Kedarkantha Trek

Region:

Uttarakhand

Base camp:

Sankri

Days:

5 Days

altitude:

12,500 ft

grade:

Medium

Best season:

Nov - March

Overview

Kedarkantha, near Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand, is an exciting summit trek ideal for novice climbers. Rising at 3810 M, the summit provides amazing 360 degree views of several well-known Himalayan mountains such the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Ranglana in the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges.

One of the reasons this trek is so popular is the ascent to the top. Beginning in the early hours of the morning in cold conditions, with headlights guiding beneath a breaking dawn, the paths of Kedarkantha mix all the subtleties and obstacles of a summit experience, but on a much smaller scale.

Given the low daily lengths to be completed, this five-day journey spanning more over 20 kilometres is fit for first-time hikers. Starting from Sankri village, a frequent base for many treks in Uttarakhand, the path runs Before arriving at the first campground, Juda-ka-Taal, the path from Sankri winds over multiple wooden bridges and streams through thick Maple and Oak trees.

The climb gradient is harder the next day as we go 4km to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. The path passes through thick oak woodlands that open up to various cleanings on route.

Look at the abundant flora and wildlife includes black eagle, golden eagle, Rhododendron trees, Chir Pine, and many more. The Kedarkantha Base Camp has some excellent 180 degree views of high snow-capped hills like Kalanag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini. On most evenings, the snow-covered Kedarkantha Peak also shows up closer from here and shines more than the moon.

The climb to the peak the next day is gripping. This is the most difficult part of the Kedarkantha trip because of the steep climb, rushing winds and low temperatures in the winters. Click here to grasp the kind of terrain one would need the tools and abilities to finish the Kedarkantha journey.

The complete experience this trip provides for the adventurers justifies this trip as an adventure paradise. Among the features of this trek are majestic snow covered scenery, towering Oak and Pine trees, and camping beside a beautiful high-altitude lake. See further here the highlights of the Kedarkantha Trek.

December to February is the ideal season to complete Kedarkantha Trek (for snow). All the necessary information is available on this page: Kedarkantha Trek Temperature, Weather, Route Map, Photographs, Video, Reviews. Scroll to the end to peruse Kedarkantha Trek Blogs.

Itinerary

Drive From Dehradun To Sankri Base Village (198 Kilometers, 8 Hours Drive)

The adventure starts in Dehradun, the capital. The Wild Treks-arranged Transportation may be accessed at ISBT, Dehradun latest by 7 AM. Many of the treks in Uttarakhand, including those to Har Ki Dun, Borasu Pass, Bali Pass, Ruinsara Tal, and others, begin Sankri. Rising an elevation of 1950 M, it would take around 9 to 10 hours to get from Dehradun.

Right from the beginning, the road journey is breathtaking. It starts with a drive over the magnificent Kempty falls buried in high mountain cliffs and the Mussoorie hills. Long and winding, the roads allow you fully appreciate the breathtaking grandeur all around. In numerous areas, fast mountain streams flow alongside the roadways.

Following Mussoorie, the route winds for a little along a glittering Yamuna River. The scene finally changes from deep gorges to a magnificent canopy of blue pine woods running along each side of the road.

But as we go over the Govind National Park enjoying a range of unusual flora and animals, the final 22 kilometres to Sankri steals the show. In certain areas the roads may be difficult and uneven, but the amazing views of the thick coniferous woods, Tonnes River Valley, and scattered apple orchids more than offset it.

About five o’clock, we will be visiting Sankri. Especially around twilight, Sankri is a lush-green town with some unmatched vistas of Mt. Swargarohini. That is December to February, the height of winter, and you will find snow straight from Sankri itself.

We will spend today at guest homes. Trekkers may wash after check-in and explore the nearby environs.

Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Taal (4 Kilometers, 4 Hours Trek)

The trip begins at around nine in the morning after a satisfying meal. Lunch packed will be available for the day.

Your trek leader will provide you spikes and gaiters before you begin your journey during peak winters. On how to utilise them over the snow track, there will be a quick briefing session.

From Sankri, the road winds past another settlement, Saud, before guiding you to the Kedarkantha trail. Along the path there will be various bridge crossings. These woodlands’ floor is blanketed with maple leaves and encircled in thick pine foliage all around. Later in the trek, you will also be able to hear a creek burbling.

This particular road seems to be no less than a winter wonderland with soft snow covering the floor underneath and the trees while a kindly warm sun beams above. And, if fortunate enough, you may even see snowfall throughout the trek.

The path twisted over the forest, rising steadily. On your right, one hour into the trek will find a wooden bridge. This represents half of the daily trek. Close ahead, you will catch up to the water stream you have so far been hearing. Beyond this distance, the tree line moves to heavier Maple and Oak species.

Another hour or so may find you coming across a massive fallen trunkresting in a glade just before the forest. You reach the campground for the day half way at about 2400 m.

Keep treking over the clearing into the woodland with oak brown tones. Here, you will find the air smells like the woodlands. Eventually the woodland opens up to a meadow with two little cottages providing drinks and food. Here we will be stopping to enjoy our packed lunches together with some hot tea.

Eventually the path that goes out of this clearing swiftly rises through the woodland opens to a magnificent lake, teardrop silver in colour and guarded on one side by a tangle of emerald-green Oak and Pine trees.

On the Kedarkantha trail and our daily campground, here is the little high altitude lake known as Jew-ka-Taal.

Juda Ka Taal To Kedarkantha Base Camp (3 Kilometers, 3 Hours Trek)

The trek gradient today is steeper than yesterday and goes through dense primeval Oak forests. After breakfast, we begin the trek towards the Kedarkantha Base Camp at 9AM.

Follow the trail that runs out of the Judaka Taal campsite. As the trail ascends on to a ridge veering further into the forest, you will notice the lake retreating slowly below.

A brief trudge through asnow-laden path will eventually lead us to glimpses of a tall mountain peak peeping through the woods – this is the Kedarkantha summit.

During late winters and early spring, you are likely to encounter residual snow on the trails from here on. Although the flora on the trek may not be in bloom yet, you will be greeted by semi-grown buds of Rhododendrons all the way. Come April, you will find bright orange and pink coloured Rhododendrons in full bloom and fresh grasslands waking up from their hibernation.

A short trek through umber-brown Oak forests brushed with snow leads to a stunning snowfield enveloped by towering woods on one side and a grand panorama of snow-clad peaks on the other. This is the Kedarkantha Base Camp.

Try spotting the Kedarkantha Peak, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini andKalanagfrom here.

On clear days, the Milky Way gleams through the sky at night witha sheet of white snow shining all around. Early spring still carries residual snow in some sections of the Base Camp and the summit. The snow melts away by April, however, flushing out spring colors everywhere.

Have an early dinner and prepare to sleep well in time since the trek starts at around 3AM the next day.

Trek To Kedarkantha Peak | Back To Juda ka Taal (9 Kilometers, 8 Hours Trek)

Starting at about 3am, the climb to Kedarkantha mountain aims to capture the sunrise from the top. All along, be ready for walking via very cold conditions and freezing mountain gusts. Starting with a little climb, the first path winds among rich Oak trees for around one hour.

The woodlands then start to fade and spread out into a clearing from which two paths go to the top. The state of the snow determines the route the trip leader chooses for the climb.

This part runs steep with a 45 to 60 degree slope. Sometimes the snowfall here runs knee-deep in the winter. The snow begins to dry and vanishes completely by April from March on.

About half an hour later, you negotiate many switchbacks to at last arrive at the dream peak of Kedarkantha at crack of dawn. From Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Har Ki Dun among others, the top offers an amazing 360 degree panorama of several well-known mountain peaks and ranges in the vicinity.

At the summit are also a square arrangement of stones honouring Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, with a Trishul pointing upwards as a temple.

We go back to Juda ka Taal after some time at the peak. As we commemorate the conclusion of an exciting day, we will be building campers here and savour the star-lit sky beyond evening.

Juda ka Taal To Sankri (4 Kilometers, 4 Hours Trek) | Back To Dehradun (8 Hours Drive)

As we leave Juda ka Taal post breakfast to return to Sankri, we have fully circled. Following a brief stop in Sankri, get a last look at the breathtaking scenery as we head for Dehradun, carrying lifetime of memories.

*Note: We most likely will arrive in Dehradun between 8 and 9 PM. If you want to spend night in Delhi, kindly make sure you reserve Volvos leaving between 11 PM and 12 AM to cover any unplanned traffic delays.

Price Inclusion & Exclusion

Accommodation:
Tents or guesthouses on a sharing basis during the trek.
Homestay or guesthouse at the base village, Sankri.
Meals:
All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day (all vegetarian).
Guides and Trek Leaders:
Experienced trek leaders and local guides.
Support staff to assist during the trek.
Permits and Fees:
All forest entry permits and camping charges included.
Safety Gear:
First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, and pulse oximeter available during the trek.
Trekking Equipment:
Tents, cold-weather sleeping bags, and mats.
Gear like microspikes and gaiters for snowy conditions.
Transport:
Transfers between Dehradun and the base camp, Sankri.

Travel to Dehradun:
Arrangements to reach Dehradun are your responsibility.
Personal Expenses:
Costs for snacks, beverages, and personal purchases during the trek.
Insurance:
No travel or medical insurance is included.
Extra Costs:
Any unforeseen delays (e.g., bad weather or roadblocks) may incur additional costs.
Porter or Mule for Personal Bags:
Hire a mule or porter for an extra charge if you prefer not to carry your own backpack.
Emergency Evacuation:
Costs for emergency rescue services are not covered.

Packing List: Essential Things

45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS

1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
Tiffin Box

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 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
1 Pair Of Floaters

How To Reach

The Mussoorie bus stop next to the Dehradun Railway station allows one to catch buses to Sankri. These buses leave Dehraduck at the following times: The first bus leaves around five thirty the morning.

At 6:30 a.m., the second bus departs At 7:30 a.m., the third bus leaves You will pass Mussoorie, Naugaon, Purola, Mori, and lastly Sankri village on way past checks.

While flying, the closest airport to Sankri village is Jolly Grant, which is close to Rishikesh. From there, you may schedule a separate cab to get you straight to Sankri, the base of the journey.

Two closest railway stations to Sankri are Rishikesh and Dehradun. From Dehradun, a bus or cab would easily get you straight to Sankri.

Other Information

Among the few treks available all year round in the Indian Himalayas, the Kedarkantha one stands out. Ten months, excluding July and August—the wettest months in Uttarakhand—the Kedarkantha trek is open. Ten months consist from four separate seasons:

Summer: May and June

Spring; March and April

Winter, from December to February

Autumn: September to November

With every season, you might anticipate various terrain, temperature, and obstacles. All told, here is a synopsis of the minor adjustments expected during the year. This will help you to map your path.

The Kedarkantha trek in western Himalayan India’s Uttarakhand is amazing. Popular with tourists, the somewhat difficult hike provides stunning Himalayan vistas.

From Sankri, a little community in the western Himalayas, the journey follows meadows, rich forests, and snow-capped mountains. Those who are athletic and have some basic trekking experience will find the somewhat challenging climb appropriate. Six days constitute the 32-km Kedarkantha trek.

A main challenge of the Kedarkantha climb is altitude increase. The hike brings you 12,500 feet above sea level, where the air becomes thinner and breathing becomes more difficult. If someone is not used to high elevations, acclimatise for one day or two before the climb. The steep descent and bumpy, sloshy snow path causes some trekkers difficulty on the final day.

The unexpected variations in the temperature make the climb challenging. Winter is chilly and breezes. Stay cosy with a sleeping bag and other extras. Though challenging, Kedarkantha hiking is fun and provides breathtaking Himalayan vistas and a chance to appreciate environment. Travelling between oak and rhododendron woods allows you to observe snow leopards and Bharal, or Himalayan blue sheep.

Permits for Kedarkantha

Now, the Uttarakhand government calls for local guides for 2021’s hiking. Recall that Kedarkantha climb permits are only issued with a local guide registered with the Forest Department. Officials of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park apply this policy. Trekking permits will be obtained with the aid of the Sankari Forest Office and the local guide.

Attractions and Adventures Nearby

Village of Osla

You will cross the little settlement Osla on your route from Sankri to Har Ki Dun. Perched on a steep hill covered with apple trees, Osla is 26km from Taluka and 2590m elevation. Osla’s wood mansions will quickly grab your interest and inspire you to visit this amazing town.

Jakhol Village

Jakhol the village is the gateway of Govind National Park. From Netwar in Uttarkashi’s Mori block, it is 19 km. Viewing the Garhwal Himalayas, this little Uttarakhand hamlet is calm and lovely. View points from mountains and valleys will thrill you. People visit to feel its divine nature.

Saru Tal Trek

The Saru Tal Trek leads you to the holy water of Sar Lake at 4200 meters in the Western Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarkashi, Uttrakhand. The starting point for a nine- to ten-day easy walk is Sankri. Daytime temperatures are moderate; overnight temperatures at Saru Tal are frigid. From the start of your journey, the Himalayas and stunning meadows will astound you.

Trekking Ruinsara Tal

As you tour Garhwal’s holy valleys, Ruinsara Tal, 3,500 meters above sea level will astound you. Fourteen km from Osla/Seema at the base of Kalanag Peak lies the glacial blue lake. Living in the Har-Ki-Doon Valley, people treasure Ruinsara Tal, besieged by rose-pink rhododendrons and alpine flowers. People living in this area have erected temples in honour of Kauravas as they see themselves as his descendants.

Trek Through Bali Pass

Garhwal holds the 5,000-meter Bali Pass. With its great height, skip provides unhindered views of Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini. To make you nostalgic, the Bali Pass trek presents experiences and amazing vistas. The Sankri village walk ends in Jankichatti. This path calls some knowledge of hiking.

Sankri

From Sankri Village in Uttarakhand, Trekkers may access The Paradise of the Himalayas. Trekkers will find bliss in this lovely hamlet in Uttarkashi district. The final entry to Govind Balabh Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is Sankri Village. From far-off, the town has amazing views of the Himalayas and other mountain tops.

Gallery

FAQs

We provide three and four person tents with twin-sharing or three-sharing choices for best comfort.

Kedarkantha hike is 20 kilometres from Sankri to Sankri. It’s a popular Indian winter trip.

We supply sleeping bags, inner liners, mattresses, tents. Simply carry your personal stuff.

Beginners may walk Kedarkantha. A newbie contemplating this hike should keep three things in mind.

Physical fitness: Trekking requires basic fitness, not extreme fitness. You should not be fat or sick.

Mental fitness: Be open-minded and prepared for winter’s hard circumstances.
Good clothing is vital for winter treks.

Snow walking requires sturdy shoes. Walk in new shoes for a few days to make sure they fit and don’t cause blisters when trekking. A shoe with traction and ankle support is fine for summer or post-monsoon treks.

Team may organise private batches for groups, although trek costs vary by amount of individuals. For group prices, contact our trek organiser via whatsapp/call.

Start running/walking 3-4 km daily.

We provide 3 vegetarian meals and evening snacks. The journey will not serve non-veg. The journey may offer eggs.

Emergency preparedness is a hallmark of Himalaya Journeys Treks & Expedition. Our first-aid-trained guides can treat most trek problems. First aid and oxygen cylinders are at every campsite. If a major emergency develops, we will transport you to the base village and closest hospital, but you must pay for it.