Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most sought-after winter treks in India, located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. Known for its stunning snow-covered landscapes, the trek offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. It’s particularly popular among adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape from the busy city life.

The trek culminates at the Kedarkantha Peak, which stands tall at 12,500 feet, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The entire journey takes you through lush forests, picturesque villages, sparkling lakes, and snowy trails, providing trekkers with a memorable experience. The Kedarkantha Trek is ideal for both beginners and intermediate trekkers, as it doesn't require advanced trekking skills but does offer a challenging yet rewarding experience.

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Difficulty Level

The trek is considered moderate in difficulty, making it accessible for first-time trekkers who are in good physical shape. It is ideal for people with basic fitness levels and those who are comfortable with hiking at moderate altitudes. The Kedarkantha Trek can be completed over 5 days, with well-defined trails and campsites. While the trek is manageable, the final ascent to Kedarkantha Peak can be challenging due to the altitude and steep climb, but the views from the top make it worthwhile.

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How to Reach Dehradun or Sankri

By Air:

• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 25 km from Dehradun.
• Regular flights connect Dehradun with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road:

• From Delhi: 250 km, 7-8 hours by bus or private cab.
• From Dehradun: 210 km to Sankri, 8-10 hours by shared cab or private taxi.

By Train:

• Dehradun Railway Station is well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
• Popular trains: Shatabdi Express and Dehradun Express.

Once you reach Dehradun, you will be picked up early in the morning for the drive to Sankri, the base camp for the trek. The distance from Dehradun to Sankri is about 220 km, and the journey takes around 10 hours. The route is scenic, passing through beautiful landscapes, quaint hill towns, and the Tons River valley, making the drive itself an enjoyable part of the experience.

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Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

• Altitude Sankri: 6,400 Ft.
• Drive Duration: 220 km | 10 Hours

The Kedarkantha Trek begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, a small village nestled in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. The journey covers a distance of around 200+ km, taking you through winding hill roads, quaint villages, and the beautiful Tons River Valley. Along the way, you'll pass through places like Nainbagh, Purola, and Moriana, all offering views of lush forests and snow-capped peaks, depending on the season.

Once you reach Sankri, you'll be welcomed by the cool mountain breeze and picturesque views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. This village will serve as the base for your trek. You can take some time to relax, have a meal, and prepare for the trek ahead. It’s also a good time to check your gear and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the adventure begins.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab

• Altitude Juda-ka-Talab: 9,100 Ft.
• Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 4-5 Hours

On the second day, the trek begins with a gradual climb through dense pine forests and some open meadows. The trail takes you through a mix of oak, pine, and deodar trees, where you may encounter wildlife like monal (the Himalayan bird), wild boars, and perhaps even Himalayan tahrs.

The first stop is Juda-ka-Talab, a serene and scenic lake surrounded by trees. During the winter months, the lake often freezes, making it a picturesque sight for trekkers. The lake's surroundings are peaceful, and it is a perfect camping spot. The area is ideal for stargazing, offering clear skies and minimal light pollution. The night sky over the mountains is spectacular, offering a chance to see the Milky Way and countless constellations.

Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

• Altitude Kedarkantha Base Camp: 10,100 Ft.
• Trek Distance: 4 km | 2-3 Hours

On Day 3, you’ll start the trek towards Kedarkantha Base Camp, the last campsite before your summit attempt. The climb is relatively gradual but continues to increase in altitude. As you ascend, you’ll witness panoramic views of the Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Fool’s Peak, which stand tall in the background.

As you get closer to the base camp, you will notice the changing landscape—snow-capped peaks, wide meadows, and boulder-strewn paths. The Kedarkantha Base Camp offers one of the best views of the surrounding mountains. This is where you'll spend some time acclimatizing before heading for the summit. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the views.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak, Descend to Juda-ka-Talab

• Altitude Kedarkantha Peak: 11,800 Ft.
• Trek Distance: 6-7 km | 7-8 Hours (Including ascent and descent)

Day 4 is the highlight of the trek—the summit day. You’ll start your day early, usually around 3 AM, to make the ascent to Kedarkantha Peak in time for sunrise. The trail to the summit is steep and covered with snow (during winter), so be prepared for a physically demanding climb. The effort is well worth it, as the summit offers one of the best panoramic views in the region.

At the top of Kedarkantha Peak, at an altitude of 12,500 feet, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including Swargarohini, Black Peak, Gangotri Peaks, and Banderpoonch. The snow-covered landscape, with the sun rising over the peaks, creates an unforgettable experience.

After spending some time at the summit, taking photos, and soaking in the views, you will begin your descent back to Juda-ka-Talab. The descent is easier but can be tricky in places due to the snow. Upon reaching Juda-ka-Talab, you can rest and recover from the strenuous day.

Day 5: Juda-ka-Talab to Sankri and Drive to Dehradun

• Altitude Sankri: 6,400 Ft.
• Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 3-4 Hours
• Drive Duration: 220 km | 10 Hours

On the final day of the trek, you’ll make your way back to Sankri. The descent is generally easier and quicker than the ascent. You’ll follow the same trail through forests and meadows, which will give you a chance to reflect on the journey you’ve completed. The descent will take about 3-4 hours, depending on your pace.

Once you arrive at Sankri, you’ll begin the drive back to Dehradun. The journey from Sankri to Dehradun takes about 10 hours, and the scenic drive offers one last opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Tons River Valley and the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Day 2: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab

Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak, Descend to Juda-ka-Talab

Day 5: Juda-ka-Talab to Sankri and Drive to Dehradun

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek

The best time to embark on the Kedarkantha Trek is during the winter months, from December to March, when the region is blanketed in a thick layer of snow. The winter months offer a serene and magical atmosphere, where trekkers can witness the majestic snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes, and a pristine white landscape. The summer months (April to June) can also be an option for trekking, though there’s no snow, the route is green and vibrant, offering a completely different trekking experience.

The Kedarkantha Trek is a year-round destination, but the best time to do the trek is during winter (December to March). During this time, the trail is covered in snow, providing a magical winter experience. The weather is cold, and the views of snow-covered mountains are breathtaking.

• Summer (April to June): The weather is pleasant, and the trek offers a different kind of beauty with lush green meadows and clear skies..
• Monsoon (July to September): It's best to avoid the trek during the monsoon season due to the risk of landslides and slippery trails.
• Autumn (October to November): This is another great time to trek when the weather is clear, and the trail is less crowded.

• We assume that you have checked the challenge levels of the trek/tpor on your own or you can talk to our customer care team which will guide you on how to prepare for the trek.
• Please seek medical consultation before joining the trek as we are not skilled medical practitioners, although our trek leaders & guides can administer firstaid.
• It is solely your responsibility to highlight any prevailing medical condition that may hamper the trek/tour.

1. Booking Confirmation

• A booking is confirmed only after the full payment or the required deposit is received.
• Customers will receive a confirmation email with all the details of the booking.

2. Payment Methods

• We accept payments through credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, and other digital payment methods.
• Cash payments are not accepted for online bookings.

3. Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 30 Days or More Before Departure: Full refund, minus a small processing fee.
• Cancellation 15-29 Days Before Departure: 75% refund of the total booking amount.
• Cancellation 7-14 Days Before Departure: 50% refund of the total booking amount.
• Cancellation Less Than 7 Days Before Departure: No refund will be provided.

4. Refund Process

• Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days from the date of cancellation.
• The refund will be credited to the original payment method used during the booking.

5. Rescheduling Policy

• Rescheduling requests must be made at least 15 days before the departure date.
• A rescheduling fee may apply, depending on the availability and the new dates chosen.

6. No-Show Policy

• If a customer fails to show up on the departure date without prior notice, no refund will be provided.

7. Force Majeure

• In case of unforeseen events like natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics, customers will be offered a travel voucher equivalent to the booking amount, valid for one year.

8. Additional Charges

• Any additional services or upgrades requested after the booking will incur extra charges.

9. Child Policy

• Children below 5 years of age are usually free of charge, while those between 5-12 years may be charged at a discounted rate.

10. Group Discounts

• Special discounts may be available for group bookings. Please contact our customer service for more details.

11. Customer Support

• For any queries or assistance, customers can reach out to our 24/7 customer support team via phone, email, or live chat.

1. What is the difficulty level of the Kedarkantha Trek?

It is a moderate trek, suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

2. When is the best time to do the trek?

December to March for snow, April to June for greenery, and October to November for clear views.

3. How long is the trek?

The total trekking distance is around 20-22 km over 4 days.

4. What kind of accommodation is provided?

Guesthouses in Sankri and tents at Juda-ka-Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp.

5. What should I pack for the trek?

Warm clothes, trekking shoes, gloves, a sleeping bag, and personal essentials.

6. Do I need prior trekking experience?

No, but good physical fitness is recommended.

7. How cold does it get?

In winter, temperatures can drop to -10°C at night.

8. Is there mobile network connectivity?

Only in Sankri, after that there is no network.

9. Are there toilets on the trek?

Yes, dry toilet tents are available at campsites.

10. Can I do the trek solo?

It is possible but not recommended for beginners.