Kedarkantha Trek

duration Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights
altitude Maximum Altitude 12500 Ft
age Minimum Age 8+
Camp Base Camp Sankri
Camp Tour type Group
Camp Accommodation type Guest House and Tents
About the Kedarkantha Trek



Important Facts:

Kedarkantha peak height: 12,500 ft

Kedarkantha trek distance: 23 kms

Kedarkantha is not just a trend starter but also one of the most popular and best winter treks of India. There are various reasons for this.

It has gained its popularity due to the views, terrain, flora, fauna and easy with which someone can complete it.

The word Kedarkantha is made of up two words Kedar + Kantha, literal meaning – ‘Throat of Lord Shiva’. This trek has a whole lot of fascinating mythical stories attached to it.

Kedarkantha is not to be confused with Kedarnath, as these two are completely different.

Kedarkantha is a 6 days long trek in Govind PashuVihar National Park. As you begin your climb up the trek, you will be able to view peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Draupadi ka Danda around you on all days of your trek. The star studded sky in the night is one of the best that you will ever see.

On your way up, you will come across large clearings or open grounds that will provide you not just excellent view but also a sense of nature’s beauty.

The place was initially just a grazing ground for shepherds and a temple for villagers. Over the period it has gained its popularity among trekkers and turned into a buzzing place for tourists.

Thanks to the thrill thirsty Indians!  

One of the earliest discovered commercial winter treks in India, Kedarkantha peak has held mind and heart of millions of Indian trekkers throughout its history.

The sheer beauty it holds captivates your eyes and heart.


Trekking on Kedarkantha is much more than what it looks over a couple of photos on your screen. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and achievement.

How is the weather like?  


In Summers:


Kedarkantha is an all-round year trek and however, the views you will get to see depends on the weather conditions.

The temperature during summer months varies from 10 – 20 degrees Celsius.

The warm weather and ample of sunshine results in lush green landscapes and trees filled with leaves and flowers.

One of the best things about Kedarkantha trek in summers is the flourishing trees and flowers. While trekking, you pass through several trails of stunning rhododendrons and gorgeous oak trees. As the temperature remains very moderate, the entire route becomes extraordinarily colourful too.

 

In Winters:


During winters Kedarkantha trek is packed with heavy snow and offers your beautiful views of snow topped Himalayan mountains.Sun’s reflection from the snow studded mountains makes the mountains glow.

The weather becomes extremely cold in winters and the actual temperature dips to -5 degrees in winter. Due to wind gusts the temperature feels like -10 to -15 degrees.

Your campsites are placed in grounds full of snow. An itinerary planned for half day treks and balance half rest period make sure that you get ample time to enjoy snow.

 

What’s the best time to visit?

Honestly, the best time to visit Kedarkantha depends much on the trekkers. This trek in itself is a beautiful trek, but the experience varies with the changes in the season.

People who like to trek amidst the green environment with comfortable weather, summer is good time to take on this trek. But if you are looking for some excitement winter is the time to go. The fresh snow fall, trees covered with snow makes it an amazing time to visit the place during the winters.

Though, it is difficult to set out a particular month as the best time to undertake this adventure, but majority of the trekkers choose winters to conquer this peak.

 

How difficult is the terrain throughout the trek?

The entire trek is located in one single national park which is Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, and terrain changes according to the height. The trek takes you from Sankri (located at a height of 6455 ft.) to Kedarkantha summit (located at a height of 12,500 ft.)

The trek starts with a steep gradient for a short distance and then eases itself during the middle sections. Kedarkantha trek route comprise of several narrow streams and at times the terrain becomes slippery and muddy. The terrain also has some rocky patches and you might encounter several boulders marking your way. The last one KM climb to the summit is the steepest one and takes longest time.

The best thing about this terrain is theflora and fauna that you encounter on the way. The trek route has ample of oak, walnut, chestnuts, maple and apple trees.

Majority of the trail is fairly easy but sometimes it turns into a little harder ascend. Specially during the summit climb, the trail becomes steep, but because you have ample of time, trekking over that trail is not a problem.

 

What about your stays and washroom facilities?

During the five day stays trek you stay three days in the dome tents and two days in the guest houses. While you are in Sankri, we provide you extremely hygienic and clean rooms at the guest houses with proper bathing facilities.

One of our specialties is the dual occupancy tents. We provide you the best of alpine dome winter camps in India with the maximum capacity of two trekkers. Of course, if you wish to stay in triple occupancy tent, we can surely arrange that for you.

The best thing about a trek is the night sky in the clear weather that you encounter and the glowing tents. At 12,000ft and clear skies, you can fulfil your star gazing dreams with a sky full of stars that you never see in a city sky.

Well, our campsites our placed at ideal spots from where you can experience the perfect star gazing moment.

Trekking in the wild also teaches us a lot of things. One of them is to adjust in the most vulnerable situations. At high altitudes there is no permanent construction, hence there are only dry toilet facilities.


How delicious your food is going to be?

The food that you get on the trek is locally procured to help sustain he local villages and is vegetarian. A vegetarian healthy diet helps keeps your bowl movements in order throughout the expedition. Your food consists of lentils, chapattis, cooked vegetables and rice.

Kedarkantha is one of the most magnificent treks in the entire Himalayas. This is the perfect trek to get started on your trekking expeditions.

For further queries regarding Kedarkantha trek package, Kedarkantha trek cost, Kedarkantha trek itinerary and Kedarkantha trek map, call us or write to us today!

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

 

Altitude:  6,455 ft

Drive:  6-7 hrs (187 km)

Meals Included: Dinner

Stay type:  Stay at guest houses on double /triple sharing basis.

  • Once you have reached Dehradun and are ready to kickstart your journey of adventure and memories, come find us outside the railway station and wave to us. We will be all set with our car, waiting just for you and your fellow travellers.
  • Sankri, which is a quiet and small town with Tons river running beside it, will be your first base camp station.
  • Unlike any other drives in Uttarakhand, drive from Dehradun to Sankri is particularly special because it not only takes you through the city of Dehradun but also through the charming roads of Mussoorie. We would advise you to have a good sleep while you are travelling from your place to Dehradun, as this scenic drive is not something to be wasted.
  • You will also be charmed with the sparkling blue water of Yamuna which will flow alongside your route. If you are long tired, we can have a short break near the banks of Yamuna where you can have a short time of yours and capture the beauty of these massive mountains and the sparkling Yamuna.
  • It will be already dusk by the time we will reach Sankri. Check-in at your hotel, freshen up a little and settle your hunger with a hot cup of tea. Spend your rest of the evening by befriending your fellas and have a good steamy dinner together.
  • As Sankri is a base camp for many other treks also such as Har ki Doon and Bali Pass, you might get to meet some other crazy people just like you.

 

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

 

Altitude:   8,859 ft

Trek:  4 km (4-5 hrs)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay Type:  Stays in tents on double/triple sharing basis.

  • We hope you had a rejuvenating sleep because today is your first day of the trek. Have a filling and scrumptious breakfast and buckle up to start ascending.
  • The trek is almost 4 km in total. Meander through beautiful pine and maple forests, keep refilling your water bottles from the passing streams of extremely fresh water and feel the rush.
  • In quite some time, you will start to observe the gradual increase in the elevation and the height. Suddenly, you will be able to see the valley and the vast mountains walking just beside you. Croon your favourite songs while you are trekking and enjoy the satisfaction of it.
  • By the evening and not so exhausting trek, you will reach your first camping place – Juda Ka Talab. You can observe a large clearing of green ground with several groups of tents camped at some distance to each other. Interestingly, Kedarkantha trek is few of those where you can walk on large cleared grounds at such a high altitude which is rare to find.
  • Kedarkantha is famous for several mythological stories too. One of them is also about the Juda ka Talab, which says When Lord Shiva used to meditate the water which used to drop from his hair is what made this Talab so sacred.

 

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab - Kedarkantha Base Camp

 

Altitude:  11,250 ft

Trek:  4 km (3-4 hrs)

Meals Included:  Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay Type:  Stays in tents on double/triple sharing basis.

  • Today you're going to be taking a lovely trek from Juda Ka Talaab to the Kedarkantha base camp. Freshen up and get ready to trek the next quest. Collect your pals, devour the tasty breakfast with hot tea and start.
  • If you are trekking in winters, somewhere between December – February, here is where the adventure of snow-white fields will start to fill in.
  • Gradually, first, you will observe some snow patches around you and after a while suddenly the entire landscape will change into a breath-taking view. Right from where you are standing, all you can see is vast fields of flawless white snow and patches of oak trees. This is your time to bring out the photographer in you or grab your nearest photographer to get a splendid set of photos.
  • But mind you, this is just a starting, a trailer before a movie. Just as you start ascending, you will come across several cute little shepherd houses and a few shops. If you are low in something, try finding yourself something in those shops. The best thing to eat though is their ‘Bun Maska’, DO NOT MISS IT! It’s the best in the world. Those hot fluffy buns with extra butter will melt in your mouth like ice on a hot sunny day. Savour them.
  • After you have gained much of a height and are already walking in knee-high snow, you can enjoy the views of arc-shaped snow-capped mountains, Swaragarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag and Rangala standing right in the front.
  • At the campsite, pitch your tents, settle in with your things and enjoy the clear views of the night sky filled with twinkling stars, rushing satellites and amazing planets.

 

Day 4: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Top, Descend to Hargaon campsite

 

Altitude: 11,250 ft - 12,500 ft - 8,900 ft

Trek: 6 km (6-7 hrs)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay Type: Stays in tents on double/triple sharing basis.

  • The wait for the most awaited day is over. We expect you to have a very sound and good sleep because today your trek is going to start sharp at 4 o’clock in the morning. Buckle up, dress yourself tight, put on all the warm clothes you have and wear the crampons under your shoes.
  • It’s going to be a gradual ascend but after some distance, the ascend is going to become steep. To ensure you do not skid or slide off, crampons are must as a safety appliance. After you are through with the steaming breakfast, let’s start the day.
  • Early morning treks have their own wonders to live up to. When you will trek in the early morning, the most mesmerizing thing of the entire journey will be the experience of observing the gradual sunrise happening over the mountains. As the sun comes out of its slumber, you will see its wings starting to spread over myriad smaller peaks than Kedarkantha. The whole moment is speechless. One cannot possibly express how it feels to observe the sunrise unparallel to any sunrise you have ever seen in your life.
  • The entire journey of reaching the top might seem a little exhausting, but you will find it extremely adventurous and thrilling.
  • Once you are at the summit, rest is yours to express. The vast blue skies with occasional patches of white clouds hovering right above you, the gigantic bare and verdant mountains looking up and envying you, the spectacular deep valley and astounding height calling your name, all of these will leave you charming. That will be indeed ‘Top of the World’, nothing above and nothing below other than snowy top of Kedarkantha is what makes it one of the best winter treks in India.
  • Relax for some time at the top, seep in the feeling of being at the top of the world, box in some cold fresh air and then descend back to the base camp to fill up your empty stomachs with hot lunch.
  • Once your stomach is full, and you are ready, start descending further toward our next camp station – Hargaon. Spend your last camping night with an extravagant bonfire, music and mandatory horror stories. Laugh your heart out with your friends and sleep a good night.

 

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri

 

Altitude: 8,900 ft - 9,100 ft

Trek: 4 km (4-5 hrs)

Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay Type: Stays in tents on double/triple sharing basis.

  • Hargaon will be your last glimpses of Kedarkantha peak. Savour some last moments, enjoy your good meal and start trekking back to Sankri while crossing the streams and enjoying the flora and fauna of the region.
  • You might also find some shops on your way. Don’t forget to taste some local cuisine and of course our favourite ‘Bun Maska’. After an hour into the trek, you will reach a ridge line from where you can spot some impressive views of Har Ki Dun Valley too. Save your last set of photos to boast your left-over friends and family.
  • Once you have trekked down and have reached Sankri, relax and do your last bit of shopping.

 

Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun

 

Drive: 7-8 hrs (187 km)

Meal: Breakfast

  • Wake up with your best adventurous memories of Kedarkantha, freshen up and eat your hot tasty breakfast with us. Drive back to Dehradun via Mussoorie with us and wave us bye. It was indeed a pleasure hosting you with us. Thank you for giving us a chance to make a few more splendid memories of Kedarkantha.

Trek ends here

Air: Take a flight to Jolly Grant (Dehradun) airport and from there take a Shared / Private cab or a local bus to reach Dehradun.

 

Road: Volvo transfers are available from Delhi to Dehradun, It takes around 6 hrs to reach Dehradun from Delhi. 

 

Rail: Dehradun has a railway station so book a train to Dehradun railway station direct and if there in no direct train available from your city then book a train to delhi and from there either you can book another train or take a bus to Dehradun.

 

Before booking a cab or bus to or from Sankri, it is advisable to contact the trek operator first as they have the local transport facility running which usually borne and shared between the trekkers. 

1. Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans / Trekking Pants -2

2. Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood

3. Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater

4.  Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional)

5. Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)

6. Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)

7.  Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers

8.  Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick dry towel

9.  Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)

10. Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face

11. Sun glasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick / Trekking pole

12. Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)

13. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication

14. Personal toiletries

15. Day pack/small bag in case if you are planing to offload your regular backpack

16. Hand Sanitizer

17. Extra face masks

18. Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries) 

Inclusions:

1. You will be greeted by our trek team with a welcome drink on your arrival to Sankri.

2. All stays included from Sankri to Sankri on double / triple sharing basis:

3. Guest house on day 1 & 5.

4. Alpine / Dome tents on day 2, 3, 4.

5. All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast. Vegetarian meals will be served throughout the trek.

6. Skilled local staff who have ample knowledge of the route

7. Hot water in buckets can be provided on request depending on availability while staying at guest houses in Sankri only.

8. Kitchen, dining and toilet tents will be used during the trek.

9. Cooks/Helper for carrying common equipment like rations/tents/utensils/groceries.

10. All trek essentials included–

Accommodation - tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats etc

Safety equipment - microspikes, gaiters as per requirements and basic first aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.

11. Permit - forest and camping fee included.


Exclusions:

1. The above trek charges do not include the GST charges (5%).

2. Personal essentials –

Equipment - Gumboots, trekking poles, liners, etc.

Insurance - Personal and travel insurances.

Beverage - Mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages

Snacks - Chocolate, dry fruits, protein or nutrition bar.

Entertainment - Camera or drone fees.

Transportation - The charges of transportation on day 1 and 6 are to be borne and shared between the trekkers.

3. In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.

4. Any additional cost incurred due to changes in Government Guidelines related to travel/trek/COVID-19 will be borne by the Guest.

5. Anything which is not included in Inclusion.

6. Separate tents on request, will be charged extra (INR 1,500 per tent)

1. If cancellations are made within 48 hours prior to the start of the trek, 100% advance will be charged as cancellation fee.

2. If cancellations are made between 2-7 days prior to the start of the trek, either 75% of paid amount will be returned to the guest or the whole advance amount can be adjusted against any trek within next 6 months.

3. If cancellations are made prior to 7 days from the start of the trek, 100% of total advance will be refunded.

4. If you book the trek by paying 25% of booking amount and fail to make the 100% payment before 25 days from date of travel. In this case your booking will get cancelled automatically and can only be reconfirmed once you make the full payment, depending on the availability of slots.

5. In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.

6. Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

Q1. What will be the Kedarkantha trek route?


Answer: The Kedarkantha trek starts from the Dehradun to the base village of Sankri to Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp and to Peak Summit, from the peak summit the final leg goes down to the base camp to Hargaon and to Sankri and a drive to Dehradun. You can check the detailed itinerary listed on the website.



Q2. What are the clothing and equipment that need to be carried from our end on the Kedarkantha trek?


Answer: A proper summarised list of what needs to be carried is listed on our website under the Kedarkantha trek page. You must check it and prepare accordingly.



Q3. Which type of shoes should I bring on the Kedarkantha trekking tour?


Answer: We recommend you to buy the high ankle waterproof shoes with a good grip. Also, you can buy a pair of gumboots for yourself from the local shops of Sankri base camp.



Q4. How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?


Answer: The Kedarkantha trek is a winter trek and during the hike, you walk over the hard and soft snow patches. Also, the Kedarkantha trek is listed under the beginner’s trek, with proper gears and instructions from the trek guide you can easily win the Kedarkantha Summit.



Q5. What kind of food will be provided during the Kedarkantha trek?


Answer: During the Keadarkantha trek, you will be provided with proper vegetarian food. While keeping in mind the supply of goods in the hilly areas the seasonal food varieties will be provided to you.



Q6. Are Kedarnath and Kedarkantha the same?


Answer: The Kedarnath and the Kedarkantha sound the same but are very different. The Kedarnath is a part of the Char-Dham yatra of the Hindus and the Kedarkantha is a trek in the western Gharwal Himalayas which offer great views of the many snow-capped mountains.

 


Q7. How long is Kedarkantha trek?


Answer: The Kedarkantha Trek is a scheduled 6 Days / 5 Nights trek. You trek for approx 18 km in a span of 4 days, the rest 2 days will be coming to Sankri and leaving for Dehradun respectively.


 

Q8. What is the height of the Kedarkantha trek?


Answer: The highest altitude gain for the trek are as below-

      Sankri - Approx 6,455 ft

      Juda Ka Talab - Approx 8,859 ft

      Base Camp - Approx 11,250 ft

      Kedarkantha Peak - Approx 12,500 ft


 

Q9. What is the Kedarkantha Trek best time to visit?


Answer: Since the Kedarkantha is a winter trek and the best time to visit would be October to April.



Q10. Will I find snow on Kedarkantha Trek?


Answer: Yes, the Kedarkantha Trek is a winter trek and during the months of late Nov. to February, you will encounter soft fresh snow.



Q11. How much weight will I have to carry?


Answer: The backpack which you will carry shouldn’t be more than 10 kg of weight, on day 1, the trek leader will guide you through the luggage packing.



Q12. What makes Kedarkantha a great trek for beginners?


Answer: The highest elevation is 12,500 ft on the Kedarkantha trek, the easy ascend and the well-marked path makes the Kedarkantha Trek great for first-timers.



Q13. Will there be mobile connectivity on Kedarkantha Trek?


Answer: During the trek of Kedarkantha, the last point of mobile network connectivity will be Purola which is 54 km before the Sankri Base village.



Q14. How do we reach Sankri?


Answer: You can take a shared cab from the Dehradun to reach Sankri, also detailed information on how to reach the Sankri campsite is listed on the website, you must check it out.



Q15. What sort of fitness is expected from trekkers?


Answer: Normal fitness is required for the Kedarkantha Trek, the trekker should be able to jog 2-3 km in a single day.



Q16. What type of vehicles will be used for transportation?


Answer: The transportation vehicle for the Kedarkantha Trek will be SUV/MUV or the traveler, the type of vehicle is totally dependent on the group size. Although as per the respective itinerary, the transportation will be done on Day 1 & 6 if you choose to opt for the transit with us.



Q17. Is Kedarkantha Trek safe?


Answer: The Kedarkantha Trek is a beginner trek and is totally safe as you pay heed to the trek guide.



Q18. I am a first-timer. Should I go for this trek?


Answer: Yes, you should go on the trek of Kedarkantha. The trail is well marked and offers a great view of many famous peaks. This trek will allow you to walk deep into the Uttrakhand side of the Himalayas.



Q19. What is Delhi to Kedarkantha distance?


Answer: The distance from Delhi to Sankri is 432 km which is the base village for the Kedarkantha and many other treks of the region. The distance will take 12 hours to complete.



Q20. What's the Kedarkantha weather in December?


Answer: During the month of December in the Kedarkantha Trek, the weather dips to around-15 degrees at the summit point.



Q21. What is the temperature during Kedarkantha Trek?


Answer: The temperature during the Kedarkantha trek stays between 5 degrees to -15 degrees.


 

Q22. What is the minimum & maximum age limit?


Answer: There are no criteria to a minimum or maximum age for the Kedarkantha Trek but we recommend children of age 8 above should join this trek.



Q23. What will be the accommodation type in this trek?


Answer: There will be a mixed type of accommodation on the trek of Kedarkantha as you will be staying in a guest house while in Sankri and on tents during the other locations on the trek.



Q24. Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?


Answer: You will be provided with attached washrooms while staying in the guest house and dry toilet tents while on the trek.



Q25. How much distance will we cover each day on the Kedarkantha trekking tour?


Answer: Every day, the trekking distance is different, however, you will be trekking approx 5 km (average) on a daily basis on the trek of Kedarkantha.



Q26. Why plan the Kedarkantha trek in November?


Answer: The Kedarkantha trek in November is also an early and great time as you encounter soft snowfalls and the more enriched forest sections.



Q27. Can we have liquor or smoke while on the trek?


Answer: No, it is strictly not allowed to have Liquor or Smoke on the Kedarkantha Trek as it might cause AMS.



Q28. What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?


Answer: The nearby attraction points that you can cover near Dehradun are - Robber’s cave - Tapkeshwar Mandir Dehradun - Rajaji National Park - Malsi Deer Park - George Everest’s House and many more.



Q29. If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?


Answer: Gaiters and microspikes will be provided as equipment if you trek in the snow during the trail of Kedarkantha.



Q30. Is there an option to offload my backpack?


Answer: Yes, you can offload your backpack at the Sankri guest house after an extra amount on the ground.



Q31. Is the trekking pole necessary?


Answer: Trekking pole is not necessary for this trek, however, it will provide extra support to the legs while climbing or descending.



Q32. Are there any local stores/shops where I can shop trekking necessities?


Answer: Yes, the trekking equipment are available on shopping only at Sankri shops, however, the supply is limited with the local shops.



Q33. Is it safe for a solo woman traveler to trek in Fixed departures?


Answer: Yes, it is completely safe for the female traveler to join the fixed departures of Kedarkantha Trek.



Q34. Will you give certificates on completion of trek?


Answer: Yes, our team will provide you the Kedarkantha Trek certificates on completion of the trek.



Q35. In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?


Answer: In case if you opt for the transport with us then the pickup point will be the Dehradun Railway Station.



Q36. What time will you drop us at the endpoint on the last day of the trek?


Answer: You will reach Sankri at around 12 or 1 in noon followed by the leisure stay and on Day 6 it's an 8-10 hour drive back to Dehradun. 



Q37. What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?


Answer: You must carry your valid government-issued ID proof and their copies. Note - PAN card copies will not be accepted as it does not have the local address mentioned.