Best winter Kedarkantha treks in Uttarakhand 2024

We have less crowd in winters so trekkers can enjoy more space, peace, snowy landscapes with 360-degree view. You can enjoy witness rare flora and fauna that are not in bloom for the rest of the year.

Kedarkantha trek: The most popular winter trek is Kedarkantha trek. It’s in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in The great Himalaya. It’s route along with Govind National Sanctuary and mighty snow peaks like Swargohini and Bandarpooch. It’s difficulty is moderate. A fit person can do this trek with under the Guide guidance. We can translate it as to “Lord Shiva’s throat.” Kedar  means Shiva and Kantha means throat. We start from Sankri village . You can enjoy Jula ka Talab campsite experience and base camp of Kedarkantha trek take 3 to 4 km from Jula ka talab including duration of 3 to 4 hours. Trekker can enjoy local food like Garhwali Thali(Bhang Ki Chutney, Jhangore Ki Kheer, Pahari Raita, Lesu, Gahat, Kulath, Badi, Lindge Ki Sabzi, Kofta). Trekker can spot some bird like  Himalayan Woodpecker, Himalayan Monal, Rosefink and animal or mammals Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Langurs, Leopards, squirrels. Kedarkantha best time to visit is winter months of December and January. Trekker can enjoy excessive snowfall in Kedarkantha. You can reach Dehradun by bus , car, taxi and air plan. You can take government bus, taxi , our company taxi, you car to reach Sankri.

How long is the Kedarkantha trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek typically covers a distance of approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). The duration of the trek is usually 4-6 days, depending on the specific itinerary followed by the trekking group. Here’s a common breakdown of the trek:

  1. Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (around 200 km, 8-10 hours).
  2. Day 2: It’s basically 4 day trek from Sankri. trekker can start early morning breakfast and start to reach Jula ka talab near about 4 km trek in 3 to 4 hours and after reaching Jula ka talab , Trekker can setup camp and enjoy rest of the day.
  3. Day 3: Trek from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km, 3-4 hours). Jula ka talab to Kedarkantha base camp, it’s 4 km in 3 hours and trekker can enjoy panoramic views of the famous peaks of Uttarakhand.
  4. Day 4: Trek from Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and then back to Hargaon Camp (6 km, 6-7 hours).
  5. Day 5: Trek from Hargaon Camp to Sankri (6 km, 4-5 hours), and then drive back to Dehradun (optional or on the next day).

This itinerary can vary slightly depending on the trekking company, weather conditions, and the pace of the group.

How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Altitude: The trek reaches an altitude of around 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). While this is relatively high, it’s manageable for most people with proper acclimatization.
  2. Distance and Duration: The trek covers approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and typically takes about 4-6 days to complete. Daily trekking distances range from 4-6 kilometers.
  3. Terrain: The trail includes a mix of gradual ascents, steep climbs, and some descents. The terrain is varied, with forested areas, open meadows, and snow-covered paths, especially in winter.
  4. Weather: Conditions can be harsh, particularly in winter when temperatures can drop significantly, and the presence of snow can make the trek more challenging.
  5. Physical Fitness: A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended. Regular exercise, such as cardio and strength training, in the weeks leading up to the trek can help prepare you.
  6. Experience: While prior trekking experience is not mandatory, it can be beneficial. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, provided they are adequately prepared.

Overall, with proper preparation, acclimatization, and a reasonable level of fitness, the Kedarkantha Trek is achievable and offers a rewarding experience with stunning views and scenic landscapes.

Kedarkantha trek package From Delhi, Dehradun and Haridwar:

Trekking companies offer Kedarkantha trek packages from various cities in India, with common starting points being major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. These packages typically include transportation, accommodation, meals, and the services of a guide. Here’s a general outline of what such packages might look like:

From Delhi

  • Day 1: Overnight bus journey from Delhi to Dehradun.
  • Day 2: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (base camp), approximately 8-10 hours.
  • Day 3-7: Trekking days as per the standard itinerary.
  • Day 8: Drive back to Dehradun and bus journey to Delhi.

From Dehradun

  • Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (base camp), approximately 8-10 hours.
  • Day 2-6: Trekking days as per the standard itinerary.
  • Day 7: Drive back to Dehradun.

From Haridwar

  • Day 1: Drive from Haridwar to Sankri (base camp) via Dehradun, approximately 9-11 hours.
  • Day 2-6: Trekking days as per the standard itinerary.
  • Day 7: Drive back to Haridwar.

Kedarkantha trek package from Hyderabad

A Kedarkantha trek package from Hyderabad would typically include transportation to the starting point of the trek, accommodation, meals, and the services of guides and support staff. Here’s a sample itinerary for a trek package starting from Hyderabad:

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hyderabad to Dehradun

  • Fly from Hyderabad to Dehradun.
  • Overnight stay in Dehradun (arranged by the trekking company).

Day 2: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)

  • Early morning drive from Dehradun to Sankri (200 km, approximately 8-10 hours).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Sankri.

Day 3: Sankri to Juda ka Talab

  • Trek from Sankri to Juda ka Talab (4 km, approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Camp overnight by the lake.

Day 4: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

  • Trek from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km, approximately 3-4 hours).
  • Overnight stay in tents at the base camp.

Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and then to Hargaon Camp

  • Early morning trek to Kedarkantha Summit (6 km, approximately 6-7 hours round trip).
  • Return to base camp for a short rest, then trek to Hargaon Camp.
  • Overnight stay in tents at Hargaon Camp.

Day 6: Hargaon Camp to Sankri

  • Trek from Hargaon Camp to Sankri (6 km, approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Sankri.

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun

  • Drive from Sankri to Dehradun (200 km, approximately 8-10 hours).
  • Overnight stay in Dehradun (arranged by the trekking company).

Day 8: Dehradun to Hyderabad

  • Fly from Dehradun to Hyderabad.

Kedarkantha trek package from Mumbai

Here is a sample itinerary for a Kedarkantha trek package starting from Mumbai, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and the services of guides and support staff:

Itinerary:

Day 1: Mumbai to Dehradun

  • Fly from Mumbai to Dehradun.
  • Overnight stay in Dehradun (arranged by the trekking company).

Day 2: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)

  • Early morning drive from Dehradun to Sankri (200 km, approximately 8-10 hours).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Sankri.

Day 3: Sankri to Juda ka Talab

  • Trek from Sankri to Juda ka Talab (4 km, approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Camp overnight by the lake.

Day 4: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

  • Trek from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km, approximately 3-4 hours).
  • Overnight stay in tents at the base camp.

Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and then to Hargaon Camp

  • Early morning trek to Kedarkantha Summit (6 km, approximately 6-7 hours round trip).
  • Return to base camp for a short rest, then trek to Hargaon Camp.
  • Overnight stay in tents at Hargaon Camp.

Day 6: Hargaon Camp to Sankri

  • Trek from Hargaon Camp to Sankri (6 km, approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Sankri.

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun

  • Drive from Sankri to Dehradun (200 km, approximately 8-10 hours).
  • Overnight stay in Dehradun (arranged by the trekking company).

Day 8: Dehradun to Mumbai

  • Fly from Dehradun to Mumbai.

Kedarkantha trek package from Pune:

Here is a detailed itinerary for a Kedarkantha trek package starting from Pune, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and the services of guides and support staff:

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pune to Dehradun

  • Fly from Pune to Dehradun.
  • Overnight stay in Dehradun (arranged by the trekking company).

Day 2: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)

  • Early morning drive from Dehradun to Sankri (200 km, approximately 8-10 hours).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Sankri.

Day 3: Sankri to Juda ka Talab

  • Trek from Sankri to Juda ka Talab (4 km, approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Camp overnight by the lake.

Day 4: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

  • Trek from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km, approximately 3-4 hours).
  • Overnight stay in tents at the base camp.

Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and then to Hargaon Camp

  • Early morning trek to Kedarkantha Summit (6 km, approximately 6-7 hours round trip).
  • Return to base camp for a short rest, then trek to Hargaon Camp.
  • Overnight stay in tents at Hargaon Camp.

Day 6: Hargaon Camp to Sankri

  • Trek from Hargaon Camp to Sankri (6 km, approximately 4-5 hours).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Sankri.

Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun

  • Drive from Sankri to Dehradun (200 km, approximately 8-10 hours).
  • Overnight stay in Dehradun (arranged by the trekking company).

Day 8: Dehradun to Pune

  • Fly from Dehradun to Pune.

Inclusions:

  1. Transportation:
    1. Flight from Pune to Dehradun and return.
    1. All ground transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back.
  2. Accommodation:
    1. Hotels/guesthouses in Dehradun and Sankri.
    1. Tents during the trek.
  3. Meals:
    1. All meals from Dehradun to Sankri and during the trek.
    1. Vegetarian meals.
  4. Trek Leader and Guides:
    1. Experienced trek leaders and local guides.
    1. Support staff including porters and cooks.
  5. Permits and Fees:
    1. Forest entry permits.
    1. Camping charges.
  6. Safety Equipment:
    1. Basic first aid kit.
    1. Oxygen cylinders in case of emergencies.
  7. Trekking Gear:
    1. Tents, sleeping bags, and mats.
    1. Sometimes trekking poles and gaiters.

Exclusions:

  • Personal expenses like tips, laundry, and phone calls.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Any additional meals or snacks not included in the package.
  • Personal trekking gear like shoes, jackets, and backpacks.

Booking Considerations:

  • Season: The best time for the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April for snow trekking and from April to June for a more temperate climate.
  • Group Size: Packages are available for both solo trekkers and groups. Discounts are often available for larger groups.
  • Customization: Some companies offer customizable itineraries based on the group’s preferences.

When booking a package, Please call us and understand what is included and excluded in the package.

Kedarkantha trek best time

The Kedarkantha trek is popular throughout the year, but the best times to undertake it are typically divided into two main seasons:

Winter Season (December to April)

  • Snow Experience: This is the most popular time for the Kedarkantha trek due to the snow-covered landscapes, creating a magical winter wonderland. The snow starts accumulating in December and can last until late April.
  • Scenic Beauty: The trek offers stunning views of snow-clad peaks, frozen lakes, and pristine white trails.
  • Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -7°C to -10°C. Proper winter gear is essential.
  • Crowd: The trek can be crowded during the peak winter months, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Summer Season (April to June)

  • Milder Climate: The weather is pleasant, with clear skies and blooming flora. The snow starts melting by late April, revealing lush green meadows.
  • Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures range from 0°C to 5°C.
  • Flora and Fauna: The trails are adorned with vibrant rhododendron flowers and lush greenery, offering a different kind of scenic beauty compared to the winter season.
  • Less Crowded: Compared to the winter season, there are fewer trekkers, offering a more serene experience.

Monsoon Season (July to September)

  • Not Recommended: The monsoon season is generally not recommended for trekking in the Kedarkantha region due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and a higher risk of landslides.

Autumn Season (October to November)

  • Clear Views: Post-monsoon, the skies are clear, offering unobstructed views of the Himalayas. The weather is crisp and pleasant.
  • Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -2°C to 5°C.
  • Less Snow: There might be occasional snow towards the end of November, but the trails are mostly clear, making it suitable for those who prefer not to trek in deep snow.
  • Moderate Crowd: The trek sees a moderate number of trekkers, making it a good time for those who prefer less crowded trails.

Summary:

  • Best Time for Snow Experience: December to April
  • Best Time for Pleasant Weather and Flora: April to June
  • Best Time for Clear Views: October to November

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