Inclusion
Exclusion
Key-Highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Sankri.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab.
Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base.
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Peak back to Base Camp.
Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Sankri.
Day 6: Departure from Sankri.
Kedarkantha Trek, located in the picturesque Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, is an idyllic destination fringed with pine trees and blanketed in snow. Perched at an impressive altitude of 12,500 feet, this trek is often hailed as one of the best snow-trekking experiences in the world. The journey to this mountain pass in Uttarakhand offers a variety of challenges, making it a favorite among trekkers seeking adventure amidst breathtaking natural beauty. If you're eager to experience nature at its finest and embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure, then the Kedarkantha Winter Snow Trek is a must.
As you traverse the trail, you'll be treated to mesmerizing views, dense forests, expansive fields, and enchanting snow-covered paths. Nestled within the Govind Wildlife National Sanctuary in Uttarkashi, the Kedarkantha Summit is surrounded by scenic river valleys, known as the Upper Garhwal Valley. This remote region is home to villages that have been inhabited since the Mahabharata period, adding a touch of historical significance to your journey. Regarded as one of the premier winter snow treks in India, Kedarkantha is suitable even for beginners and promises an experience that every trekker should undertake at least once in their lifetime. The best time to embark on this trek is from the first week of November to the last week of April when the region is draped in snow. The campsites along the route, especially after mid-November, are incredibly picturesque and completely snow-covered.
While every trek in the Himalayas has its unique charm, Kedarkantha stands out for its raw and unspoiled beauty. Trekking in the Himalayas not only immerses you in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but it also challenges your physical and mental limits. The Kedarkantha Trek is a journey that takes you through snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, frozen lakes, and culminates in a breathtaking summit, offering everything a trekker could wish for. The rewarding summit ascent provides memories that will last a lifetime, with stunning vistas from the Sankri base camp all the way to the peak.
Starting your trek in the early morning hours, you'll gradually ascend the steep hills, witnessing the awe-inspiring beauty of nature unfold before you. Kedarkantha is particularly popular as a winter trek, beginning from the quaint village of Sankri, located about 210 km from Dehradun.
Winter in the mountains can be harsh, with temperatures plummeting to minus degrees, heavy snowfall blocking roads, and making many areas inaccessible. These challenging conditions add to the excitement and allure of the trek, offering a true winter adventure. The temperature here can drop to 10 degrees or even lower at night, so it's important to be well-prepared for the cold. This is why many trekkers head to Sankri, especially during December, January, February, and March each year.
The drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie and on to Sankri is one of the most scenic and charming routes in the Himalayas, so be sure to bring your camera. Along the way, you'll encounter snow-covered paths and meadows, providing mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks. The serene streams and tranquil lakes you'll pass will soothe your trekking fatigue and offer a sense of peace. For those skilled in skiing, the snow-covered meadows of the Himalayas offer an excellent opportunity to ski and enjoy the stunning winter landscapes. The trek will also lead you through rich forests blanketed in fresh snow, especially in December. The warmth and hospitality of the local people are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Kedarkantha is also considered a sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva, making the trek not just a journey through nature, but also a spiritual experience. The tranquility and serenity of the trek evoke a sense of being in heaven, with views that make you feel like you're standing on the edge of the earth. The trek is steeped in mythology, with locals believing that the Kedarnath Temple was initially located here and that Lord Shiva still resides in Kedarkantha.
Even if you’re new to trekking, the Kedarkantha Trek is an ideal choice. As you explore the stunning beauty of the Burane Range, Bandarpoonch Peaks 1 and 2, and take in the magnificent views of the Rupin Range, Har Ki Dun, Swargarohini Peaks 1 to 4, and the Black Peak, you’ll realize that the trek offers an achievable altitude of 12,500 feet for beginners and first-time trekkers alike. If you have a passion for trekking and a desire to experience nature in its most pristine form, then make sure to plan a trip to Kedarkantha.
Our journey begins in Dehradun, where we’ll pick you up at 6:00 AM in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle. Please make sure to arrive at the pickup point on time. We will then drive to Sankri, which is 220 km away from Dehradun. The journey may take about 10 hours or more due to the mountainous terrain, but it offers breathtaking scenery along the way.
During the drive, we will pass through beautiful locations such as Mussoorie, Mori, and Naitwar. You’ll enjoy views of the Yamuna and Tons rivers, lined with pine trees. The river shifts from milky white in some areas to clear green in others. The fresh pine scent and the stunning natural beauty will make the long journey to Sankri worthwhile. The last 22 km of the road, as you enter Govind National Park, are particularly enchanting, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Upon reaching Sankri, we’ll check into our hotel. After freshening up, you have the evening to explore the quaint village of Sankri at your leisure. You can take a stroll around this charming village, known as a hub for trekkers, as it serves as the base camp for 11 Himalayan treks, including the popular Har Ki Dun trek. While Sankri does have JIO network coverage, it is quite unreliable. The village also offers a stunning sunset backdrop against the Himalayas, perfect for photography enthusiasts. For dinner, you can choose to dine at your hotel or experience the local flavors at nearby village dhabas. Stay overnight in Sankri, as we’ll begin our trek the next day.
The trek to the Kedarkantha summit starts in Sankri, our base village, and today we will head to Juda Ka Talab, a stunning alpine lake. After an early breakfast, we’ll begin our trek to the lake, situated at an altitude of 9,100 feet and about 4-5 km away, which should take approximately 5 hours to reach.
We will depart from Sankri and pass through the village extension of Saur, walking alongside a stream before entering a forest of pine and maple trees. The path climbs sharply, and we will cross several suspension bridges and small mountain villages on our way to Juda Ka Talab.
The trail today is wide and ascends gradually for about 2-3 hours. In summer, the trail is lush with greenery and dotted with wildflowers, while in winter, it is blanketed in snow, potentially requiring gaiters. As we ascend, you might catch glimpses of wildlife like the shy Himalayan Langurs, boars, hares, and martens.
The Juda Ka Talab campsite is a picturesque spot with an alpine lake on one side and a pine forest on the other, creating a surreal atmosphere. During peak winter, the lake freezes, forming a picture-perfect scene. The lake, considered sacred by locals, is believed to have formed from droplets of water falling from Lord Shiva's hair.
We’ll camp here for the night. You can take beautiful photos and enjoy nature walks. In the evening, gather around a bonfire to enjoy dinner and warm drinks, sharing stories with fellow trekkers. The night sky here is dazzling with stars, offering a perfect view before you retire to your tent.
We’ll start our day early with a warm breakfast and a breathtaking sunrise. We will then trek to the Kedarkantha Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 10,100 feet. The 4 km trek from Juda Ka Talab to the base camp takes about 3 hours at a moderate pace. The well-marked trail ensures easy navigation.
Our journey will take us through a forest of pine and oak trees that eventually opens into expansive meadows dotted with shepherd huts. As you progress, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Swargrohini peaks, Bandarpoonch, Ranglana, and Kala Nag. These majestic peaks are like nature's jewels, creating a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
The Kedarkantha trail is relatively easy and suitable for beginners. Even in peak winter, it’s not as strenuous as other treks, making it enjoyable for everyone. During summer, the trail is lush and green. Once at the campsite, you can rest, take short walks around, and enjoy a hot dinner while marveling at the clear night sky filled with stars. The cold can be intense at this altitude, so make sure to dress in layers. Rest early in your tent to prepare for the summit trek the following day.
Today, we’ll reach the Kedarkantha summit at an elevation of 12,500 feet. We will trek from the base camp to the summit and back, covering a total distance of about 6 km, which should take approximately 7 hours.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll set out for the summit. The initial trail is a gradual incline but becomes steeper as we near the peak, challenging your fitness and trekking skills. We’ll start by crossing a forest of tall oak and pine trees, with the ground covered in leaves and the faint sound of streams nearby.
As we ascend, the forest opens up, and we get closer to the peak, where the path becomes steeper. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning views at the summit, making you feel on top of the world. The panoramic vistas of the Himalayas are rejuvenating after the challenging climb. At the summit, you’ll also find a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying the summit’s serene atmosphere, we’ll descend back to the base camp for lunch. Post-lunch, we’ll continue our descent to the Kedarkantha base. The descent is easier and faster, and we’ll soon arrive back at the base campsite, where we’ll set up camp. Enjoy a hearty dinner and rest in your tent for the night.
The final leg of our trek involves descending from the Kedarkantha base to Sankri. Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing Himalayan sunrise and enjoy a delicious breakfast. We will then start our descent toward Sankri, passing through forests and crossing bubbling streams, where you can refill your water bottles.
As we descend, the forest opens up to a ridge offering a panoramic view of the Har ki Dun Valley, with its lush green slopes. Continuing our descent, the forest grows denser again before finally opening up at Sankri. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel. After freshening up, you can spend the evening exploring the village.
Although Sankri has few shops, you can purchase wooden handicrafts, toys, and home decor as souvenirs. Interact with the locals to learn more about their way of life. The village is home to about 120 families who live in wooden huts, and their staples are potatoes, rice, and apples. Sankri also hosts regular fairs where locals engage in singing and dancing to traditional folk music.
For dinner, you can choose to eat at a local dhaba or your hotel. After a tiring yet rewarding journey, enjoy a restful night in the hotel.
On the final day of our wonderful trek, we will head back to Dehradun, taking with us many beautiful memories from this adventure.
The prime months for undertaking the Kedarkantha trek are from December to April, aligning with the winter season. This timeframe provides the most magical experience, as the trail is enveloped in a pristine layer of snow, transforming the landscape into a stunning winter wonderland in the heart of the Himalayas.
To start your Kedarkantha Trek, you'll need to reach Dehradun. Here’s how you can travel from Delhi, Dehradun Airport, or Chandigarh to Dehradun:
Drop-Off Information:
Travel Tip: It’s highly recommended to include a buffer day in your travel itinerary. If the buffer day is not needed for any delays, you can use it to explore nearby attractions such as Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh.
Independent Travel to Base Camp:
By planning your travel with these details in mind, you can ensure a smooth start to your Kedarkantha Trek adventure. Safe travels!
Yes, the Kedarkantha Trek is highly suitable for beginners. With an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level, it is an ideal trek for those new to trekking, offering a manageable challenge for first-timers.
The Kedarkantha trek features a relatively easy trail with only a few steep ascents and descents, making it graded as easy to moderate. It is a great choice for first-time trekkers. To prepare, it is recommended to start walking for 30 minutes daily about two weeks before the trek and gradually increase the pace to build adequate fitness.
The Kedarkantha Trek spans a distance of 10 kilometers one way.
The best time for the Kedarkantha Trek is during the winter months, particularly from December to January, when the landscape is covered in snow. However, it can also be enjoyed in the summer, making it a year-round trek.
At the altitude of 12,500 feet, mobile networks are generally inaccessible on the Kedarkantha trek. However, BSNL services are available up to the base camp.
The trek begins in the village of Sankri, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. You can take a bus from Dehradun to Sankri, where the trek starts.
While the chances of avalanches in Kedarkantha are low, there is a slight risk of encountering wild animals since it is part of the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. It is advisable to stay with your trekking group at all times.
Although high-altitude medicines are generally not necessary, some first-time trekkers may experience symptoms like vomiting, drowsiness, or breathing difficulties. It’s recommended to carry Diamox as a precaution.
No, liquor and smoking are not advisable on the Kedarkantha Trek due to the high altitude, where people can easily fall ill. Consuming alcohol at high altitudes is not recommended, and smoking is particularly harmful as it reduces the oxygen needed for trekking.
The minimum age limit for the Kedarkantha Trek is 9 to 10 years.
The most challenging part of the Kedarkantha Trek is the summit push, but overall it is not considered difficult and is suitable for those with basic fitness levels.
The best season for the Kedarkantha Trek is during the winter months of December, January, February, and March.
To start the Kedarkantha Trek, you need to reach the village of Sankri, which is approximately 200 kilometers from Dehradun. From there, you can proceed to the trek.
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