18D / 17N 5Overview
Tour overview
Kagbhushudi Lake trek has lately garnered a lot of attention among the famous trekking sites.
The description of Kakbhushundi Parvat (also known as Neelkanth Parvat) appears in the Uttarkand of Shri Ramcharitmanas. It comes in the context of the dialogue between Garuda ji and Kakbhushundi ji.
Kagbhushundi Lake Trek is a mesmerizing high-altitude Himalayan trail located in the Badrinath region of Garhwal, at an elevation of 4,345 m. The trek leads to a stunning emerald-green, triangular alpine lake, surrounded by blooming wildflowers during summer, creating a truly magical landscape.
The Kagbhushundi Lake Trek is not only an adventure but also a spiritual journey. It is associated with Kakbhushundi Ji, the immortal crow-form devotee of Lord Rama, who resides on Neelkanth Mountain and has narrated the Ram Katha to Garuda Ji. Pilgrims and trekkers alike visit this sacred site to experience the divine energy, devotion, and serene Himalayan surroundings.
Tour highlights
Best Time
June to October
Ideal For
Adventure enthusiasts
Difficulty
Moderate
Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.
The Kagbhushundi Lake Trek begins at Govind Ghat (1,828 m), located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Govind Ghat serves as a key base for several Himalayan treks and campsites. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, approximately 292 km away, while Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest railhead at around 273 km. Govind Ghat is also well connected by road, with Joshimath just 22 km away via NH-58.
Upon arrival at Govind Ghat, our team will assist you and escort you to your pre-arranged accommodation for a comfortable overnight stay before the trek begins.
After breakfast, start trekking towards Bhyundar Village, covering about 12 km. The trail has a steep climb in the first hour, followed by an easier gradient. The route passes through rocky terrain, glaciers, shrubs, streams, and glacial moraines, with the soothing sounds of the Alaknanda River along the way. Trek through rhododendron forests with views of Haathi Parvat, and end the day with an overnight stay in tents at Roop Dhungi.
The trek from Roop Dhungi to Simartoli to Rajkharak is about 14 km, passing through alpine meadows, rocky trails, and glacial streams. The route offers beautiful mountain views and open bugyals around Simartoli, followed by a moderate ascent to Rajkharak, where you halt for an overnight stay in tents.
Day 4 is the most awaited and exciting day of the Kagbhushundi Lake Trek. From Rajkharak, trek 8 km to Kagbhushundi Lake (5,300 m). The trail begins through lush green valleys and alpine meadows, followed by challenging boulder climbs, made worthwhile by the anticipation of the stunning lake.
En route, trekkers may spot wildlife, especially bears, and enjoy magnificent views of Neelkanth, Haathi Peak, Ghodi Parvat, Chaukhamba, and Nar–Narayan Peaks. The valley is rich in Himalayan flora, including Brahma Kamal and other rare high-altitude flowers.
On reaching the sacred emerald-green Kagbhushundi Lake (500 m long, 250 m wide), surrounded by towering snow-clad peaks, you are left truly awestruck. During July to September, the lake blooms with colorful wildflowers. Overnight stay in makeshift tents at Kagbhushundi.
Trek from Kagbhushundi Lake to Gounchha Udiyar (8 km) through sprawling meadows, alpine forests, gushing streams, and panoramic mountain views—a true visual delight. Along the way, experience the nomadic lifestyle of local tribal villagers, learn about their culture, and even enjoy a traditional meal with them. End the day with a restful overnight stay in tents at Gounchha Udiyar.
After breakfast, trek from Gounchha Udiyar to Painka (10 km), then drive 7 km back to Govind Ghat. The trail passes through rocky, narrow paths and dense forests, with scenic views and a spring from Barmal Peak. Painka, a quaint village in the Garhwal Himalayas, offers breathtaking beauty and serene landscapes. Conclude the trek at Govind Ghat, check in at the guesthouse, and enjoy a hot dinner while relishing the memories of your Himalayan adventure.
The Kagbhushundi Lake Trek concludes today. After a hearty breakfast, check out from the guesthouse and proceed for your onward journey to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
Travel tips
Travel Tips
1. Trekking shoes: Sturdy and waterproof with good grip — essential for rocky, uneven terrain.
2. Warm clothing: Layers including fleece, windproof jacket, warm socks, gloves, cap — nights and high camps are cold.
3. Rain protection: Poncho/rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
4. Backpack: Keep it light (ideally ≤10 kg) and carry essentials only.
5. Headlamp / torch and extra batteries — useful in camps where electricity may be limited.
6. Pack snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, glucose, ORS to keep energy levels up between meals.
7. Know the trail: Some sections are remote with no shops or shelters — trekking with the organized group’s guides ensures safety and navigation.
8. Wildlife awareness: Dense forests and meadows can have wildlife — follow guide instructions and keep a safe distance.
9. Emergency kit: Basic first-aid, pain relievers, bandages, altitude sickness meds etc.
10. Mobile connectivity is limited — download offline maps and let family know your schedule.
11. Cash only beyond Govindghat — no ATMs on the trek routes.
What's included
What's included
Included
- ✓Accommodation on double/twin-sharing basis in the hotels.
- ✓Meals, as mentioned in the detailed itinerary and costing that, shall be shared with you.
- ✓All transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary by Vehicle as per the number of persons(Only land transfers).
- ✓Driver allowance, parking, toll, interstate taxes.
- ✓Goods & Service Tax at the prevailing rates.
Not included
- ✕Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc.
- ✕Any other meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions.
- ✕Any guide fee, entrances, camera fee etc.
- ✕Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control.
- ✕Any other item not specifically mentioned above in 'Prices Include'
- ✕Any air/rail/coach/ferry fares.
- ✕Any change in package price due to hike in fuel prices and government taxes.
- ✕Any surcharges for super peak season.
What travellers say
What travellers say
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”2 weeks ago · Google
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”a month ago · Google
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”3 months ago · Google
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