Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand's most popular trek, is especially famous in the winter. It is located at 3850m above sea level, deep within the Tons river valley. This location offers stunning 360-degree views of the majestic peaks. It offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Himachal Pradesh peaks and Uttarakhand's peaks. It's an entirely different world during winter. This trek is also recommended to anyone who plans to trek in the winter.
How do you reach Sankri?
The nearest airport to Kedarkantha trek Jolly Grant
Nearest Railway Station to Kedarkantha Trek – Dehradun Railway Station
Private Vehicle – You can hire a taxi from Dehradun/Mussoorie. Prices start at INR 8000 to 10,000
Public transport – Every morning, a bus departs from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri, the start point of the trek.
What is the best time for the Kedarkantha Trek to be done?
The Kedarkantha Trek is open all year, but it is classified primarily as a winter trek.
What is the itinerary for Kedarkantha Trek
Day 1 – Dehradun Sankri
Day 2 – Sankri To Juda ka Talab
Day 3 – Judaka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Day 4 – Basecamp to Peak, and back to Sankri
Day 5 – Sankri To Dehradun
Kedarkantha Trek Route
Day 1 – Dehradun Sankri
It is a fantastic journey from Dehradun, India, to Sankri. We gain altitude when we reach Mussoorie and are surrounded by forests from then on. Before reaching Sankri, we pass through towns like Purola or Mori. The valley's atmosphere is filled with a sweet pine smell.
Distance – 190km
Time – 9-10 Hours
Day 2 – Sankri To Juda Ka Tab
Day 2 is a steep climb, so we recommend that you start it early. You will find a trail on your right that leads into the forest after crossing the Sankri forest checkpoint. You will be taken into the pine forest, where you will climb steadily to reach a ridge. You will only find one trail to Juda Ka Talab, so keep going on the path until you get there. Avoid walking on the frozen lake, as it may crack at any time.
Distance – 4 to 5 kilometers
Time – 3 Hours
Day 3 – Juda ka Talab from Basecamp
Day 3 is much easier, as you need to reach the Kedarkantha base camp. After Juda Ka Talab, you will find a trail that leads deeper into the pine forests. Enjoy the rest of your day at the basecamp before the chill sets in.
Distance – 4-5kms
Time – Between 2 and 3 hours
Day 4 – Basecamp to Summit Sankri
You can start your journey to the Kedarkantha summit as early as 3 AM. The summit will be reached by sunrise. The summit offers 360-degree views of Uttarakhand, Chaainsheel Pass, and the Kailash ranges in Himachal. You can see Peaks such as Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch, Black peak, and Ranglana, all part of the Yamunotri-Gangotri ranges. In addition, you can see the Har Ki Dun valley from the top. Enjoy your time on the summit and then descend towards Sankri Basecamp.
Distance – 12-15kms
Time: 3 hours to reach the summit/ 5-6 hours to Sankri
Day 5 – Sankri To Dehradun
The same scenic drive will take you back to Dehradun. As we travel back towards Dehradun, the landscape changes slowly from pine forests to more open roads, eventually opening up to bustling city life.
Essential things to keep in mind for Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha is a challenging winter trek if you are not ready. These are the essentials you need for this trek.
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After Purola, all networks except BSNL cease to work.
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Waterproof shoes – Since you will be trekking on the snow, warm and waterproof shoes are essential to keep your feet comfortable.
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Windproof jacket – The Kedarkantha Basecamp can be very cold due to its location, which isn't surrounded by trees. Protect yourself from harsh winter winds with a windproof jacket
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Head torch – At 3 AM, the summit to the peak starts. A head torch is essential.
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Sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes from the harsh sunlight reflections of snow if you plan to trek in winter.
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Warm thermals – Nighttime temperatures can drop to -8 degrees Celsius. You will need warm thermals throughout the trek.
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Wear thick waterproof gloves. Being exposed at night or early in the morning can cause severe pain. Protecting your hands is therefore essential.
You can instead see how to reach Kedarkantha trek, places to visit in Kedarkantha trek. You will also find several options for Kedarkantha trek packages on Capture A Trip. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now for a pleasant albeit cold trip to the Kedarkantha of snow these winters.
