Kedarkantha trek is one of the safest and beautiful treks, and it's also beginner-friendly friendly which makes this one of the best treks for groups and families. You will walk through lush green forest to mountains covered with snow. At the Kedarkantha summit, there will be a 360° view of Himalayan peaks and a chance to witness a memorable sunrise.
If you are planning to spend some quality time with your family and friends, not in a chaotic place but in the lap of nature, you will spend 4 to 6 days together in where place you choose for the Kedarkantha trek. In the months of January and February, it will be a bit crowded, in December, the trail will be covered with snow, and there will be fewer crowds.
To reach the Kedarkantha trek starting point is a piece of cake for everyone, you just need to reach Dehradun, you can choose the best mode of transport according to yourself. It might be by train, by airways, as well as by bus and taxi. Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport, and Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Kedarkantha trek difficulty level falls somewhere between easy to moderate. Therefore, the Kedarkantha trek is for beginners and families. There's no fixed fitness requirement, but you have to make yourself a bit active before coming on the trek. A basic requirement could be walking continuously 4 to 5 km.
You must make the right plan for your group. If you are in a group full of beginners, then choose for 5 to 6 days, if your group has done some trek previously, then you can complete the trek in 3 to 4 days. You will go like this: Day 1 - Dehradun to Sankri, Day 2 - Sankri to Juda Ka Talab, Day 3- Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp, Day 4 - Summit to Sankri to Dehradun.
Groups enjoy the most, but it requires management and planning. You have to respect each other, avoid alcohol, and any kind of dispute. You have to help each other, you must follow and listen to the leader.
Read more: Guide To Family Friendly Treks
Companies like Himalaya Shelter give you the flexibility to customise your trek and the complete package. If you want any type of customization in your meals, like Customized meal plans (veg/non-veg, Jain food) or premium stay, options are available. You can also add activities like music concerts, local village tours, bonfire fire etc..
Kedarkantha packing list depends upon when you are going for the trek. If you choose to trek in winters you have to carry warm clothes and at least 2 pairs of socks, if you are going in autumn, you must carry quick-dry clothes as well as a rain cover(poncho). There are some common essentials for all seasons: a woollen cap, 1 or 2 fleeces, first-aid, good quality shoes, a head torch, sunglasses and some snacks.
Always follow all the set of rules given by your trek leaders, have good quality shoes, follow the trail and group. Hydrate yourself all day, hydration is the solution to many problems like fatigue, cramps, headache and many more, keep yourself clean and try to carry an oximeter. Try to avoid removing your winter gear.
Read: Safety Tips For Trekking
Kedarkantha trek cost for group booking falls somewhere in between 6000 to 10000 rupees according to facilities of food and accommodations. However, group size plays a prominent role if you want to trek in small groups. Everything will be included in the package transport, meals and stays. There will be no hidden charges, only rental gears like down jacket, head torch, trekking pole etc.. are excluded.
For the 1st day, you stay in Sankri, where you will get the guest house. After that, you have to stay in a tent at campsite for the rest of the day. You will get breakfast in the morning, lunch at noon, snacks in the evening, and dinner at night. You will also get the locker room at the Sankri base camp, potter facilities for your luggage.
Local trekking companies will give the real test of the trek by providing you the best campsites, local foods and all. You will get a chance to know about the local communities, their stories, traditions and customs. In any emergency case, you will get faster support as well as that will become cost-efficient for you.
Don't drink and smoke while on trek, try to adjust according to weather and situation, don't take anything personally while having conversations in groups, never bully or try to dominate anyone, don't waste food, don't litter the garbage behind the trails. Not maintaining group pace, not following the regular trail.
Read: Things Beginners Should Know to Avoid Hiking Mistakes on a Himalayan Trek
The best time for Kedarkantha trek in winter, if you want to see snow as well as snowfall. By the end of November to February, the trek will be covered with snow. If you want to see clean and lush green trails and clear sky you can go in the summer. In autumn, the months of March and April, you find it quite difficult because of rain and melting snow will make the trail slippery.
You can make the whole journey memorable by doing some kind of activity, like playing with snow, singing songs, stargazing, sharing stories, taking pictures, and many more activities. Trek will also teach how to coordinate teamwork, making you physically and mentally strong.
Is the Kedarkantha trek suitable for beginners and kids?
Yes, this trek is suitable for beginners or for first timers, as well as for kids above 8 years.
Is there electricity on the Kedarkantha trek?
Partially yes, you will get electricity in Sankri, but after that, there will be no electricity.
How many days does the Kedarkantha trek last for?
You can complete the trek in 4 to 6 days, depending on group size and comfort level.
Are shops available on the Kedarkantha trek?
Yes, on Sankri, there is a market, but on the trek, there will be only 3 to 4 total shops for Maggi or some snacks, but they will charge double for the complete trek.
Is there any network available on Kedarkantha trek?
No, there will be no network after Sankri, but in case of any emergency, you can use a satellite phone.
Is there snowfall in kedarkantha trek?
In the months of December to February, you can enjoy snowfall.
What is the lowest temperature in Kedarkantha trek?
-14 degrees celsius is the lowest temperature recorded, which fluctuates in between 0 degrees celsius to -10 degrees celsius.