What is The Best Time for Kedartal Trek – Skip Snow & Storm Woes (59)

If you're eyeing the Kedartal Trek, trust me—timing is everything. This trek isn't your average stroll through the hills. It’s raw, wild, and strikingly beautiful, but also heavily impacted by the weather. Knowing the best time to visit Kedartal is crucial if you want to avoid those frustrating snow blocks, slippery paths, or worse—sudden mountain storms.

I’ve done my homework, spoken with folks who’ve done this trail more than once, and even referenced a few trusted professionals who guide these treks for a living. Let’s dive into when to go, what to avoid, and how to make this epic journey memorable—for the right reasons.

When Is the Best Time to Do the Kedartal Trek?

The ideal window for the Kedartal Trek lies between May and mid-June and then again from mid-September to mid-October. These two slots offer the perfect balance—clear skies, snow-free trails, and stable weather conditions.

Why May to Mid-June?

This period is spring meeting early summer in the Himalayas. The snow from winter starts melting, making the trail more navigable. You’ll still see patches of snow higher up, but the path itself is mostly clear.

Temperature: Ranges from 5°C to 15°C during the day and dips close to 0°C at night.
Trail Condition: Expect a mix of soft snow and dry patches, but it’s all manageable with the right gear.
Views: The views of Thalay Sagar and the glacier lake are just insane—completely clear and vibrant.

Why Mid-September to Mid-October?

This post-monsoon period is pure magic. The rains have washed the region clean, skies are sharp blue, and the air is crisp without being freezing. Also, this is when you’ll find fewer crowds.

Temperature: Days stay between 8°C to 12°C, while nights drop to -2°C in higher camps.
Trail Condition: Dry, solid paths. No mud, no snow blocks.
Scenery: Lush meadows, blooming alpine flowers, and crystal-clear lake reflections.

Times to Avoid at All Costs

Late June to August – The Monsoon Trap

I wouldn’t recommend going during this stretch unless you enjoy getting soaked, navigating landslide-prone paths, or dealing with canceled travel plans. The monsoon in Uttarakhand can be brutal.

Risks: Slippery slopes, poor visibility, landslides, road closures.
Trek Cancellations: Even local guides avoid organizing treks during this time.

November to April – The Deep Freeze

As romantic as a snowy Himalayan trek sounds, Kedartal is not the place for it. The region gets buried under heavy snow, making it almost impossible to trek safely without alpine-level training.

Snow Blocks: Trail gets covered completely.
Storm Risk: High winds and snowstorms are common.
Closed Access: Local authorities usually halt all trek permissions during this phase.

What’s the Trail Like During the Best Seasons?

Starting from Gangotri, the Kedartal trail goes through pine forests, alpine terrain, and rugged glacier paths. You climb from about 10,000 ft to nearly 16,000 ft, so altitude is serious business.

In May–June

The early stretches are green and alive with birds.
Around Bhojkharak and Kedar Kharak, the snow is patchy, but manageable.
Kedartal itself may still have floating ice, which honestly makes the lake look otherworldly.

In Sept–Oct

Full visibility of surrounding peaks.
Dry, well-defined trails.
The lake? Perfect mirror. You’ll want to stay there for hours.

Gear & Clothing: What to Pack for These Seasons

Don’t take chances here. The weather can still turn quickly, especially at higher altitudes.

For May–June

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots.
Layers: Thermal base, fleece, and an insulated jacket.
Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles (snow patches can be tricky).

For Sept–Oct

Footwear: Regular hiking boots with good grip.
Clothing: Fleece jackets, windproof layers.
Extras: Rain cover (just in case), gloves, and warm socks for cold nights.

Permits, Guides & Trusted Companies to Go With

Kedartal isn’t a solo trek for first-timers. You need permits from the forest department, and it's smart to go with a registered trek company that handles logistics, safety, and food.

I went with The Searching Souls Kedartal Trek—and I can say without turning this into a promo—it made a huge difference. They’re low-key professional, really well-organized, and they don’t make you feel like you’re just part of a tourist group. From altitude management to safety briefings and keeping the environment clean, they just get it right.

They also adjust dates based on weather alerts and snow conditions, which saved us from walking into a snowstorm.

How to Reach the Base (Gangotri) at the Right Time

Plan your journey keeping weather conditions in mind:

From Dehradun: Start early; it's a full-day drive.
Stay in Gangotri: At least a night before the trek starts for acclimatization.
Pro tip: Buffer 1 extra day in case of road delays or weather hiccups.

Final Thoughts: My Take on the Best Time for Kedartal Trek

If I had to pick one slot, I’d say late September wins. You get crystal-clear weather, fewer trekkers, and views that will literally stay with you for life. But if you love snow-dusted trails, May-end to early June also gives you that perfect mix without the risks of heavy snow.

Avoid monsoons and deep winter no matter what. You’re not just risking your trek—you’re risking safety.

FAQs

1. Can beginners do the Kedartal Trek in May or September?

Not really. It’s a high-altitude trek with tough sections. Prior trekking experience is recommended. At least one Himalayan trek before Kedartal helps.

2. Do I need permits, and where do I get them?

Yes, you’ll need a forest permit from Gangotri. Most trek organizers, like The Searching Souls, include this in their package.

3. How cold does it get at Kedartal Lake?

At night, it can go down to -2°C in September and -5°C or lower in June. Pack accordingly.

4. What about mobile networks on the trail?

Only BSNL works, and that too, very patchy. Once you cross Gangotri, don’t count on having any signal.

5. Is Kedartal Trek safe during the post-monsoon season?

Yes, in fact, mid-September to October is one of the safest windows with clear weather and minimal risk.