Garhwal
Kagbhusandi Lake Trek
An emerald lake under Hathi Parvat, on the old route between Bhyundar and Vishnuprayag
About this trek
Kagbhusandi is one of the hardest lake treks in the Garhwal and one of the least visited. The trail leaves the Valley of Flowers route at Bhyundar, climbs through the Semartoli meadows and crosses Kankul Khal, a pass at about 16,000 ft, before dropping to the lake. Snow lies on the pass into July. Long days, exposed ground, no villages after the first night: for trekkers with several high treks behind them.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Govindghat
Rishikesh → Joshimath → Govindghat
Road day past Joshimath to Govindghat on the Alaknanda.
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Day 2
Govindghat to Bhyundar
Govindghat → Pulna → Bhyundar
Up the Pushpawati valley on the Ghangaria trail, leaving it at Bhyundar village.
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Day 3
Bhyundar to Semartoli
Bhyundar → Semartoli
A steep climb out of the valley to the Semartoli meadows.
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Day 4
Semartoli to Kagbhusandi Tal over Kankul Khal
Semartoli → Kankul Khal → Kagbhusandi Tal
The pass day: scree and snow to Kankul Khal, then down to the lake.
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Day 5
Kagbhusandi Tal to Semartoli
Kagbhusandi Tal → Kankul Khal → Semartoli
Back over the pass while the snow is firm.
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Day 6
Semartoli to Govindghat, drive to Joshimath
Semartoli → Bhyundar → Govindghat → Joshimath
The long descent to the road. Drive to Rishikesh the next morning.
What is and is not included
Included
- Qualified trek leader and support staff
- Forest and camping permits
- Twin/triple sharing tents or guesthouse as noted
- All meals on the trek
- Safety equipment and first-aid support
Not included
- Transportation to and from the base camp unless noted
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (40–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Satopanth Lake Trek
Walk past the last village on the Mana route to a triangular glacial lake ringed by Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Balakun.
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Brahmatal Trek
Snow underfoot from the first day, oak and rhododendron forest, and an open ridge that holds Trishul in view for hours.
