Some adventures always remain etched in one's memory. For me, the Kedarkantha trek is one. It is breathtaking and full of incredible views. The dazzling stars I witnessed at night during this trek. It is dreamlike, and its beauty makes this trek a paradise.
By the end of the Kedarkantha trek, a passenger is obliged to experience its magic. Even the most novice trekkers and hikers can cross this beautiful path. The Kedarkantha trek extends to a length of six days and eats the passengers in the beauty of nature. It passes through Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. Passengers can see picturesque, right villages on the way to reach the peak. Once on the peak, a panoramic view that leaves a jaw is rewarded. A full 360 views of the mountains and a good vision are a surprise.
Why is the Kedarkantha Trek Special?
The upper Garhwal area of the Uttarakhand state is known for the Kedarkantha trek. The trek commences from Sankri which is a quaint little village almost 200 kilometers from Dehradun. Kedarkantha trek is highly sought after because it is a perfect blend of relatively easy to access with untouched beauty. Unlike most treks which are challenging and require a lot of preparation and rituals to adapt to high altitudes, Kedarkantha is suitable for beginners and provides breathtaking views, experiences and adventures which are a lot tougher than it is advertised to be.
The term Kedarkantha directly translates to “Throat of Lord Shiva” and as is the case with almost all trails in the Himalayas it is full of stories and legends. Like so many other treks, it envelops the notion of blessed summits, and as a whole, is extremely peaceful that is difficult to put into words.
The Ideal Time to Go
One of the most unique charms of the Kedarkantha trek is that it can almost be done all year round. The most enchanting in my opinion is winter, which is from December to April, as the trail is draped in thick snow and the campsites transform into winter wonderlands.
Winters (Dec-Feb): Adventure filled white winter wonderland, snow covered trails, frozen streams and the joy of walking on trails blanketed in thick snow.
Spring (March-April): The ice begins to melt, the beautiful rhododendrone and the grasslands bloom all around.
Summer (May -June): Pleasant temperatures for the camp, clear weather and hot nights.
Autumn (October-November): The forests are golden, and the visual crystals are clear post-monsoon.
Each duration of the year has its own distinctive features, but if you are craving for ice, winter is unmatched.
Arrival at the initial point
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri village. Most trekkers catch buses or taxis from Dehradun, which have good trains and aerial connections for Delhi and other important cities. The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is about 8–10 hours, but it is a journey in itself, which features curved roads, flowing Yamuna and tons rivers and slowly growing mountains.
Kedarkantha trek itinerary
There may be minor changes from different trekking companies, but there is standard Kedarkantha trek show program, it seems that everyone is as follows:
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (6400 ft)
The drive from Dehradun marks the start of the adventure. It includes a drive to Sankri which will take you to Dehradun, Mussoorie, pine dominated hills, and valleys with apple orchards. As you get to Sankri, the cool air will make you forget the long drive. Sankri is a small village with a few guest houses and woolen shops which gives you a glimpse of the mountain life.
Day 2 – Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)
The very first day of trekking is a gentle four kilometer walk within a pine and oak forest. Should you decide to visit this trail in winters, you are likely to come across forests that are covered in snow and are very beautiful. While you walk, you are likely to hear and spot Himalayan magpies flying and bustling about between trees. Juda ka Talab is an idyllic frozen lake that is covered with pine trees and is also the campsite for the night. Should you be fortunate enough, you will have the opportunity to see a starry sky after the sunset.
Day 3 – Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft)
The first part of this day’s trek is the steepest and quite short, but most rewarding as you get closer to the towering mountain Kedarkantha. A little while after departing, you will pass meadows that have a broad view of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. As you make your way to the Kedarkantha, your excitement is likely to surge, as you will get a glimpse of the stunning views and the summit in the distance.
Day 4: Summit Day! From Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft), Return to Hargaon
The day you’ve been waiting for! Jumping out of bed before dawn, with a headlamp guiding you as you wade through the thick blanket of snow. The climb is steep, but it is the rising sun that is the magic for your fatigue. The Kedarkantha trek summit is a treat to sore eyes. The 360° view includes the entire Himalayan range consisting of the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rupin, as well as the Har Ki Dun valleys.
Once you’ve decided that you have soaked it all in, your next stop would be Base Camp, from Base Camp you then further trek down to Hargaon, your next campsite for the night.
Day 5: Trekking from Hargaon to Sankri
From Hargaon to Sankri it is all a relaxed walk through forests and meadows. It is a gentle downhill trek and this is your last chance to have a break before your relaxed life on the city. The phones start to have signals and you remember all of your mountain adventures.
Day 6: Traveling from Sankri to Dehradun
You are now aching to return back to the city. Your treasures of the mountains will always stay with you in the form of your pictures and most importantly the everlasting, newfound sense of peace.
Photogenic Spots Kompedetaktha Trek Because of the breathtaking snow-covered pine forests, stunning meadows, frozen lakes, and the humongous Himalayan peaks that tower above it all, photographers from all over the globe flock to Kedarkantha trek. The entire landscape transforms into a wondrous winter wonderland, and during the other seasons, all of the greenery and flowers add to the charm of this stunning location.
While visiting Kedarkantha, make sure to check out Juda Ka Talab, this campsite along the trek is one of the best spots to watch the stars. The campsite along with the base camp ensure that no bright city lights can dim the Mithy way and all the stars, hence, it can be seen as clear as day. The view from the summit pales in comparison to the view from Juda Ka Talab campsite.
Wildlife A wide range of animal and plant life is found along the Kedarkantha trek. It is home to the Govind wildlife sanctuary and parts of the trek even intersect with the sanctuary. On the trek, one may encounter a number of animals as well, such as a Musk Deer, which can rarely be found along with a few other animals such as the Monal bird, which is the state bird of Uttarakhand and a few langurs. You may even discover tufts of pine, oak, and rhododendron trees which make the forests stunning.
Community Life and Traditions
The people living near the Kedarkantha trek are friendly and warm hearted and the area is not far from nature. Men are often seen guiding sheep, while children are seen walking barefoot on snow and women carrying firewood. If time permits, sitting and talking with the locals is rewarding as many people tell amazing stories of the mountains and the mountaineering legends of Lord Shiva and the peak.
Trek Preparation and Difficulty
The Kedarkantha trek is classified as easy to moderate, with an average daily hike of 4-6 kilometers. Most of the trek has gradual ascents and a few steep portions. In the winter months, the most stress is walking while the temperatures outside are cold (as low as –10°C) at night.
Preparation Tips:
Perform light cardio and leg exercises 3-4 weeks before the trek.
Trekking shoes must be broken to avoid blisters.
Packing must include layers of thermal wear, fleece, down jacket, and a windproof outer shell.
Waterproof gloves, sunglasses, and snow sunscreen must be carried (yes, snow sunburn is real).
Packing Checklist
Good Trekking Shoes
Warm clothing layers which include thermals, fleece, and a down jacket
Quick dry t-shirts and trekking pants, and trekking t-shirts
Neck warmers, wool caps, gloves, and cold weather garments
Sunscreen and sunglasses
First aid kit and personal medications
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Optional trekking poles which are helpful in the snow
Kedarkantha trek reservations are always commended with Trekyaari due to their booking services.
They are local to the guides and offer area guides which are known to the area and have extensive experience with the region.
They provided highly recommended meals and even served nutritious and tasteable meals to them on extreme high altitudes.
Users are protected under extreme weather scenarios under provided equipment such as the highly recommended shelter tents and sleeping bags.
Starting from fulfillment customers have also noted to have praise due to small team targeted marketing which provides a true and genuine experience with the users.
Kedarkantha Trek will leave you amazed with the view and a true zen experience.
Mountain treks have remembered the experience with laughter from unknown fellows and with them gliding on snow to enjoy the tranquil with a warming cup topped with snow while receiving breezy calm defeats.
You will return with far more than images. You will bring back memories like standing on the summit, the wind embracing your face as you listen to nothing but your heartbeat, waking up to sunlight gently illuminating the snow outside your tent, and the best memory, sitting in complete peace around a campfire miles from civilization. Feeling the world fade away.
Kedarkantha is more than a trek. It is a life lesson wrapped in one single, awe inspiring perspective. Life truly can be simple, pure, and breathtaking, if you take the time to slow down. Let the mountains work their wonders.
Final Word
If breathtaking challenging treks in the Himalayas are what you seek, look no further. If you're a newbie, surely, you will be well rewarded. Kedarkantha is calling. You must simply answer. Patiently waiting, the mountains rush on their own end.
