Kedarnath and Vasuki Taal Trek

Kedarnath and Vasuki Taal Trek

6 days / 7 nightsStarts Guptkashi
From ₹34,716 · See pricing
6 days
7 nights
Guptkashi
start point
N/A
best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
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Overview

Tour overview

Kedarnath Vasuki Tal trek route lies in the divine Kedar Khand, where it is indeed possible to feel the presence of Lord Shiva himself. Trekking begins at Gaurikund, the place blessed by Shiva’s consort Goddess Parvati, and passing through hot water springs, waterfalls and paradisaical natural beauty reaches the striking Kedarnath Temple. You may reach Kedarnath by helicopter also. The journey by foot is so engaging that trekkers are left longing for more. In that case, the region opens adventure trails further to the places like Vasuki (Vasuki) Taal, a high-altitude lake with supreme beauty, Chorabari Glacier and Gandhi Sarovar. The best time to undertake Kedarnath Vasuki Tal trek is between June and October when the weather is truly enjoyable. You are expected to carry trek pants, warm clothes (woolens, jackets, mufflers) along with good trekking shoes, dry fruits and chocolates, rain protection gear, caps, sun protection and basic medical kit to make it a truly enjoyable experience.
Kedarnath and Vasuki Taal Trek

Kedarnath Vasuki Tal trek route lies in the divine Kedar Khand, where it is indeed possible to feel the presence of Lord Shiva himself.

Tour highlights

Kedarnath Vasuki Tal
River Mandakini
Vasuki Ganga

Destinations covered

Kedarnath

Best Time

N/A

Ideal For

N/A

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.

Kedarnath Vasuki Tal trek begins with your arrival at Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. Gaurikund, at the height of 1,982 m., is the place where Gauri (Parvati) performed tough penance to please Lord Shiva for the purpose of marrying him. Surrounded by lush green forests and eye-pleasing natural grandeur, it has Vasuki Ganga flowing in the close vicinity and a sulphurous hot water spring as well. You can access Gaurikund by road from the nearest railway stations Rishikesh (about 211 km.) and Haridwar (about 234 km.) or from the closest airport Dehradun (about 226 km.). On arrival, check in at the hotel and stay overnight. (You may also visit a temple dedicated to Gauri).
Begin the trek to Kedarnath at the earliest. It is auspicious to take holy bath in the hot water spring before commencing the trek. As you begin to trek, your eyes would be subjected to visually appealing landscapes washed by a series of waterfalls that keep you engrossed. It is worth mentioning that the earlier 14 km. the route was completely washed off in the 2013 flash floods and the new one extends by 2 km. However, the new route is more scenic and keeps the trekkers’ spirit high. You may stop to rest at two places – Rambara (about 7 km.) and Linchuli (about 12 km.). It is a pleasure to trek along River Mandakini which keeps the trekkers entertained with its beauty and melodic sounds. Reach Kedarnath and check in at the booked accommodation. Later, visit the holy Kedarnath Temple which houses a triangle-shaped Shiva Lingam. According to the popular belief, Shiva’s hump (as the lord disguised as a bull) reappeared from the ground over here when he was hiding from the Pandava brothers. Pandavas built a temple over here and Shiva promised to wash the sins and sorrows of anyone who visits the place. At the height of 3,853 m., Kedarnath is among the twelve Jyotirlingas, four Chota Char Dham destinations and 275 Paadal Petra Sthlams. The stunning backdrop formed by the lofty snow-capped peaks of Kedarnath and Kedar Dome lend exquisite charm to the entire region. Please Note: The temple opens only for six months from April-end to November-start and closes down for the remaining year due to heavy rainfall. Those who don’t wish to trek may choose among options like ponies, porters (who actually carry pilgrims on their back), palanquins and helicopter. Do You Know? While the entire area around the temple was severely damaged due to flash floods in 2013, the temple was miraculously saved by a huge boulder which is believed to be the act of divine power. Stay overnight at Kedarnath.
Start early in the morning as we ascend towards Vasuki Tak, a high altitude lake fed by Vasuki Glacier and at the foot of Vasuki Peak. It is believed that Lord Vishnu bathed in the lake and this is the reason behind its religious significance. In addition, it is a picturesque emerald beauty with crystal clear water and tranquil environments. On the way, you may come across the sacred Brahmakamal which is also the state flower and many other flowers in a variety of colors. While the first 3-4 km. is easy to trek, the remaining part is relatively difficult to traverse owing to increase in steepness. The incredible views of Chaukhamba Peaks and other Himalayan summits add great worth to every frame. Spend some great moments near the lake at the height of 4,135 m. and begin trekking back to Kedarnath. Stay overnight at Kedarnath.
Get up early and begin the trek to Chorabari Glacier which is located at a height of 3,800 m. The glacier has two snouts – one acting as the source of River Mandakini and the other feeding Chorabari Tal. The trek route uninterruptedly subjects the trekkers to the sky-touching peaks like Kedarnath. Located nearby is Chorabari Tal which is also known as Gandhi Sarovar. It is believed that it was at the bank of this lake that Shiva preached yoga to the Seven Sages. Ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the lake in 1948. On arrival, enjoy the pristine environments that seem like hailing from a fairy-tale world. You are advised to carry adequate water and food. Descend back and visit Bhairav Temple which is another site of great religious significance. Located just one km. from Kedarnath, it is perched on a hill and offers spectacular views of the entire valley. Bhairav (the fierce form of Shiva) is believed as the protector of the region. Pray and get back to the hotel for night stay.
Descend back to Gaurikund from where you would travel by road to the town of Guptkashi. At a height of 1,319 m., the town is home to Vishwanath Temple which imitates the temple by the same name at Varanasi. It is believed that Shiva while hiding from Pandavas, disguised as a bull and hit into the ground at Guptkashi. On arrival, check in at the hotel and visit the temples and other sites at your own will. Stay overnight.
Leave Guptkashi in the morning and start the onward journey to home

Travel tips

Travel Tips

Travel Tips For This Tour

Travel Tips For Kedarnath and Vasuki Taal Trek


Travel Tips For Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek

  • The Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek is a moderate trek and is a great place to start your trekking adventure. It is also home to the Kedarnath Shiva Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and an auspicious and holy place. The Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek will not just satisfy your inner adventurer but will also help you find inner peace and calm.
  • First-time trekkers are urged to carry a trekking pole and buy hardy trekking shoes to protect your feet from the rugged terrain of the Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek and snakebites. Also, try to exercise regularly so that you are accustomed to the continuous walking and climbing that you have to do on this trek.
  • Carry energy bars with you as a snack if you get hungry on the Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek as there very few shops.
  • This trek is only open from April-end to October-end, as the winters are the season of heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfall is very dangerous in the Kedarnath region, as it can lead to flash floods.
  • The Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek is in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas and is the perfect place for you to spot the pug marks of the elusive snow leopard or the claw marks of the Himalayan Black Bear. The path is also beset on all sides by picturesque alpine vegetation like oaks and birch and rhododendrons. If the trail is not enough, go visit the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary just a few miles from Gauri Kund, which is the home of the beautiful and endangered musk deer. See if you can spot the Brahmakamal, the state flower.
  • Enjoy the tranquillity and peace of Vasuki Tal. Make sure to be respectful of local customs and don’t hurt the religious sentiments of the pilgrims.
  • Make it a point to enjoy a hot spring bath at Gauri Kund, which has medicinal properties.
  • On the trek to Chorabari Glacier, make it a point to visit Gandhi Sarovar, where the ashes of the Father of the Nation were immersed in 1948. The place is sure to awe you with its majestic natural beauty and also captivate you with the values of the Indian Freedom Struggle.
  • Drink only boiled water. Carry a well-equipped first-aid kit with you at all times.

What travellers say

What travellers say

4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 46 reviews
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Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”
3 weeks ago · Google
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Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”
a month ago · Google
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Yash Bhargava★★★★★
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”
4 months ago · Google

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

For the Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek, you will need to obtain a trekking permit from the local authorities. This is typically available at Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek. Ensure you carry valid identification and any necessary documentation to facilitate the permit process.

The best time for the Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek is from late April to October. During this period, the weather is relatively stable, and the trails are accessible. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (July to early September) due to the risk of landslides and heavy rainfall.

Pack sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles, and energy bars. Don't forget to include a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Due to limited shops along the trail, it's advisable to carry sufficient snacks and personal essentials.

Yes, the Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek is considered a moderate trek, making it suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. However, prior preparation, such as regular walking or hiking, is recommended to acclimatize to the altitude and terrain.

The trek is classified as moderate, with some steep sections and rugged terrain. While it is manageable for most trekkers, those with limited experience should consider training beforehand to build stamina and strength for the journey.

To ensure safety during the Kedarnath Vasuki Tal Trek, always stay on marked trails, inform someone about your trekking plans, and avoid trekking alone. Carry a fully charged mobile phone for emergencies and be aware of weather conditions to avoid sudden changes.

Before embarking on the trek, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Carry necessary medications, stay hydrated, and acclimatize to the altitude gradually to prevent altitude sickness.

Kedarnath has limited connectivity. Mobile networks may be unreliable, so it's advisable to inform family or friends about your trek beforehand. Internet access is also sparse, so plan to be offline during your trek.

While trekking in Kedarnath, respect local customs and the environment. Avoid littering, stick to designated paths, and be courteous to fellow trekkers and locals. It's also important to dress modestly, especially near religious sites.

Gaurikund is accessible by road from major towns like Guptkashi and Rudraprayag. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Gaurikund. Ensure to check the road conditions, especially during the monsoon season.

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