The Kedarkantha Trek is renowned for its beginner-friendly adventure, stunning summit views, enchanting forests, and sublime sunrise and sunset experiences. It’s one of the popular winter treks in India. Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district. The Altitude of the Kedarkantha Trek is around 12,500 ft with a duration of 5-6 days. Along with summits and stunning views, trekkers will discover about the local culture. The Kedarkantha Trek is suitable for beginners including families and experienced trekkers. So, there is not much difficulty wrapping up the trek. Let’s dive deep into making memories through the Kedarkantha Trek.
Highlights of the Kedarkantha Trek:
Kedarkantha Trek is famous for many reasons, some people do the trek due to its summits, and some want to enjoy winters. However, every individual has their say and has their reasons for why the Kedarkantha Trek is a must-do trek.
- First, let’s discuss the ravishing summit view. Summits are also known as peaks and this trek offers 360-degree views of famous peaks. The peaks are: Black Peak, Swargrohini Peaks, Bandarpoonch, Yamunotri, and Gangotri Range.
- The trails are covered with snow and the peaks are coated with snow too. So, due to the snow, you will get a picture-perfect landscape.
- While doing the trekking you will pin down a frozen lake called Juda Ka Talab. This is a high-altitude lake that freezes in winter, so, trekkers have a golden opportunity to go through such an amazing lake.
- Along with the astonishing view you will discover the Garhwali culture of the local villages. Some village like Sankri is the base camp of Kedarkantha Trek and many other treks too.
- The sunrise and sunset are an attractive part of the trek. During the sunrise, you will see a warm brown colour texture and during sunset, you will see the sky turning into pink and purple colour. However, all these scenarios are very photo-centric. Thus, you will get memorable photos at this time.
Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek is a famous trek that is accessible throughout the year. Thus, this trek is preferred by most of the people. However, it is renowned as a winter trek. Here’s a breakdown of the weather month by month.
- Winter (December to February)
Winter is the best season to do the Kedarkantha Trek. Hence sometimes you may find a lot of public too. During winter you will see that the peaks are covered with snow which makes them look stunning. If you are interested in snow trekking this is the best month for beginners and trekkers.
- Summer (May and June)
During the summers, you will see the bright view of the summit, and the melting ice can soothe your eyes. However, in June, you can experience rain, which will give you lush, green surroundings. In summer Kedarkantha Trek is less crowded compared to other seasons. So, if you want to do a trek in much quitter space this is the best season for you.
- Spring (end of March to early May)
In the spring season, the temperature is around 10°C to 15°C which results in a warm environment. However, during the night the temperature comes down to 0°C to -5°C which results in a cold night. So, I suggest you be aware of weather change. This is the most pleasant season in terms of scenery as on the trail you will discover blooming Rhododendrons with a clear sky.
- Autumn (September to November)
This season is mostly famous for its clear sky, crisp air, and golden-brown forest. Thus, it’s best for photos. During the Autumn season, the Kedarkantha trek has no snow on the trails. So, there will be no such hurdles for you to cross. The weather is dry in September while in November you can feel winters with cold breezes.
Before going anywhere, you always plan the trip so, here is the itinerary planned for you. Let us follow the plan and have a cheerful and safe trek.
Day 1: travelling from Dehradun to Sankri by road.
Trekkers will be picked from Dehradun and then we have to move to Sankri while approaching Mussoorie and Purola. So, here you will get a glance at such scenic cities. The distance from Dehradun to Sankri is 200km which is around 9 to 10 hours of drive with an altitude of around 6,400 ft. Sankri is a famous village so; while reaching there you will find all the essential items. However, Sankri is the base camp of many other treks too.
Day 2: trekking from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
On 2nd day you will start your trek. The trekking is 4km long which may take 4-5 hours thus take your essential items with you but take care that your bag should be light so, that you can trek smoothly. You will go through pine trees and maple forests alongside small lakes. Juda Ka Talab is a famous lake which is your final destination. You will do your camping near the lake so, take care of the cold breeze and enjoy the night with stargazing.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Basecamp
This is a 4km trek which means the trek is of 3 to 4 hours. The trail will let you pass through the oak forests. However, while moving forward in the trek the route will be sharper so, be careful with that and listen to your guide take bigger footsteps and be attentive.
Day 4: Kedarkantha base camp to summit and then back to Hargaon.
Today is the summit day which is a long day because the trek is 7 hours. Hence, you have to start the trek as early as possible. You will see different summits like Bandarpooch, Gangotri, Swargarohini, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. As you move forward, you will find that the path is sharper.
Day 5: Hargoan to Sankri
It is a 6 km long trek which covers 4 hours. You have to move back from Hargoan Basecamp to Sankri. This is the last day of the trekking. So, capture your memories and then rest in Sankri.
Day 6: back to Dehradun to Sankri.
On the 6th day, there is a drive back to Dehradun from Sankri village.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Q1. What is the distance of Kedarkantha Trek?
Answer: This is a 25km long trek that is mostly covered in 5 to 6 days.
Q2. How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?
Answer: This is a moderate trek, which means it’s not too difficult. However, it’s ideal for beginners. Although you must be fit to travel 5 to 6km daily.
Q3. What about the Mobile network on the trek?
Ans: mobile connectivity is very limited in the trek. Only in Sankri you may find some network however, there is no connectivity after that point.
Q4. Are toilets available on the trek?
Ans: There are dry toilet tents, however, for your own sake you must carry toilet paper and sanitisers with you.
Q5. What should I pack for the trek?
Ans: some of the essential items are as follows:
- Warm clothes.
- Torch.
- Water bottle
- Trekking shoes
- Trekking pole
You can pack the other essential items by asking your guide.