Is Kedarkantha Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, Kedarkantha is perfect for beginners due to its gentle slopes and manageable altitude gain.

What’s the ideal time to trek Kedarkantha?

The best time for snow views is between December and April. Spring offers a blend of snow and fresh greenery.

How cold does it get on the trek?

Temperatures can drop to -10°C at night during winter, so adequate winter gear is essential.

Yes, with professional guides and proper preparation, Kedarkantha is safe for most fitness levels.

Kedarkantha Trek

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Kedarkantha Trek

Experience the serene beauty of the Kedarkantha Trek—one of India’s premier winter trekking destinations! A journey into the Himalayas, this trek features stunning snow-covered trails, quaint mountain villages, and panoramic summit views that make it a must for adventure enthusiasts.

Introduction to Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek is renowned for its enchanting snowy landscapes, making it one of the top winter treks in India. Located in Uttarakhand’s Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, this trek offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. As you ascend to the 12,500 ft summit, you’ll witness 360-degree views of the Himalayas—a highlight that makes the journey unforgettable.

Why Choose the Kedarkantha Trek?

Breathtaking Summit Views: The Kedarkantha peak provides stunning views of some of the Himalayas’ most iconic peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.

Snow-Filled Adventure: Experience the thrill of a true winter wonderland trek, with blankets of snow starting from December to April.

Cultural Immersion: You’ll pass through traditional Garhwali villages, offering a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of the locals.

Perfect for Beginners: Kedarkantha is considered an easy-to-moderate trek, making it accessible for beginners looking for an introduction to Himalayan trekking.

Key Highlights of Kedarkantha Trek:

Altitude: Reaches up to 12,500 feet at the summit.
Duration: 6 days and 5 nights, covering 20 km of scenic trails.
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly with moderate challenges, ideal for first-time trekkers.
Best Season: Perfect during winter, from December to April when the landscape is beautifully snow-clad.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Dehradun and Drive to Sankri

Distance: 220 km drive (8-9 hours)
Starting Point: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Highlights: The scenic drive passes through Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Purola, Mori, and Netwar, finally arriving at Sankri—a charming Himalayan village surrounded by lush forests.

Overview:
Your journey begins with an early morning drive from Dehradun to Sankri. The route is scenic, winding through forested valleys and quaint hill towns, offering glimpses of rivers, forests, and mountain life. Upon arrival in Sankri, take a moment to soak in the rustic beauty of this traditional Himalayan village.

Day 02 :

Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Trek Distance: 4 km
Altitude: 9,100 ft
Highlights: Dense forests of pine, maple, and oak; scenic meadows and the serene Juda Ka Talab—a lake formed by melted snow.

Trek Details:
Begin your first trek towards Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful lake surrounded by thick pine and oak forests. The 4 km trail is a gradual ascent, and you’ll be greeted by an increasingly wintry landscape as you approach the lake. Juda Ka Talab is a peaceful spot to camp, with clear skies for stargazing and a frozen lake in winter.

Overnight: Camping at Juda Ka Talab, surrounded by snowy landscapes.

Day 03 :

Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Trek Distance: 4 km
Altitude: 11,200 ft
Highlights: Stunning views of snow-draped landscapes and towering peaks.

Trek Details:
Today’s trek takes you to the Kedarkantha base camp, with a trail that offers expansive clearings, thick forests, and panoramic views. The base camp is a wide-open meadow set against a backdrop of snowy peaks. As you ascend, the trail opens up to reveal breathtaking sights of the Himalayas—a sneak preview of what lies ahead at the summit.

Overnight: Camping at Kedarkantha Base Camp, where you’ll prepare for the summit push.

Day 04 :

Summit Day! Kedarkantha Peak and Descent to Hargaon Camp

Trek Distance: 6 km (round trip)
Altitude: Summit at 12,500 ft
Highlights: Reaching Kedarkantha summit at sunrise for a panoramic view of Himalayan giants.

Summit Details:
The trek to the Kedarkantha summit begins early, often around 3:00 AM, to reach the peak by sunrise. The 6 km round trip takes you up steep snow-covered slopes, offering challenging yet rewarding views. The summit's 360-degree panorama is spectacular, with peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch looming on the horizon.

After spending some time at the summit, begin the descent to Hargaon Camp, a quaint and peaceful campsite nestled among trees.

Overnight: Camping at Hargaon Camp under a starlit sky.

Day 05 :

Hargaon to Sankri

Trek Distance: 4 km
Highlights: Gentle descent through lush pine forests and scenic clearings.

Trek Details:
Today’s trail is a gradual descent through dense pine and oak forests, leading back to Sankri. The trek offers a refreshing contrast to the snow-laden peaks of previous days, as you walk through rich green forest trails and gentle mountain slopes.

Overnight: Relax at Sankri village, sharing stories and celebrating your achievement.

Day 06 :

Sankri to Dehradun