Kedarkantha Trek - The Queen of Winter Treks

Kedarkantha trek itinerary

Option 1 - Kedarkantha Trek 5D/4N

From Sankri to Sankri - Rs.4699 + GST

From Dehradun to Dehradun - Rs.6699 + GST

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Altitude: 6,455 ft.

Drive: 6-7 hrs. (187km)

Meal: Dinner

Stay: Stay at a guesthouse on a sharing basis.

• Take a shared cab from Dehradun and reach Sankri, it will take 7 hours to reach the campsite.
• Enjoy the drive covering the pine forest section along with river Yamuna on your side.
• Sankri is the base camp of many treks of Uttarakhand, out of which the most popular are Har ki Dun and Bali Pass.
• 22 km before Sankri the Govind National Park area starts which is famous for its avid collection of flora.
• After reaching Sankri, freshen up and step out of the guest house to explore the village on your own.

Day 2 : Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Altitude: 8,859 ft.

Trek: 4 km (4-5 hrs.)

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.

• After a healthy breakfast at the guest house and start your journey towards Juda ka Talab.
• After crossing Sorh the journey takes a wide and sharp curve moving along the stream, the initial climb will pass you through the dense forest, brown leaves of Maple and Pine crushed under the foot.
• After crossing a dense forest section you will reach Juda ka Talab, try taking a walk around the fascinating lake.
• Few meters from the lake we will pitch our tents and will retire for the day.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab - Kedarkantha Base Camp

Altitude: 11,250 ft.

Trek: 4 km (3-4 hrs.)

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.

• After morning breakfast starts your trek towards Kedarkantha Base, on a straight guided path.
• After crossing 10,400 ft. you can visualize the snow traces with winds meandering around the track.
• Few meters from today’s destination enjoy the views of arc-shaped snow-capped mountains, Swaragarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Rangala standing in the front.
• After reaching the campsite, pitch the tents and enjoy the clear views of the night sky filled with twinkling stars, planets, and satellites.
• Enjoy a hot meal at the campsite and retire ASAP as the next day’s climb will start as early as 4 am.

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

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

Trek: 6 km (6-7 hrs.)

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.

• The most exciting day of the trek begins as early as 4 am, today you will conquer Kedarkantha Trek Height & Peak.
• During the trek, you will pass through a few portions of Oak forest with the ascend to as high as 12,500 ft.
• The last climb to the peak is adventurous, spot a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati overlooking the region.
• Enjoy your time at the top, descend back to the base camp to fill up your empty stomachs with hot lunch. Rest for a few more minutes and descend to Hargaon.
• Once again it's the journey covering the dense Oak, Pine, and Maple forest with many shepherds’ huts at different spots, Reach the campsite, pitch the tents and mark an end to the delighted day.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri and back to Dehradun

Altitude: 8,900 ft - 9,100 ft

Trek: 4 km (2-4 hrs)

Drive: 187 km (7-8 hrs)

Meals: Breakfast

• After a relaxing breakfast, start your descend back to Sankri.
• After an hour into the trek you will reach a ridgeline from there you can spot some splendid views of Har Ki Dun Valley, enjoy your moment by the photography of the route from a distance.
• After reaching the base get into your taxi and head towards Dehradun

Trek ends here!!

Option 2nd - Kedarkantha Trekking Itinerary 6D/5N

From Dehradun to Rishikesh - Rs.7699 + GST 

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

Altitude: 6,455 ft.

Drive: 6-7 hrs. (187 km)

Meal: Dinner

Stay: Stay at a guesthouse on a sharing basis.

• Take a shared cab from Dehradun and reach Sankri, it will take 7 hours to reach the campsite.
• Enjoy the drive covering the pine forest section along with river Yamuna on your side.
• Sankri is the base camp of many treks of Uttarakhand, out of which the most popular are Har ki Dun and Bali Pass.
• 22 km before Sankri the Govind National Park area starts which is famous for its avid collection of flora.
• After reaching Sankri, freshen up and step out of the guest house to explore the village on your own.

Day 2 : Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Altitude: 8,859 ft.

Trek: 4 km (4-5 hrs.)

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.

• After a healthy breakfast at the guest house and start your journey towards Juda ka Talab.
• After crossing Sorh the journey takes a wide and sharp curve moving along the stream, the initial climb will pass you through the dense forest, brown leaves of Maple and Pine crushed under the foot.
• After crossing a dense forest section you will reach Juda ka Talab, try taking a walk around the fascinating lake.
• Few meters from the lake we will pitch our tents and will retire for the day.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab - Kedarkantha Base Camp

Altitude: 11,250 ft.

Trek: 4 km (3-4 hrs.)

Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.

• After morning breakfast starts your trek towards Kedarkantha Base Camp, on a straight guided path.
• After crossing 10,400 ft. you can visualize the snow traces with winds meandering around the Kedarkantha track.
• Few meters from today’s destination enjoy the views of arc-shaped snow-capped mountains, Swaragarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Rangala standing in the front.
• After reaching the campsite, pitch the tents and enjoy the clear views of the night sky filled with twinkling stars, planets, and satellites.
• Enjoy a hot meal at the campsite and retire ASAP as the next day’s climb will start as early as 4 am.

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: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

Stay:   Stays in tents on a sharing basis.

• The most exciting day of the trek begins as early as 4 am, today you will conquer Kedarkantha Peak.
• During the trek, you will pass through a few portions of Oak forest with the ascend to as high as 12,500 ft.
• The last climb to the peak is adventurous, spot a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati overlooking the region.
• Enjoy your time at the top, descend back to the base camp to fill up your empty stomachs with hot lunch. Rest for a few more minutes and descend to Hargaon.
• Once again it's the journey covering the dense Oak, Pine, and Maple forest with many shepherds’ huts at different spots, Reach the campsite, pitch the tents and mark an end to the delighted day.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri Trek and Drive to Rishikesh

Altitude:  8,900 ft. - 9,100 ft.

Trek: 4 km (2-4 hrs.)

Drive: 200 km (8-10 hrs.)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Stay: Stay at a Hotel in Dorm beds.

• After a relaxing breakfast, start your descend back to Sankri.
• After an hour into the trek you will reach a ridgeline from there you can spot some splendid views of Har Ki Dun Valley, enjoy your moment by the photography of the route from a distance.
• After reaching the base get into your taxi and head towards Rishikesh.
• Check in to your rooms, have dinner and relax for the night.

Day 6: Check Out

Meals: Breakfast

• Early morning get up and go for a sunrise walk to Laxman Jhula or you can choose to stay in your comfy bed for a lazy morning.
• Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel and check out.
• You can either proceed towards your onward journey or put your luggage in the luggage room and explore the things which Rishikesh has to offer
• Rafting, Bungee Jumping, or other adventure activities can be arranged at an additional cost

 Trek ends here!!

How to Reach Kedarkantha Base Camp

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.

Note: -

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. 

Things to Carry on Kedarkantha Trek Package  :- 

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 plastic bottels 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 planning to offload your regular backpack

16. Hand Sanitizer

17. Extra face masks

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

Inclusions in Kedarkantha Trek Booking :-

1. You will be greeted by our trek team on your arrival to Sankri.

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

3. Guest house on day 1

4. Alpine/Dome tents on day 2, 3, 4.

5. Hotel on Day 5 (Only applicable for option 2)

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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.

12. Permit - forest and camping fee included.

Exclusions in Kedarkantha Trek Booking :-

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

2. 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" 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)

Kedarkantha Trek Package Cancellation Policy - 

1. If cancellations are made 26 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, no cancellation fee will be charged.

2. If cancellations are made between 8-25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, 25% of the total package amount will be charged as cancellation fee.

3. If cancellations and rescheduling are made within 7 days from the start date of your trek/tour/activity, 100% of the total booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.

4. Guest can reschedule the tour/trek/activity between 8-25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity (Depending on the availability), after this period no rescheduling can be done and no amount can be refunded.   

5. Rescheduling of the tour/trek/activity is applicable only once, after that if you want to cancel or reschedule the trek/tour/activity again, it will not be possible and no refund will be processed. 

6. If you book the tour/trek/activity by making a partial payment of the total booking amount and fail to make the 100% payment before 26 days from the date of travel. In this case, your booking will get canceled automatically and can only be reconfirmed once you make the full payment, depending on the availability of slots.

7. In case if your tour/trek/activity remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency, government policy changes, local strikes, or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get a refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain underutilized by you.

8. In case if your tour/trek/activity gets cancelled because of "force majeure", medical emergency, government policy changes, local strikes between 0-7 days from your date of travel, you will be eligible to reschedule the date of your trek/tour/activity or you can get a credit note of the amount paid, however no cash refund will be possible in this case.

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

10. The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.

Kedarkanta Trek FAQ's

Q1. How long is the Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek is a scheduled 5 Days / 4 Nights trek. You trek for approx 18 km in a span of 3 days, the rest 2 days will be coming to Sankri and leaving for Dehradun respectively.

Q2. What is the height of the Kedarkantha trek?

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

Q3. What is the Kedarkantha Trek best time to visit?

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

Q4. Will I find snow on Kedarkantha Trek?

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

Q5. What will be the Kedarkantha trek route?

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.

Q6. What are the clothing and equipment that need to be carried from our end on the Kedarkantha trek?

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.

Q7. Which type of shoes should I bring on the Kedarkantha trekking tour?

We recommend you to buy 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.

Q8. How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?

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.

Q9. What kind of food will be provided during the Kedarkantha trek?

During the Kedarkantha 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.

Q10. Are Kedarnath and Kedarkantha the same?

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 Garhwal Himalayas which offers great views of the many snow-capped mountains.

Q11. How much weight will I have to carry?

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?

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?

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's the Kedarkantha weather in December?

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

Q16. What is the temperature during Kedarkantha Trek?

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

Q17. How much distance will we cover each day on the Kedarkantha trekking tour?

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.

Q18. Why plan the Kedarkantha trek in November?

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

Q19. What sort of fitness is expected from trekkers?

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

Q20. What type of vehicles will be used for transportation?

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 Days 1 & 6 if you choose to opt for the transit with us.

Q21.Is Kedarkantha Trek safe?

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

Q22. I am a first-timer. Should I go for this trek?

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.

Q23. What is Delhi to Kedarkantha distance?

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.

Q24. Can we have liquor or smoke while on the trek?

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

Q25. What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?

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.

Q26. What is the minimum & maximum age limit?

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.

Q27. What will be the accommodation type in this trek?

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 in tents during the other locations on the trek.

Q28. Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?

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

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

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?

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

Q31. Is the trekking pole necessary?

A 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?

Yes, the trekking equipment is 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?

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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.