About Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha trek is everything a trekker can dream about; crystal clear mountain, the verdant expanse of rich flora, unexplored mountain terrain of Uttarakhand, jaw-dropping campsites, the serenity of mountain villages, and a glimpse into the distinct culture of locals, the trek is a wholesome package of fun and adventure.
Kedarkantha, a spectacular Himalayan peak in Uttarakhand, stands towering at an altitude of 12,500 feet, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is home to it. Regardless of whether you are experiencing it in winters with snow routes or crossing the kedarkatha trek route amid lustrous verdant pine woods in spring, the Kedarkantha journey will thrill you with a diverse assortment of vegetation and animals.
Even though Kedarkantha Trek is an ideal destination during all seasons, it is one of the most sought-after winter treks in India. Trekkers marvel at this amazing trek which flatters you with snow till the end of April. The name Kedarkantha conjures up fantastic images in your head. One of the first pictures that enthrals you is Lord Shiva seated over an enormous Himalayan peak, bestowing his blessings on the earth below.
Trek Details
- Pickup Point on Day 1- Dehradun Railway Station
- Departure time from Dehradun Railway Station on Day 1- 6-7 am
- 2nd Pickup Point on Day 1- Kitab Ghar bus stand, Mussoorie
- Pick up time from Mussoorie- Approximately 45 minutes later once the cab leaves Dehradun
- Drop Point on Day 6- Dehradun Railway Station
- Arrival time on Day 6 at Dehradun Railway Station- 6 pm
- Base Camp- Sankri
- Distance from Dehradun to Basecamp, Sankri- 200 km
- Cloakroom: There is no separate cloakroom available. You can hand over your luggage to our team and collect it while returning. We will be keeping it safely at Sankri in the same Homestay.
- The shared vehicle will be a Tata Sumo, Bolero, or so and may be shared with a few other local passengers. The cab will be arranged from Dehradun to Sankri and Sankri to Dehradun.
- We charge Rs.1500/- per person
- The cab is a 6-seater.
- Trekkers may choose to travel by bus or local cab to reach Sankri.
- Last ATM- Purola near Sankri has the last ATM
- The forest permits for international clients will be as actual and are to be paid by the trekker at the base camp only.
How to reach Kedarkantha
By Road:
Sankri is the starting point for the Kedarkantha trek. To go to Kedarkantha from Dehradun, you must first travel to Sankri. Sankri is around 200 kilometers from Dehradun, and it takes 8 to 10 hours to travel this mountainous path. To go to Kedarkantha from Dehradun, use the government bus, which departs from Mussoorie Bus stand at 7:00 a.m.
If by any chance you miss the morning buses then you can also board the Hanol bus which travels via Mussoorie. But you have to get down at Mori, and from there you can book a private taxi to reach Sankri.
By Rail:
You can travel to Dehradun from Delhi by Nandadevi Express which departs at 11:50 pm and reaches Dehradun by 5:40 am. From Dehradun again, you can take a taxi or board a bus to Sankri.
By Air:
Board a flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It will take about 1 hour to reach. From here again, you can follow the directives as mentioned above.
MYTHOLOGY SURROUNDING KEDARKANTHA AND JUDA KA TALAB
Kedarkantha trek is steeped in mythology and that’s what makes it all alluring.
The place gets its name from “Kedar Khand” which translates to “Section of Lord Shiva”. It is the historical name of this region. Kedarkantha translates to Throat of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Shiva once meditated in Kedarkantha and then relocated to Kedarnath.
According to Hindu mythology, Juda Ka Talab owes its origin to the water droplets that fell from Lord Shiva’s hair. Synonymous with its name, a lake (Talab) was formed where water from Lord Shiva’s bun (Juda) touched the ground.
The Godly peak of Swargarohini, one of the glittering attractions of this trek is said to be the stairway to heaven. It is believed that Yudhishitra along with his dog reached heaven trudging up this sacred peak.
About Kedarkantha Trek Route
The journey to this beautiful abode starts at Sankri which is located at a distance of around 200 km from Dehradun. It takes around 8-10 hours by road from Dehradun to Sankri and the journey takes you along zigzag roads in the backdrop of lofty mountains with mountain rivers bubbling effervescently nearby. En route, you cross Mussoorie, Damta, Nain Bhag village, Purola, Harsaadi, and Natwad before reaching the remote village of Sankri. Throughout the route, you are treated to the magnificent views of Mussoorie, and awe-inspiring views of high-altitude mountains and rivers such as Yamuna, Ganga, Kedarganga, Supin, and Tons rejuvenate you with their sparkling waters.
At an elevation of about 6,400 feet, Sankri is a quaint village located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It serves as the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. The trekking route from Sankri takes you to Juda ka Talab, the sacred mountain lake, as you journey along local trails and dense forests.
Juda Ka Talab, the first campsite, is a picturesque campsite located at an altitude of about 9,000 feet. Juda Ka Talab captivates with a beauty so serene that you blink twice to see if the place exists. A thicket of mighty oak and tall pine trees with colossal mountains in the background surround the glacial lake imparting the look of a protective shield. Juda Ka Talab weather ranges from -12 to -1 in winter months, 15 to 17 degrees in spring and summer months, and -2 to 8 degrees in the fall season.
From Juda ka Talab, you trek through pine and oak trees to reach the open highlands just below the Kedarkantha summit. Just as the forest ends, you reach a wide meadow which is Kedarkantha base camp. Located at an elevation of 11,250 feet, Kedarkantha base camp is the second campsite in the Kedarkantha trekking trail. From Kedarkantha base camp, you take a challenging uphill trek of 3 km to reach the Kedarkantha summit located at an elevation of 12,500 feet.
The 360-degree view of colossal mountain ranges from the Kedarkantha summit leaves you awestruck. At the summit, a 360-degree view of mountain peaks sweeps you off; not just the famous peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar ranges but also hundreds of other untouched and untainted virgin mountains welcome you with a warm embrace. This picture-perfect scene is absolute bliss, each frame looks like a postcard image; it is a sight that stays with you for a lifetime.
Kedarkantha Trek Length
The Kedarkantha trek length is 20 Km which is covered in 6 days. Kedarkantha Trek is an easy to moderate-grade trek that can be done by beginners or first-timers also if they have a basic fitness level. The trek from Sankri to Juda ka Talab is approx 4km and from there another 4km trek to the Kedarkantha base camp. The next day you will be trekking 6km in total from basecamp to summit and summit to Hargaon. On your return to Sankri, you will be trekking to a length of 6km from Hargaon.
Kedarkantha Trek in Summer
Kedarkantha is an all-season trek that captivates you with a distinct beauty in each season. Kedarkatha trek in spring and summer boast clear skies and fresh landscapes that treat your senses with the fragrance of blooming flowers. The glossy green pine forests look inviting and the green landscape allures you with a magical freshness that is simply irresistible. The fall season offers a unique experience; trekking on the trail bedecked with dried multi-hued leaves is an amazing experience. The summer months of April, May, and June are the times when the temperature varies from 0 degrees Celsius at night to 12 degrees Celsius in the day.
Kedarkantha trek in Winters
Winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. The snowy trails lined with tall snow-drifted trees, frozen mountain lakes, and snowy peaks glittering at dawn and dusk in amazing hues of golden and red; the panorama of winter landscape leaves an indelible impression on your mind. Kedarkantha Peak at an elevation of 12,500 feet shimmers beautifully in the winter sun and at night the moonlight casts a magical glow to the lofty mountain. The beautiful slopes covered with snow during winter make Kedarkantha a wonderful ski destination as well.
Kedarkantha Weather and Temperature
Trek to Kedarkantha is an all-season activity. However, you can better plan your trip if you visit it during the season that best suits you. You might love to explore Kedarkantha in its greenest glory when the meadows, trails, and campsites are fresh with new leaves and blooming flowers. The region gets enough rainfall during the monsoon months and you witness pretty waterfalls sprout up in the hills. The dark and grey clouds hovering over the mountains make for a beautiful sight. However, heavy rains may cause a lot of landslides during the monsoon months.
Kedarkantha trek in December is the beginning of winter when the falling snow transforms the landscape into a wintry fairyland. Snow remains on the trail till the last week of April. The temperatures vary from -10 to 8 degrees in winters and you might face harsh weather conditions such as slippery slopes and severe winds. Trudging your way through thick snow is also a divine experience offered by the Kedarkantha winter trek.
- Summer months of April-June- 6 degrees to 20 degrees
- Monsoon months of July-August- 3 to 16 degrees
- Fall/Autumn months of September-November- 2 degrees to 15 degrees
- Winter months of December-March- -10 degrees to 8 degrees
Difficulty Level Of Kedarkantha Trek
The difficulty level for Kedarkantha Trek is easy to moderate. Kedarkantha Trek is best done in the winter season which is from mid-Dec to the end of April. During this time the temperature can drop to -10 degrees as the weather in the Himalayas is highly unpredictable. One has to carry proper clothing for protection from the rough weather. So, for beginners, the Kedarkantha trek in winter can be a bit challenging if not properly taken care of.
The difficulty of the Kedarkantha Trek can be decided on the basis of weather and terrain.
- On the Basis of Weather: The best time to do Kedarkantha Trek is in the winter season as you get to experience ample snow throughout the trek. From the base camp, Sankri to the Kedarkantha summit you come across a thick blanket of snow that whets the sense of adventure that trekkers are looking for. The trail during winter becomes somewhat tough but with proper gear and fitness, one can easily reach the summit. Good health is mandatory with no pulmonary or cardio-vascular difficulties to carry out the Kedarkantha Trek. The view of peaks like Gangotri, Swargarohini, Yamunotri, Dhauladhar Range, and many virgin mountain ranges welcomes you for a lifetime experience. On the other hand, Kedarkantha Trek in summer becomes an easy trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
- On the Basis of Terrain: The trail throughout the trek is easy, surrounded by thickets of oak and pine treks. The campsites are mesmerizing. Be it the snowy winter trails or the crackling brown leaves covering the forest. One has to trek a maximum of 6-7 km a day. With proper physical fitness to trek the ups and downs, this distance is easy to trek in summer as the trails are non-slippery as compared to treks in winter.
Is Kedarkantha Trek Safe?
One of the easiest treks of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, the Kedarkantha trek can be your best bet if you are a beginner. It is a 6-day trek that requires you to trek 4-6 km every day. Kedarkantha is a safe trek to undertake in all seasons except monsoons. The rains are unpredictable and there might be a lot of landslides.
Fitness Required for Kedarkantha Trek
Some basic preparations are required for undertaking the Kedarkantha trek. You should be physically fit, have the endurance to walk 6 km daily, and have no medical issues. You can prepare for the trek by doing a brisk walk every day for 30 minutes and then increasing your speed each day. This should be done a minimum of 2 weeks before the trek.
Trekking is always fun, it takes you back in time. With the right attitude and adequate preparation, you can conquer the invincible. The trick is to be well-equipped so that you undertake your trek with utmost confidence and conviction.
- Kedarkantha Trek
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- Kedarkantha 5 Days Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival at Sankri From Dehradun
- Early start from Dehradun in the morning at 6-7:00 a.m.
- Altitude 6,400 feet.
- 200 km drive
- 10 hours of Travelling, Expected arrival time at Sankri – 5:00 pm.
- Accommodation and food in Guest House.
The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is an enchanting hill drive of 10-11 hour stretching over approx 200 Km ride via Mussoorie, Damta, Naugaon, Purola, Mori and Naitwar. A pick up will be arranged at Dehradun and the pick-up points and timings will be coordinated by email prior to your bookings of the trek. The booking excludes the lunch for the day and the transportation from Dehradun to Sankri. And from Sankri, we will be taking care of your fooding and lodging.
Day 2: Start from Sankri to Juda ka Talab
- Altitude Gain From 6,400 feet to 9,100 feet.
- 4 kms Trekking
- 5 hours of Trekking
- Camping at Juda Ka Talab
- Accommodation & Food in tents.
Day two is warmer with the scenes of waking up at dawn, locals walking around, mules, and friendly Himalayan Bhutia dogs. Post breakfast, it initiates from the road head at Sankri, then through the meadows and finally into the broadleaved oak trees.
The trail gradually leads up through Saud village where people including women and children are often seen herding woods and leaves for their livestock. The trails ranging from steep terrains and flat ground also with most parts of the forest being green. By late afternoon, we will cover maximum distance and reach our second campsite which is Juda Ka Talab and is a beautiful flat land with tall pine and oak trees all around. It is very calm and peaceful; one can watch a sunset in the evening and a sunrise early in the morning.
Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Altitude Gain From 9,100 feet to 11,250 feet.
- 4 kms Trekking
- 2.5 hours of Trekking
- Camping at Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Accommodation & Food in tents.
Next day post breakfast at Juda Ka Talab, we start our trek through pine-oak forest and finally cross the tree line and enter alpine meadows on the lower slopes of the summit. As one gets out of the forest, one comes to an extensive ground full of mixed flora where one gets the wonderful sight of the Dhauladhar Ranges. This campsite is in the middle of lush green grasslands and has panoramic views towards the Pir Panjal range of Himachal. Have fun wandering around and observing the natural surroundings of the Pacific Northwest before making camp here for the evening.
Day 4: Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak then descend to Hargaon
- Altitude gain from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet, then descend to 8,900 feet
- 6 kms Trekking
- 7 hours of Trekking
- Reach the summit and then return to the base camp for lunch.
- After lunch, descend down to Hargaon.
- Reach Hargaon by evening.
- Accommodation & Food in tents.
Today is a long day and is difficult as it involves ascending from the west ridge to the top. The excursion should start early in the morning after breakfast; we strive to arrive at the summit by first light. When ascending gradually, the ground gets covered with dense pines while following views open up. It does take over two hours in ascent though the view of the surrounding landscape keep one motivated and the anticipation of the climb. Finally at the top, one can get the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges with the clouds like an artwork painting. In a while, we return to the ground level for lunch and later to the Hargaon camp site to spend the night in a tent.
Day 5: Hargaon camp to Sankri
- Altitude: 8,900 feet to 6,400 feet.
- 6 kms trek, approx 4 hours
- Descend 2500 feet through dense pine forests.
Today we will be heading towards Sankri from where it all started approximately 6 kms long trail counting about 4 hours. After breakfast, we will descend through a more marked well paved route, laden with stones. A trail further leading to a ridge from where you get a splendid view of Har ki Dun valley. And by the evening we reach Sankri. Small handmade goods, wooden toys and wooden home décor items can be bought from here. Local delicacies can be tasted here for a memorable experience. Overnight stay at the guesthouse.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun
- 200 km drive, approximately 10 hours drive.
- Travel Back from Sankri to Dehradun
- You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a pre-booked vehicle or cab.
We will be arranging a vehicle for you to drop at Dehradun if you have opted cab services with moxtain. Else you can take public transportation or shared taxi at Sankri.
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
- Start your day early on the morning from Dehradun
The Kedarkatha trek itinerary starts with an 8–9 hour long drive. If a trekker has booked a cab with moxtain the assembly time is 6-7 a.m at Prince Chowk near Dehradun Railway station. The exact timing will be conveyed to trekker a day prior by late evening in the WhatsApp group.
If a trekker has not reserved a cab with moxtain you can reach Sankri on your own from local public transport or take shared taxi from Mussoorie Bus station that is near the Dehradun Railway Station. The last bus leaves at around 7 a.m. Timings may vary so be sure you are aware of the updated timings.
On reaching Sankri your stay at Homestay and your evening meals are covered in the package. Rest for the day at Sankri and get ready for the 4 days long adventure ahead.
Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
- Your trekking starts today, leave all you extra luggage at Sankri basecamp and carry only limited and required things and essentials for your trek ahead.
- After breakfast and briefing start trekking from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab.
- Total trek distance is 4 km and it takes around 5-6 hours.
- An easy day, reach the Juda K a Talab campsite by afternoon. Lunch, evening snacks and dinner at the campsite.
Today is the day your trek to Kedarkatha actually starts. Being an easy trek, today is an easy trek trail of around 4 km. This takes around 5-6 hours. The trek trail is surrounded by pine and oak trees. In peak winter season the trees are devoid of leaves and covered in snow mostly. If planning Kedarkatha trek in the peak winter months which is the best time you will find snow from Sankri itself.
Good water-resistant shoes and proper winter clothing is a prerequisite. Enjoy the trail as the tree line will be in the backdrop tomorrow. Reach the first campsite of Kedarkatha trek by afternoon. Have hot lunch at the campsite and relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. An acclimatization walk will be done today. Evening snack and dinner will be served hot at the campsite.
Day 3: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Basecamp
- Another easy day with 4 km trek from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Basecamp.
- Time taken to cover this distance is 5-6 hours.
- Hot Lunch, evening snacks and dinner will be served at the campsite.
- Altitude gain - Juda ka Talab altitude 6400 ft to Kedarkatha Basecamp altitude 9100 ft.
Day 3 starts after breakfast at Juda Ka Talab Campsite. Today is also an easy day of 4 km trek distance from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Basecamp. The Trail starts with a tree line and as you progress ahead you leave the trees behind and reach a vast meadow like campsite which is covered in white sheet of snow in the peak winter season. This will be your day 3 campsite Kedarkantha basecamp.
Since there is an altitude is gained the climb can be tiring and you will have to push yourself. If you are carrying your own luggage from day 1 make sure you have packed light that will help you to trek easily than with a heavy luggage. The acclimatization walk will be done in the evening. Hot lunch, evening snacks and dinner will be served at the campsite. Rest well and early as tomorrow is the day when you scale the summit. Sleep early as the trek will start really early in the morning.
Day 4: Trek from Kedarkantha Basecamp to Kedarkantha Summit to Hargaon
- Today is the day when you reach the summit. Start really early around 3 a.m. in the morning.
- Trek from Kedarkantha basecamp to Kedarkantha Summit.
- Witness the sunrise at Kedarkantha summit with 360-degree view of the mountain ranges.
- You reach from 11,250 ft to 12,250 ft. The climb is steep and quite challenging for first timers.
- Spend some time at summit click pictures and descend down to Hargaon campsite.
- Evening snacks and dinner at the Hargaon Campsite.
The trek leader will inform in the briefing that your day will start really early in the morning. At around 3 a.m. you start your summit climb to Kedarkatha after breakfast.
Today you will be given packed lunch as you will be trekking for the day. First is the summit climb followed by descent to Hargaon campsite. You reach Hargaon campsite by later afternoon or early evening. Ascend will be tough and descend will be fun as you can do snow slides on the way down. Make sure you have the guides and trek leader around you guiding you for snow slides.
Altitude drop is from 12,500 ft to 10334 ft. Hot evening snacks and dinner will be served at Hargaon campsite. Retire early for the night as tomorrow is a long day as you trek down to Sankri and drive back to Dehradun.
Day 5: Descend from Hargaon to Sankri to Dehradun
- An easy day as you descend to Sankri basecamp today after breakfast. The trek distance is 6 km and is easy.
- From Sankri you drive back to Dehradun.
- If you have booked a cab with moxtain it will arranged for you. Else you can look from shared taxi.
Today is the last day of your Kedarkantha trek. You again start your day early as it is a long day. First after breakfast trek down from Hargaon campsite to Sankri. The descend is easy. The total trek distance is 6 km and time taken is around 3-4 hours.
Once you reach Sankri, freshen up and start your drive back from Sankri to Dehradun. The distance is around 200 km and time taken is again 8-9 hours.
