Kedar Tal : 5 Reasons why it should be on the bucket list of every Himalayan Trekker !
A less trodden high altitude lake Kedar Tal near Gangotri is one of the trekking trails in Uttarakhand. An enchanting lake situated next to Kedar Bamak Glacier in the shadow of the mighty Thalaysagar and Brigupanth Peak. The sheer remoteness , demanding terrain sure is a preparatory trek for those you have high goals to get high in the mountains
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
Overshadowed by the surreal beauty of Gangotri Valley, is less trodden alluring Kedar Ganga Valley.Snugly located at an altitude of 4750M (15600 feet ), is Kedar tal, a shimmering cirucular water body also known as Shiva’s lake, a glacial High altitude lake situated in the Garhwal region of Himalayas.
The divine journey starts from Gangotri and the trail takes you through some of the most demanding terrains, with pine, deodhar, birch forest, moraine paths ,spider wall and and landslide-prone areas.
Finally after a journey of 3 days takes you to an aquamarine lake surrounded by high himalayan peaks Mt Thalay Sagar (6,904m), Meru (6,672m), Mt Bhrigupanth (6,772m) , Jogin group of peaks, and Manda peaks ( 6510 m ) a sight of all of which make this arduos journey worthwhile !
This trail takes you through the valley of gods, the ethereal beauty and still pristine terrain yet tests your innate skills.Here we, reconfirm again the reasons that will persuade you to consider Kedar tal as your next destination !
1. The Challenging Trail and Scenic Landscape of Kedar Valley
Beyond Gangotri dham, the trail leads to kedar ganga valley with sprawing meadows.Dense pine and birch forest, give way to hues of rhododendrons, waterfalls, a roaring gorge with river flowing for company.The never ending udualating trail keeps you panting and literally spell bound.
2. A Chance to Sight rare Himalayan Flora and Wildlife
Being a not well marked trail, it is less traversed the valley is still rugged and home to numerous himalayan species.One can commonly spot Mountain goats, Bharals, Monal Tragopon, Himalayan Griffon.Brown bears, Himalayan Monal and Snow leoprads.
After Buransh Rhododendron bloom and disappear in the valley.The whole valley is in riot of colours with vibrant colors. The Impatiens, Anemones, Primulas, Bistortas ,Brahma Kamal and Asters keeps the valley alive with vivid splash mauve !
3. Panoramic View of High Himalayan Peaks
The trail is a feast for nature enthusiasts and Mountain lovers.The high mountains crown the vast kedar valley. Mountain peaks Thaleysagar, Brigupanth raise above and look as if guarding the valley and passing clouds kissing them is a sight to behold.
During dawn and dusk the play of light is that is not be missed.The shadows cast a magical spell.The valley and mountain peaks in myriad vistas make one speechless !
4. To experience the tranquility of a High altitude Himalayan lake
The breathtaking views and surroundings gives sheer blissful experience. With the gentle blowing wind and ripples forming on water lashing the shore and absolute silence heals the mind.The calm nature seems to be in perfect harmony.You expereince a spiritual touch and you are in meditative mood and the expereince is divine and priceless !
5. A alternative or a preparatory trek for High Altitude Audens Col
The terrain gives a unique expereince of manourvering steep slopes, the moraine path and snow ridges.The hard terrain and the challenges faced to reach every camp is immense and spectacular. Traversing the slopes cautiously makes every step to lake worthwhile !,
However , the varying altitude during pre monsoon and post monsoon gives unique expereince for individual in sheer remoteness.The harsh terrain though sure poses sifferent challenge, braving cold, snow plodding.......but sure at the sight of shimmering lake and High Mountain peaks, gives confidence ,motivates you to set your goals high and to get high in the mountains !
