One of the most loved treks of Himalayas!

Kedarkantha Winter Trek

December to March

₹6499/- per person

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

Kedarkantha Trek

via Sankri

Difficulty Level - 2
5D/4N

+ ₹2000 Transport to and fro Haridwar
+ ₹1989 Backpack Offloading
+ ₹688 Mandatory Insurance

Sankri to Sankri

₹6499/- per person

Book Now

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

Kedarkantha Trek – The Most Loved Winter Trek in India

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India, offering a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural charm. Nestled in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, this trek is a dream for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. With breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, charming Himalayan villages, and dense pine forests, Kedarkantha is truly a paradise for mountain lovers.

At an altitude of 12,500 feet, the Kedarkantha summit offers a mesmerizing 360° view of some of the most majestic Himalayan ranges — including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), and Ranglana.

Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature, a thrilling adventure, or simply the magic of snow trekking, Walking The Himalayas ensures an unforgettable journey through one of India’s best winter destinations.

Kedarkantha Trek Highlights

Altitude: 12,500 ft
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Trek Distance: Approx. 20 km
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Base Camp: Sankri Village (6,400 ft)

Why Kedarkantha is the Best Winter Trek

Perfect for Beginners: Ideal introduction to Himalayan trekking.
Stunning Summit Views: Experience one of the best panoramic summit views in Uttarakhand.
Snow Paradise: Walk through snow-covered forests and meadows in peak winter.
Charming Campsites: Each campsite—Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base, and Hargaon—is straight out of a postcard.
Cultural Experience: Interact with locals in Sankri and get a glimpse of traditional Himalayan life.

Winter Charms and Challenges

Trekking in the winter months, typically from December to April, presents its own set of charms and challenges. The trails are covered in snow, adding a layer of beauty and adventure to the journey. While the landscapes become magical, trekkers should be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and changing weather conditions. Adequate gear, proper acclimatization, and a seasoned guide are crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Kedarkantha Trek isn’t just about reaching the summit; it’s about immersing oneself in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas, embracing the challenges, and relishing every moment of the journey. It’s an experience that weaves together nature's magnificence, cultural encounters, and the thrill of conquering a challenging trail.

So, gear up, embrace the chill, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the serene and enchanting world of the Kedarkantha Trek – a trek that promises memories of a lifetime amid the snow-cloaked Himalayas with team Walking The Himalayas.

Itinerary of Kedarkantha Trek

Day 1: Pickup From Dehradun and Drive to Sankri

Altitude: 6,400 ft (1,950 m)
Distance: 200 km drive (8–9 hours)
Temperature in Winters: Day: 8°C to 12°C | Night: 0°C to -2°C

Your Kedarkantha adventure begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the charming base village for the trek. The journey takes you through picturesque mountain roads, passing Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, and Netwar, along the banks of the Tons River.

The route offers breathtaking views of pine forests, terraced fields, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. As you reach Sankri, located inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, the crisp mountain air and peaceful surroundings set the tone for your Himalayan experience.

After checking into a guesthouse or homestay, spend the evening exploring the quaint village, enjoying a warm meal, and preparing for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (Altitude: 9,100 ft)

Altitude: 9,100 ft (2,774 m)
Trek Distance: 4 km
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Temperature in Winters: Day: 5°C to 10°C | Night: -3°C to -7°C

After a hearty breakfast at Sankri, begin your trek towards Juda Ka Talab, one of the most picturesque campsites on the Kedarkantha trail. The trail ascends gradually through dense oak and pine forests, offering stunning views of snow-dusted trees and quaint Himalayan villages below.

You’ll cross small wooden bridges and open clearings where you can catch glimpses of the surrounding peaks. As you reach Juda Ka Talab, you’ll be greeted by a serene high-altitude lake, which often freezes during winter, reflecting the tall pine trees around it. The campsite here is truly magical — surrounded by snow, stars, and silence. Spend the evening by the campfire, enjoy a warm meal, and rest under the starlit Himalayan sky.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (Altitude: 11,250 ft)

Altitude: 11,250 ft (3,429 m)
Trek Distance: 6 km
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Temperature in Winters: Day: 2°C to 8°C | Night: -5°C to -10°C

On Day 3, the trek becomes more exciting as you head from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp. The trail gradually ascends through snow-laden meadows and dense pine forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. You’ll cross sparkling streams and gentle slopes covered in pristine snow, perfect for photos and short snow play breaks.

Upon reaching the Base Camp, you’ll find a scenic campsite surrounded by snow-covered peaks, making it an ideal spot to relax and acclimatize. Enjoy a warm meal, soak in the panoramic views, and prepare your gear for the summit trek early the next morning.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit (12,500 ft) and Descend to Hargaon.

Summit Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
Descend to Hargaon Altitude: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)
Trek Distance: 7–8 km (Summit + Descent)
Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
Temperature in Winters: Summit: -5°C to 2°C | Hargaon: -2°C to 5°C

Day 4 is the highlight of the Kedarkantha Trek — the summit day! You start early in the morning from Kedarkantha Base Camp, trekking through steep snow slopes towards the summit. The final stretch is moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering 360° panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), and Ranglana. Take time at the summit to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and capture stunning photographs.

After soaking in the views, begin the descent to Hargaon, trekking through scenic snow-covered meadows and forested trails. Hargaon serves as a cozy campsite for the night, where you can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and share stories around the campfire after an exhilarating day of trekking.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri (6,400 ft) and Drive Back to Dehradun

Altitude: Sankri – 6,400 ft (1,950 m)
Trek Distance: 8 km
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours
Temperature in Winters: Day: 5°C to 10°C | Night: 0°C to -2°C

On the final day of the Kedarkantha Trek, you descend from Hargaon to Sankri, retracing the beautiful forested trails you passed earlier. The trek is gentle and scenic, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the snowy landscapes, pine forests, and Himalayan vistas. Upon reaching Sankri, you can freshen up and have lunch before beginning the drive back to Dehradun. The journey takes you through winding mountain roads and picturesque villages, marking the end of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure. You’ll arrive in Dehradun by evening, carrying memories of snow-covered peaks, serene meadows, and the magical summit of Kedarkantha.

Kedarkantha Trek Q&A

Q: What is the best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek?

The best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek depends on what kind of experience you want — snow adventure, scenic spring trek, or pleasant summer journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

🏔️ Winter Season (December to April) – The Best Time

This is the most popular and magical time to do the Kedarkantha Trek. The entire trail is covered in thick layers of snow, turning it into a winter wonderland.

Highlights: Snow-covered pine forests, frozen Juda Ka Talab, and stunning sunrise from the summit.
Temperature:
- Day: 5°C to 10°C
- Night: -5°C to -10°C
Ideal For: Snow lovers, photographers, and first-time winter trekkers.

December to February offers the classic snow trek experience, while March to early April has melting snow and clearer skies — perfect for those who prefer milder conditions.

🌸 Spring & Summer (May to June)

During these months, the snow melts away, revealing lush green meadows and blooming wildflowers. The trails are vibrant, and the weather is pleasant.

Highlights: Green landscapes, clear mountain views, and comfortable trekking conditions.
Temperature:
- Day: 10°C to 20°C
- Night: 3°C to 7°C
Ideal For: Nature lovers and families who prefer a scenic, moderate trek without snow.

🍂 Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings crystal-clear mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere before the snow season begins.

Highlights: Crisp air, clear skies, and colorful forests.
Temperature:
- Day: 8°C to 15°C
- Night: 0°C to 5°C
Ideal For: Trekkers who want solitude and excellent photography conditions.

⚠️ Monsoon (July to August) – Not Recommended

Heavy rainfall makes the trail slippery and prone to landslides. Visibility is poor, and camping becomes difficult.

Q: How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty, making it one of the best treks for beginners and first-time trekkers in the Himalayas. The trail is well-marked and offers a gradual ascent through dense pine forests, snowfields, and scenic campsites, with a few steep sections near the summit. Proper fitness and basic preparation are enough to complete the trek comfortably. Even during winter, when the trail is covered in snow, it remains manageable with the right gear and guidance from experienced trek leaders — which is why Kedarkantha is often called the perfect winter trek for beginners.

Q. What is the altitude of the Kedarkantha Summit?

The Kedarkantha Summit stands at an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) above sea level, making it a moderately high peak in the Garhwal Himalayas. This elevation allows trekkers to experience stunning panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan ranges, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), and Ranglana. The trek to the summit passes through dense pine forests, snow-covered meadows, and serene high-altitude campsites, gradually preparing the body for the final ascent. At this height, the air is crisp and thin, temperatures can drop below freezing in winter, and the summit offers a breathtaking vantage point that makes the effort of the climb truly rewarding.

Q: How many days does the Kedarkantha Trek take to complete?

The Kedarkantha Trek typically takes 5 days and 4 nights to complete, making it an ideal short Himalayan adventure for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, the base village, followed by gradual treks through snow-laden forests and meadows to picturesque campsites like Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp. The highlight of the trek is the summit day, where trekkers ascend to 12,500 feet to witness panoramic Himalayan views before descending to Hargaon for the night. The trek concludes with a gentle descent back to Sankri and a drive to Dehradun, leaving trekkers with lasting memories of snow, serenity, and stunning mountain landscapes.

Q: Are there camping facilities available along the Kedarkantha Trek?

Yes, there are camping sites available along the trail. Trekkers usually camp at scenic locations amidst snow-clad landscapes and serene valleys, offering a unique and immersive experience.

Q: What gear and clothing are essential for the Kedarkantha Trek?

Essential gear includes trekking boots, insulated clothing, gloves, a sturdy backpack, trekking poles, and accessories suitable for sub-zero temperatures. Adequate preparation for the cold climate is crucial.

Q: What are the major highlights or attractions along the Kedarkantha Trek?

The trek showcases stunning vistas of snow-clad mountains, dense pine forests, frozen streams, and the panoramic summit view of the Himalayas. Trekkers also get to experience the local culture and hospitality of remote villages en route.

Q: Is the Kedarkantha Trek suitable for solo travelers or families?

Yes, the Kedarkantha Trek is suitable for both solo travelers and families. Its easy to moderate difficulty level and well-marked trails make it accessible for beginners, including solo adventurers looking for a safe and scenic trekking experience. Families can also enjoy the trek, as the distances between campsites are manageable, the terrain is not overly strenuous, and the overnight stays in cozy camps or guesthouses provide comfort. Moreover, trekking with Walking The Himalayas ensures professional guides, safety support, and a well-organized itinerary, making the Kedarkantha Trek an enjoyable and memorable experience for travelers of all ages.

Q: Are there any safety tips or precautions to consider for the Kedarkantha Trek?

Safety precautions include proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, following the guide's instructions, and being equipped with necessary safety gear. Trekkers should also be mindful of weather changes and physical limitations.

Included in the package

Certified Trek Leaders are provided to you by Walking The Himalayas.
All the trekking essentials like Tents, Sleeping Bags, Gaiters, Crampons, Liners, Cutlery, etc.
All the staff members from team Walking The Himalayas are experienced that includes Guides, Cooking Staff, Helpers, Porters.
We promise our travellers to provide delicious, hygienic & nutritious meals during the trek that includes morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks & dinner).
Fully equipped medical kit, oxygen and safety equipment.
All forest permits and camping charges.

Not included in the package

Transport to and from Sankri – Walking The Himalayas will arrange shared taxis for trekkers. These shared taxis will pick you up from Dehradun Railway Station or Airport. Taxi from Dehradun to Sankri costs around Rs. 6000 - 7000 per taxi and Rs. 9000 - 10000 per tempo one way. So if you are in a group of 6 - 10 persons then a taxi/tempo will cost around 1000 per person for one side.

Food during transit to and from the base camp – Walking the Himalayas doesn't include meals purchased during the journey to Sankri and back.

Backpack offloading charges – If you wish to offload your backpack, there will be an additional charge of Rs. 1,500 - 2000. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 - 10 kgs. Walking The Himalayas does not allow Suitcases/Strollers/Duffel bags during the trek, so if you are bringing these then you have to take care on your own. These charges can vary for last minute offloading in case you decide to offload your bag after reaching Sankri (Rs.350 per day inclusive of taxes).

Personal expenses - Your trekking package doesn't include any kind of personal expenses.

Cancellation

If your trek gets called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.) we will not refund your money. Instead of money, Walking The Himalayas will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. You can easily redeem that voucher for the same amount for any of the treks available at the same price.

In case you wish to cancel your trek please email us at help@walkingthehimalayas.com

Cancellation charges are based on the total trek fee, irrespective of the amount paid either full or partial.

The cancellation policy of Walking The Himalayas is based on the original booking time and the original start date of the trek.

If you cancel a trek before 30 days of trek start date and get a full refund after deduction of 1.99% payment processing fee.
If you cancel a trek before 15 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 20% of the total trek fee.
If you cancel a trek before 10 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 40% of the total trek fee.
If you cancel a trek before 5 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 60% of the total trek fee.
The Trek fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 4 days before the trek start date.

Trek cancellation due to weather:

In case of an incomplete trek due to weather conditions, you can opt for the same trek again throughout your lifetime on all our fixed departures for the same trek.
This attempt only covers the trek fee and will not include any rentals or the transportation amount paid earlier.
This is non-transferable.