Kedarkantha Trek 2024 | Cost, Itinerary, Tips & More

Region: Uttarakhand

Base Camp: Sankri

Days: 5

Altitude: 12,500 ft

Grade: Easy – Moderate

Distance: 18 km

Min Age: 10 Years+

Best Season: Winter

Trek Description

If you are looking for a winter trek in the snow, the Great Himalayas welcome you to the most popular and scenic Kedarkantha trek.

Winter trekking in the Himalayas can spice up your experience. One amazing experience is Kedarkantha winter travel in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas’ Sankri area. Kedarkantha trip has everything for everyone.

For new trekkers, it can be rewarding and mesmerizing, but for experienced trekkers, it can provide significant rewards quickly. It’s ideal for independent trekkers, groups of friends, families with kids, and anybody else seeking a satisfying, challenging Himalayan journey. You might discover yourself on such an exciting journey.

Itinerary

On the way from Dehradun to Sankri, you’ll pass some lovely villages and towns, such as Mussoorie, Nowgaon, Purola, and Mori. The picturesque path winds through a verdant pine forest, where the fragrant scent of freshly cut pines wafts through the air.

Once you make it through the woods and arrive at Mori, the Tonnes River will become a part of your journey. Famous for its rafting opportunities, the Tonnes River is Yamuna’s largest tributary.

It is recommended to begin early in the morning to reach Sankri by sunset, as the 190-kilometre drive usually takes 8-9 hours to finish. Before starting your hike, the following day, you will spend the night at a guesthouse.

After breakfast at Sankri, they set foot for Juda Ka Talab first thing in the morning. You can see local children on their way to school and ladies beginning their day’s work as you go through picturesque villages like Saud on this exciting walk.

The path winds through a thick pine forest, rising steadily until it reaches a ridge. The path levels out and widens after walking on the ridge. The dense woodland gives welcome shade from the scorching sun.

You have arrived at the world-famous Juda Ka Talab, a picturesque little lake with three artificial islands in the middle. You can camp next to the lake and enjoy a starry night meal.

The trail descends further into the pine forest from Juda Ka Talab till it reaches a meadow with shepherd’s huts. After two or three hours of climbing, hikers will reach the base camp of Kedarkantha after climbing an additional thousand feet.

Photographers and eco-tourists will find paradise along the path that leads from Juda Ka Talab to base camp. The base camp is an excellent camping site since, despite being slightly colder owing to a lack of insulation, it gives breathtaking views of the well-known Uttarakhand peaks.

The long-awaited fourth day has finally arrived! The summit is close to the base camp, where you may enjoy a short but breathtaking ascent before taking in spectacular views of the Himalayan Kailash ranges, the Chaainsheel Pass, and the peaks of Uttarakhand.

The valley of Har Ki Dun, which lies below, is also visible. A stone arrangement featuring a Trishul pointing upwards marks the peak of Kedarkantha.

According to legend, the people interrupted Lord Shiva’s meditation while hiding from the Pandavas as a cow on the summit, which was supposed to be the initial location of the Kedarnath temple. He shifted his position to the current Kedarnath temple due to the interruption.

You will return to base camp after spending some time on the peak, and then after lunch, you will hike the 2-kilometre trail to Hargaon. On your way to Sankri, you will stop at the spacious camping area of Hargaon for the night before saying goodbyes to this picturesque location.

Taking the same beautiful route back to Dehradun makes the always-tender return home trip less painful. The scenery gradually changes as you head downhill into the city, transitioning from dense pine forests to larger roadways. As you say goodbyes to Uttarakhand’s tranquil valleys and mountains, you finally reach the busy town.

What’s Included?

Price Inclusion

Transportation: Transportation from Dehradun to the basecamp and back to Dehradun is included in the package.
Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable stays during your trek with accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, or dormitories, offered on a twin, triple, or dormitory sharing basis. When camping, rest in spacious tents on a double or triple sharing basis.
Meals: We provide nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals. Our meals are designed to keep you energized throughout the trek.
Camping Fees/Permits: All necessary trekking permits and woodland camping fees are included in the package, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Trek Equipment: We provide essential trekking equipment, including dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents with mattresses, and sleeping bags. Utensils, ropes, micro-spikes, and gaiters (if required) are also part of our equipment offerings.
Mules and Porters: Mules and porters are available to carry central equipment, easing your load and allowing you to focus on the trek.
Qualified Team: Our team comprises experienced and qualified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters who are dedicated to making your trek safe and enjoyable.
Basic First Aid: A basic first aid kit with an oxygen cylinder and a helmet (if required) is available to address any potential health concerns during the trek.
Expert Assistance: You can always reach out to our experts for any queries or assistance during your trekking journey. Simply contact us at +91-8089693825.

Price Exclusion

Backpack Offloading: If you prefer to offload your backpack, an additional fee of INR 1050 per bag applies.
Mules or Porters for Personal Bags: The service of mules or porters to carry personal bags is not included and can be arranged at an extra cost.
Emergency Costs: Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek are not included in the package.
Tips: Tips for the trekking team are optional and not included in the package.
Items Not Mentioned: Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered.
Stay at Dehradun: Accommodation and meals in Dehradun on the last day of the trek are not included.
Meals During Transportation: Meals during transportation are not included.
GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable and not included in the package.

Things to Carry

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

How To Reach

If you’re flying in, the nearest airport to Sankri village is Jolly Grant, located near Rishikesh. From there, you can arrange a separate taxi that will take you directly to Sankri, which serves as the starting point for the trek.

The nearest railway stations to Sankri are Dehradun and Rishikesh. You can easily find a bus or taxi from Dehradun that will take you directly to Sankri.

Buses to Sankri can be boarded at the Mussoorie bus stand near the Dehradun Railway station. These buses depart from Dehradun at the following times: The first bus departs at 5:30 a.m. The second bus leaves at 6:30 a.m. The third bus departs at 7:30 a.m. En route, you’ll pass through checkpoints such as Mussoorie, Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and finally, Sankri village.

Difficulty Level of Kedarkantha Trek

The Uttarakhand, India, Kedarkantha hike in the western Himalayas is breathtaking. The moderately challenging walk offers beautiful Himalayan views and is popular with travelers.

From Sankri, a small settlement in the western Himalayas, the trip winds through lush woods, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. The moderately demanding hike is suitable for fit people with basic trekking experience. The 32-km Kedarkantha trip takes six days.

Altitude gain is a major problem of the Kedarkantha climb. The trek leads you to 12,500 ft above sea level, where the air becomes thinner and harder to breathe. For individuals inexperienced with high altitudes, acclimatize for a day or two before the hike. Some hikers struggle on the last day due to the steep slope and rocky, slippery snow route.

The hike is difficult due to sudden weather changes. Winter is cold and windy. Keep warm with a sleeping bag and other supplies. Kedarkantha trekking is enjoyable and offers stunning Himalayan views and an opportunity to appreciate nature despite the hardships. The journey through oak and rhododendron forests lets you see Bharal or Himalayan blue sheep and snow leopards.

Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek

Among the few treks in the Indian Himalayas that are accessible all year round, the Kedarkantha trek stands out. The Kedarkantha walk is accessible for ten months, except July and August, the wettest months in Uttarakhand. Four distinct seasons make up the ten months:

Summer – May and June

Spring – March and April

Winter – December to February

Autumn – Mid-September to November

You may expect different weather, terrain, and challenges with each season. To sum up, here is a review of the subtle changes that will occur during the year. This will be useful as you plot out your journey.

More Info of Kedarkantha Trek

The Uttarakhand government now requires local guides for trekking in 2021. Remember that Kedarkantha hike permits are only provided with a Forest Department-registered local guide. Govind Pashu Vihar National Park officials enforce this rule. The Sankari Forest Office and the local guide will help you get trek permits.

Village of Osla

On your way to Har ki Dun from Sankri, you’ll pass Osla, a charming village. Osla is 26km from Taluka and 2590m high, perched on a steep slope covered by apple trees. The wood homes of Osla will immediately pique your curiosity and make you want to explore this wonderful community.

Village Jakhol

The entrance to Govind National Park is Jakhol village. It is 19 kilometres from Netwar in Uttarkashi’s Mori block. This tiny Uttarakhand village is serene and beautiful, with views of the Garhwal Himalayas. Mountain and valley views will delight you. People stay there to experience its divinity.

Trek Saru Tal

The Saru Tal Trek takes you to the holy water of Sar Lake at 4200 meters in the Western Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Sankri is the base camp for a nine- to ten-day gentle hike. Daytime temperatures are mild, while nighttime temperatures are cold at Saru Tal. The Himalayas and gorgeous meadows will wow you from the outset of this adventure.

Trekking Ruinsara Tal

Ruinsara Tal, 3,500 meters above sea level, will amaze you as you explore Garhwal’s sacred valleys. The glacial blue lake is 14 kilometers from Osla/Seema at the foot of Kalanag Peak. Har-Ki-Doon Valley residents revere Ruinsara Tal, besieged by alpine flowers and rose-pink rhododendrons. Residents of this region believe they are Kauravas’ ancestors and have built temples in their honor.

Bali Pass Trek

The 5,000-meter Bali Pass is in Garhwal. This striking high altitude byskip offers unobstructed views of Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini. The Bali Pass walk offers experiences and wonderful views to make you nostalgic. Jankichatti is the end of the Sankri village hike. This journey requires some hiking expertise.

Sankri

Trekkers can reach The Paradise of the Himalayas from Uttarakhand’s Sankari Village. It is a picturesque hamlet in Uttarkashi district and a trekker’s paradise. Sankri Village is the last entrance to Govind Balabh Pant Wildlife Sanctuary. The town offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and many mountain peaks from afar.

Gallery

Map of Trail

FAQs

For maximum comfort, we offer three and four person tents with twin-sharing or three-sharing options.

Himalayan Dreamtreks is a trekking company that puts all of its participants’ safety first, including female trekkers. They have a robust safety system in place, including a dedicated team of experienced and qualified trek leaders and support workers who are prepared to manage emergency situations and administer first aid.

The HDT also takes special precautions to guarantee the safety and comfort of female hikers. They offer separate tents for female hikers, female trek leaders, and support staff. They also have separate restrooms for ladies and promote a safe and respectful environment for all trekkers.

During the trek, HDT provides wholesome and nutritional meals. The food is vegetarian and consists of rice, dal, veggies, chapati, paratha, pasta, noodles, and soup. Special dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Jain meals, can also be accommodated if requested in advance.

7,500

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5% GST & Transportation Cost

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