Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most loved treks for winter and the best place for trekking in Uttarakhand. If you want to experience snow and want to experience the beauty of the mighty Himalayas, then this trek is for you only. The region gives trekkers a special opportunity to encounter the most remote existence of the towns in the deep winter!
Feel the blessings of Lord Shiva at the height of 3800M. Kedarkantha is in the Sankri Region of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakand. This region comes under Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, and if you are lucky then you may get a chance to encounter the flora and fauna of the Himalayas. The Kedarkantha Trek is a joy for mountain lovers who need to investigate every bit of the landscape. Beginning this trek will be probably the best choice for you as it will take you through the thick blue-cedar backwoods, which will then enter into Bugyals also known as alpine meadows which are covered by a thick layer of fresh snow from December to March. There are camping sites on the way to Kedarkantha like Juda ka Talab, Hargaon and Kedarkantha Base Camp which offer scenic views.
Region- Uttarakashi district in Uttarakhand
Trek Altitude- 3800 m
Trek Difficulty Level- Moderate to Difficult
Trek Duration- 6 Days
Trekking Distance- 20 km
Temperature- On average day temperatures vary from plus 8 degrees Celsius to plus 20 degrees Celsius and average night temperatures vary from minus 10 degrees Celsius to plus 3 degrees Celsius.
Nearest Railway Station- Dehradun
Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Last ATM- Purola near Sankri has the last ATM
Why winter is the best time for doing Kedarkantha Trek?
It is well known that the amazing Kedarkantha Trek begins from mid-December and proceeds till March-end. As you make the trail up to 10000 feet, you will start to see snow on your way - snow-clad mountain summits and woods of cedar trees completely covered with snow. As you arrive at the Bugyals or Alpine Meadows, you will see yourself during the white snow wherever you look around.
Kedarkantha peak is covered with snow in winter. The whole area is covered with sparkling snow. Its beautiful snow-clad mountain camp gives a different feeling of relaxation. In Uttarakhand it is said that Chopta is mini Switzerland, then Dayara Bugyal in Uttarkashi district and Kedarkantha are mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.
This captivating scene is unquestionably worth it, despite all the trouble. Surrounded and covered by tall cedar trees which are completely covered with snow, stunning peaks and Bugyals make it one of the most looked at treks for after winter in India. In this way, to go on the best winter trip, you should join us in December till March-end. For any individual who loves the chilly climate, the Kedarkantha trek wins the race, as you can enjoy a view of snow with the trekking trail.
Mythology related to Kedarkantha
There is some mythological significance associated with any tourist destination of Uttarakhand. Similarly, it is said about Kedarkantha that Lord Shiva was wandering here in the incarnation of Mahisha during the journey of Pandavas. But when the residents of this place disturbed the peace of Shiva, they left this place and went to Kedarnath. Where due to his escape from the Pandavas, he disappeared and parts of his body appeared in the form of Five Kedars in different places of Uttarakhand, which we know as Panch Kedar.
Trek to Kedarkantha Peak
Although, you can visit Kedarkantha in both the summer and winter seasons. But when it comes to views, winter is the best time when the peaks are covered with white snow all around and the bright golden sun shining in their golden colour, what to say. For some time you will find yourself lost somewhere.
If you want to come to Kedarkantha then you have to reach Sankri from Dehradun Rishikesh or Haridwar. Sankri is the base camp of the Kedarkantha Trek and the facility of reaching the train will also be available only till here. Sankri is 200 km from Dehradun.
Itinerary for Kedarkantha Winter Trek
Day 1- Dehradun to Sankri
Altitude - 1950 m Drive - 200 km Time - 7-8 Hours After your arrival at Dehradun Railway Station or Airport, you will board the taxi. You will start driving towards Sankri village. On the way, you will pass through places like Vikas Nagar, Kalsi, Lakhamandal, Naugaon, Purola, Mori.
On the way to Sankri, you will be driving along Yamuna and Tons river. You will find yourself passing through dense pine forests. and then finally you will reach Sankri after a tiring 8 hours drive. You can check in to the homestay.
Overnight stay at Sankri
Day 2 - Sankri to Juda ka Talab
Altitude - 2800 m Distance - 4 km Time - 4-5 hours After having morning breakfast, you will start your trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab. You will cover 4 Kms and it will take you around 5 hrs. After a 4 km trek, you will reach your destination of the day "Juda Ka Talab". It is said that Lord Shiva opened a small lock of his hair here and when Lord Shiva dripped water from his hair that formed a huge lake and this is the reason this lake is named Juda Ka Talab.
Just outside your camps, you will witness the shining frozen lake.
Stay in camps at Juda Ka Talab campsite.
Day 3 - Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Altitude - 3430 m Distance - 4 km
Time - 4-5 Hours
Trek for around 4-5 hours and you will reach Kedarkantha Base Camp. The total distance you will cover today is around 4 Kms.
In today's trek, you will definitely submerge yourself in the beautiful patches of green grass surrounded by snow all around. You will find shepherd huts on the way to Kedarkantha base camp where you can comfort yourself during harsh climatic conditions.
The gorgeous view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpunchh, Kala Nag and Ranglana will take your breath away. When you reach your campsite your day 3 will end with a delicious dinner served to you by our expert cooks.
Trek is easy to moderate. Stay in camps at Kedarkantha Base Camp
Day 4 - Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak to Base Camp
Altitude - 3800 m Distance - 6 km Time - 6-7 Hours
Today you will start climbing the peak and will come back to base camp again. It takes around 7 hours to complete.
You will have to wake up early around 2 am in morning and start your trek right away since it's going to take around 7 to 8 hours to get to the summit today. And we want you to see the mesmerizing sunrise from the mountains of the Yamunotri and Gangotri range. You can also see Kinner Kailash ranges.
Spend some time at the summit have your breakfast there. Talk to the unknowns as you will find yourself surrounded by a group of people. After spending few hours you will start descending the same way down to the Kedakantha Base Camp.
After reaching the campsite enjoy your evening in front of a bonfire and your day will end with a delicious dinner Trek is easy to moderate Stay in camps at Kedarkantha Base Camp.
Day 5 - Kedarkantha Base Camp to Sankri
Altitude - 1950 m Distance - 6 km Time - 5-6 Hours
Today you will return after having your breakfast in the morning. The trek will be an easy trek today and you will reach Sankri by evening.
Stay in Lodge or Home Stay.
Day 6 - Sankri to Dehradun
You will have a mouth-watering breakfast in the morning at Sankri and then you will board the taxi to Dehradun. You will drive on the same road along with the Tons and Yamuna river and you will arrive in Dehradun by around late afternoon or evening.
After reaching Dehradun your Kedarkantha Trek comes to an end with beautiful memories.
Things to know before you visit Kedarkantha Trek.
Carry enough warm clothes and a pair of shoes for the trek.
Don't use earphones while trekking; since you might not able to hear nearby sounds and another person.
Please don't use plastic bags in mountains and try to maintain a balance with nature.
The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone, and you are advised not to litter else you will be fined.
Try to save as much water as you can since it is a very precious thing, so conservation is appreciated.
You need to follow all the guidelines issued by the State-Government. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of mask recommended.
You need to carry a valid ID and provide it at the time of check-in.
The exact location and the pickup location will be shared with you post-booking.
As a trekker, you must not expect luxuries. Also, electricity may be available only at a few locations.
Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill them.
FAQs related to Kedarkantha Trek
Is Kedarkantha trek easy?
When we talk about the terrain, Kedarkantha Trek is easy. During your trek from Sankri to Kedarkantha Base Camp, you will pass through dense forests. And you will find the ground full of crunchy brown leaves. During the two days of the trek, you will find these leaves on the ground, after that you begin trekking on a path covered with snow.
If we compare Kedarkantha Trek with some of the toughest treks in India, like Bali Pass Trek, Rupin Pass Trek or Bodasu Pass Trek, then Kedarkantha Trek is much easier on the difficulty scale
How much does Kedarkantha trek cost?
The cost of Kedarkantha Trek completely depends on the season you are visiting and the number of people in your group. On average trekking price of the Kedarkantha Trek from Sankri is around Rs 7000 to Rs 12000 per person for 4 nights tour and around Rs 8000 to Rs 14000 for 5 nights trek. Also, the cost depends on the type of services you are getting from your trekking partner. Walking The Himalayas cost you around 9999 INR per person for Kedarkantha Trek from Sankri to Sankri.
How long is Kedarkantha trek?
Kedarkantha is 6 Days and 5 Nights trek from Dehradun to Dehradun. The total distance covered in Kedarkantha Trek is around 20 km. Apart from the trek, you will also include travelling from Dehradun to Dehradun that takes 2 days.
Is Kedarkantha trek open?
Kedarkantha Trek remains open all around the year. It is well known that the amazing Kedarkantha Trek begins from mid-December and proceeds till March-end. As you make the trail up to 10000 feet, you will start to see snow on your way - snow-clad mountain summits and woods of cedar trees completely covered with snow. As you arrive at the Bugyals or Alpine Meadows, you will see yourself during the white snow wherever you look around.
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