Kedarkantha Trek

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Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek – The Prominent Winter Trek in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand, India, rising to an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,800 m) in the Garhwal Himalayas. Known as a classic Himalayan winter trek, Kedarkantha offers snow-covered trails, dense pine forests, frozen lakes, and breathtaking panoramic views of some of the highest Himalayan peaks.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, this trek is often considered the best winter trek in India for its beauty, accessibility, and cultural experience in remote villages.

Why is Kedarkantha Trek Special?

Mesmerizing Views: From the summit, trekkers witness stunning views of peaks like Swargarohini I, II, III (6,300 m), Black Peak (6,387 m), Bandarpunch (6,300 m), Rupin Pass Range, Supin Range, Khimloga Peak, Baraadsar Lake Range, Vishkhopri Range, and Ranglana Peak (5,800 m).
Snow Experience: From December to March, the trail is covered with knee-deep snow, making it the perfect winter adventure in Uttarakhand.
Sunrise & Sunset: The Kedarkantha summit is a magical spot where you can enjoy some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the Himalayas.
Remote Villages: Trekkers also get to experience the lifestyle of mountain villages like Sankri, learning about Garhwali culture and traditions.

Kedarkantha Trek at a Glance

Region: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
Best Season: December – April (for snow experience)
Duration: 5–6 days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Trek Distance: ~23 km (round trip)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (suitable for beginners)
Base Camp: Sankri Village (6,400 ft)

How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek

The base camp of Kedarkantha trek is Sankri, a small scenic village about 190 km from Dehradun.

1. By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Direct flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
Distance from airport to Sankri: 217 km by taxi.

2. By Train

Trains to Dehradun are well-connected from across India. Some popular trains include:
- Nanda Devi Express (12205) – New Delhi to Dehradun
- Mussoorie Express (14041) – Delhi Sarai Rohilla to Dehradun
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express (12017) – Delhi to Dehradun
- Doon Express (13010) – Howrah to Dehradun

From Dehradun railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to Sankri (190 km).

3. By Bus

Direct buses are available from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun (overnight journey).
From Dehradun ISBT, shared jeeps and taxis are available to Sankri.

Distance Chart

Delhi to Dehradun:
- By Flight – 207 km
- By Train – 302 km
- By Bus – 249 km
Dehradun to Sankri: 190 km (7–8 hours by road)
Sankri to Kedarkantha Summit: 23 km (on foot, round trek)

Safety on Kedarkantha Trek

At an altitude of 12,500 ft, Kedarkantha is considered a safe and beginner-friendly winter trek. Still, trekkers must follow certain safety measures:

Fitness First: Prepare your body with basic cardio and leg exercises before the trek.
Always Trek with a Guide: Local guides ensure you are on the correct trail.
Medical Kit: Carry essential medicines. Trek operators also provide oxygen cylinders and emergency kits.
Altitude Precautions: Camps are set up below the tree line to avoid altitude sickness issues.
Emergency Evacuation: In case of any health issue, trekkers are safely brought back to base camp.

Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek

December to April: Snow-covered trails, frozen streams, and magical landscapes.
Spring (April): Snow begins to melt, offering clear views of lush valleys and meadows.

For those looking to experience snow trekking in India, Kedarkantha is the perfect choice during winter months.

Conclusion

The Kedarkantha Trek is not just about reaching 12,500 ft—it’s about the journey through pine forests, snowy meadows, and charming Himalayan villages. Its breathtaking 360° mountain views, beginner-friendly trails, and accessibility make it the top winter trek in Uttarakhand and one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the Himalayas.

So if you’re planning a Himalayan adventure this winter, Kedarkantha should be on your bucket list!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Drive to Sankri (6,400 ft)

Distance: 190 km | Drive: 7–8 hours Altitude: 1,950 m (6,400 ft) Stay: Hotel Swargarohini / The Grand Shiva Homestay, Sankri Your Kedarkantha trek begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the base camp for the trek. En route, enjoy breathtaking views of the Yamuna and Tons rivers, pine forests, and small Himalayan villages. On arrival at Sankri, check in at our property (Hotel Swargarohini or The Grand Shiva Homestay) and relax. Evening at leisure with a hot dinner and trek briefing. 👉 Highlights: Mountain drive, Sankri village exploration, warm hospitality
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)

Trek Distance: 4 km | Duration: 4–5 hours Altitude: 2,800 m (9,100 ft) Stay: Camping at Juda Ka Talab After breakfast, begin your trek towards Juda Ka Talab, a serene frozen lake in winter surrounded by pine and oak forests. The trail is steep at some points but rewarding with snowy meadows and stunning Himalayan backdrops. Camp near Juda Ka Talab, enjoy hot meals, and stargaze under a clear Himalayan sky. 👉 Highlights: Juda Ka Talab lake, dense forest trails, snowy campsite
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft)

Trek Distance: 4 km | Duration: 3–4 hours Altitude: 3,400 m (11,250 ft) Stay: Camping at Kedarkantha Base Camp The trail today climbs gradually through pine and oak forests before opening up to vast snowy clearings. On reaching Kedarkantha Base Camp, enjoy panoramic views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana. Evening briefing and preparation for summit day. 👉 Highlights: Stunning mountain views, photography, campsite under starlit skies
Day 4: Summit Day – Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft) & back to Hargaon (8,900 ft)

Trek Distance: 10–11 km | Duration: 7–8 hours Altitude: 3,800 m (12,500 ft) – Summit Stay: Camping at Hargaon Early morning, start the final push to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft). The climb is steep but rewarding with a 360° view of Himalayan ranges, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kinner Kailash, Black Peak, and Rupin Valley ranges. Witness a magical sunrise from the summit – one of the best in the Himalayas. After enjoying the summit, descend back to base camp, have lunch, and continue trekking down to Hargaon campsite. Overnight stay in tents amidst pine forests. 👉 Highlights: Sunrise at Kedarkantha Summit, 360° Himalayan panorama, thrilling descent
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri – Drive back to Dehradun

Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 4 hours Drive: 190 km | 7–8 hours After breakfast, descend through forest trails to reach Sankri village. From Sankri, drive back to Dehradun (by late evening). Trip ends with unforgettable memories of one of the best winter treks in India. 👉 Highlights: Forest trails, Sankri village life, scenic drive to Dehradun

Included

Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Swargarohini / The Grand Shiva Homestay in Sankri on Day 1 (twin/triple sharing). Comfortable camping tents on all trek days (double/triple sharing).
Meals: All vegetarian meals during the trek (from dinner on Day 1 in Sankri to breakfast on Day 6). Nutritious hot meals: breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, soup, and dinner. Tea/coffee served in the morning and evening.
Transportation: Dehradun to Sankri and return (shared tempo traveler / taxi). Local transfers wherever required during the trek.
Trek Crew & Support: Experienced and certified trek leader and local guides. Skilled cook, helpers, and porters for logistics. Support staff for carrying tents, kitchen supplies, and other equipment.
Equipment: High-quality sleeping bags (–10°C) and insulated sleeping mats. Dome tents, kitchen tents, and dining tents. Basic trekking equipment and safety gear.
Safety Measures: First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, and pulse oximeter. Stretcher for emergencies.
Permits & Fees: Forest entry charges, camping fees, and necessary permits.

Excluded

Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or bottled water.
Meals during transit (Dehradun to Sankri and return).
Travel insurance, personal medical expenses, and evacuation costs (if required).
Any expenses due to unforeseen circumstances like landslides, bad weather, road closures, or natural calamities.
Personal trekking gear such as backpacks, trekking shoes, walking sticks, jackets, etc.
Porter service for carrying personal luggage (can be arranged at extra cost).
Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section.

₹price on request / person *

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Got a Question?

Our Destination expert will be happy to help you resolve your queries for this tour.

10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon to Sat)

Highlights of Kedarkantha Trek

Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Base Camp: Sankri Market – Our Properties: Hotel Swargarohini and The Grand Shiva Homestay
Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,500 feet)
Trek Level: Moderate – Suitable for beginners with good fitness
Trek Distance: 23 km (on foot) + 420 km (by taxi)
Group Size: Minimum 5 people | Maximum 35 people (Private groups available on request)
Age Group:
- Summer Trek: 8 to 55 years (fitness required)
- Winter Trek: 10 to 55 years (extra care due to snow)
Summer Temperature: Day (5°C to 15°C), Night (2°C to 5°C)
Winter Temperature: Day (-2°C to -5°C), Night (-5°C to -10°C)
Available Group Departures: Fixed departures + Customization available

👉 Kedarkantha Trek is considered one of the best beginner-friendly Himalayan treks. It fills first-time trekkers with confidence, energy, and unforgettable memories.

Packing List for Kedarkantha Trek

Essentials to Carry:

Backpack: 50–60 liters capacity
Footwear:
- Sturdy hiking boots (leather upper preferred for ankle support)
- Lightweight sandals/tennis shoes (for camp use)
Socks:
- 2 pairs thick wool socks
- 2 pairs nylon socks (to wear under wool socks to prevent blisters)
Clothing Layers:
- 1 hiking shirt (long-sleeved preferred)
- 2 long john tops (thermal inner layers, preferably wool)
- 2 warm shirts & pants for camp
- 1 raincoat/poncho
- 1 warm insulated jacket
- 1 pair wool gloves
- 1–2 long john bottoms (thermal pants)
- 2–3 sets of undergarments
- 1 hiking shorts/pants
Accessories:
- Sun hat (cotton or nylon)
- Sunglasses (UV-protection, with anchor cord)
- Sun protection lotion & lip balm (optional but recommended)

Equipment:

Water Bottles: Two 1-liter bottles (leak-proof, reusable)
Headlamp/Flashlight: Preferably headlamp (with extra batteries)
Personal Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
Personal Medical Kit: Small kit with essential medicines

Safety & Trekking Advice

Ensure physical fitness with regular cardio and leg strengthening before the trek.
Break in your trekking shoes beforehand to avoid blisters.
Always trek with your guide and follow instructions.
Camps are set below the tree line, ensuring safe oxygen levels.
Emergency medical kits and oxygen cylinders are always available with trek leaders.
In case of health issues, trekkers are safely evacuated to Sankri base camp.

FAQs KedarKantha Trek

1) What is the best time to do Kedarkantha Trek?

It can be done throughout the year. It is basically a winter trek and can be done from December to the end of April giving an opportunity to trekkers to witness the snowy landscapes but also experience trekking on the crackling snow.

2) What is the fitness required for Kedarkantha trek?

Kedarkantha Trek is an easy to moderate trek suitable for first time trekkers with basic fitness. Age groups between 7 years to 65 years can do this trek if they are physically fit.

3) How much time does it take to complete the trek?

Maximum 4 days and minimum 3 days is required to complete the trek.

4) What is Kedarkantha trek famous for?

It is known as the best winter trek of Uttarakhand. Trek is also famous for a 360 degree view of snow capped Himalayas for the summit. In winters, people also go skiing on the slopes of Kedarkantha.

5) How to reach Sankri base camp for Kedarkantha Trek?

It is a drive of 198 km from Dehradun to Sankri which takes around 10-11 hours. There are direct public buses to Sankri around 5am and 7am. There are also connecting buses if you miss the direct bus. Shared taxi and hiring a cab is another option to reach Sankri.

6) What are important things to carry for the Kedarkantha Trek.

Watreproof hiking shoes, windproof jacket, sunscreen, proper woolen clothes like thermal, sweaters, jackets, gloves, socks, walking sticks, muffler, torch, medical kit, energy bars, toiletries

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