Kedarkantha Trek

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Trek Overview

Kedarkantha trek is everything a trekker can dream about; crystal clear mountain lakes, the verdant expanse of rich flora, unexplored mountain terrain of Uttarakhand, jaw-dropping campsites, the serenity of mountain villages and a glimpse into the distinct culture of locals, the trek is a wholesome package of fun and adventure.The spectacular beauty of mountain lakes, lush greenery of rich flora, the virgin wilderness of untouched landscapes, picturesque campsites, balmy solitude of quaint villages and a sneak peek into the primitive lifestyles of locals; these benevolent offerings from Kedarkantha trek detox your mind and spirit alike.Early morning sunrises showcase a beautiful spectrum of sunlight which illuminates the landscape and mountain peaks in the amazing hues of orange, red and golden. Watching Kedarkantha shimmer at its glorious best during the night is the heavenly treat of this trek. Moonlight casts its silver glow on the mountains against the backdrop of a star-lit sky, this postcard view gets permanently etched in your mind.Experiencing the local culture and feasting on local meals is another attraction of the Kedarkantha trek. The warm hospitality of locals is such a rewarding experience that it leaves you wondering at their magnanimity.

About Kedarkantha

Standing tall and mighty at an elevation of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha is a majestic mountain peak of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is located within Govind Ballabh Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind Ballabh National Park. Kedarkantha trek treats you to an exotic array of flora and fauna all through the trek,Whether trekking on snowy winter trails or traversing your way through glossy green pine forests, Kedarkantha trek is a trekkers delight.If you are seeking a short rendezvous from the mundane routine of city life then Kedarkantha trek is bound to soar your spirits. Kedarkantha the word itself conjures beautiful images in your mind. The image of Lord Shiva sitting atop an imposing Himalayan mountain, showering his blessings to the world underneath is one of the first images that titillates your senses. Located at an altitude of around 12,500 feet, the Kedarkantha summit is the majestic mountain peak bedecked in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.Even though Kedarkantha Trek is an ideal destination during all seasons, it is one of the most sought-after winter treks in India. Trekkers marvel at this amazing trek which flatters you with snow till the end of April. The snow-capped peaks encompassed by tall trees offer mesmerizing views from altitudes as low as 10,000 feet.

How to reach Kedarkantha

Sankri is the base camp of Kedarkantha trek. To reach Kedarkantha you need to reach Sankri from Dehradun. The distance of Sankri from Dehradun is around 200 km and it takes around 8 to 10 hours to cover this hilly trail.To reach Kedarkantha from Dehradun, one can opt for the government bus which starts at 8 in the morning from Mussoorie Bus Stand (just outside Dehradun Railway Station). The bus drops you at Sankri in around 10 hours.Another alternative to reach Sankri from Dehradun is boarding a taxi. Cabs can be boarded either from the same Mussoorie Bus Stand and also from Dehradun ISBT. There are a number of cabs leaving for Sankri from Dehradun in the morning hours. So if you arrive early and board one of them, you can split your cab fare with your fellow travellers. But if you arrive a little late, there are chances that you won’t find any co-travellers for Sankri and you might have to bear the cab fare all by yourself.

By Train- Dehradun is well-connected to major cities of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc. by train. From Dehradun to Sankri, it takes around 10 hours by road.By Road- Dehradun is well-connected with most of the major cities of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc. by road. From Dehradun to Sankri, it takes around 10 hours by road.From Delhi, you can even take a bus to Rohru and then a taxi from Rohru to Sankri. It takes around 15 and a half hours in total.

By Flight- Reach Dehradun from Delhi by flight. There are flights available every day and flying time is 55 minutes. From Dehradun to Sankri, it takes around 10 hours by road.Reaching there is pretty easy. The trek commences from Sankri village which is a 10-11 hour drive of approximately 210 kms. from Dehradun. It takes 4 days to reach the summit and come back to Sankri village. There is a proper motorable road till Sankri; beyond that, you walk your way through the scenic terrain.

The legend

Kedarkantha trek is rooted in mythology and that’s what makes it more alluring.The place gets its name from “Kedar Khand” which translates to “Section of Lord Shiva”. It is the historical name of this region. Kedarkantha literally translates to Throat of Lord Shiva. Legend has that Lord Shiva once meditated in Kedarkantha and then relocated to Kedarnath.According to Hindu mythology, Juda Ka Talab owes its origin to the water droplets that fell from Lord Shiva’s hair. Synonymous with its name, a lake (Talab) was formed where water from Lord Shiva’s bun (Juda) touched the ground.The Godly peak of Swargarohini, one of the glittering attractions of this trek is said to be the stairway to heaven. It is believed that Yudhishitra along with his dog reached heaven via this sacred peak.

About Kedarkantha Trek

The journey to this beautiful abode starts at Sankri which is located at a distance of around 210 km from Dehradun. It takes around 10 hours by road from Dehradun to Sankri and the journey takes you along zigzag roads in the backdrop of lofty mountains with mountain rivers bubbling effervescently in close proximity. Enroute you cross Mussoorie, Damta, Nain Bhag village, Purola, Harsaadi, and Natwad before reaching the remote village of Sankri. Throughout the route, you are treated to the magnificent views of Mussoorie, awe-inspiring views of high altitude mountains and rivers such as Yamuna, Kamal Ganga, Kedarganga, Supin and Tons rejuvenate you with their sparkling waters. At an elevation of 6,400 feet, Sankri is a quaint village located in the foothills of Himalayas. It serves as the base camp for Kedarkantha trek. Trekking route from Sankri takes you to Juda ka Talab, the sacred mountain lake, as you journey along local trails and dense forests. You are treated to the magical panorama of two amazingly beautiful campsites enroute your trek to Kedarkantha.Juda Ka Talab, is the picturesque campsite located at an altitude of 9,000 feet. It is beautifully perched beside a placid mountain lake, nestled amidst snow-capped mountain peaks and lush flora of pine and oak trees. The setting of this heavenly campsite is bound to remain etched in your memory for the rest of your lifetime. Juda Ka Talab weather ranges from -12 to -1 in winter months, 3 to 12 degrees in spring and summer months and -8 to 12 degrees in the fall season. From Juda ka Talab you trek around 4 km through pine and oak trees to reach the open highlands just below the Kedarkantha summit. Just as the forest ends, you reach a wide meadow which is Kedarkantha base camp. Located at an elevation of 11,250 feet, Kedarkantha base camp is the second campsite in the Kedarkantha trekking trail.

From Kedarkantha base camp, you take a challenging uphill trek of 6 km. to reach the Kedarkantha summit located at an elevation of 12,500 feet. The 360-degree view of colossal mountains ranges from the Kedarkantha summit leaves you awestruck. Kedarkantha Trek is one of the easiest and most alluring treks in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Dehradun to Kedarkantha distance can be easily navigated within 6 days and Kedarkantha Trek cost is one of the most reasonable and inexpensive among other trekking tours. This all-season trek is one of the best and most comfortable treks in India. But the beauty of the trek is at its best in the winter. It is an ideal trek for that it journeys you through a beautiful vista of Himalayan beauty. The trek begins at Sankri traversing through local trails and dense forests leading you to a small village and then to the picturesque campsite near Juda Ka Talab. Juda Ka Talab captivates with a beauty so serene that you blink twice to feel if the place really exists. A thicket of mighty oak and tall pine trees with colossal mountains in the background surrounds the glacial lake imparting the look of a protective shield Kedarkantha trek base camp leading to the majestic summit treats you to a magical panorama of open highlands, expansive meadows, steep slopes, and lofty mountain ranges. At the summit, a 360-degree view of mountain peaks sways you off; not just the famous peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar ranges but also hundreds of other untouched and untainted virgin mountains welcome you with a warm embrace. This picture-perfect scene is absolute bliss, each frame looks like a postcard image; it is a sight that stays with you for the lifetime.

Kedarkantha Trek Length

The Kedarkantha trek length is 20 Kms which is covered in the span of 6 days. Kedarkantha Trek is a moderate to difficult grade trek which can be done by beginners or the first-timers also if they have the basic fitness level. The trek from Sankri to Juda ka Talab is of approx 4km from there another 4km trek to the Kedarkantha base camp. The next day you will be trekking 6km in total from basecamp to summit and summit to Hargaon. On your return to Sankri, you will be trekking to a length of 6km from Hargaon.

Kedarkantha Trek in Summer

Kedarkantha is one of the most favoured Trek and the summer season also brings an opportunity for the adventure seekers to experience this trek with the awe-inspiring landscape and the dense forest cover of oak and pine. The summer months of April, May, and June is the time when the temperature varies from 0-degrees Celsius at night to 20-degrees Celsius in the day.

Kedarkantha in April: It is time when the leftover winter snow can be encountered throughout the trek route, melting and revealing the beautiful landscape beneath. It is the best time for those who want to experience the pleasing breeze with the perfect amount of bearable chill. Kedarkantha Trek temperature in April is zero degrees which is minimum to 12 degrees being the maximum temperature. Woolen clothes are recommended if you plan to trek in the month of April.

Kedarkantha in May: This is the time when you can witness vast green landscapes throughout with a variety of sweet blossoming flowers. During this month the trek is easiest to perform as there are no thick sheets of snow or the monsoon to make it slippery and difficult to carry out. The temperature during the month of May is generally around 5 degrees to 15 degrees.

Kedarkantha in June: To experience the multitude of vibrant blooming flowers and the freshness of the beautiful Kedarkantha valley this is the perfect time for the adventure enthusiast and nature lovers. The chances of rain are slight during this month but the valley is at its best to enliven you. The temperature in the month of June is around 6 degrees at night and 20 degrees in the day time.

Kedarkantha Trek Best Time

Kedarkantha is an all-season trek that captivates you with a distinct beauty in each season. Spring and summer boast of clear skies and fresh landscapes that treat your senses with the fragrance of blooming flowers. The glossy green pine forests look inviting and the green landscape allures you with a magical freshness that is simply irresistible. The fall season offers a unique experience; trekking on the trail bedecked with dried multi-hued leaves is an amazing experience. This season with its auburn, cognac, and wine coloured flora floors you with a panorama so surreal that you have to blink twice to soak in the generous offerings of nature.

However, winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. The snowy trails lined with tall snow-drifted trees, frozen mountain lakes incandescent in the moonlight and snowy peaks glittering at dawn and dusk in amazing hues of golden and red; the panorama of winter landscape leaves an indelible impression on your mind. Kedarkantha peak at an elevation of 12,500 feet shimmers beautifully in the winter sun and at night the moonlight casts a magical glow to the lofty mountain. The panoramic view of the stunning mountain ranges of Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar from the Kedarkantha summit looks ethereal in winters.The beautiful slopes covered with snow during winters make Kedarkantha for a wonderful ski destination as well.

Kedarkantha Weather

Trek to Kedarkantha is an all-season activity. However, you can better plan your trip if you visit it during the season that best suits you. You might love to explore Kedarkantha in its greenest glory when the meadows, trails, and campsites are fresh with new leaves and blooming flowers. The region gets enough rainfall during the monsoon months and you witness pretty waterfalls sprout up in the hills. The dark and grey clouds hovering over the mountains make for a beautiful sight. However, heavy rains may cause a lot of landslides during the monsoon months.

If you are seeking a snowy rendezvous then you might want to trek Kedarkantha in the winter months. Kedarkantha trek in December is the beginning of winter when the falling snow transforms the landscape to wintry fairyland. Snow remains in the trail till the last week of April. The temperatures vary from -10 to 8 degrees in winters and you might face harsh weather conditions such as slippery slopes and severe winds. Trudging your way through thick snow is also a divine experience offered by Kedarkantha winter trek.

Kedarkantha Temperature

Summer months of April-June- Plus 6 degrees to plus 20 degrees

Monsoon months of July-August- Plus 3 to plus 16 degrees

Fall/Autumn months of September-November- Plus 2 degrees to plus 15 degrees

Winter months of December-March- Minus 10 degrees to plus 8 degrees

Is Kedarkantha Trek Safe?

One of the easiest treks of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, Kedarkantha trek can be your best bet if you are a beginner. It is a 6-day trek that requires you to trek 4-6 km every day. Kedarkantha is a safe trek to undertake in all seasons except monsoons. The rains are unpredictable and there might be a lot of landslides. It is highly recommended that only experienced trekkers undertake this trek during monsoon months.

Difficulty Level Of Kedarkantha Trek

The difficulty level for Kedarkantha Trek is easy to moderate. Kedarkantha Trek is best done in the winter season that is from mid-Dec to the end of April. During this time the temperature can drop till -10 degrees as the weather in the Himalayas is highly unpredictable. One has to carry proper clothing to protect themselves from the rough weather. So, for the beginners, the Kedarkantha trek in winters can be a bit challenging if not taken care of. For the summer months that are from April to June, the temperature varies from 0 to 20 degrees celsius. During these months the weather is cool, breezy, and pleasant which makes the trek easy to do as compared to the wintertime.The difficulty of the Kedarkantha Trek can be decided on the basis of weather and terrain.

On the Basis of Weather: The best time to do Kedarkantha Trek is in the winter season as you get to experience ample snow throughout the trek. From the basecamp, Sankri till the Kedarkantha summit you come across a thick blanket of snow that adds up the adventure that trekkers are looking for. The trail during winters becomes somewhat tough but with proper gear and fitness, one can easily reach the summit. Good health is mandatory with no pulmonary or cardio-vascular difficulties to carry out Kedarkantha Trek. The view of peaks like Gangotri, Swargarohini, Yamunotri, Dhauladhar Range, and many virgin mountain ranges welcomes you for a lifetime experience. On the other hand, Kedarkantha Trek in summers becomes an easy trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

On the Basis of Terrain: The trail throughout the trek is easy, surrounded by thickets of oak and pine treks. The campsites are mesmerising. Be it the snowy winter trails or the crackling brown leaves covering the forest. One has to trek a maximum of 6-7 km a day. With proper physical fitness to trek the ups and downs, this distance is easy to trek in summers as the trails are non-slippery as compared to winters.

Fitness Required for Kedarkantha Trek

Some basic preparations are required for undertaking the Kedarkantha trek. You should be physically fit, have the endurance to walk 6 km daily and have no medical issues. You can prepare for the trek by doing a brisk walk every day for 30 minutes and then increase your speed each day. This should be done a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the trek.

Trekking is always fun, it takes you back in time. With the right attitude and adequate preparation, you can conquer the invincible. The trick is to be well equipped so that you undertake your trek with utmost confidence and conviction.

Day 1: Arrival at Sankri From Dehradun

Early start from Dehradun.Altitude 6,400 feet.210 km drive10 hours of Travelling, Expected arrival time at Sankri – 5:00 pm.Accommodation and food in Guest House.The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is an enchanting hill drive of 10-11 hour stretching over approx 210 Km ride via Mussoorie, Damta, Naugaon, Purola, Mori and Naitwar. A pick up will be arranged at Dehradun and the pick-up points and timings will be coordinated by email prior to your bookings of the trek. The booking excludes the lunch for the day and the transportation from Dehradun to Sankri. And from Sankri, we will be taking care of your fooding and lodging.

Day 2: Start from Sankri to Juda ka Talab

Altitude Gain From 6,400 feet to 9,100 feet. 4 kms Trekking 5 hours of Trekking Camping at Juda Ka Talab Accommodation & Food in tents.Your second day will start with a chilled morning, locals doing their daily works, mules passing by and lots Himalayan Bhutia dogs trying to get friendly with you. Post breakfast trek starts from the local Sankri road entering into the local trails and then dissolving into the forest of broad leaves trees. The path goes through Saud village and it is a gentle climb. A lot of locals, mostly women and children will be seen on the way carrying wood and dried leaves for their cattle. Walking trails of this day will be steep sometimes and sometimes it will be levelled grounds with green and dense forests running along with you. End of the day we will be setting up our campsites which is located near to Juda Ka Talab and is a closed camping site surrounded by tall pine and oak trees and mountain slopes. We will be reaching the campsites by afternoon and staying in camps enjoying the serenity scattered around this place with evening sunset and glittering sunrise in the morning.

Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Altitude Gain From 9,100 feet to 11,250 feet. 4 kms Trekking 2.5 hours of Trekking Camping at Kedarkantha Base Camp Accommodation & Food in tents.We start post breakfast from JUDA KA TALAB and trek through the pine and oak trees to reach the open highlands below the summit. As you move forward into the forest suddenly at the end forest trails you start to see a wide meadow stretching in front of mighty Dhauladhar Ranges. This camping site has excellent picturesque views and is the main highlight of the trek. There are green pastures nearby and the views towards Himachal which are unending. You can roam around this place easily and can soak all the fresh tidings of nature's gift .We camp here for the night.

Day 4: Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak then descend to Hargaon

Altitude gain from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet, then descend to 8,900 feet 6 kms Trekking 7 hours of Trekking Reach the summit and then return to the base camp for lunch. After lunch, descend down to Hargaon.Reach Hargaon by evening.Accommodation & Food in tents.

It's a long day today as we are climbing on steep slopes from the west ridge of the mountain and then after reaching the summit, we return back to the basecamp and post lunch we move to Hargaon campsite. We will start early in the morning post breakfast and try to reach the top by the morning to experience the sunrise. As we move forward slowly dense forest trails surrounding by Pine trees start to disappear slowly. It's a rigorous and tiring uphill climb of over 2 hours but the scenic views around you will keep your adrenaline rush high just to know how's the view from the top. At some point of this walk you will be awestruck by the 360-degree view and once everyone reaches the top, believe us it's a win-win situation for everyone. Panoramic views of mighty Himalayas range mixed with dark blue and white clouds scattered like a painting sketched by nature just for you. After spending some time on the top we head back to our campsite, have lunch at a mid point of the downwards journey from the basecamp and head towards Hargaon. Stay for the night in tents.

Day 5: Hargaon camp to Sankri

Altitude: 8,900 feet to 6,400 feet.6 kms trek, approx 4 hoursDescend 2500 feet through dense pine forests.Today we will be heading towards Sankri from where it all started approximately 6 kms long trail counting about 4 hours. After breakfast, we will descend through a more marked well paved route, laden with stones. A trail further the trail leads to a ridge from where you get a splendid view of Har ki Dun valley. And by the evening we reach Sankri. Small handmade goods, wooden toys and wooden home décor items can be bought from here. Local delicacies can be tasted here for a memorable experience. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun

210 km drive, approx 10 hours.Travel Back From Sankri to DehradunYou will be dropped at Dehradun station in a pre-booked vehicle or cab.We will be arranging a vehicle for your drop to Dehradun.