KedarkanthaTrek

Kedarkantha Trek: A Complete Guided Itinerary of 4 Days and 5 Nights

Kedarkantha Trek is situated in the heart of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand. This trek is best known for its snow-clad Himalayan peaks, charming mountain villages, and dense pine forests. This most popular winter trek of Kedarkantha is a scenic trek rising to an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,800 meters).

The summit offers panoramic views that take your mind by surprise.
The accessibility during the winter is what makes Kedarkantha truly magical. December to April is the period when the trail is blanketed in soft snow, making the whole landscape into a white wonderland—also known as “Queen of Winter Treks.”

The trek is absolutely ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
The trek starts from Sankri, a small and quaint village, typically spanning 4 to 5 days, covering around 20 kilometers in total. During this trek, the trekkers will enjoy a rich blend of nature, serene campsites, local culture, and, most importantly, Juda Ka Talab and also Hargaon.

The Kedarkantha trek is best for those who are chasing their first Himalayan summit. This winter trek is a perfect choice for tranquility lovers looking for a nature escape, as it promises you unforgettable panoramic views of Mt. Swargarohini, Mt. Bandarpoonch, Yamunotri Range, Black Peak, and Ranglana Range.

How to Take a Permit for the Kedarkantha Trek

Undertaking the Kedarkantha Trek requires necessary permits. The best part is our trek leaders have made that process easier for you. The Govind National Park authorities have mandated that a trek leader must accompany those who are registered with the forest department. Trek leaders will ensure that you get all your required permits and that the trek journey is safe and successful.
However, prior to that, trekkers are requested to carry valid government ID; a copy of the same can be submitted to your trek agency in advance. Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Passport, etc., should be carried all through your journey.
Obtain a medical certificate from your doctor and submit an attested health report in the form of a soft copy to the trek agency before the trek begins. This certificate is mandatory for the confirmation that you’re fit for the trek.
After this, on the first day of the trek, the trek leader will assist you at the forest department of Sankri to apply for the trekking permits.
It is always recommended to pre-book your treks for hassle-free permit processing.

Complete Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri Village
Drive distance: 185 km, 9 to 10 hours
Altitude covered: 6,400 ft
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Sankri
How does your day 1 look?

• Get picked up from Prince Chowk, Dehradun, at 7:30 A.M.; the earlier you start, the more you will be able to enjoy the charm of pine forests along the way.
• Musoorie, Nowgaon, Purola, and Mori also fall in between during the journey from Dehradun to Sankri.
• As Mori comes, enjoy the Tons River, following through your drive. Right after that, woodland starts.
• As you reach dense forests of pines, you will smell the scent of those trees filled in the air.
• The reason our guests are requested to reach the pickup point early is because we do not want them to miss the charming and largest stream of the Yamuna, the Tons River. It is quite famous for river rafting.
• Take a rest at Sankri guest house before beginning the trek.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab
Trek distance: 4 km, 4 to 5 hours
Altitude covered: 2,750 ft, total altitude gained: 9,100 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, Dinner

How does your day 2 look?

• Relish a scrumptious breakfast at Sankri guest house.
• Reach the forest department for the trek permit.
• Set out early to embark on the journey towards Juda Ka Talab.
• The journey gets exciting as we travel through nearby villages like Saud and see women starting with their daily chores and meet children on your way, walking for their school.
• Progressively, the trail gets steeper until you reach the ridge once you have passed through the thick pine forest.
• After a small walk on the ridge, the trail widens and evens out. Thanks to the dense forest, it protects us from the heat by creating a cool atmosphere.
• Finally, the well-known Juda Ka Talab is here.
  Rest, indulge in after-trek stretching activity, eat lunch, and rest. Enjoy dinner under the stars while camping.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Trek distance: 4 km, 3 to 4 hours
Altitude covered: 2,150 ft, total altitude gained 11,150 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, and Dinner

How does your day 3 look?

• After breakfast, resume your journey to Kedarkantha Base Camp from Juda Ka Talab. Pass through the dense pine forests until reaching a meadow where you can now see shepherd’s huts. Click pictures and continue with your trek.
• Climbing further for another 1000 feet, reach the Kedarkantha base camp. Today, it will take around 3 to 4 hours to touch the base camp.
• The trail to base camp is incredibly stunning, providing an ideal setting for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
• The temperature gets a bit colder due to the scarcity of insulation. However, the base camp offers panoramic views of some of the famous peaks of Uttarakhand, making it an ultimate spot for camping.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit Climb and back to Jud aka Talab campsite

Trek distance: 4 km to summit, 8 km to Jud aka Talab from summit, 7 to 8 hours
Altitude covered: 12,500 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack and Dinner

How does your day 4 look?

• And the day has arrived you have been waiting for. The trek from base camp to summit is not too long but gets challenging and might take a few more hours than expected. No worries! Take your time, as once you reach the top, you will be astonished with the 360-degree view of Uttarakhand peaks as well as Chaainsheel Pass and the Kailash ranges of Himachal.
• In fact, if you see below, Har Ki Dun valley is also visible. At Kedarkantha, there is also a Trishul pointing to the sky arranged on the stones. There is an interesting story that Adi Shankaracharya planned to establish the Kedarnath temple here but changed the location later. Also, if some legends are to be believed, the Lord Shiva changed his location in anger from Kedarkantha to Kedarnath after some villagers disturbed him during his meditation.
• Celebrate your achievement by spending a few hours on the summit before hiking back to the Kedarkantha base camp and heading towards Juda Ka Talab post-lunch. Spend the night at Juda Ka Talab Campsite, your last night camping under the stars.

Day 5: Juda Ka Talab to Sankri and drive back to Dehradun

Trek distance: 4 km to Sankri, 3 to 4 hours; 185 km to Dehradun, 9 to 10 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

How does your last day with us look?

• Today is the final day of the trek. We will descend from Kedarkantha to Sankri, which will take around 2 to 3 hours.
• Rest until your dispersal arrangements are made.
• Drive back to Dehradun and bid goodbye to your other group members.

Points to keep in mind before booking the Kedarkantha Trek

We recommend you start working out at least 2 weeks prior to avoid acclimatizing and fitness-related issues during the trek. We suggest you work on your leg strength and stamina. Include cardio in your daily fitness activity.

Guests who are coming from some low elevation, Sankri village is the best point for getting acclimatized before the trek starts.

The trek is open during the winter season, and snowfall is expected anytime during this period. Hence, it is recommended to bring enough layers and warm clothes. Our trek agency will guide you in advance on what to keep in your bag to protect the body from the freezing temperature.

Altitude sickness is normal, esp. if you are coming from a low elevation. On facing symptoms like headache, nausea followed by dizziness, or fatigue, immediately call out your trek leader. For this, we will request to stay hydrated throughout the trek and avoid overexertion.

Pack essential gear. Again, our trek agency will guide you over email or message with all the necessary gear to bring.

Our meals are healthy, light, and sufficient; however, carry energy bars and trail mix in case your body needs energy.

There comes a time when there will be no network at all; hence, it is advised to stay nearby to your trek leaders and follow the trail they are showing.

It does not matter if you have never experienced a trek before. The Kedarkantha Trek is perfect for both the beginners and experts. We assure you that this trek is going to be a perfect mix of adventure, tranquility, and Himalayan splendor. In winter, this hike promises a memorable experience where the routes are covered in snow, serene campsites under the clear sky, and a worthy summit vista. Your safe and rejuvenating tour is our guarantee. Thinairexpedition has carefully planned your tour with the appropriate equipment and by keeping environmental awareness in mind. This Himalayan trek will stick with you long after you have returned.