Mt. Kedar Dome Expedition- Thrilling Experience to Rejoice

A dome-shaped peak, Mount Kedar Dome is a hugely elevated peak nestled beautifully in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. This magnificent dome elevates at the projection towards the Gangotri glacier that is only 2 kilometers away to the northwest of Kedarnath, the highest peak of the Gangotri Glacier. Mount Kedar Dome happens to be the third highest peak of the glacier that attracts thousands of mountaineers every year.

It happens to be one of the best and must-visit places for mountaineers who seek to gain significant altitude to enjoy a thrilling experience. With a height of a little short of 7000 meters, Kedar Dome is not very difficult or technically challenging for adventure enthusiasts. However, the climb to this peak is daunting and requires proper knowledge, skills, and one needs to have prior expedition experience to overcome the challenges.

One needs to plan a total journey of 22 days if the individual is planning to cover the trekking trail and the summit bid to this dome-shaped peak. The trekking expedition commences from Uttarkashi, the trekker’s hub and the trail passes through the gracious tree line area of Gomukh, Bhojbasa, Tapovan and Chirbasa. Additionally, the mountaineers also get to enjoy the undulating glory of the deep gorges of Gangotri, the colorful meadows of Tapovan, and the spellbinding beauty of the Bhagirathi group of peaks.

There is nothing to deny the fact that the trekking trail is however arduous and challenging, but the surrounding beauty makes it all worth it for the adventure enthusiasts to trek to Mt. Kedar Dome.

History Associated with Kedar Dome

It is believed to have been first climbed by a Swiss team led by Andre Roch in 1947, and the route they followed to complete the trekking trail is still counted as the standard route. They had followed the northwest route, a very straightforward and low-angled trail. If you are a history buff then you must be aware of the fact that the eastern face of Kedarnath Dome was first climbed by a Hungarian expedition led by Attila Ozsvath in the year 1989.

Trekking Routes

1. Northwest flank, the easiest and the standard route.
2. Eastern face

How to Reach

The journey commences from Dehradun, the city connected with several major cities of India. On reaching Dehradun, you can either hire a taxi or can catch a public bus to reach Uttarkashi.

The route that leads you towards Kedarnath peak is as follows; Uttarkashi- Gangotri- Bhojbasa- Gaumukh – Tapovan- Base Camp- Summit

By Road- There are plenty of buses running between Delhi and Dehradun, hence, one can easily get a bus to Dehradun. There are regular buses running between the two cities i.e. the bus service is available throughout the day and you can find a bus at an interval of every half an hour.

By Rail- Dehradun has its own railway station which is located at a distance of only 2 km from the main city. Kolkata, Delhi, Varanasi, and Indore are a few of the major cities connected by frequent rail service from the main city.

By Air- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport connected with major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.

Best Time to Plan your Expedition

The destination being nestled at an extreme location and huge altitude are quite challenging to explore as it witnesses inconsistent and unfavorable climatic condition. Therefore, it is best to plan your expedition trip to Mount Kedar Dome either in the month of June or September as the weather is quite pleasing and favorable in these months.

Travel Tips

It is very obvious that you need to keep certain things in mind when you travel to a new place especially when you are exploring destinations elevated at extreme altitudes. Below stated are a few of the very important tips and tricks that one must follow on this physical and mental taxing expedition in the Himalayas.

1. This expedition must be attempted by those who can acclimatize to high altitudes, unfavorable climatic conditions, and have great physical endurance and stamina.
2. Network connectivity is very poor at high altitudes, so to stay connected with your near and dear ones you need to have a great network. BSNL works nicely at such places, hence you can opt for the BSNL network.
3. Carry good quality pair of trekking shoes for the expedition or else it would become very difficult for you to climb on the rocky mountain.
4. Don’t forget to carry medications for common illnesses like fever, headache, cold, motion sickness, etc. and if you or any of your group members is suffering from any sort of prolonging disease then it is mandatory to carry the prescribed medicine in your backpacks.
5. You will be in direct contact with the sun rays which makes it very obvious for you to have a sun tanning problem. To avoid such problems you are advised to apply sunscreen lotion before you come out of your camp and also carry caps while going up.

Expedition Tour Itinerary 

Let’s have a quick look at the below stated detailed itinerary for a better understanding of this 3-week long expedition in the Himalayas.

Day 1- Arriving Delhi

Upon your arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed and greeted by our tour representative. He will then accompany you to reach the pre-booked hotel by AC car. There is no other schedule for the day as you will be enjoying an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2- Delhi- Rishikesh

Early morning post-binging on breakfast, you will be visiting IMF for briefing and equipment check. Post completing these procedures, drive towards Rishikesh via Haridwar. On reaching the city, complete the check-in formalities at your pre-booked hotel. Spend some relaxing moments in the comfy hotel room and then later in the evening come out of your hotel room and explore the nearby destinations.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Bharat Mandir, and several ashrams are some of the most exciting places to explore in Rishikesh. The city happens to be one of the most favorite places to get indulged in spiritual vibes, yoga, meditation, and divine prayers.

Day 3- Rishikesh- Uttarkashi

After finishing your morning meal, you will be driving towards Uttarkashi and this entire journey takes a total of 5-6 hours. Upon your arrival in Rishikesh, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in the city. You are all free to enjoy your sightseeing trip as the city is also the gateway to various mountaineering and trekking expeditions in the Gangotri region.

Day 4- Uttarkashi

The fourth day of your expedition is devoted to the documentation process and after the mandatory formalities are made explore the beautiful surrounding in the evening.

Day 5- Uttarkashi- Gangotri

Early morning post completing the scrumptious breakfast, get ready to drive towards Gangotri via Harsil. After completing this 4-5 hours long journey, check into the hotel room and explore the beautiful gorge at Bhairon Ghati. Spend some time in doing the philosophy of Goddess Ganga who descended to this place on the earth directly from heaven.

Apart from visiting the holy shrine of Gangotri, one can also move towards the other ashrams and Dharamshala to dip yourself in immense spirituality.

Day 6- Gangotri

There is no planned schedule to follow on the sixth day as the entire day is for acclimatization.

Day 7- Gangotri- Bhojbasa

Post relishing a scrumptious morning meal, you will move towards Bhojbasa via Chirbasa. The destinations will be covered through trekking trail i.e. first trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa which is then followed by the trek to Bhojbasa. On reaching the desired site, you will take a rest at the camp established near the riverside. You are left with no planned schedule for the day, hence spend your leisure time exploring the panoramic landscapes and surroundings.

Day 8- Bhojbasa – Gaumukh

Once you are done with your breakfast, start covering the trekking trail to Gaumukh, the originating place of River Ganga, and then start trekking to Tapovan after exploring the region. The trail from Gomukh to Tapovan has a steep ascend and on reaching the top, you get to see the clearer and more magnificent views of the surroundings.

Day 9- Tapovan

The day is all set for acclimatization and leisure activities where you will be enjoying the astonishing views of the snow-peaked mountain peaks, soul-soothing landscape, and colorful meadows.

Day 10- Tapovan- Base Camp

This is the day when you are ready to start your trekking expedition to Mount Kedar Dome. Post finishing breakfast at the hotel, get yourself ready for the base camp. You will be spending your night stay in the tent.

Day 11- Day 18

You will be spending all these days climbing to Mount Kedar Dome and then coming down.

Day 19- Tapovan- Chirbasa

After enjoying the lip-smacking breakfast, pack your bags and start trekking down to Chirbasa via Bhojbasa.

Day 20- Chirbasa- Gangotri- Uttarkashi

Post relishing on the scrumptious breakfast start trekking down to Gangotri and then from there drive back to Uttarkashi. Upon your arrival, check into the hotel room and go for an overnight stay.

Day 21- Uttarkashi- Rishikesh

Today you will be driving towards Rishikesh and then go for a comfy overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 22- Rishikesh- Delhi

Once you are done with your morning meal, get ready to drive towards Delhi. On reaching the capital city, complete the check-in formalities and unwind yourself in the comfy hotel room. There is no schedule for the rest of the day, so enjoy the day you wish to.