climb at first. As you move up the treeline seems to vanish. Then the trail opens up to meadows filled with colourful blossoms. After yesterday's rocky terrain today will be a pleasant walk with a few steep up and downs.
Bharal or Blue sheep and variety of birds are known to be seen so keep your eyes and ears awake. The campsite is set between meadows with wonderful sights of Brighupanth peak. After one last river crossing over Kedar Ganga, you will reach the campsite. Do not miss the famous sunset from this spot.
Day 5: Kedar Kharak to Kedar Tal and back to Kedar Kharak
And finally, the day has arrived when the dreamy emerald lake will be in our sight. However, the approach to Tal is not easy. It can be described as overcoming various rocky, barren and 3 ridges to reach the lake.
The path goes through barren land and dry sights around with only 2-3 stream crossing. The weather gets unpredictable here, therefore, being on schedule is the key. The trail is through scree, dust and boulders. After a few hours of trekking on such path, the final steep ridge is reached. There are cairns placed to mark the trail. Once you climb the final ridge you will the stunning Kedartal. One last descend to the lake and you will be right next to the Kedartal. You can find a flawless reflection of Thalaysagar on the lake. From the lake, you should get the panorama of Mt. Manda, Brighupant, Gangotri, Thalaysagar, Bhagirathi and Mt. Meru.
Spend the most rejuvenating time and get ready to retrace steps back to Kedarkharak.
Day 6: Kedar Kharak to Gangotri
Wake up with the amazing flashes of Kedartal, it is time to go home. Walk back upon the same path towards Gangotri.
Day 7: Gangotri to Dehradun
The returning day has come. Look back once again to the most memorable places you have visited. Your will pickup will arrive early and drop you at Dehradun railway station.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.
By Train :-
The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.
By Bus:-
Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.
Fitness Required for Nag tibba trek
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant.The percentage saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our hemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
The Nag tibba trek Trek is an easy trek suitable for first time trekker with basic fitness
Trekking Experience: Ideal trek for a beginner.
Fitness Required: The Valley of Flowers Trek falls in the category of Moderate treks. The trail is fairly laid out path and has very few steep ascends or descends. Water is available through out the trail. But still if you are thinking of your first big Himalayan trekking experience its better to be prepared. Here is the training schedule to prepare for the trek.