Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Peak Trek

Quick answer: The best time for the Kedarkantha trek is mid-December to February for deep snow, and January gets the heaviest snowfall. March and early April still have snow on the upper trail with milder days. October and November bring clear skies and dry trails. Avoid July and August, when monsoon rain makes the trail slippery.

Kedarkantha is a 12,500 ft (3,810 m) summit in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Our Kedarkantha trek takes 5 days from Dehradun to Dehradun: a 190 km drive to the base village of Sankri, then about 20 km of walking via Juda Ka Talab to the summit and back. The trek is easy to moderate, which is why it is so popular with beginners.

Many people confuse Kedarkantha with Kedarnath, but they are different places. Kedarnath is a Char Dham temple in Rudraprayag district, while Kedarkantha is a summit trek that starts from Sankri. From the top you see Mt. Swargarohini, Mt. Bandarpoonch I and II, Black Peak, Ranglana and the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges.

Kedarkantha is best known as a winter trek, but the trail is open for 9 to 10 months a year. Below is every month: snow, day and night cold, and who it suits. Temperatures are from our Kedarkantha temperature and weather guide.

Last updated: 29 October 2026.

The best time to do the Kedarkantha trek depends on what you want. For snow, go from mid-December to February; January has the most snow. For snow with less cold, go in March. For clear views and dry trails, choose October or November. May and June suit a quiet, green trek. Skip July and August.

Kedarkantha has three good windows in the year:

• Snow (mid-December to March): the trail is under snow, Juda Ka Talab freezes and the pine forest turns white. This is the classic and most popular time.
• Green (May and June): no snow, green meadows with wildflowers and few trekkers.
• Clear skies (September to November): a green forest in September, then golden meadows and sharp mountain views.

Our trek page lists October to April as the best months. December and January are the busiest because of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Kedarkantha has snow from mid-December to March, and only patches near the summit in April. The coldest nights come in December and January, when the higher camps fall to about -15°C. From May to November there is no proper snow; days are about 5°C to 24°C and nights range from mild to below freezing.

These are typical ranges for the trail and higher camps; it gets colder as you climb from Sankri (6,400 ft) to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft) and the summit (12,500 ft). In winter the pre-dawn summit climb starts at about -10°C to -15°C, and the wind makes it feel colder.

How to check the weather before you go: there is no weather station on the trail, so check the forecast for Sankri or Purola. The base camp is about 10°C colder than Sankri, and the summit about 12°C colder.

Snow on Kedarkantha usually sets in from mid-December. The first light snow can come in late November or early December, and in some years the main snow is delayed to early January. January and February are the sure-snow months, and snow stays on the upper trail till about mid-March.

By mid-December, snow normally covers the trail up to the base camp. You will meet two kinds of snow:

• Fresh snow: a new layer on the trees, campsites and trail. It looks beautiful, but it is soft and makes walking harder.
• Settled snow: old snow that has packed down three or four days after a snowfall. It is easier to walk on.

Month-wise snow conditions:

• December: snowfall begins, mostly fresh snow; the amount depends on the year.
• January: both fresh and settled snow; the most snowfall of the season.
• February: settled snow on the higher camps and upper trail.
• March: snow only on the upper section; the lower trail is almost clear.
• April: patches near the summit and in shaded spots.

Climate change has made winters less predictable, so snow can come early or late. If snow is your main reason to go, ask our team for the latest trail update before you book.

Yes. December is one of the most popular months for the Kedarkantha trek, especially over Christmas and New Year. By mid-December snow usually covers the trail up to the base camp, and nights at the higher camps fall to about -5°C to -15°C. Days are short, so walking starts early in the morning.

December is a picture-perfect month for a first snow trek. Early December can be cold and dry with little snow, because the main snow usually comes in the second half of the month, so pick the second half if snow matters to you. Christmas and New Year are the busiest dates, so plan early.

Highlights of Kedarkantha in December

1. Snow everywhere: forests, meadows and mountains are covered in snow, and the campsites are whitewashed.
2. A more challenging trail: the trek is very doable, but snow makes the path slippery, so fitness and steady steps matter.
3. Frozen Juda Ka Talab: the famous lake freezes in December.
4. Cold nights: December nights are very cold (only January is colder), so carry every essential item.
5. Short days: daylight is short, so start walking early to reach camp well before evening.
6. Calm and quiet: the views are stunning and the snowy forest is so calm that you can truly enjoy your own company.

January is peak winter on Kedarkantha: it gets the heaviest snowfall and the coldest nights, about -8°C to -15°C, with days around -2°C to 12°C. February is a little milder, with settled snow, more open skies and nights about -5°C to -12°C. Both are sure-snow months and both suit fit beginners.

January: the month for the deepest snow and the best sunrise over snow from the summit. Heavy snowfall can sometimes block the trail or the road near Sankri for a short time, so keep 1 or 2 extra days in your plan.

February: snowfall is lighter, but the area above the base camp is still under snow. Juda Ka Talab begins to melt, and by the end of the month the snow starts to clear around it. A great month for snow with a little less cold.

What winter on Kedarkantha needs from you

• Four upper layers: a thermal base layer, a fleece mid layer, a down jacket and a windproof, waterproof outer shell.
• Two lower layers: thermal bottoms and trekking pants.
• Warm extras: a woollen cap, gloves and two pairs of thick, long socks.
• Good shoes: ankle-high trekking shoes with a deep-grip sole. We provide microspikes and gaiters on every batch for the snow sections.
• Basic fitness: you should be able to walk 4 to 6 hours a day on mountain trails.

Yes, but less each week. In March, snow stays on the upper trail while the lower trail clears; days are about 5°C to 15°C and nights -2°C to -6°C. In April only patches remain near the summit and in shaded spots, rhododendrons bloom lower down, and the cold is milder. The trek is open in both months.

March is spring, yet the upper trail still carries snow, and the higher you go, the more snow you find. Days are warm and nights cold. March is also less crowded than December and January.

In April new life returns after the long winter. Flowers of many colours come up lower down, and the rhododendron, called buransh in the local language, brings red blooms to the forest. It is pleasant trekking weather, with a few snow patches near the top.

Yes. May and June are quiet months on Kedarkantha, with no snow, green forests and alpine meadows full of wildflowers. Days are about 15°C to 24°C, and nights at the higher camps fall to about -5°C to 3°C. May gives clearer sunrise views; June brings haze, pre-monsoon clouds and the first rain showers.

In May the mornings are warm in the sun, but nights are still cold, and the snow has melted from the valley. June is the start of the monsoon, so expect showers, along with the fresh smell of the meadows.

In summer most trekkers choose higher treks, so Kedarkantha is peaceful. The most famous summer trek from Sankri is the Har Ki Dun trek, which is easy to moderate like Kedarkantha. If you want Kedarkantha in May or June, ask our team about dates.

It is better not to. July and August bring heavy rain, muddy and slippery trails, fog and poor visibility, so we do not recommend the Kedarkantha trek in these months. September is the change month: showers ease, the forest is fresh and green, and late September moves into clear autumn weather.

August gets a lot of rain, the trail turns slippery, and fog higher up can cut visibility so much that it is hard to see the way ahead. Days are about 15°C to 20°C and nights 3°C to 8°C. The reward is a fully green landscape, but safety comes first; the trek is safe in every other season.

In September days are about 10°C to 18°C and nights 5°C to -2°C. The forest, meadows and streams are at their greenest, and the skies clear after the monsoon. From September to November you can also add the Phulara Ridge trek, which can be reached from the top of Kedarkantha.

Yes. October and November are the clear-sky months on Kedarkantha. Trails are mostly dry, mountain views are sharp, and the meadows turn golden brown. Days are about 5°C to 18°C and nights fall to about -2°C to -8°C. The summit may get light snow in late November, but proper snow usually starts from mid-December.

Autumn is the start of the cold season. The breeze is fresh without being extremely cold in the day. In October the meadows turn brown, and in November the grass and leaves dry and fall, with frost on many mornings.

Choose these months if views matter more than snow, or to avoid the December and January crowds. Carry full warm layers, because nights already fall below freezing at the higher camps.

Pick your month by what you want from the trek. January is best for deep snow, the second half of December for snow over the holidays, February and March for snow with less cold, October and November for clear views, and May for a quiet green trek. Avoid July and August.

For a first trek, any month from October to April works with basic fitness. The snow months are colder and a little harder, but beginners complete Kedarkantha every winter with the right gear.

Kedarkantha has no single official opening or closing date. The trail is open for 9 to 10 months a year, and only July and August are avoided because of monsoon rain. Our trek page lists October to April as the best months, and the snow season runs from mid-December to March.

So yes, Kedarkantha is open in December, in April and in every month from September to June. In deep winter, very heavy snowfall can pause a trek for a short time, which is why we suggest a buffer day or two. For the current batch dates, see the Kedarkantha trek page.

Decide first whether you want snow, views or a quiet trail, then pick the month from the table above. Book early for Christmas and New Year, keep 1 or 2 spare days in winter, train for 4 weeks before you go, and check the Sankri forecast in the week of your trek.

• Book holiday dates early: Christmas and New Year are the busiest dates, and each group has a maximum of 12 trekkers.
• Keep spare days in winter: heavy snow can block the trail or road for a day.
• Train before you go: about 4 weeks of cardio, core and balance work makes summit day much easier.
• Pack for the month: see our Kedarkantha temperature guide for each camp.
• Still choosing a winter trek? Compare Kedarkantha vs Dayara Bugyal and Kedarkantha vs Brahmatal.

Ready to pick your month? See dates and send an enquiry on our Kedarkantha trek page, or contact our team for help choosing the right batch.

When does snow start in Kedarkantha?

Snow usually sets in from mid-December. The first light snow can fall in late November or early December, and in some years the main snow is delayed to early January. Snow stays on the upper trail till about mid-March.

Is Kedarkantha open in December?

Yes. December is one of the most popular months, especially over Christmas and New Year. Snow usually covers the trail up to the base camp by mid-December, and nights at the higher camps fall to about -5°C to -15°C.

Which is the best month for snow in Kedarkantha?

January. It gets the heaviest snowfall of the season, with both fresh and settled snow. February is next, with deep settled snow on the upper trail and slightly milder days.

Can beginners do the Kedarkantha trek in January?

Yes. Beginners complete Kedarkantha every winter. You should be able to walk 4 to 6 hours a day and carry four warm upper layers, as January nights fall to about -8°C to -15°C. We provide microspikes and gaiters.

Is the Kedarkantha trek open in April?

Yes. In April snow remains only in patches near the summit and in shaded spots, rhododendrons bloom lower down, and days are about 6°C to 15°C with nights about -2°C to -6°C.

Can we do the Kedarkantha trek in March?

Yes. March is a good month: snow stays on the upper trail, days are milder at about 5°C to 15°C, and the trail is less crowded than in December and January.

Is there snow in Kedarkantha in October and November?

Usually not. October and November are mostly dry with clear skies. The summit may get light snow in late November, but proper snow usually starts from mid-December.

What is the opening and closing date of the Kedarkantha trek?

There is no single official opening or closing date. The trail is open for 9 to 10 months a year; only July and August are avoided because of monsoon rain. Check the trek page for current batch dates.

Can I do the Kedarkantha trek in September?

Yes. September is the green month after the monsoon, with days about 10°C to 18°C and clearing skies, though early-month showers are possible. You can also reach Phulara Ridge from the top of Kedarkantha.