Kedar taal (also known as Shiva's lake) is an emerald green coloured glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,750 metres (15,580 ft) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in India. The lake is fed by the snowfall over Thalay Sagar (6,904 m), Meru (6,672 m), Bhrigupanth (6,772 m) and other surrounding peaks, and is the source of Kedar Ganga, which in Hindu mythology is considered to be Shiva’s contribution to Bhagirathi (a source-stream of the Ganges).

Kedar taal, at a distance of 17 km from Gangotri, is a popular trekking destination. Starting from Gangotri the route involves a steep rocky climb along the narrow Kedar Ganga gorge en route to Bhojkharak, 8 km away. From there it is 4 km to the next available camping site of Kedarkharak, and a further 5 km to Kedar taal. The route passes through scenic Himalayan Birch forests, but is made hazardous in places by falling rocks, high altitude and segments of steep ascent.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri  (240 kms road distance)

Reach Dehradun early morning by taking overnight volvo/train from New Delhi. We start our day 1 from Dehradun after having morning tea at cab stand. Enroute Gangotri, we stop at various locations to have breakfast and lunch. By evening, we reach Gangotri after crossing beautiful apple village Harsil and also Bhaironghati, famous for its gorges.

We attend evening Ganga aarti at Gangotri temple. After having dinner, we do final checking of our backpacks and other important things required for the trek.

Day 2: Gangotri to Bhojkharak (8 kms trek distance)

After having early breakfast, we leave Gangotri for Bhojkharak. The trail passes through Bhoj (Birch) trees. In ancient India, the bark of birch trees was used in writing many sacred texts.

We set up our camp after crossing spider wall. After setting up kitchen tent, we prepare tea, soup and other snacks and dinner for the day. Meanwhile, we take a walk nearby camp and take photographs of snow laden peaks.

Day 3: Bhojkharak to Kedarkharak (4 kms trek distance)

Although easy for 1st km, the trek to Kedarkharak is mixed with rough trail, steep portions, sighting of blue sheep, etc. Kedarkharak is our 2nd base camp site on the meadow. The meadow offers mesmerizing sights of Garhwal Himalayan peaks such as Bhrigupanth, Thalaysagar, etc.

Day 4: Kedarkharak to Kedar Taal ( 5 kms trek distance)

The trail to Kedar taal is through rocky mountains with cairns assisting in finding the right trail to the lake. The trail is 5 km and generally takes 2-2.5 hours to reach the trail. The view of Kedar taal surely negates all the aches and pains of the body.

Day 5: Kedar taal - Bhojkharak - Kedarkharak - Gangotri (17 kms descent)

After breakfast, we leave Kedar taal and start our descent to Gangotri. Packed lunch on the way to Gangotri. We reach Gangotri by evening. Night stay in Gangotri.

Day 6: Gangotri - Dehradun (240 kms road distance) 

After breakfast, we leave for Dehradun. We reach Dehradun by evening. Take evening / night volvo/train to New Delhi.