Saru Tal Trek with Kedarkantha

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

you’re out wandering in the Western Garhwal, Uttarakhand, like the real deal Himalayas, not some crowded Insta hotspot. Seriously, it’s this gorgeous glacier lake chilling at 4,200 meters, minding its own business while everyone’s busy chasing Kedarkantha’s Instagram fame. Wild pine forests, meadows that look like Windows XP wallpapers, and those ancient shepherd routes where you half-expect to bump into a wandering sage or, I dunno, a bored goat. When you finally reach, you’re surrounded by Swargarohini, Black Peak (yeah, Kalanag, for the nerds), and Bandarpunch. Once you’ve had your zen moment by Saru Tal, you swing onto the Kedarkantha trail.

You get this golden light washing over Gangotri, Yamunotri, and the Rupin Valley. It’s the kind of view that makes you want to write bad poetry or just stare until your battery dies from too many photos. this trek’s the sweet spot. Not for total newbies, you’ll want some hill legs for sure, but if you’ve done a couple of decent hikes and want something that’s equal parts chill and challenging, this is it. You get solitude, adventure, and those “holy crap, I’m here” moments all wrapped up together. If you want to skip the crowds and feel the Himalayas (instead of just ticking another peak off the list), this Saru Tal–Kedarkantha mashup is your ticket.

History of Saru Tal and Kedarkantha

The Saru Tal and Kedarkantha Trek regions of Uttarakhand are not only stunning but also rich in mythology, folklore, and cultural heritage. They have a lot of historical artefacts to preserve. The Garhwali people's local legends, spiritual beliefs, and ancient traditions have left a lasting impact on them. Saru Tal, a glacier in the Western Garhwal Himalayas that is not widely recognised, has become renowned among locals. Despite the absence of detailed descriptions in mainstream sources, the lake is revered as sacred and associated with gods. The name “Saru” may have originated from a local dialect, and could mean peace or In the alpine meadow during summer, local shepherds and nomadic tribes based around the area, called the Gujjarians or Bakarwals from near Saru Tal, would feed their cattle. The lake, which was surrounded by high-altitude meadowlands and snow-capped peaks, was frequently the quietest place for sages and hermits. Though it's not widely celebrated as a pilgrimage site, the local people still revere it as an important religious location within their community.

In contrast, Kedarkantha is more prominent in the mythological landscape of Uttarakhand. According to legend, "Kedarkantha" signifies "The Throat of Lord Shiva". According to the locals, Lord Krishna chose this mountain as his meditation spot for a long time ago. Despite his efforts, the villagers' disturbance during his penance led him to relocate to Kedarnath, which is now one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites with a significant following. The spiritual significance of Kedarkantha was derived from the lack of a complete Shiva lingam (Sky of Shiva) at this location. This story is reminiscent of the larger narratives of Shiva-centred temples like Panch Kedar in the Garhwal Himalayas. The Kedarkantha region was once part of the conventional trans-Himalayan trade routes. This route was a seasonal pilgrimage path connecting Sankri, Judg Ka Talab, and Kedarkanthá, where locals were traders and villagers. The routes' commercial usage has decreased with modernisation, but their heritage remains intact as trek trails.

The region had experienced a significant surge in adventure tourism until the early 2000s, after being left relatively undeveloped by other regions. In the winter, Kedarkantha's moderate elevation, beautiful campsites and snowy terrain made it a comfortable destination for trekking. The winter trek to Kedarkantha is a popular activity in India, drawing in thousands of visitors annually. Tourists can appreciate it as a crucial feature, no matter what. Saru Tal has not been a regular feature, in comparison. Local trekking communities have made it a rarefied escape for those seeking seclusion and the unspoiled Himalayan beauty. Despite their distinct cultures, Kedarkantha and Saru Tal are like two other cultures that share the same mythological depth and reverence for one another. The Garhwal Himalayas are infused with spiritual and cultural activity, with their respective legends and traditions of deities/sages that resonate in the hearts and minds of both nations.

Nearby Places to Explore: Saru Tal and Kedarkantha Trek

• Sankri Village: Sankri’s your launchpad if you’re heading for the Saru Tal or Kedarkantha treks. Picture it: pine forests everywhere, Swargarohini peaks looming like silent guardians, and this cosy Himalayan village vibe that’s hard to fake. Real Garhwali culture? Oh, absolutely none of that touristy nonsense. Plus, a bunch of other killer treks (Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass) kick off from here too. It’s the place where all the fun starts.

• Juda Ka Talab: Now, if you’re on your way to Kedarkantha, you’ll stumble across Juda Ka Talab. It’s this dreamy little lake, high up, wrapped in oak and pine trees pretty much looks like someone painted it. Trekkers camp here all the time, and honestly, waking up next to that water? Unreal. Local stories say Lord Shiva dropped water from his hair, and boom, this lake happened.

• Har Ki Dun Valley: Har Ki Dun’s not too far from Saru Tal, and man, it’s the kind of place you see in movies. Green meadows so soft you wanna nap, forests that go on forever, rivers doing their own thing. The whole valley is dripping with mythology. People say the Pandavas took this very route on their way to heaven. You don’t get more epic than that.

• Taluka Village: The river just casually runs by, like it owns the place. You wanna see what real Garhwali life looks like, you come here. It’s chill, it’s rustic, and most folks use it as the kickoff for Har Ki Dun or Ruinsara Tal treks.

• Ruinsara Tal: Ruinsara Tal is another one of those glacial lakes that feels almost too perfect. You’ve got snowy peaks, grassy pastures, and this hush that settles over everything. Locals treat it as holy ground, so don’t go skinny-dipping or anything. Serious jaw-drop territory, especially with Black Peak and Bandarpoonch photobombing your selfies.

• Mori Village: Mori’s got its own thing going. It sits right on the Tons River, so if you’re into rafting or fishing, you’ll love it here. It’s the spot to kick back before (or after) a tough trek, just soak up those mountain vibes and chill. Oh, and if you’re into quirky wooden temples, don’t skip this one.

• Osla Village: If you’re headed for Har Ki Dun, Osla’s right on the way. It’s straight-up picturesque, with those classic wooden homes and the Someshwar Temple (shoutout to Lord Shiva). The folks here still live by old-school Himalayan traditions, so you get a real taste of what life used to be like, way out in the hills.

• Purola: Not a headliner, but super handy if you need to stock up, grab a chai, or just catch your breath before heading up to Sankri. It’s got the basics, it’s peaceful, and the views don’t suck either. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Best Time to Visit Saru Tal and Kedarkantha Trek

• Summer (May to June): If you’re even thinking about hitting up Saru Tal or Kedarkantha, this is your golden window. The snow finally chills out, meadows pop off with wildflowers, and the skies are blue for a change. Days are warm (well, 12°C to 20°C, so bring a light jacket or you’ll regret it after sunset).

• Post-Monsoon (September to October): So the rain’s done wrecking everything, and now the air feels all fresh and clean like nature’s hit the reset button. Trails are lush, the views are stupidly clear, and not a tourist mob in sight. Perfect for those “look at me, I’m in the Himalayas” photos, or just actually enjoying the peace. Seriously, if you hate muddy paths and surprise rain, this is your jam.

• Winter (December to February—Kedarkantha’s Time to Shine): Kedarkantha in winter is like walking through Narnia, just with more Instagram influencers. Snow everywhere, zero crowds, and that sunrise from the summit was Worth every frozen toe.

• Monsoon (July to August—Just Don’t): The trails are slippery, landslides are RSVP’ing to your plans, and you won’t see much beyond your soggy shoes. Both treks are a hard pass in the monsoon.

How to Reach Saru Tal and Kedarkantha Trek

• By Airport: The Airport in Dehradun is your closest runway. It’s about 210 km out from Sankri, so don’t think you’re done after touchdown. You can catch flights from the usual big cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, yada yada.

• By Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station is the spot, sitting roughly 200 km from Sankri. You’ve got trains rolling in from places like Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Once you crawl off the train, your journey’s still far from over.

• By Road: Dehradun to Sankri by road get ready for about 10 hours (yep, 200 km, but the mountain roads aren’t exactly highways). Shared jeeps (cosy if you love strangers), local buses or a private cab if you’re feeling fancy. The drive itself is kind of epic, you’ll weave through hill towns like Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori. Windows down, playlist on, snacks ready.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Saru Tal Trek with Kedarakantha from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.