What’s Included in a Kedartal Trek Package and How Much It Costs

Introduction: Why Kedartal Trek is Worth It

If you’re dreaming of a high-altitude trek that’s raw, untouched, and far from the typical touristy trails, Kedartal should be on your radar. Nestled at around 15,500 ft in the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek takes you right to the base of the majestic Thalay Sagar and Bhrigupanth peaks. It’s a serious experience rather than a stroll, which is precisely what makes it so unique.

But let’s get to the point. If you’re like me, you want to know exactly what you’re paying for before signing up. What’s included in a Kedartal trek package? How much does it cost? Is it worth your money? Let’s break it all down.

Accommodation: Where You’ll Sleep

Accommodation during the Kedartal trek is basic but comfortable. You won’t find luxury here—but you will find peace, quiet, and the kind of cold mountain nights that remind you you’re truly away from it all.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• First Night (Gangotri): Guesthouse or homestay—simple rooms, usually on a twin-sharing basis.

• During the Trek (Day 2 onwards): Alpine tents (2-person sharing), sleeping bags, and foam mats. At specific locations, such as Bhoj Kharak and Kedar Kharak, the campsites are set up.

• Toilets: Most companies use portable toilet tents during the trek. It’s not a hotel bathroom, but it does the job in the wilderness.

Most trek operators also provide thick sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures, so you’re not freezing your bones off.

Food: What You’ll Eat in the Mountains

Food is often a concern on treks, but surprisingly, it’s one of the best parts of the Kedartal trek package. The food is vegetarian (sometimes egg-based if you request it), freshly cooked, and surprisingly good considering you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Here’s a sample menu:

• Breakfast: Parathas, poha, upma, bread-jam, tea/coffee.

• Lunch (Packed or Hot): Roti, sabzi, dal-chawal, boiled eggs (optional).

• Evening Snacks: Soup, pakoras, or maggi with tea.

• Dinner: Full meal with dal, rice, roti, sabzi, and dessert (yes, sometimes even halwa).

Clean drinking water (boiled or filtered) is also provided, so no need to worry about carrying heavy bottles.

Trekking Gear & Support: What’s Provided and What’s Not

A good trekking company will make sure you’re safe and comfortable. Most Kedartal trek packages include essential gear and human support to ensure that.

What’s Usually Included:

• Sleeping bags and mats

• Dome or alpine tents

• Kitchen tent and dining tent

• First-aid kit with oxygen cylinder

• Experienced guide and trek leader

• Supporting staff like cooks and porters

• Mules or porters for carrying common gear

What’s Not Included:

• Personal porters (unless requested at extra cost)

• Trekking shoes, down jacket, or personal backpack

• Any kind of insurance

• Emergency evacuation charges (unless you opt for it separately)

• Gangotri National Park entrance costs (double-check, as some operators include this)

Basically, all you need to carry is your backpack with clothes, a few personal items, and your spirit of adventure.

Permits & Safety Measures: Taken Care Of

Since Kedartal lies in the Gangotri National Park area, you’ll need entry permits and ID verification. Most trek packages include these permits in the cost.

What impressed me was how smoothly the process was handled when I went with a company called The Searching Souls. They didn’t flash their name in my face or bombard me with ads; they just did the job with quiet efficiency. They managed the permits, arranged the guide with solid local knowledge, and even briefed us on altitude sickness before the trek began.

Safety-wise, most operators now carry portable oxygen and pulse oximeters. Trek leaders receive instruction in high-altitude procedures and basic first-aid. I felt so much more at ease after that.

Cost Breakdown: What You’re Really Paying For

The Kedartal trek isn’t the cheapest, but it’s also not overpriced if you break it down. Most 6 to 7-day Kedartal trek packages cost between INR 14,000 to INR 18,000 per person. The trek operator, the size of the group, and the inclusions all have a little impact on this.

Here’s where your money goes:

If you want private transport or extra porters, expect to pay a little more. Overall, I found the pricing quite fair, considering the remote location and logistics involved.

Why I’d Recommend Going With a Good Trek Company

Not all trek companies are the same. For this kind of high-altitude trek, experience and reliability matter more than anything. I didn’t want fancy websites or loud marketing—I wanted someone who could get me there and back safely.

I chose The Searching Souls because they kept things real. No overpromising. The guide truly knew the trail like the back of his hand, having grown up in the area. The support team was low-key but extremely effective. It made all the difference between just doing a trek and truly experiencing it.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Cost?

In short—yes. The Kedartal trek isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey, the altitude, the silence, and the sheer power of nature. When you consider what’s included—food, shelter, safety, guidance, and logistics—it’s more than worth the cost.

If you go with a transparent and competent trekking company like The Searching Souls, you can focus entirely on the experience, not the headaches.

FAQs

1. Can beginners do the Kedartal trek?
No, this trek is for experienced trekkers only. It’s steep, high, and physically demanding.

2. Is travel from Dehradun or Haridwar included?
Usually not. You’ll need to reach Gangotri on your own or ask the operator to arrange transport at an extra cost.

3. Are there any hidden charges?
Not if you ask for a complete breakdown. Some companies charge extra for permits or transport, so always confirm.

4. What’s the best time to do the Kedartal trek?
May to June and September to October are ideal. Avoid the monsoon and winter months.

5. Can I rent gear instead of buying?
Yes. Trekking poles, jackets, and even shoes can be rented from local shops in Uttarkashi or Gangotri.