This trip is offered by The Trek 360.
• Experience the thrilling 3810 meter summit climb marked by a cairn.
• Ride the waves of adventure as you press to the summit through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
• Meet the challenges head-on as you climb the Kedarkantha peak, inclined at 45-60 degrees in many places.
• Immerse in the picturesque views atop the Kedarkantha summit and click a profile-picture-worthy photograph of yours!
• Camp in the scenic sites like Gaichwan Gaon and others that appear in the midst of your journey.
• Camp around the mythically important Juda Ka Talab- touted to be the meditation site of Lord Shiva.
• Witness the magnificent vistas as you move across the forests of pine, deodar, and oak and glimpse at the breathtaking sunrise and sunsets.
Dehradun is the closest hub for several adventure activities across Uttarakhand and North India. Hence reaching Dehradun should be the foremost requirement before you begin any adventure. The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to the hub, enjoying regular flights from Delhi NCR as well as Mumbai. Air India, …
Since Dehradun is a central hub and the starting point of several adventure activities in Uttarakhand and North India, the place multiple accommodation options. Starting from budget hotels, homestays, and backpackers’ hostels, the place features guest houses and exquisite luxury and boutique hotels. Though nearly every accommodation in this tourist-friendly …
If you are an amateur trekker and still your instincts and adrenaline rush compels you to summit a mountain, climbing the Kedar Kantha Peak will be your best bet! This popular winter trek in the Garhwal Himalayas is often aptly titled ‘The Queen of the Winter Treks.’ The entire trail blushes with beauty during winters, with snow falling from the pine trees like fairy dust and ensuring maximum activity from shutterbugs. Your acclimatization is also easy as you pass through the thick pine forests of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The woods are immensely dense and immersive, and you will see the sun playing hide-and-seek while you make your way towards the peak. Winters make the Kedar Kantha climb an ethereal experience. Knee-deep in snow, you climb to the top of the 3810-meter peak and embrace a range of stunning views. From the quaint hamlet of Snakri to the mythological whispers surrounding Juda ka Talab, the trek packs a series of fascinating adventures for you to remember. The cosmic sky above, the lush meadows and scented pine forests before you give out a call that is highly irresistible to deny!
The Kedar Kantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks for adventure enthusiasts across the world. The trek is one of the very few Himalayan adventures accessible in winter and presents itself as an out-and-out winter trek. The snow trek is best done between November to April. You will witness the first snowfall of the season as you navigate your way from the charming Sankri village to the frozen Juda ka Talab and onwards. The entire Govind Wildlife Sanctuary basks in the winter whites and creates a magnificent aura. You will experience an adventurous climb to the summit and extremely cold dusks and dawn.
However, the popularity of this trek and the countless routes that have emerged for the Kedar Kantha top have made this an all-season adventure. You can also embark on this adventure in spring from March to May, where you will be greeted by residual snow, colorful forest, and lush green meadows. The summit climb is also beautiful beyond imagination. Some trekkers attempt the Kedar Kantha trek in autumn, between September to November, where you will enjoy crisp views from the summit along with colorful forests and sprawling meadows. During the trek, it is customary to camp at scenic campsites. Alternatively, there are several tour operators and trekking companies that offer accommodation in homestays in the villages. You need to follow the instructions of your trek leader, guide and support staff, and be respectful towards the community. Since you will pass through a myriad of villages in Uttarakhand, you should be open to varied cultures and interact with them in their own ways. This trail is relatively easy and suited for amateur trekkers. You should carry all relevant documents, permits, and other trekking essentials including, backpacks, daypacks, suitable apparel including thermal inners, t-shirts, polyester pants, fleece jackets, woolen sweaters, heavy down jackets, woolen caps, balaclavas, wool and fleece gloves, sunglasses, trekking poles, several pairs of socks, rugged and heavy-duty waterproof hiking shoes, etc. Be generous with your first-aid kit, personal medications, and toiletries and hygiene products. Also, ensure that comfortable sleeping bags, thick mattresses, separate kitchen and dining tents, crampons, utensils, etc., are carried.
Physical fitness and mental fortitude are the basic necessities for any Himalayan adventure. You should be in good health and maintain a rigorous physical routine for a couple of months that combines cardiovascular exercises like skipping, running, swimming, cycling, and strength and conditioning training. You can hone your mental resilience with yoga and meditation.
Kedar Kantha is a highly secluded place, so the cell phone connection is not very good. However, you can carry a BSNL/Jio sim card because it might work near the base camp in Sankri.
The Kedar Kantha Trek is rated easy to moderate on the difficulty scale. The terrain is relatively uncomplicated. The trail ensures a moderate altitude gain of nearly 450-500 meters each day, which is easily achievable with a steady pace. Acclimatization is also easy. However, the winter temperatures and the snow might create some challenges while the summit climb is done. At certain places, the Kedar Kantha peak is inclined at 45-60 degrees, and it is possible to create certain difficulties for both amateurs and seasoned trekkers.
The Kedar Kantha Trek is just a 20 km long trek, from start to finish. The trek duration is ideally six days. The start and endpoint of the trek is the Sankri village.
Yes, Kedar Kantha Trek can be finished within a day or two. The trek distance is only 20 km from start to finish.
The Kedar Kantha Trek basecamp is Sankri village- a quaint settlement located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Uttarkashi district. To reach Sankri, you can book buses from the Dehradun railway station. You can also get down at the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, reach the Dehradun railway station, and book buses or cabs to Sankri village.
If you are flying from abroad or any other Indian city, you can also get down at New Delhi. The NCR is well-connected to Dehradun via railways. Take a train to Dehradun and embark on the route mentioned above.
The Kedar Kantha Trek does not involve too many risks and is considered a safe adventure option for beginners and rookie trekkers.
Much of the economy of the Indian state of Uttarakhand depends on its tourism industry that attracts thousands of tourists, trekkers, and pilgrims from all over the world every year. Nature has enriched this part of North India with all her abundance. Irrespective of the religious inclination, the sheer radiance of nature will make anyone bow down to its power in reverence.
Uttarakhand is home to the Kedarkantha trek- an adventure at 3800 meters in the Himalayas. This trek is characterized by sunrises against the backdrop of regal mountain peaks, picturesque lakes, adventurous trails through the winter forests, vast clearings, the final summit, and mesmerizing campsite locations. The mythological legend about this summit only adds to the charisma of this thrilling trip. It is believed by locals to have a close connection to Lord Shiva, and several lores about his communion with the Pandavas can still be heard from the locals.
A summit trek:
Kedarkantha is an ideal summit trek for the trekking amateurs. Most of the other treks at its height are just passes between ranges, but it is among the few treks that allow the trekker to conquer a summit. Once the trekker moves past the tree line, the summit seems to appear right before them, building up to the anticipation of scaling it.
The Kedarkantha summit offers a sweeping 360-degree view of the Garhwal Himalayas, especially rewarding the trekker with the sight of the Swargarohini (6252 meters), Nanda Ghunti (6309 meters), Kalanag (6387 meters), Bandarpunch (6316 meters), peaks from the Gangotri and Yamunotri range, Jaonli (6632 meters), Draupadi ka Danda (5771 meters), and Jorkanden (6473 meters). One can also easily spot the breathtakingly sprawling expanse of Rupin valley and the Har ki Dun valley in the distance.
The snowy trail:
The Kedarkantha trek best time is in winter. During winters, the long clearings along the trail are covered by a thick blanket of fresh snow. Surrounded by the alpine vegetation of oaks, pines, and maple trees laden with soft, powdery snowflakes, one can experience the wonder of walking through a winter wonderland. The scenery makes for beautiful pictures in winter.
The mythological connection:
Kedarkantha has significant mythological importance in regard to ancient Hinduism. Lord Shiva chose this peak to have his temple built upon and to meditate in peace. But the settlements around him bustled with their everyday life. It is said that the god's meditation was disturbed by the mooing of a cow nearby, and so, he relocated to Kedarnath.
The work of the temple remained unfinished, built only up to the god's neck - thus, this peak earned its name - Kedarkantha. The half-built shrine at the summit remains a marker of the legend to this day. Listening to locals talk about these legends is an enriching experience, especially if one does the Kedarkantha trek solo and seeks some company.
Juda ka Talab:
The Juda ka Talab offers an enchanting view of the alpine lake nestled in the midst of tall coniferous trees. It mostly stays frozen in winter, and one can walk on it at this time of the year. This experience contributes to the rewarding value of this summit trek.
Not just the mountain peak of Kedarkantha but the lake here too has a mythological relation to Lord Shiva. Situated at the height of 2773 meters, the lake is said to be formed when a few drops of water fell here from the constraints of Shiva's dreadlocked hair. According to local legend, this lake is also connected with another lake beneath it. Hence it is named Juda, or connected.
Kedarkantha Trek location and basic information
Kedarkantha is a summit trek located in the heart of the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. It lies under the administration of the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and is best done in winter. It is a popular winter trek, so much so that it has earned the Queen of Winter Treks title.
The Garhwal Himalayas offer enchanting views from atop the Kedarkantha summit. The trail is about 20 km long. The Kedarkantha trek itinerary takes around 4-6 days to cover. The major highlight of the trek is walking through the night and watching the sunrise from the peak.
Kedarkantha Trek cost
The cost of doing this trek is around USD 70 to 135 (INR 5000 to 10000), depending upon the services provided by your trekking company. An experienced local guide will be able to help the trekkers navigate through the area easily. This charge may not be included in the trekking package one opts for.
Cell phone connectivity on the Kedarkantha Trek
There is next to no connectivity or phone network in the Kedarkantha trek. The starting point of the trek at Sankri has decent connectivity, but it is best to assume that one will have no network here onwards. Sankri is also the last point that is electrically connected, so extra batteries and power banks for electronic gadgets should be carried.
Experts have classified Kedarkantha to be an easy to moderate level trek. The ascent in this trek is gradual and steady. Vast clearings intersperse the steep sections. The steady altitude gain of around 1670 to 1830 meters for three consecutive days is easy if the trekkers are mentally and physically prepared to take on the journey. The trek of 4-6 days is not too demanding, but at the same time, one has to prepare well to deal with every eventuality.
The snow is especially thick in winter, and the trekkers require an experienced local guide to help them navigate it. The day you push for the summit is long, and it takes around 8 hours. The steep climb and descent make it a challenge for the trekkers. Although it becomes moderately challenging during the winter months, you can expect a pleasant experience of trekking to a summit with proper gear and safety measures.
The Kedarkantha trek itinerary can be covered anytime in almost ten months of the year, barring the monsoon months- July and August. Each season displays a different side of the mountains and is equally good. But Kedarkantha is mostly popular as a winter trek, done in December, January, and February.
Spring and summer
Trekkers who seek the quiet company of nature might do well to embark on this trek in the summer and spring months. Beautiful rhododendrons adorn the trail, and the rolling grasslands make for an enjoyable experience. April flaunts a stunning range of colors while June brings in occasional rainfall on the trail, although the weather remains very mild and comfortable.
Autumn
The trek is considerably less crowded and vibrant in autumn, with its greenery fresh out of the monsoon. September and October are unarguably the best months to enjoy the lush green meadows. The scenery is crisp with a clear sky, giving one the perfect light for photography. As November approaches, the air gets colder, and winter sets in slowly, but the scenery slowly taking on an orange hue is a mesmerizing sight to watch.
Winter
According to many trekkers, the Kedarkantha trek best time is winter, and this claim is not without any base. The fresh snow covers the stretches on the trail like the white carpet. The surroundings look brilliantly bright with the sun's rays reflecting on the snow in the daytime, and the fairytale-like experience is unique. But the crowded nature of the trek during this time may not be everyone's cup of tea.
For the trek to Kedarkantha, one should pack light, keeping in mind to stay prepared for all eventualities.
Apparel and footwear:
A summit trek usually requires a lot of warm clothes, but Kedarkantha is an easily manageable one. 2-3 quick-dry, polyester, full-sleeve t-shirts, and 2-3 pairs of sweatpants or track pants can be packed to layer up easily. The trekker must take a thermal innerwear set to deal with the chilly, snowy temperatures in winter. Light fleece sweaters layered with padded, down jackets with a hood will also help maintain optimum body temperature. You can opt for a good-quality, lightweight poncho to ward off the occasional downpour when traveling during spring or summer.
Woolen caps or balaclavas worn under the hood of the padded jacket in winter will not let you lose heat from the head. Woolen mufflers, woolen gloves, and woolen socks are ideal for a winter trek. Several pairs of synthetic sports socks will be ideal during the daytime treks. Layering up with a pair of woolen socks will keep the trekkers warm at night.
High-quality, waterproof trekking boots with microspikes and gaiters will help with the grip while traversing the snowy trails. It will also protect you against small rocks and debris that may enter any normal boot.
Other Accessories:
UV-protection sunglasses and a sun cap will protect your eyes and skin from harmful rays of the sun on the snowy slopes. A headlamp and battery-powered torches are essential for this trek as it involves nighttime trekking. A pair of sturdy trekking poles will help the trekkers navigate properly.
Since one would have to live in camping tents, having your own set of reusable cutlery is necessary. Stainless steel utensils are ideal for packing as they are easy to wash and non-reactive. A steel plate or a lunchbox, a spoon, a fork, and a mug will suffice for the trekkers to use during the trek.
Backpacks, waterproof covers, and sleeping bags:
For the Kedarkantha summit trek, a 40 to 45 liters capacity backpack is necessary. Additionally, a fanny pack is required for packing the trekker's electronics and other essentials. Offloading is allowed in Dehradun.
Bringing waterproof covers for the backpack is necessary because one can never tell when the weather in the mountains will change. Your electronics, wallet, and essential documents should be packed in water-resistant bags to protect them from damage.
To keep yourself warm and comfortable at night, a thick, good-quality sleeping bag will be essential.
Toiletries and hygiene products:
A personal set of toiletries should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and deodorant for their daily needs. For cleaning up quickly, toilet paper, tissue rolls, and wet wipes will be necessary. For maintaining menstrual hygiene, women should carry an adequate number of tampons, sanitary napkins, or menstrual cups on the trek.
Medical kit with first-aid:
A trekker should always keep in hand common medicines like paracetamols, antihistamines, anti-nausea medicines, antacids, and painkillers. A simple first-aid kit containing bandaids, crepe bandages, antiseptic liquid, ointment, gauze swabs, insect repellent cream, and a pain-relieving spray should be able to treat any minor sprains or injuries. Water-purifying tablets should also be carried as visitors often tend to fall sick because of the change of drinking water.
Important documents:
Whether it's a trekking group or a person doing the Kedarkantha trek solo, they must carry a government-issued photo ID with address proof, a few photocopies of it, and two passport-sized photographs. Foreign trekkers should keep their passports and visas carefully as they are necessary items.
The Kedarkantha trekking trail falls in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. The permit to enter this region comes at a fee of USD 2 (INR 150) for Indian nationals and USD 8 to 9 (INR 600) for foreign tourists for 3 days and 2 nights. This can be extended upon request with extra charges.
The Kedarkantha trek itinerary looks very short but is extremely rewarding with the adventures it has to offer. The starting point at Sankri can be reached from Dehradun by hiring a car for a 187 km ride that will probably take around 6 to 7 hours. The Yamuna and Tons river will accompany the visitors as they are taken through pine forests. The trek starts the following day.
The trek to Kedarkantha is not too demanding, but one must build cardiovascular strength before embarking on the trek. The steep climb requires the trekker to physically be at their top, even more so if they're doing the Kedarkantha trek solo. The trekker can increase their stamina by doing regular exercises like jogging, walking, cycling, swimming, squatting, and skipping ropes.
The trek to Kedarkantha peak does not involve any technical climbing or dangerous territory, but it is best to prepare yourself for all consequences. Nothing is unachievable with grit and determination. Practicing yoga and meditation will help develop the composure, determination, and mental resilience needed for this trek.
At its height, Kedarkantha is the only summit trek in Uttarakhand beside Chandrashila. The trekkers should take good care in choosing the proper trekking equipment, especially if they are traveling in winter. For many trekking enthusiasts, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reach a summit. So, with proper preparations and precautions, this experience will forever remain a memorable one for them.
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