Coming from the Indo-Tibetan region, the Himalayan range is the highest in the world. I found travelling to “the top of the world” almost dreamlike, especially when I was below the Kedarkantha peak of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. “The Queen of Winter Treks” is surely a deserving name for Kedarkantha Trek as I just couldn't take my eyes off all the stunning views. I love to explore the Himalaya and the Kedarkantha is a great starting point.

Best time to complete the Kedarkantha Trek.

WINTER (DECEMBER TO MARCH): The most sought time due to the complete snowy coverage of the trail is the enchantment in-a box for those who wish to see a snowy Himalaya.

SPRING (APRIL TO JUNE): The snow melting period leads hand in hand with the impressive scenes of the meadows and the blossoming of rhododendrons adding on to nature's beauty.

FALL (SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER): This is the best time for photographers as they get the most beautiful weather for picture taking with clear skies and moderate temperatures.

MONSOON (JULY TO AUGUST): The path opens up for trekking, although there is heavy rainfall and slippery mud as a hindrance.

Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Starting from Delhi, here is an example of a six-day itinerary for the Kedarkantha Trek.

DAY 1: DELHI TO SANKRI (BASE VILLAGE)

The drive from Delhi to Sankri is beautiful and takes 10 to 11 hours. This drive includes passing through a few hill stations and takes you alongside the Yamuna and tons rivers.

Day 2 - Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9100 feet)

The hike starts with a 4 kilometer walk in a dorsal dense pine forest. Your destination is Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful frozen lake in winter.

Day 3 - Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Bass Camp (11,250 feet)

The meadows are covered in snow and the Kedarkantha is visible shrine the distance. Most of the path consists of upwards movement through oak and pine trees and the snow covered meadows.

Day 4 - Summit Day (12,500 ft)

This day marks the most stunning and breathtaking adventure of the Kedarkantha trek, as you begin an early morning hike at 4 a.m. Sunrise at the very top while rounding the last peak to the mount of your summit is the sight one can only dream to witness. From the summit, a 360-degree view of the entire range of Himalaya is visible. After the hike, you descend to Hargaon.

Day 5 - Descend to Sankri

The Device Sankri is the most picturesque landscaping and is often referred to as tokomah. The flow of the stream of water surrounding the entire area flowing down the hill as to the base of Sankri is immensely mesmerizing to capture.

Day 6 - Sankri to Delhi

The direct 715 long drive is filled with picturesque representation. The entire session of the drive down the hill allows many pictures to be taken of the place.

Kedarkantha Trek: Juda Ka Talab is one of the most sought after places and it can be very wonderful to capture the beauty that it can transform into during winters.

Kedarkantha Trek Scenic Highlights

Juda Ka Talab - The lake surrounded by a circumference of pine attains a stunning canvas while during the winter season, it's covered with a thick blanket of snow.

Snow Covered Trails - the snow gives a treasure of many stunning landscapes that can allow you to walk through snowy paths.

Charming Villages - meet and lead people as they take you through Garhwali culture and show you the welcoming hospitality of locals.

Golden Sunrise - You can witness the dazzling light marked daybreak which resembles a golden mix that one may only wish to see.

You can see all of the peaks, such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and others, from the summit which gives these wonderful views.

Flora and Fauna

While doing the Kedarkantha Trek, one can see different types of and thick forests which are full of diverse life. During the spring season, different types of rhododendrons bloom and during the winter season, the oak and pine trees are covered in snow. Herpetologists can also see wildlife such as monals, barking deer, and foxes.

Difficulty Level

Because this trek is rated as easy to moderate, beginners will enjoy the kedarkantha trek the most. The summit day can be challenging due to steep climbs as well as a high altitude, but the trek can be done slowly and steadily. Basic fitness and stamina will complete such a trek.

Preparing for the Trek

Fitness Training - increase your daily walking distance to 4-5 kilometers a day, and complete the walk at a brisk pace. Follow this routine for a month prior to the trek.

Cardio - Add to your daily routine swimming, cycling, and jogging to increase your fitness and stamina.

Strength Training - Add Squats and lunges to your everyday routine to strengthen your legs.

Packing List

Here is what is needed for the Kedarkantha Trek:

Clothing – Includes thermal inner wear, a fleece, down jacket, trekking pants, waterproof cls, a woolen cap, and socks.

Footwear – Trekking shoes which are of good quality and with ankle support.

Accessories – Includes trekking poles, water and sunscreen bottles, lip balm, and sunglasses.

Other essentials – A headlamp, power bank, and a personal first-aid kit.

Local Culture

The villages in and around Kedarkantha are characterized by the rich Garhwali culture. They are famous for their traditional wooden houses. The friendliness and rich culture of the village people is appreciated by many. They have numerous temples and many trekkers like visiting the Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Sankri.

Reasons for Choosing Kedarkantha Trek for Your First Snow Trek

Easy for beginners: There is no technical climbing involved.

Amazing Views: Best in class summit views are available in Indian Himalayas.

Short Duration: The trek is under a week.

For Trekkers: First timers who wish to experience the snow.

Cost of Kedarkantha Trek

From a range for the Kedarkantha Trek, it sits between ₹5,000 and ₹7,000. Price changes with the season, what is included, and the trekking company used. Most packages offer a stay and food in rare cases, along with trek permits and guide charges to include the camping gear for the trek.

Trek Safely and Enjoyably

Acclimatization – Stay well hydrated and rest to the best of your ability.

Early Start – Critical for those wishing to reach the summit in time for the sunrise.

Stick With The Guide – Stick with the group and follow the directions given to them.

Biodiversity and Rubbish – Follow the leave no trace policy.

Conclusion

From the breathtaking views of Kedarkantha to the calm and serene Juda Ka Talab, each and every place on the Kedarkantha is literally filled with wondrous beauty and joy, every moment bringing the pleasure of a fresh cup of tea while sitting inside warm tents. These moments and much more lie well with memories which cherish Christmas and breaks from school. Each and every moment from the trek is a supremely long lasting moment which is sure to be remembered forever and ever. If the inspiring and motivating quote “Live in the moment” is something which is quite inspiring to you, and you are looking to start from the very top, then Kedarkantha is proving to be the very start of your search. Grab your gear, fill your bags and be ready to smash your new records.