Overview
Kedarkantha, considered one of the most incredible winter treks in India, is one of the few Himalayan treks accessible even in winter. The Kedarkantha trek, suitable for anyone looking to start their journey in the Himalayas or perhaps even experienced trekkers looking for a quick getaway, offers a rare opportunity to walk on a snow-covered trail and explore life in the mountains. Of winter. The Kedarnath Trek provides a good mix of challenge, adventure, and breathtaking views, with pathways lined with thick oak and pine forests, lush greenery, tranquil lakes, beautiful gardens, and scenic spots. Exciting views of the Himalayan mountains.
Moderate Difficulty (Suitable for Beginners)
The Kedarkantha highway has thick pine and oak forests, open grasslands, and winter snow. Uttarakhand is here. Sankri is the base camp (200 km from Dehradun). The altitude of Kedarkantha varies from 6,000 feet at Sankri to 12,500 feet at the top of Kedarkantha. Distance from Kedarkantha: approximately 25 km. The Kedarkantha Trek takes four days (Sankri-Sankri).
Kedarkantha Travel Season: December to April
The Kedarkantha trek begins in the small village of Sankri, Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 6,000 feet. The Kedarkantha trek passes through lush green and dense forests, frozen lakes, and snow-covered roads up to the summit of Kedakantha at the height of 12,500 feet, with spectacular views of the mountains. The snow covers almost the entire route. The whole journey takes about four days, starting from Sankri and returning, except for the extra day to cross from Dehradun.
The Legend of Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha, like many other places in Uttarakhand, is full of mythological references. The most famous story here is from the Mahabharata, which also says that Kedarkantha is where Lord Shiva, in his bull avatar, took refuge from the Pandavas and meditated in the valley before fleeing to Kedarnath after being provoked by the villagers. The Trishul of Lord Shiva, which stands on the top of the hill, is believed to protect the valley and its inhabitants. When is the best time to visit Kedarkantha?
Best time
Although the Kedarkantha trek can be done all year round, it is one of the most popular Himalayan treks during the winter months, so it is best done between December and the end of April, allowing tourists not only to see its snow but also to live the experience of traveling on melting snow. The Kedarkantha trek is not challenging, with only a lot of snow and no extreme temperature changes, so it is suitable for beginners.
- Arrival at Dehradun on Day 0
- Dehradun to Sankri Base Camp on Day 1
- Travel from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab in 2 days.
- From Judah to Talab to Kedarkantha base camp in 3 days.
- Trek from Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha peak and back to Hargaon camp on day 4.
- Return to Dehradun via Hargaon and Sankri on Day 5.
Dining options Kedarkantha Trek
Outside of Sankri, only a few tea houses along the road offer simple options like Maggi and snacks. However, they may be open to uncertainty and should only be relied upon partially. Choosing a travel package that includes food and accommodation is the best option for group planning. Those who wish to travel alone must bring the necessary equipment, a cooking table, and fuel.
Kedarkantha travel guide and local guide
Kedarkantha trekking is allowed only if you are accompanied by a local guide registered with the forest department, a requirement for Govind Vihar National Park officials. The tour guide will also help you get the necessary permits from the Sankri Forest Office.
Getting a group tour not only strengthens your safety by ensuring that you are on track and helps you deal with accidents and other unknowns during the trip, but it also gives you a fantastic view of the local culture and landscape of the area. It is essential to book local guides in advance, especially during peak hours.
Local guide fee: Rs 1,000 per guide. The license fee is Rs 50 per day.
Things to consider before embarking on the Kedarkantha trek
There are no ATMs after Mori, so bring enough cash from Dehradun to last the trip. After Purola, there was no more telephone connection. In Sankri and around, only a limited BSNL network is available. Accommodation, guides, and equipment must be booked during peak season, which runs from November to January.
Pack as little as you can in your backpack for the duration of your trip. It is advisable to keep the weight of your bag below 10 kg. Opt for a train journey to Dehradun from Delhi as it is more comfortable and convenient.