Endless acres of frosted pine and oak trees dotting the snow-capped mountains of the mighty Himalayas in Uttarakhand have the power to captivate, heal, exhilarate and humble you simultaneously. As you approach the summit of the Kedarkantha trek, a breathtaking sight awaits – a bright sunbeam piercing through towering, white hills, slowly turning the landscape into a dreamy wonderland. Suddenly, the challenging cold and the treacherous path leading to this point seem justified, making the journey worth every trial and hardship. Planning an unforgettable winter excursion in India? Here is everything you need to know about the Kedarkantha Peak trek.
What makes Kedarkantha a popular winter trek in India?
The Kedarnath Trek offers an immersive snowfall experience. The trek path leading to the summit ensures not only a full view of the snowfall in its glory but also panoramic views of the milky skyline framed by the snow-clad edges of the Himalayas. A highlight of this trek is the brilliant sunrise and the picturesque route winding through an apple field, a frozen lake, and the Govind National Park near Sankri village.
Kedarkantha trek: How to get there
The trek’s base camp is situated in Sankri village, approximately 200 kilometres from Dehradun. The most convenient mode of transportation is a bus or car. Regular transportation is available from Dehradun to Purola, a village located approximately 54 kilometres from Sankri. Cabs can be hired from Purola to Sankri.
Sankri, located in the Uttarkashi district, not only serves as the base camp for Kedarkantha but also for Har Ki Dun and Bali Pass Trek. The journey to this base camp is known for its scenic beauty, featuring dense forests and the sparkling Tons River flowing through the village of Mori to Sankri.
Consider staying in one of the many local homestays before embarking on your trek. Also, trekking gear, including trek poles, fleece jackets, caps, ponchos and trekking shoes, can be rented in Sankri.
Best time to summit Kedarkantha
This trek is primarily a classic winter adventure, with the best months to travel spanning from December to February. The period from mid-January till mid-February offers peak snowfall. Despite being promoted as an easy-to-moderate trek for beginners, it poses a moderate to high difficulty, reaching an altitude of 12,000 feet. The trek spans three nights and four days, starting from the Sankri base camp.
Kedarkantha trek – a beautiful route
The journey begins from Govind Balabh Pant Wildlife Sanctuary in Sankri, navigating through rocky, winding paths that lead to the jaw-droppingly beautiful frozen lake of Juda Ka Talab. Although the distance from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab is only four kilometres, the ascent takes about five to six hours due to the steep trail and chilly winds. Expect temperatures dropping below zero degrees post-noon, offering a pitch-dark, star-filled sky – a treat for stargazers.
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The next stop is the Kedarkantha base camp, located about 10,000 feet and around two kilometres from the village of Har Ki Dun Valley. The last leg of this trek is challenging, beginning in the early hours at around 2.00 am. The goal is to climb 1,000 feet in altitude and cover four kilometres in five hours. Steep valleys and snow-covered paths make up for a challenging yet thrilling experience. The summit rewards trekkers with a beautiful golden sunrise and gorgeous views of the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch and Sawargarohini peaks in the Himalayas.
The descent to the base camp is comparatively easier and can be completed in around three to four hours with non-stop walking. Alternatively, trekkers can choose to camp at the lush village of Hargaon before resuming their journey back to Sankri.
Kedarkantha trek essentials: Gear, cost and more
Essential gear
For beginners, mental and physical fitness is crucial to endure the cold weather and cover around four kilometres in half an hour without breaking a sweat. Winter gear, including a woollen cap, muffler, snow googles, high-quality thermal wear, waterproof t-shirts, fleece jacket, snow jacket, trek pants, woollen socks, knee-high trek shoes with anti-skid spikes, a snow pole, a small backpack containing one-litre water bottle, protein bars, ski gloves, ORS powder and a poncho for rain, are essential.
Cost and best packages
Packages for this Himalayan trek typically range from Rs 5,000 to 10,000, covering all meals, tent accommodation and sleeping bags at the camps. Additionally, one can opt to pay around Rs 2,000 for a mule to carry their backpack.
Tips and tricks for a successful trek
Embarking on a successful summit requires more than just enthusiasm; it requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and avoiding habits like smoking and drinking well in advance. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s essential to maintain a pulse rate between 60 to 90 beats per minute and a respiratory rate not exceeding 20 breaths per minute. Optimal blood pressure and good heart health are prerequisites for tackling this trek.
While on the trek, it is important not to consume excessive hot water to allow the body to acclimatise to the cold weather effectively. Staying hydrated and consuming food at regular intervals is essential to maintain good energy throughout the journey.
To prevent the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it is important to keep your ears open while climbing mountains and maintain proper hydration levels. Being attentive to your body’s signals and taking appropriate breaks are key strategies to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
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(Feature image credit: Preeti Kulkarni)
Related: Annapurna Base Camp: Your Guide To A Successful Trekking Experience
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?
The Kedarkantha trek is considered moderate to difficult for beginners.
-When is the best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek?
The winter months from December to February are the best for this trek.
-What is the trekking duration?
The trekking duration is three nights and four days from the base camp in Sankri.
-What is the starting point of the Kedarkantha Trek?
The starting point of the trek is Sankri village in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
-What is the maximum altitude of the Kedarkantha Trek?
The maximum altitude of the trek is around 12,000 feet.
-Do I need prior trekking experience for the Kedarkantha Trek?
Prior trekking experience is recommended as the last leg of the summit could be described as difficult.
-What should I pack for the Kedarkantha Trek?
Trekking gear, including appropriate clothes for sub-zero temperatures, protein bars, dry fruits, a two-litre water bottle and a good quality, lightweight backpack are some of the prerequisites for this trek.
-Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Kedarkantha Trek?
This is a guided trek and it is best to go with an experienced trekking organisation that provides medical support, food and trek guides.
-Are permits required for the Kedarkantha Trek?
A permit is required to enter the Govind National Park, the starting point of the trek.
-Can I trek Kedarkantha independently or should I join a group?
Solo trekkers are recommended to join a group of experienced trek leaders for this expedition.
-Is there mobile connectivity on the trek?
Only BSNL connectivity is available here.
-How can I reach Sankri, the base camp for Kedarkantha Trek?
Sankri is around 8 to 10 hours away by road from Dehradun.
-What are the accommodation options during the Kedarkantha Trek?
One needs to set up tents at Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha base camp and Hargaon village as there are no homestays available here.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Preeti Kulkarni
After completing her PG in New Media from the Asian College of Journalism, Preeti worked in a daily and ..Read More
