Tour overview
17159 Ft Max Altitude
Moderate Level . If there was one thing that could summon all the excitement of trekking in Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand, it would be, without any second thought, Kagbhusandi Tal. Perched among the high rising giants of Western Himalayas, Kagbhusandi Tal is nothing short of fairyland. Located at the base of magnificent Hathi Parvat, at an astounding elevation of 4,730 meter, The lake is one of the highest alpine lakes of Garhwal Himalayas. Encircled by a wild profusion of colorful flowers, the lake is surrounded by barren mounds in the lap of myriad snowclad peaks. The spellbinding journey to Kagbhusandi Tal put forth the magical views of Neelkanth, Chaukhamba and Nar-Narayan peak.
Trip Highlights:
Crossing 2 Passes Kankun Khal and Farswan Pass.
Visiting High Altitude Kagbhusandi Tal lake
Trekking distance is about 65 km.
View of prominent peaks of Garhwal such a Brigupanth, Thalay Sagar and Chaukhamba massif .
Best time to visit : May – June , Sep and Oct
Overall Trek distance :65 kilometres
Difficulty level : Moderate to Hard(It is Subjective)
Duration : 09 days
Vishnu Prayag Altitude : 2450 m
Kagbushandi Tal Altitude : 5230 m
Samartoli Altitude : 3170 m
Raj Karak Altitude : 3900 m
Brahmi Khal Altitude : 4900 m
Kan Kul Khal Altitude : 5200 m . Even though multiple trekking trails are available to choose from, it is essential to understand the very reason to opt for Kagbhusandi Tal is..
The Altitude gain is 5230 m high, the distance of 62 km covered in 7 day.
It is one of the high altitude lakes of Uttarkhand, a tough trek, and an individual with fitness can do with gradual acclimatization and with no fear of Altitude sickness. The trail is scenic with forest cover, fresh air and Perennial water all along the trail.
It has much more to offer than hiking, like interaction with locals, Variety of flora and fauna, rich heritage, High altitude lake, close view of Hathi Parvat , Chaukamba , Neelkanth and other peaks.
Trip Cost Includes:
Food : During Stay and Snacks during Evening Refreshments only
Travel : Tempo Traveler/SUV Similar Non/Ac/Bus
Accommodation : Basic Multiple sharing or dormitory/Tent.
Group Size : 24 Persone
Trip Cost Excludes:
Any trip extensions, Stay due to road blocks or landslides, extra meals, Accommodation .
ITINERARY:
Day 01 – Haridwar – Joshimath – (300 Kms.) – 13-14 Hrs Drive.
Day 02 – Joshimath – Govind Ghat (1900m) – Bhyundar Village (2600m) – 5-6 Hrs trek
Day 03 – Bhyundar Village – Guerrilla (2980m) – Semartoli (3170m) – 5-6 Hrs Trek.
Day 04 – Samartoli – Dang Kharak (3400m)- Raj Kharak (3900m)– 5-6 Hrs Trek.
Day 05 – Raj Kharak – Kankul Khal (4960m) – Kagbhusandi Tal (4730m) – 7-8 Hrs. Trek.
Day 06 – Reserve Day
Day 07 – Kagbhusandi Tal – Brahmahi khal (4900m) – Jhari kharak. Stay in Tents
Day08 – Start early Jhari Kharak – Faraswan Pass – Painka Road head – Vishnuprayag – (2450m) -Drive 2 hrs to Joshimath – 7 Hrs. Trek.
Day 09 – return journey .
A trip graded as a Moderate takes you to high altitude regions – above 3000m / 10,0000 ft and will involve considerable altitude gain 800 ft – 1200ft over the course of the trek. Altitude will have an effect, hence one would need to be careful about Acclimatization. The guide will educate about acclimitization procdure.Moderate treks will have multiple days which involve considerable amount of ascents and descents and would require walking for more than 5 – 6 hours .
There might be a day or two of camping in relatively high altitudes above 4000m / 13,000ft. A typical trek will last around a week to ten days depending on the region and is fro those who have exposure to Himalayan treks, for people who have completed a beginner trek.
Good fitness levels are needed to enjoy these trips.Preparation of your body by doing some fitness actitivies before the trip would help. Prior trekking experience would be an added advantage.
Important Information:
Things To Carry
1 pair of Shoes : Carry well broken/used Shoes with good Sole & ankle protection and that will sustain usage during the trek. Avoid wearing new shoes to avoid bite and blisters.
1 Backpack : Light Weighted & approx 30 litres in volume with multiple pouches,good zip & straps.
Clothing & Toiletries : For your daily usage
1 Jacket : Early mornings and nights can get really cold.
1 Cap/hat : help in protecting your head and face from direct sunlight during treks.
1 Water bottle : carry some reusable water bottles along.
1 Towel : quick dry light towel.
1 Head lamp / Torch : Keep it handy and use it only required.
1 Personal Medical Kit : Carry few tablets such as crocin, Paracetamol, Band aid, cotton. ORS satchets. Glucose, Volini spray and crape bandage.
1 Medic Kit : always pack a first-aid kit in case things go the other way.
2 Batteries: Carry recharged spare batteries.
Gloves : Gloves that will keep your palms warm during extreme cold.
1 Whistle : Whistle for signalling and use in times of distress only.
1 Sun glasses : Carry tested and right one to protect from harsh Sunlight only.
Sleeping Bag : At times, there might be extreme cold and the camp beds might not be good enough to give you a good night’s sleep. It is better if you have your own warm sleeping bag.
Mobile : Use if for communication only. Check with trek coordinator of network availibility carry BSNL SIM if required.
1 Poly Bags : To carry trash and wet clothes.
1 ID Proof : Carry Photo ID proof DL / PAN CARD / ADHAAR CARD / OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARD /PASSPORT . E T C . How to reached by Dehradun . DEHRADUN CAN BE REACHED BY TRAIN FROM ANY PART OF INDIA . BY AIR FIST DELHI THEN DOMESTIC AIRPOT JOLLY GRANT AIR POT FROM DEHRADUN .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Q: What do I need to trek?
A. One must be able to hike to a minimum of 8 to 10 km without any issues, that’s all! Also, if you have any particular health problems such as respiratory problems, heart problems, one must check with the doctor regarding the hike.
Q : Is Kagbhusandi Tal suitable for Beginners ?
A: Individuals desiring to do Kagbushandi tal should be experienced trekkers, we often suggest people wishing should consider it as a high-altitude Himalayan trek and the Individuals must have prior trekking experience of trekking at High Altitude.
Q: How chilly is it?
A: It is a question of where you belong to, but in terms of Indians – it is quite freezing. The temperature in the high altitudes can even be about -5 degrees during night time. Warm clothing is a must, though it adds to the weight of your luggage.
Q: What type of food will be provided during the trip?
A: Summiters give plain vegetarian food which is not too heavy and apt for hiking. Pizza hut or Anand Bhavan will not be in the picture nor will hunting be an option. There will be enough to sustain and apt will be served when hungry.
Q: Does mountain water cause harm?
A: No. The mountain water is clean. But if you are skeptical – a mineral water can be bought.
Q: Is there a charger point for my phone during the trek?
A: The end point that you can charge during the trek is at Mana Village but depends if electricity is there during the stay.
Q: How to prepare for this trek?
A: You must try and get accustomed to walks or jogs on a daily basis.
Q: How to Reach Joshimath?
A: Private SUV vehicles ply regularly between Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. It takes 10 hours to reach Joshimath.
Q : What does Vehicle to Joshimath cost ?
A : It would cost around Rs 5500 to Rs 6000 for one trip either way.
Q : Is Camping next to Kagbhusandi tal is allowed ?
A : No. From 2018 as per Uttarakhand High Court order (Petition No: 123/2014), one cannot camp on alpine and subalpine meadows/grasslands, locally called “Bugyal”. Therefore, the forest department has revoked the permit to camp at the lake. Starting from Sep 2018, one has a camp at least at a higher place and not close to the lake..
