Kedarkantha Trek 2024 | Detailed Itinerary, Safety Tips & All
Region: Uttarakhand
Base Camp: Sankri
Duration: 5 days
Altitude: 12,500 ft
Grade: Easy – Moderate
Distance: 20 km
Kedarkantha Trek Description
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best beginners friendly trekking experiences and most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand, India. Popular among adventurous trekkers, it’s located within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park in Uttarkashi district of western Garhwal Himalayas. The trek is famously known for its beautiful winter landscapes, scenic snow covered trails, outstanding campsites, camping experience near the frozen lake, healing & peaceful moment with nature, unforgettable experience of mid-night hiking, adventurous & a tough summit push, and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks from top of the Kedarkantha summit.
Reaching at the maximum altitude of about 12,500-feet above sea level, the Kedar kantha peak provides a rewarding 360-degree view of the mighty Himalayas including Mt Swargarohini, Mt Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Ranglana range, and Yamunotri range, as an achievement of the difficult summit climb.
This beautiful snow trekking destination starts from the village of Sankri (around 200 km away from Dehradun, the state capital of Uttarakhand), and takes 3-4 days to complete the entire trek route. Starting and ending at the same point in Sankri, the trek route gradually ascends and descends with a difficult level section of summit climb, while covering a total distance of approximately 20 km for the entire trek route. The trek proceeds through the beautiful dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine trees, a frozen lake of Juda Ka Talab, the row of meadows, untouched stretches of snowy fields, many water streams, and a steep & rewarding ascent of the summit climb.
Along the way, trekkers pass through vast snowy landscapes, beautiful clearings, and finally reach the summit with a rewarding view of the Himalayas.
Reaching the Kedarkantha summit is a victorious moment for trekkers, especially at sunrise when the peaks and valleys spread endlessly under the clear skies. Although, to witness the sunrise before the summit, you have to wake up at midnight at 2 am and start walking towards the summit. After reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with the best sunrise of your life. You will get a panoramic view of valleys surrounding the peak, as far as you can see. Views from the peak of the Kedarkantha, gives a strong sense of achievement, leaving trekkers with a deep, inner strength.
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers, this trek is shorter in duration with an easy to moderate difficulty level. Winter, from December to March, is the best time for this journey, as fresh blankets of snow transform the trail into a magical landscape. The weather temperatures in winter ranges between 5-10 degrees celsius during the day time and about -5 degrees below freezing or even more when cold winds flows. The trek presents an exciting balance of physical challenge and the opportunity to enjoy a unique natural beauty of Uttarakhand Himalayas while meeting friendly locals along the way.
Overall, the Kedarkantha is more than just a trek; it’s an exploration of tough terrain, full of natural vibes, making it a must-do adventure of Himalayas for every trekking enthusiast in India.
As a tour operator and a leading trekking organization based in Uttarakhand, Himalayan Dream Treks (HDT) encourages trekkers to do the Kedarkantha Trek. We are providing all the required arrangements for an incredible experience of trekking & camping including water supply, tasty & healthy food, camping & safety equipment, getting a trail permit, dedicated Cook, experienced guides & trek leaders, enough supportive staff, Trek Essentials, a basic First Aid Kit, accommodation in a cozy and warm stay, transportation, etc. Also here you will know the booking options we provide for a customized/private service package that is perfectly suitable for various age groups including families with young children, senior citizens, and corporate employees. So why not plan for this journey and experience the most beautiful trek of the Himalayas.
Let’s dive deep into the Kedarkantha Trek with our perfectly planned out and detailed itinerary that will provide you with all the insights into this trekking route including terrain sections, duration, hiking difficulty, walking distance, group departures, the best time to do the trek, cultural significance, how to reach Sankri base camp, trek route map, weather & temperature, altitude sickness and how to deal with them, how to get fit, backpacking & essential gear to carry, package, cost, booking process, and all the things that you must know for a thrilling and pleasant trekking experience of the Himalayas.
Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary
Drive Distance: 185 km
Drive Time: 9-10 hours
Pick Up: Prince Chowk, Dehradun
Altitude: 6,400 ft
The pickup is included in our Kedarkantha trek package, so you just have to reach Dehradun. For the convenience of everyone coming through different modes of transport, the pickup point is Prince Chowk.
As the journey is long for Sankri, we will start our day early in the morning while enjoying the scenic drive. On our way, we will cross famous hill stations like Mussoorie, and from there, the Yamuna River will accompany us to Naugaon. Don’t worry, another ethereal beauty River Tons, will join us from Mori to all the way till Sankri.
Sankri is a beautiful village surrounded by Himalayas and forest, creating a picture-perfect atmosphere. The village serves as a base for various other treks like Har Ki Dun, Ruinsara Tal, Bali Pass, etc. After reaching Sankri by the evening, you are free to explore.
We will end our day with a hot dinner and rest well for tomorrow.
Trek Distance: 4 km
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,750 ft
Altitude: 9,100 ft
Today marks the starting day of our trek as we will leave our cozy beds and head out for our first campsite – Juda ka Talab via Saud. After a delicious breakfast, we will start our ascend. The hike will be covered in snow, greenery, and different colours, depending on your chosen time of the year.
Juda ka Talab is a high-altitude lake surrounded by a thick forest of oaks, maple and pine. The lake is said to have formed when Lord Shiva opened a strand of hair from his bun, and water droplets fell from it, creating this lake. There are several other interesting tales related to this beautiful lake, but the fact that it is a lovely lake remains true.
We will finish off our day with a hot dinner while sharing stories and rest for the night.
Trek Distance: 4 km
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,150 ft
Altitude: 11,150 ft
The next day, wake up early to enjoy the glow of sunrise and freshen up for the day. Today, we will head for Kedarkantha Base Camp & closer to the summit.
The hike won’t be tiring, but it is not a cakewalk. Giant trees and the Himalayas will accompany you while motivating you to be strong. After walking through the dense forest, the trail will open to an open field, which will be our campsite.
We will have our dinner early and sleep because the next day, we have to wake up at 3 am to chase the sunrise on the peak.
Trek Distance: 12 km (4 km ↗ + 4 km ↙ + 4 km ↙)
Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 12,500 ft
As mentioned earlier, we will begin our day early at 3 am and get ready for the most exciting part of the trek – Summit Climb. Whichever season you choose, it will still be a bit cold in the morning, even in summer or spring, so pack your clothes accordingly. During winters, the weather will be harsher, and the snow will reach your knees; it is advised that you rent proper gear and equipment like crampons and gaiters.
After hiking for around 4 km with a final inclination climb of 40° to 60°, you will finally reach the summit. Seek blessing from the small Kedarkantha temple made of stone arrangement of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Relish in the most beautiful sunrise from a Himalayan Mountain Peak and discover yourself.
From the summit, enjoy the 360° views of the Himalayas and try to identify peaks like Swargrohini 1,2,3, Bandarpunch & Kalanag. You can also see Har Ki Dun and Rupin Valley from the top.
We do believe in living in the moment, but capturing them to preserve the memories forever is also essential. After clicking on many photos and videos, we will start our descent.
We will head for our favourite Juda ka Talab and spend another beautiful night under twinkling stars after a hot & delicious supper.
Trek Distance: 4 km
Trek Time: 3 hours
Drive Distance: 185 Km
Drive Time: 9-10 hours
After the well-deserved night’s rest and breakfast, we will start our final block of descent and head back to Sankri. From Sankri, we will bid final goodbye to the mountains with a promise to return back soon and leave for Dehradun via the same route we came.
Kedarkantha Trek Package
Price Inclusion
- Stay: Accommodation is included for all days of the trek. Tents will be provided on a triple-sharing basis. Single and double sharing available at extra cost.
- Transport: Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back is covered.
- Meals: All meals are provided from dinner at Sankri on Day 1 to Day 5 breakfast.
- Trek Equipment: All essential trek equipment is included, such as sleeping bags, kitchen and dining tents, utensils, mattresses, personal tents, toilet tents, and crampons (if needed).
- Forest Entry and Permits: All required fuel charges, tolls, forest entry fees, and permits are covered.
- Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
- Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided for safety.
- Trek Certificate & HDT Badges: Receive a trek certificate and HDT badges to celebrate your adventure.
- GST (5%): Included in the package cost.
Price Exclusion
- Meals during Transfer: Meals are not included while traveling to and from the trek starting points.
- Emergency Evacuations: Any charges related to emergency evacuation are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Any meals or accommodations outside of the provided itinerary or additional services not listed in the inclusions.
- Personal Luggage Carrying: Charges for mules or porters to carry personal luggage are not included.
Check the booking procedure here, including details on booking deposits, payment terms, and the cancellation policy.
Complete Information of Kedarkantha Trek
In this section you can find each and every detail about this trek, whether you’re finding information or booking this trek, you can get valuable insights here.
Though the speciality of this trek is that it is available for 10 months of the year, except for the rainy season months of July and August, it is known as the best winter trek in Uttarakhand.
Every season brings a different colour palette for the trek, so choose what you want to see.
Months – December to Mid-March
Temperature – Day: 8℃ to 10℃, Night: -10 degrees
Kedarkantha is the most famous winter trek in Uttarakhand for all the right reasons. The best time to do this trek is from December to mid-March. During winter, the trail will be covered in thick sheets of snow. The days will be filled with cold winds, and nights will dip even lower in winter. Weather conditions during these months create a perfect atmosphere for snow and snowfall, resulting in a picture of white surroundings, a frozen lake and the mighty Himalayas in the background.
Kedarkantha Trek gives you the best opportunity to experience a winter trek, even if you are a beginner. It is not a technical trek, but you can still go to a snow summit. For seasoned trekkers, it is a joyful trek that is enough to fill your thrill levels.
This is a balanced trek combined with the perfect time of snow, teaching you how to walk in snow, make tents and overall live in a snow-covered world.
Months – March to April
Temperature – Day: 15℃ to 18℃ | Night: 0℃ to 5℃
The snow will start melting during this time, with rising temperatures and life and greenery returning to the area. You will encounter a splash of colours as various flowers begin blooming & the main highlight will be the bright pink, scarlet and oranges of Rhododendrons.
Spring is also a perfect time to enjoy mild cold weather, greenery and colours which will fill your heart with the backdrop of the Great Himalayan peaks.
Months – May & June
Temperature – Day: 18℃ to 24℃ | Night: 3℃ to 8℃
Bright sun and clear skies welcome you in summer on your trek. This is a perfect time to do this trek as it will be less crowded, leaving the trails, lake and summit all to yourself.
Summer won’t be scorching hot, and you will feel light, cool evening breezes. By the end of June, some pre-monsoon showers might catch up with you, so be prepared with raincoats or ponchos.
Months – September to November
Temperature – Day: 10℃ to 15℃ | Night: 0℃ to minus 5℃
Right after the monsoon season, the trek will remain fresh & green in September and October. The trails still be charged with greenery and colours, and the fragrance of maple and pine will linger in the air, adding more to your experience.
In November, the temperature won’t be harsh but you can feel the cold and the upcoming winter days.
Kedarkantha Trek is an easy to moderate level trek, perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. The trek is easy because it is not a long trek, with gradual ascending every day, not difficult gradient terrain, and no long walking days except for summit climbing, even that is not technical.
A moderate level is considered because of the summit climb, which is steep at an inclination of 40° to 60°. This part of the trek is challenging but not technical, making it perfect for experiencing a summit climb of an altitude of 12,500.
As a prominent winter trek, walking in thick snow also takes it to a level higher than easy; it will challenge you both physically and mentally.
All trekkers are advised to start following a workout routine, a combination of both strength training and cardio. Being physically fit will help you enjoy the trek more without wasting time gasping and panting.
Treks are all about fun, adventure, finding yourself, etc, but only for those who are mentally and physically fit. Because activities like treks, especially a Himalayan trek, challenge you on different levels in unimaginable ways and situations.
KedarKantha trek falls under easy to moderate level trek depending on your chosen time of the year. In summer, spring & autumn, you will find this trek easy. Known as one of the best winter treks in India, the snow takes the difficulty a level higher, making the preparation mentally and physically more important.
The trek difficulty dictates your level of fitness and preparations for it. As mentioned above, it can be an easy and easy to moderate level trek so prepare accordingly.
We take acclimatisation seriously and make sure that our trekkers get proper time to acclimatise and rest in between. We will only trek for a short number of kilometers every day, giving your body the time it needs.
In the beginning, the ascend from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab campsite can be challenging as it is going to be your first day and changing altitude. The good part is that the trail is easy to follow, and the terrain is manageable, even for kids. Facilitated with a proper workout regime you can really take note of the surrounding environment and not waste time in catching your breath.
For summer, spring, and autumn seasons, you can follow an easy-level fitness routine.
For Winter, you have to workout more because of the added difficult factors like cold climate, snow, and fog. The trails will have some snow in the beginning which will be hard in nature and hence slippery too. Moving forward, at the higher level the snow may reach your knee or waist level, and walking on powdery snow takes the test of your balancing skills, stamina level, endurance, and overall strength of your body.
- An easy level and weekend treks require a basic fitness level, where you should focus on building your stamina and strength. Start with walking/running and include a 45-minute to 1-hour workout (cardio + strength training).
- A level-up in a fitness routine is required for an easy to moderate level trek like start aiming to run 5 km in under 40 mins, and strength training is a must.
Mental preparation includes thorough research of the trek you want to do or decide to. Understand the terrain, difficulty level, and the ways to get fit for it, look up for sudden situations that may happen, and how to tackle them. Being prepared gives you an edge to keep calm & handle a difficult situation.
- Exercises to achieve the goal
Cardiovascular Training: Running, cycling, and swimming to boost stamina.
Strength Training: Focus on leg exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups for endurance.
Core Strength: Planks, mountain climbers, and Russian twists to maintain balance on uneven trails.
Flexibility Exercises: Stretching, yoga, and dynamic warm-ups to prevent injuries.
Mental Conditioning: Visualisation techniques, breathing exercises, and meditation to strengthen focus and manage stress on difficult days.
Tip: For moderate to difficult-level treks, practice exercises with weights. Seek professional advice accordingly.
- Extra Tips related to the diet, muscle recovery, and healthy lifestyle routine.
Diet: Incorporate proteins like lentils, eggs, paneer, whey protein, etc for fast recovery after a strenuous trek. Whole grains like wheat, barley, etc for sustained energy, and leafy greens like spinach, bitter guard, and any seasonal veggie for those extra nutrients and building the immunity system.
Muscle Recovery: Plan rest days and add stretching, relaxing yoga poses or foam rolling after every workout.
Lifestyle Routine:
Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Start sleeping upto 8 hours.
Stay hydrated – drink 2 to 3 liters of water. To incorporate more nutrients, including coconut water, fruit, and vegetable juices.
Altitude Sickness happens when your body cannot adjust to lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes. This happens mainly because your body doesn’t have enough time to acclimatize to a higher altitude or not enough time to get used to lower oxygen levels.
How to Prevent –
- Gradual Ascent: Climb slowly to give your body time to adjust.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Rest and Sleep: Ensure ample rest, especially as you reach higher camps.
- Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can lead to dehydration.
What to do –
- Most Important – Inform your trek leader as well-trained leaders and experience they can assess the situation better and find solutions faster.
What trek leader may suggest. Trekkers without agency should also know these instructions –
- Stop and Rest: Pause your trek to recover.
- Descend if Necessary: Descend immediately to Sankri Basecamp, our team with the vehicle and necessary help will be there for further action.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water and avoid strenuous activity.
- Seek Medical Help: After descending our team will take you to the nearest hospitals if needed. If solo, then descend and seek the closest medical help.
- Nearest Hospital Details –
- Government Hospital, Mori
Address – 229V+WQQ, Mori-Sankari Rd, Mautar, Uttarakhand 249128
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
- 1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woollen Cap
- 4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair Of Woollen Socks
- 1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair Of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush And Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
- Sleeping Bag
- Common Tent
- Mattress
- Dining Tent
- Camping Stool
- Walkie Talkie (For Team)
- Spikes and Gaitor (If required)
- Utensils
Flight is the quickest and easiest means to reach the Dehradun. Booking a flight to this destination is not a hard job, you can get a flight from most metro cities in India.
The nearest airport to Sankri is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport which is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Several flight operators like Air India, Akasa Air, Vistara, and others operate flights to Dehradun, which makes your transportation easy and comfortable.
It is recommended to book a flight at least a month before traveling since the last moment flight booking is comparatively higher than the standard price. Considering the cost, we recommend you to take flights to Delhi, capital of India first. From there, you can take UTC, HRTC, buses, railway or hire a taxi to reach Dehradun.
Dehradun is one of the major cities in India and it is well-connected to other cities by train. So traveling here via train is another easiest way.
Your train transportation is served by the Dehradun Railway Station, which brings you directly to the destination from your hometown. You also can opt for Haridwar Railway Station to reach Dehradun. It is advised to make advanced bookings for trains but there are no issues in getting the service from any places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
Road trip is one of the most exciting journeys to reach Dehradun and start the Kedarkantha Trek. It should not be any challenging matter since the city is connected with other major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by National Highways.
It might be time consuming but the serene beauty of the Himalayan foothills will offer you a enjoyable experience.
You can take a bus from Dehradun Hill Station to Purola and from Purola take either a bus to Mori or a Shared taxi to Sankri. Make sure to reach Purola by daytime because transport is not available after evening.
Another option is direct buses to Sankri from Prince Chowk. This option only available during December end week and January first week when rush is more.
The route is well plotted on the map below, showing the distance and elevation gain and loss along the trek.
Read more info regarding Kedarkantha below
We have many folklore and religious mythological stories for about everything, especially in the mountains, one such story is –
Upon reaching the peak, the Kedarkantha Temple, made of loose stone arrangement, can be seen ornated with a Trishul (like a trident) with idols of Shiv ji, Parvati ji, and Ganesh ji.
It is believed that Lord Shiv decided to practice meditation here but was disturbed by surrounding bull so he left the place and went to Kedarnath, the famous temple now, to practise meditation.
Another story is like the one of Panch Kedar Temples, where the Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiv to uplift their curse of Brahman Htaya and Fatricide. But Lord Shiv was angry with them and hid in the Guptkashi region (The name itself is derived from this tale) in the form of a bull. When one of the Pandava Bheem identified him and started chasing the bull, Lord Shiv disappeared underground and reappeared in 5 different locations.
It is believed that Lord Shiv’s neck part appeared here, hence the name.
As Kedarkantha comes under Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, you will encounter various species of flora and fauna on your trek. In the year 2009, the Snow Leopard Project was started from here, making it essential and a reminder for you to be responsible trekker.
Flora
In Flora, you will see tall pine, maple, chir, oaks and deodar trees. Other common flora that are different from the rest of the country are horse chestnuts, walnuts, apple orchids, blue pine, silver firs, etc.
Fauna
In wildlife, you can encounter Asian black bears, European otters, musk deers, bharal, Himalayan tahr, civets, gorals and many more. In birds, you can spot Himalayan Monal Peasant (state bird of Uttarakhand), snowcock, bearded eagle, black eagle, owls, warblers, bulbul, and so on.
Take some time to read about the Leave No Trace Policy to understand and become a responsible trekker.
- Har Ki Dun Trek
- Lakha Mandal
- Mahasu Devta Temple, Hanol
- Ruinsara Tal
- Osla Village
- Bali Pass
Gallery
FAQs
Both are famous winter treks in Uttrakhand; Kedarkantha gives you the chance to climb a summit, whereas Dayara Bugyal provides a meadow walk.
It is advised to withdraw cash from Dehradun itself. You might find other ATMs en route, but they remain mostly cashless and stopping vehicles like this also hampers our timeline.
The trip cost of the Kedarkantha Trek varies from INR 6,000 to INR 12,000, depending on the itinerary, group size, inclusive services, starting point, and the time of the year, you are planning for trekking.
Being a local tour operator and listed as a certified trekking company, HDT offers the Kedarkantha Trek Package (5D/4N) without transportation from Sankri to Sankri at INR 5,499/- per person and with transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun at INR 6,999/- per person, inclusive of 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax).
With the 5D/4N itinerary, the package is inclusive of essential services like transportation, accommodation, meals, certified guide or trek leader, local sightseeing options, trail permit, and activities. As an on-ground tour operator, we have expertise in making arrangements and handling logistics to provide an unparalleled experience for our guests.
To make your trekking experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible, our travel experts and dedicated support staff are available 24/7 to help you with any queries or issues related to the trek.
If you’re looking for a private holiday package for the Kedarkantha Trek, we provide our guests with an option for tailor-made adventure holidays in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for your personalized trekking program. This option will allow you to enhance the quality of inclusive services of facilities such as accommodation, transportation, meals, or add-ons for any other requirements. Take a look at the features that make a customized tour package different from a ready-made plan for the trek.
- Itinerary: Design your itinerary instead of following a pre-designed one. This will allow you to experience more sightseeing options and activities. Our travel experts can help you with this, or you can provide an itinerary that best suits your requirements.
- Transportation: We provide you with a well-maintained, neat & clean vehicle of your choice (Swift/Ertiga/Innova/Tempo Traveler) to travel from Dehradun to Raithal Base and back. This transport service will be dedicated only to your group.
- Accommodation: We provide comfortable & cozy homestay accommodation in Raithal, and during the trek, you will be provided with the best camp stay (A-Shape/North Face/Mountain Hardware).
- Meals: For an unparalleled trekking experience, the meal plan is a core factor of service inclusions. You can provide your own meal routine and list of items to be included/excluded, ensuring they best suit your requirements.
- Equipment: Like the standard package, there will be neat & clean equipment, but in dynamic packaging, you can add extras such as air mattresses, air pillows, inner liners, upgraded sleeping bags, trekking poles, hiking boots, extra oxygen cylinders, etc.
- Private Group: Switching from a group departure to a private one is mostly preferred by families and trekkers who want a personalized experience of hiking in the mountains. No other participants will be added to your group. We offer you the option to have a dedicated group exclusively just for you, with enhanced services or the same services as a standard package.
Yes, Kedarkantha Trek is perfect for all age groups, and we have often seen 10-year-old children on this trail walking with ease as if they were locals of the region. It is a easy-moderate trek with no significant difficulties to deal with, except the last summit section which is sometime a challenging part of the trek for children. Obviously, it is a mountain trek, and dealing with challenges like sickness, difficult terrain, and other factors is common, but it’s completely manageable, which is why this trek is perfectly suitable for families with children.
The best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek for experiencing snowfall is in peak winter from mid-December to January. During this period, it experiences the best snowfall of the season, and the entire trail is covered with a blanket of fresh snow, creating a beautiful winter wonderland in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. At this time, it attracts all the adventure and nature enthusiasts from all over India, making this trek a “must-do” in peak winter.
Snowfall generally begins at the start of December, peaks in January, and lasts until early February. However, unexpected snowfall has occurred in past years; in 2019, it was recorded in mid-October, and in 2022, it started in early February. Therefore, predicting the exact timing of snowfall can be quite uncertain. If you are planning to experience the best snowfall, it is strongly advisable to get regular updates from current weather forecasts.
The Kedarkantha Trek covers a total distance of approximately 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) for the entire route, starting and ending at the same point at the Sankri base camp. This 20 km-long trail takes 4–5 days to complete, passing through beautiful dense forests of oak and rhododendron, the frozen Juda ka Talab Lake (9,100 ft), expansive meadows, snowy landscapes at the Kedarkantha Basecamp (11,150 ft), an adventurous summit push, and finally reaching Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) with the view of Mt Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Mt Swargarohini mountain range. It is a moderately difficult walk, and during the journey, you will gain an elevation of 6,100 ft (1859 m), starting from Sankri at an altitude of 6,400 ft (1,950 m) and reaching the maximum altitude of 12,500 ft (3,810 m) at Kedarkantha Summit.
Yes, the Kedarkantha Trek is a safe and enjoyable trek, suitable for beginners. It has well-marked trails and manageable elevation gains. The trek is classified as easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, while passing through forests with a gradual ascent and reaching the maximum altitude of 12,500 ft (3,810 m) with the total trek distance of 20 km. However, arrival at altitudes above 8,000 feet increases the chances of AMS, but proper acclimatization and basic physical fitness are sufficient to prevent this challenge. And, to convert the difficulty of the winter snow into a wonderful experience, proper gear, following beaten paths over the snow-covered trails, and following your guide’s instructions are must.
Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most beautiful and popular winter treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers. Its snow-covered trails, dense forests, beautiful frozen lake, thrilling summit push, stunning sunrise, and the most rewarding views of Himalayan peaks make Kedarkantha Peak a unique winter trekking destination, famous among adventure and nature enthusiasts.
Also, Kedarkantha is connected with a mythological story told by locals, where Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated for many years in the past. The temple at the top of the peak was meant to be the original Kedarnath Temple; however, there is no clear evidence to support this claim. Additionally, as per the legend, the Juda ka Talab lake is also associated with Lord Shiva, adding great spiritual significance to the lake.
Along with the religious aspect, the trek boasts unique natural beauty, especially when the entire trail gets covered in snow during winter, transforming it into a beautiful winter wonderland. The trek provides breathtaking views of some of the most prominent Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch, as well as other mountain ranges like Ranglana, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and the Sarutal Range.
The trek route takes about 2-3 days to reach the Kedarkantha peak from Sankri base camp, covering a distance of 10 km away. The height of Kedarkantha is 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) above sea level, that is accesible from Kedarkantha Basecamp with a steep ascent of 1,250 feet elevation gain. The trek route from here requires navigating certain steep stretches to reach the summit. This trail section towards the summit of Kedarkantha is very steep and can really test trekkers especially beginners’ physical strength.
Trek Reviews
I had an incredible time on the Kedarkantha trek, meeting lots of new friends along the way. Our trek guide, Mr. Sobey Negi from Himalayan Dream Treks, was more than just a guide—he was like a brother and a friend. A genuinely good person, he was incredibly helpful and caring throughout the journey.
Thanks to the Himalayan Dream Treks team! Looking forward to trekking with you again!
Kushal Hari
The whole team was very supportive and responsive, at extreme weather as it was in Kedarkantha they provided hot and healthy food, plus hot water whenever you asked for it. The guides were supportive and friendly in nature.
Arvind Karir
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Available Dates
| Group Dates | Status |
| 10 Nov 2024 | Booking Open |
| 15 Nov 2024 | Booking Open |
| 16 Nov 2024 | Booking Open |
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