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Mt. Kedar Dome

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Pro

Mt. Kedar Dome

 
 
 
 

BRS 8 

Max Altitude
 Uttrakhand
 20 Days
 0 Km
 Max 12
Brief Description
Gallery
Itinerary
What's Included
Packing List
FAQs
Cancellation Policy

Brief Description

Grade:
Pro
Location:
Uttrakhand
Altitude:
6832 m
Duration:
20 Days

Located in the Garhwal range of Himalayas alongside revered peaks such as the Bhagirathi masiff, Shivling, Satopanth and Gangotri peaks, Mt. Kedar Dome rests at an impressive altitude of 6,832 M. Named for its dome shaped roof, this beautiful peak which lies 2 kms northeast of the religiously significant Kedarnath Peak, takes you very close to the 7000M milestone.

Starting from the holy mountain town of Gangotri, the trail for this climb is a stunning assortment of landscapes from the lush forests of Chirbasa to massive open grounds of Tapovan onto the glacial terrain of Kirti Glacier before hitting the icy slopes of the mountain itself. We take the standard route which is from the northeastern side of the mountain since it poses fewer challenges as compared to the more treacherous route that is from its eastern face. While altitude is one thrilling yet challenging factor to scale this beauty of a peak, it is meant for climbers looking to get a high-altitude experience with relatively less technical difficulties.

Although only mildly technical, the climb up Kedar Dome includes having to traverse miles of rocky moraines, navigating the mighty Kirti glacier, walking across crevassed snowfields and an arduous climb up the summit in thinning high-altitude air coupled with violent winds. Given its altitude and terrain, the climb requires specific knowledge of mountaineering equipment and a specific set of skills to survive at that altitude. And so, this is an expedition reserved for experienced climbers only. Mountaineering certification or alternatively experience in high-altitude mountaineering and extreme temperature is a mandate to undertake this challenging expedition. The best months to attempt Kedar Dome are June and September.

Stay on this page for information on Mt. Kedar Dome expedition – Itinerary, Routes, FAQs, and eligibility criteria.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Make your way to Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 2: Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 3: Gangotri (3,415M) to Bhojwasa (3,775M) via Chirbasa (3,600M)
Day 4: Bhojwasa (3,775M) to Tapovan (4,460M) via Gomukh (4,025M)
Day 5: Tapovan (4,460M) to Kirti Glacier/ Base Camp (4,740M)
Day 6: Acclimatization at Base Camp
Day 7 – Day 17: Expedition
Day 18: Depart from Gangotri
Day 19 and 20: Reserve Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Make your way to Gangotri (3,415M)

The trek begins from Gangotri which is a mountain city on the banks of River Bhagirathi and is known to be the origin of the holy River Ganga. Located in the Greater Himalayan Range, legend says that this is where Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the river from the locks of his hair. This holy city which lies at an altitude of 3,415M is a 245 km drive away from Dehradun – the closest city with an airport.

If you have signed up with NK Adventure for a drive from Dehradun to Gangotri, the day starts early. Everyone assembles at the meeting point by 7 in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Gangotri, a holy mountain city in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 8-9 hour drive, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:

One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.

Day 2: Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415M)

Day two is reserved for rest and for acclimatization to the altitude. This is important to allow your body to adapt to its new environment and reduce chances of adverse health conditions. You can go around and explore the market, delve into the colors and culture of this high-mountain town and visit some places nearby. A little movement around the city would be good for acclimatization. Also, use this time to go through your checklist and do some last-minute shopping for what you might be missing for the trek.

While the body acclimatizes, we take this time to get together with the group for a debriefing session where we get to know each other better and delve into the happenings of the next few days – schedule, what to expect, basic do’s and don’ts in the mountains, how to maintain the sanctity of the environment and other such matters of importance.

We also go for a short acclimatization walk in the evening to adapt to this new environment better.

Day 3: Gangotri (3,415M) to Bhojwasa (3,775M) via Chirbasa (3,600M)

Distance: 14 km Trek

Today is our first day of actual trek. We start after an early breakfast. We will be walking towards Gomukh, the snout of Gangotri glacier. The trail will take us through Chirbasa which is at an altitude of 3,600M and means home of pine in the local language – no points for guessing what kind of trees you are likely to find en route to Chirbasa.

Day 4: Bhojwasa (3,775M) to Tapovan (4,460M) via Gomukh (4,025M)

Distance: 13 km Trek

We wake up to the majestic view of the Bhagirathi range of peaks and head out for our next campsite after an early breakfast. We will be crossing the snout of the glacier that we saw glimpses of on our way yesterday.

Tapovan, known for its gorgeous meadows encircling the base of Shivling Peak, is a beautiful campsite bustling with the many fresh water streams and an assortment of wildflowers scattered across its floor.

Day 5: Tapovan (4,460M) to Kirti Glacier/ Base Camp (4,740M)

Distance: 9km

We start early and make our way through the tough yet alluring route for today as we cross the mighty Shivling’s base to reach Kirti Glacier which serves as our campsite for this expedition. The route is over boulders and onto a glacier ridden with open and hidden crevasses.

Day 6: Acclimatization at Base Camp

A lot is to be achieved during your time at base camp. From the distribution and setting up of all the gear to technical training and practice on the icy slopes around the basecamp.

Day 7 – Day 17: Expedition

Since the conditions on high-altitude are unpredictable, there is a constant readjustment of plans to adapt to the situation at the time. Providing fixed day-wise schedules is hence tricky.

Between Base Camp and Summit, we have 3 camps on Mt. Kedar Dome: Advanced Base Camp, Camp 1 and Summit Camp.

After load ferry rotations between camps and occupying Summit Camp on Day 12, we will make our first summit attempt on Day 13. By Day 14, we aim to descend back down to Base Camp and further down to Bhojwasa by day 16 with an aim to depart from Gangotri by Day 17.

Day 18: Depart from Gangotri

Your expedition ends here but not before some celebration. How can we end this adventure without a summit party?

Like we indicated before, the weather on high-altitude is unpredictable as are many other conditions, we would suggest you keep spare days between the end of the expedition and your travel arrangements to head back home.

Day 19 and 20: Reserve Days

In case of bad weather or other difficulties which might set us off schedule during the course of the entire expedition, Day 19 and 20 are set as reserve days. These will only get used if unexpected and unforeseeable conditions present themselves at the last minute preventing us from reaching our destination as planned.

What’s Included

  • Food as per menu on the trek
  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
  • 4 season Dome Tents, Thermal rated Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
  • Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
  • Expedition guide, cook, helpers, HAP and LAP for carrying common supplies
  • Course certified & experienced Expedition Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
  • Technical Equipment – PP Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Snow Stake, Dead Man/Boy
  • Peak Booking Fee Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)

What’s Not Included

  • Portage of personal bags during the expedition
  • Meals during road journeys from Dehradun to Gangotri
  • Meals during hotel stay in Gangotri
  • Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
  • IMF fee only for foreign nationals US$ 700 for a team of two members and US$ 325 for every additional participants
  • Forest Permit / Camping Fee for foreign nationals (USD 880-1000 upto group of 10)
  • Mandatory Liaison Officer Fee for foreign expeditions ( ~USD 500 for group of 10)

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with New Knight Adventure. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by NK Adventure on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

  • Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
  • Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
  • Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
  • UV protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the bestsunglasses for trekking.
  • Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

  • Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
  • Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

  • Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2
  • Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
  • Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
  • Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
  • Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
  • Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
  • Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
  • Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
  • Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
  • Woolen cap. Qty-1
  • Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

  • Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
  • Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
  • Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

  • Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
  • Plate. Qty- 1
  • Spoon.Qty-1
  • Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

  • Camera (Optional)
  • Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
  • Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Mt. Kedar Dome is recommended only for experienced mountaineers who have completed at least one 6000m category trek or equivalent high-altitude expedition.

If you can run 5 km in 25–30 minutes, you are physically prepared. Practising 10 km once a week improves endurance. Add strength training such as squats, lunges and push-ups.

With structured preparation over a few months, you can comfortably meet the required standards.

The climb requires mountaineering skills such as using an ice axe, roping up, glacier travel, snow climbing, rappelling and handling technical climbing equipment.

Minimum age is 16 years (16–17 must be accompanied by a guardian). Participants above 60 must carry a medical fitness certificate.

Mt. Kedar Dome (6,832 m) is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The expedition begins from Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganga.

Kedar Dome stands at 6,832 m and offers stunning alpine landscapes with glaciers, rock formations and panoramic Himalayan views. Reaching close to 7,000 m is a significant milestone in a climber’s journey.

The expedition involves glacier crossings, crevasses, steep snow slopes, technical knife ridges, mixed terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.

June and September.

Hotel stay in Gangotri. Twin-sharing tents during expedition. Higher camps may use 4-person expedition tents due to limited space.

June: 0°C to 10°C during the day; -10°C to -20°C at night at higher camps. September: 5°C to 10°C during the day; freezing or below at night.

Yes. This is a technical high-altitude expedition requiring ice climbing and crevasse navigation experience.

The expedition starts and ends in Gangotri. The nearest airport is Dehradun (approx. 235 km). Shared transport can be arranged from ISBT Dehradun at 7:00 AM.

Mobile network is available till Gangotri. No connectivity beyond this point.

ATMs are available in Gangotri but may not always be reliable. Carry sufficient cash.

Expected arrival in Dehradun is late evening on the final day.

All common camping gear and technical climbing equipment including snow boots, crampons, gaiters, ice axe, helmet and harness are provided.

Trekking shoes, trekking poles, fleece jackets and rucksacks can be rented. Items are distributed during the briefing in Gangotri.

Rented equipment is collected by trek leaders on the final day.

No. Each climber carries their own load. Porters do not go beyond Base Camp.

Three vegetarian meals daily with evening snacks till Base Camp. Higher camps provide ready-to-eat meals.

First aid kits, oxygen cylinders and HAPO bag are carried for altitude emergencies.

Last charging point is at the hotel in Gangotri. No electricity at camps.

ID proof and medical certificate are mandatory. Originals must be carried during the expedition.

High-altitude rescue and evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.

Yes. All required permits are arranged and included in the expedition cost.

All leaders are certified mountaineers trained in rescue and first aid procedures.

Yes. NK Adventure ensures a professional and inclusive environment for all participants.

Rescue routes are pre-identified. Road evacuation is arranged when required. Rescue expenses are borne by the participant unless covered by insurance.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

 

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.