Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

Kakbhushundi or Shri Kak Bhusundi (Sanskrit: काकभुशुण्डि) is a sage found in Hindu Scriptures in Hinduism. He is one of the characters of Ramcharitmanas, one of the most important Hindu texts, written by Saint Tulsidas. The word ‘Kak’ literally means ‘crow’ and is associated with the name because the sage was transformed into a crow by the sage Lomas in his final incarnation. He decided to spend his life in the form of a crow near Kagbhusandi Lake.

For more information, click here.

The total trek length of the Kagbhusandi Lake Trek is approximately 54 km from Govindghat to the Vishnuprayag.

Absolutely no, you must not do Kagbhusandi Lake Trek without a guide, or as a solo trekker, because from Bhyundar to Painka village, there is a 47 km trek where you will not find any shelter or village. Also, glaciers have destroyed most of the trail, so very difficult to keep track in the right direction. Many trekkers tried to go alone on the Kagbhusandi lake trek without a guide, but they lost their way, and they had to return from the midway.

You are eligible for Kagbhusandi Lake Trek if-

1. You have prior experience in high-altitude treks ( above 3500m ).
2. You have previously done any long Trek ( 25+km trek length).
3. You have completed a basic/advanced mountaineering course.
4. You are an athlete and do running regularly.
5. You have good stamina.
6. You are having no issues related to breathing/lungs/heart.

Acclimatization is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a change in its environment, allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. Acclimatization occurs in a short period and within the organism’s lifetime.

We can observe acclimatization when traveling to high altitude locations, such as tall mountains. For instance, if an individual hikes to 3,000 meters above sea level and stays there for 1-3 days, they become acclimatized to 3,000 meters. If the same person hikes to 4000 meters in altitude, their body has to acclimatize once again. Some of the changes that take place during acclimatization to high altitudes involve:

• Increment of red blood cells.
• Increased pressure in pulmonary arteries. Thereby forcing blood into sections of the lungs that are usually not used during normal breathing at lower altitudes.
• Increased depth of respiration.

In some cases, individuals suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness when ascending to elevations of over 3,000 meters from sea level. However, it is a common and mild condition. If the body gets enough time, then it can be overcome. It happens due to reduced air pressure at high altitudes as well as lower oxygen levels. One of the more severe forms of mountain sickness is called High Altitude Cerebral Edema, where fluid builds up in the brain. It is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical attention.