Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

Days : 5

Adventure Type : Trekking

Base Camp : Sankri

Season : Winter

Altitude : 12,500 Ft.

Grade : Easy to Moderate

Location : Uttarakhand

Distance : 20 Km

Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point.

Kedarkantha is such a popular winter trek that it would be apt to entitle it as the Queen of Winter Treks. Knee-deep snow in winters, mesmerising view from the top, and the beautiful and easy trails make it popular among trekkers. The ‘easy on endurance’ trail goes through the thick pine forests of Govind National Park. The views from the top are worth climbing to an altitude of 12,500 ft. Kedarkantha trek will give you an inimitable view of the cosmic sky, lush meadows, snow paths, charming villages, scented pine forest, sky-knocking peaks, tranquil rivers, and some mythological

Best Time to Visit for Kedarkantha Trek

If you've ever pondered which Indian winter trek is the greatest, Kedarkantha's name has probably come up. If you're wondering why people go to Kedarkantha, the five main attractions are the snow, forest, frozen lake, 360-degree summit view, and camping experience. The unmatched splendour of the Kedarkantha Trek in the winter is what makes it unique.

Winter Wonderland: Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, with beautiful snow-covered peaks and chilly nights.

Mind-Bending Camping Adventure: During the Kedarkantha Trek, you can camp at some really cool and unique campsites with great mountain views and a close relationship with nature.
Frozen Forests: Trekking through the dense Himalayan coniferous forests and glacial landscapes lets you experience the captivating winter scenes.

Frozen Lake - Juda Ka Talab: Juda Ka Talab is a frozen lake of extraordinary beauty. It's a peaceful place to meditate and take photos.

Beginner-Friendly Trek: Kedarkantha Trek is the best option for beginners, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and thrilling adventure.

Summit Climb: For a real excitement kick, try a summit climb and walk on thick layers of snow to the top.

Panoramic Views of the Himalayas: Above the clouds, enjoy stunning views of various mountain peaks from Kedarkantha Trek, including the peaks of the beautiful Gangotri, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Yamunotri, and the Swargarohini range.

Photographer's Paradise: The landscapes of Kedarkantha Trek are like living in a postcard, with endless breathtaking photography opportunities.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival at Sankri (1,950 m / 6,400 ft); 200 KM drive from Dehradun:

Drive Distance : 2000 kilometres
Drive Time : 8-9 hours
Pick-up Location : Railway Station
Altitude : 6400 ft

The journey will start from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri at 6.30 am and will take around 8 o’clock. We will drive along the Yamuna via Dehradun and Mussoorie kempty Paul Passes through beautiful deodar forests. Upon reaching 6 pm at Sankri Village we will explore the beautiful hamlet in Prepare for the trek.

Sankri is a beautiful village surrounded by Himalayas and forest, creating a picture-perfect atmosphere. The village serves as a base for various other treks like Har Ki Dun, Ruinsara Tal, Bali Pass, etc. After reaching Sankri by the evening, you are free to explore

We will end our day with a hot dinner and rest well for tomorrow.

Overnight stay at Sankri ( Nature View himalaya Resort)..

Day 02: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,773 m / 9,100 ft)

Trek Distance : 4 km
Trek Time : 4-5 hours
Altitude : 9100 ft

After having breakfast, we’ll set out on a moderate hike, which for the most part goes to the forest. We will go to Sour Village and then climb up until we reach a small pond,A separate pond, which freezes in winter. We’ll be fleeting as we keep climbing up A glimpse of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. An hour more hiking will take us to Grasslands where Juda ka Talab is a high-altitude lake surrounded by a thick forest of oaks, maple and pine. The lake is said to have formed when Lord Shiva opened a strand from his hair bun, and water droplets fell from it, creating this lake. There are several other interesting tales related to this beautiful lake, but the fact that it is a lovely lake remains true.

We will finish off our day with a hot dinner while sharing stories and rest for the night in Camping

Day 03: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3,429 m/11,250 ft)

Trek Distance : 3 km
Trek Time : 2-3 hours
Altitude : 11,260 ft

Today we trek to Kedarkantha Base Camp, where you'll enjoy open views, snow fields, and majestic Himalayan peaks. We’ll camp overnight here to prepare for an early start to the summit.

Kedar Kantha base becomes our destination for the day and we start for it post breakfast. Today Will be a busy day for shutterbugs as the trek route is beautiful with open views on all sides And huge snow fields decorated with lush green patches. However, our destination is even higher Impressive. Imagine a huge open, ice field, the size of two football fields, a stream that flows And the misty mountains from the background – this is the Kedar Kantha base where we will Overnight in tents. We told you it was impressive!

Also Get ready to experience the splendid view of well- known Himalayan peaks like SarwarRohini, bandarpoonch kala nag and All View. And We will have our dinner early and sleep because the next day, we have to wake up at 3 am to chase the sunrise on the peak.

Day 04: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak (3,810 m / 12,500 ft) and down to Hargaon

Trek Distance: 12 km
Trek Time : 7-8 hours
Altitude : 12,500 ft

Today we will trek to the Kedarkantha summit reaching an elevation of 12,500 ft. Today’s trekking schedule involves trekking from the base camp to the Kedarkantha summit and descending to the Juda ka Talab campsite. The journey to the summit and down to Juda ka Talab is about 12 km and it takes about 7/8 hours

After a pleasant breakfast in the morning, we will set out for the Kedarkantha summit. The trek is a gradual incline, however, it gets pretty steep in the end and might test your skills and fitness a little. Today also your trek will begin by crossing a forest of towering Oaks and Pines. The leaves strewn on the ground, scrunching your feet and you can also hear the faint sounds of streams gushing .

After hiking for around 4 km with a final inclination climb of 40° to 60°, you will finally reach the summit. Seek blessing from the small Kedarnath temple made of stone arrangement of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Relish in the most beautiful sunrise from a Himalayan Mountain Peak and discover yourself.

From the summit, enjoy the 360° views of the Himalayas and try to identify peaks like Swargarohini 1,2,3, Bandarpunch & Kalanag. You can also see Har Ki Dun Trek and Rupin Valley Etc. from the top.

We do believe in living in the moment, but capturing them to preserve the memories forever is also essential. After clicking on many photos and videos, we will start our descent.

We will head for our favourite Juda ka Talab And spend another beautiful night under twinkling stars after a hot & delicious supper

Day 05: Juda Ka Talab to Sankri, then Sankri to Dehradun

Trek Distance : 4 km
Trek Time : 2-3 hours
Drive Distance : 200 km
Drive Time : 8-9 hours

On this day we descend down to Sankri after breakfast. There are views of the snow-clad mountains and also you can see the downhill villages during your descend. After reaching Sankri, you will be provided with certificates for the completion of the trek. Then we will depart and drive back to Dehradun and reach Dehradun by 7-8 pm. Here we say goodbye and see you on other trips and treks with our team.

Including the Tour

Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun : Starting from a pickup on Day 1 to drop on Day 5.
All vegetarian meals : Starting from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5.
Professional guide, cook, and support staff.
Rent for camping equipment.
Forest entry charges.
Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment.
Note : Personal luggage can be carried by mules and/or porters on a chargeable basis.
Tented accommodation : Throughout the trek on a triple sharing basis. Guesthouse accommodation on Day 1 on a triple sharing basis (INR 1000 extra for twin sharing).

Exclusives the Tour

Transport to reach Dehradun : From hometown and return.
Personal expenses : Such as tips, personal medicines, phone calls, etc.
Additional transport : Any transport support during the trek other than those specified in Inclusions.
Accommodation in Dehradun.
Porter/mule charges: For personal luggage per bag per person (< 12 kg) - INR 300 per day.

Things To Carry

C1 Pair of Thermal)

3 Pair of Socks + 1 Pair of woollen socks

1 Pair of Hand Gloves (Water Proof & Fleece material

Neck Warmer (Scarf/Buff)

2 Quick Dry Full Sleeves (T-Shirt)

1 Full sleeves Fleece

1 Windproof Jacket (windcheater/Heavy Jacket)

2 Track Pants (No Cotton or Jeans)

Sun Glass

Sun scream, Lip balm, Moisturizer

Torch

Trekking Shoes (No Sports shoes or Woodland shoes)

Poncho ( The Gear used to protect from Rain)

Day pack (Small one)

Backpack 60 Ltrs (+ Rain cover)

1 Water Bottles

Toilet Paper & Wet Wipes

Hand Sanitizer

Antibacterial Powder

Tooth Brush

Medical Disclosures

Crocin (1 Strip)
Disprin (1 Strip)
Lomotive (1 Strip)
Digene (1 Strip)
Gauze
Dettol
Band Aid - Qty 5
Neosporin Powder
Betadine Tube
Vomistop/Avomine (Motion Sickness Tablet)

Difficulty Level of the Trek

Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand is of easy grade when it comes to the different levels of trekking. It is considered a beginner-friendly trek with its easy trails and access to transportation.

The highest point during this trek is around 12,000 feet, covering a total distance of approximately 20 kilometers from Raithal to Raithal.

Considering the altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level, there’s no need to worry about altitude-related issues like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). So, whether children below 12 years or senior citizens above 60 years, Dayara Bugyal is one of the perfect trekking destinations in India.

The Kedarkantha Trek is open throughout the year, offering a wide range of experiences in each season. It is especially popular in the winter months, from December to March, when the trail is covered in snow, providing a stunning snowy landscape. During the spring and summer months, trekkers can enjoy lush greenery, blooming rhododendrons, and pleasant weather. The autumn season brings clear skies and vibrant colors, making it an ideal time for photography enthusiasts.

The Kedarkantha Trek is accessible to trekkers of all fitness levels. While no prior trekking experience is necessary, it’s recommended that trekkers engage in some preparatory fitness activities such as walking, jogging, or light exercises to enhance endurance for a more enjoyable trekking experience. Overall, the Kedarkantha Trek is a fantastic option for beginners and nature lovers looking for a scenic and accessible Himalayan adventure.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winter

Months: November to Mid-March
Temperature: Day: 8℃ to 10℃, Night: -12℃
Kedarkantha is the most famous winter trek in Uttarakhand for all the right reasons. During winter, the trail will be covered in thick sheets of snow. The days will be filled with cold winds, and nights will dip even lower in winter. The weather creates a perfect atmosphere for snow and snowfall, with a picturesque white landscape, a frozen lake, and the Himalayas in the background.
Kedarkantha Trek offers a fantastic opportunity for beginners to experience a winter trek and reach a snow summit. For seasoned trekkers, it’s a thrilling experience.
This trek combines the perfect amount of snow, teaching you essential skills like walking in snow and setting up tents in a snow-covered world.

Spring

Months: March to April
Temperature: Day: 15℃ to 18℃, Night: 0℃ to 5℃
As snow melts, temperatures rise and greenery returns. You’ll encounter a splash of colors as flowers bloom, especially the bright pinks, scarlets, and oranges of Rhododendrons.
Spring is a perfect time to enjoy mild cold weather, colorful surroundings, and the Great Himalayan peaks in the backdrop.

Summer

Months: May & June
Temperature: Day: 18℃ to 24℃, Night: 3℃ to 8℃
In summer, bright sun and clear skies welcome you on the trek. This is an ideal time, as trails, lakes, and the summit are less crowded.
Although it won’t be hot, you’ll feel light, cool evening breezes. By late June, you might experience pre-monsoon showers, so be prepared with raincoats or ponchos.

Autumn

Months: September to December
Temperature: Day: 10℃ to 15℃, Night: 0℃ to -5℃
After monsoon, the trek remains fresh and green in September and October, with fragrant maple and pine adding to your experience.
In November, temperatures drop further, giving a taste of the approaching winter chill without extreme cold.

How to Reach

By Air

Dehradun brings some of the closest to our base location with the airport Jolly Grant. It is well connected to all the states and city with a daily flight from Delhi.

By Train

From Delhi: DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)
From Kolkata: Doon Express (13009)
From Mumbai: Dehradun Express (19019)
From Chennai: Dehradun express (12687)

By Road

Dehradun is well connected by roads across the country with NH 72 connecting regions like Panchkula, Chandigarh, and Shimla. There are ample local and private buses to Dehradun.

The ATM Point

Before starting the journey to Har Ki Dun trek, make sure that you need payments, and then take out the cash on the way, no bank and ATM. No, the Purola market is the last place where you can withdraw cash from ATM, (If you want to withdraw money then do it in Dehradun.)

Mobile Connectivity

Sankri is a small village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in India. Being a remote location, the mobile network connectivity in Sankri may be limited. However, some of the major mobile network providers in India like Jio, Vodafone and BSNL have network coverage in the area.

It’s important to note that the network coverage may vary depending on the location and the network provider. In some areas, you may experience poor or no network connectivity, while in others, you may have good network coverage. It’s a good idea to check with your network provider regarding the network coverage in Sankri and the surrounding areas before your trip.

Booking Process for Vanvas Adventure - Kedarkantha Trek 📍

Trek Cost Per Head

Trek: ₹6500/-
Dehradun To Dehradun
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Payment Mode

Google Pay, PhonePe, Bhim: 9368705455
Name of the Bank: Kotak Mahindra Bank
Account Holder: Vanvas Adventure
Account Number: 5949211784
IFSC Code: KKBK0005171
Branch: 87, Nehru Colony, Dehradun

Booking Amount: ₹1000/- per person in advance; remaining balance to be paid on arrival.

Booking Steps

Inquiry:
Reach out via the official website, WhatsApp, or call to inquire about trek availability and details.
Availability Confirmation:
Check the trek dates availability on the website.
Payment Information:
A payment link or bank details will be provided. A deposit of ₹1000 per person from the total package cost is required to secure the booking.
Booking Confirmation:
Upon receiving the deposit, Vanvas Adventure will send a booking confirmation invoice on WhatsApp or mail.
Balance Payment:
The remaining balance is to be paid 3 days before the trek date. Payment can be made via bank transfer, UPI, or other approved methods.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

We understand the excitement of going on a trek and discovering new locations, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need to cancel your Trek/Yatra. To ensure a hassle-free experience, we’ve crafted a trekker-friendly cancellation and refund policy outlined below. Please review this carefully before booking your trek.

Customers who have paid either the initial 30% deposit or the full 100% deposit will only be eligible for vouchers that can be redeemed for future treks or services offered by Vanvas Adventure. The ‘paid amount‘ mentioned on this page refers to the sum you have paid to Vanvas Adventure, and any refund will be applicable based on that amount.

Cancellation Over 30 Days Before Departure Date: 90% refund of the paid amount as a trek voucher with a validity of 1 year.
Cancellation Between 21-30 Days Before Departure Date: 75% refund of the paid amount as a trek voucher with a validity of 1 year.
Cancellation Between 11-20 Days Before Departure Date: 50% refund of the paid amount as a trek voucher with a validity of 1 year.
Cancellation Less Than 10 Days Before Departure Date: Unfortunately, no voucher will be provided.
No-show: In the event of a no-show, no refund will be applicable.

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kedarkantha a difficult Trek?

Kedarkantha Trek comes under the easy to moderate category. It is best done in winters from Mid November to Mid April. The main difficulty of the trek is the cold temperature as it is done in peak winters. The temperature drops to -10 degrees in a few days making the nights very cold. One should prepare accordingly if planning for this trek.

Which month is best for Kedarkantha?

Kedarkantha is mainly done from mid November to mid April. Talking about the best month among these is a difficult option because each month has something to offer. It depends on what you are looking for. In December and January the number of trekkers is much higher on the trail because of the available holidays. In February and March the trails have a lesser number of people making it wonderful for people seeking peace away from the crowd.

How much does the Kedarkantha trek cost?

Kedarkantha Trek cost varies from Rs. 6500 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the group size and the time of the year you are planning to do it. Being a very popular trek there are many companies which sell this trek online but only few companies are service providers.

How Long is the Kedarkantha Trek?

Kedarkantha trek is around 22 kms from Sankri to Sankri. It is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand, India.

Can a beginner do Kedarkantha Trek?

Yes, a beginner can do Kedarkantha trek. If you are a beginner and planning this trek you should have three things in mind:

Physical fitness: You don’t have to be a fitness freak to do a trek, it is just that basic fitness should be maintained. You should not be obese and should not have any medical ailments.
Mental fitness: You should come with an open mindset and be ready for the harsh conditions winters have to offer.
Gear: Being a winter trek, good gear is extremely essential.

Does mobile work in Kedarkantha?

If you are planning Kedarkantha Trek, mobile phones will only be used to click pictures. There is no network available during the trek. Jio networks may be available in Sankri.

Are there charging points available during the trek?

Charging your gadgets might be challenging during the trek. The last charging point is at Sankri, so it is recommended to carry spare batteries for cameras and a power bank with a capacity of more than 20,000 mAh.

Is the Kedarkantha Trek worth it?

It is totally worth it as it is one of the few winter treks where the trails are snow-laden throughout winters. It’s a small trek in terms of distance but offers remarkable views. It will give you a feeling of climbing a Himalayan mountain.

Is Kedarkantha safe in December?

Yes, it is absolutely safe in December. In fact, most trekkers visit in December because of the available vacations. It is a safe trek and can be done throughout the year except during monsoons.

Can the Vanvas Adventure team organise private batches for individual groups?

Yes, the Vanvas Adventure team can organise private batches for individual groups, but the cost of the trek may vary according to the number of members in your group. You can talk to our trek coordinator via WhatsApp/call to get the customised group rates.

What food do you provide?

We provide 3 Veg meals and evening snacks. There will be no non-veg served during the trek. Eggs may or may not be served depending on the trek.

Do I need to carry trek equipment?

We provide sleeping bags, inner liners, sleeping mats, tents. You just need to carry your personal gear. A list of personal gear is available on our website under the ‘Trek Essentials’ section.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Himalayan Treks & Expeditions prides itself on being prepared for any emergency situation. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. Every campsite has basic first aid and oxygen cylinders. If a serious emergency occurs, we will evacuate you to the base village and nearest hospital, but the expenses have to be borne by the individual.