Trek Fee₹ 7000$ 80+ 5% GST |
View Dates & Register |
Trek Fee₹ 7000$ 80+ 5% GST |
View Dates & Register |
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TREK DIFFICULTY Easy |
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TREK DURATION 5 days |
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HIGHEST ALTITUDE 12,500 feet | ![]() |
GROUP SIZE 12 People | |
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TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 20 Km | ![]() |
BASECAMP Uttarakhand | |
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BEST TIME December and January | ![]() |
PICKUP POINT Dehradun |
+ 5% GST | + Rs 180 Trek Insurance
Inclusions and Exclusions, Scholarships & waivers, Cancellation policy
Kedarkantha is one of the famous treks of winter, there are some highlights of the trek that a trekker should know. Many of the highlights are mentioned below:
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri village, a village located in Mori Tehsil, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Rich in culture, the village offers views of mountains, rivers, and forests with lush green valleys in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Along with Kedarkantha, it is a famous base camp for many popular treks such as Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, Borasu Pass, Phulara Ridge, Bharadsar Lake, Maldaru, Devkyara Bugyal, etc. It also serves as a base village for famous expeditions such as Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch. To reach the Kedarkantha Base Camp in Sankri, one can easily travel from Dehradun with a 200 km drive. The most popular and beautiful trail to the Kedarkantha Summit is from Sankri via Juda ka Talab, which is only 10 km in distance. However, the trek to the peak can also start from Gaichwan Gaon, a small village near Netwar. This route is longer, less frequented, and steeper in ascent to the summit of Kedarkantha.
The Juda Ka Talab is a serene and picturesque lake nestled amidst lush pine forests, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape during the trek. The campsite of Juda ka Talab is located just a short 2-minute walk from the lake. It provides a perfect spot for trekkers to spend the night amidst nature's splendor.
The Juda Ka Talab lake freezes over in peak winters, providing a unique opportunity for trekkers to walk on its frozen surface. The trek to Juda Ka Talab from Sankri covers a distance of around 4 KM and takes 3-4 hours to complete. This makes it an ideal spot for a one-night camping experience on the Kedarkantha Trekking route.
Kedarkantha Basecamp is about 3-4 hours away from Juda Ka Talab, covering a distance of 4 km, and serves as the campsite for the second night. The Kedarkantha Basecamp is situated at an altitude of 11,250 feet (3,429 meters), and from here, the Kedarkantha summit is nearly 3 km away, involving a steep ascent with a 1,250 feet elevation gain. The campsite itself is vast and requires navigating certain steep stretches to reach it. The trail section from here to the summit of Kedarkantha is very steep and can truly test trekkers' physical strength.
Many people who have experienced the sunrise say that it's magical. There is no other view beautiful as compared to sunrise from the Kedarkantha Peak. the mesmerizing glow will leave you speechless. The first sun rays fall upon snow-capped peaks like Mt Swargarohini, Mt Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Which makes it a flawless view. Although some people are so mesmerized that they forget about the people around them.
You get to experience the true nature-like quietness of early morning, with thin air on the mountain. However, these qualities will make feel like you are connected to the place, connect to nature.
Kedarkantha trek is famous and usually preferred during winter, which means there are many positive points of why it is a winter trek. Snow is the main factor that makes the peak more mesmerizing. In winter, Kedarkantha is covered with snow, which makes it an ideal location for winter trekking. However, in winter trekkers can face some hurdles like slippery terrain which can make you slip. However, if you are properly dressed and have your gear, you are going to enjoy it 200 times better. Along with the snow, This trek includes dense Pine trees and in winter the pine trees are covered with snow which makes it look like a picture-perfect landscape for winters. How can we forget about Juda Ka Talab, it is the famous and remarkable lake that freezes during winter, it and thus it makes a special mark in trekker’s memory.
While passing through the villages, you will learn about the culture, customs, and heritage of the locals. Moreover, it's an opportunity to discover and immerse yourself in the local culture of Uttarakhand villages, and their lifestyle can help you understand the roots of this region. Additionally, you will have more meaningful interactions with the simplicity and hospitality of the people living in villages like Sankri, Saur, Sidri, Osla, Gangad, Netwar, and many other villages of Har ki Dun Valley. You can enjoy a Garhwali Thali, which includes local food items from the Garhwal Himalayas, such as Bhang Ki Chutney, Jhangore Ki Kheer, Pahari Raita, Lesu, Gahat, Kulath, Badi, Lingda Ki Sabzi, Kofta, and many more. Through cultural exploration during the trek, you will create lasting memories of the Kedarkantha Trek.
You will find various species of birds and mammals on the Trek. that the reason the place is rich is the wildlife culture. Trekkers can spot birds like the Himalayan Woodpecker, Himalayan Monal, Rosefink, Uttarakhand's state bird, the Himalayan Partridge, which is also known as the snow Partridge, Sparrows, etc. Some mammals, if you are really lucky that you can spot on the Kdarkantha trek are; Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Langurs, Leopards, squirrels, etc. Most of the time, you will be encountering Himalayan Langurs.
This trek is generally accessible for 9–10 months of the year. However, it is not recommended to trek during the monsoon months of July and August due to incessant rains, which can make the trek risky. The most popular time to visit Kedarkantha Trek is in the winter months of December and January. During these months, heavy traffic of trekkers can be seen on the trail. During peak winters, sometimes there is continuous snowfall, and walking on the path becomes quite difficult due to the fresh snow. At this time, excessive snowfall in Kedarkantha may cause the trek to be closed for a few days in the last week of December and the first week of January. But overall, the trek route is considered safe during all other times of the year, except the monsoon.
In September when warm, sunny days and pleasant temperatures hovering around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The evenings are cool and breezy, and the meadows are in full bloom, with a variety of flowers and wild berries growing all around the trail of the Kedarkantha Trek. Rainfall is minimal, with short showers expected only post-afternoon on some days. In October, the evenings become colder, and the landscape changes to a cinnamon autumn hue. In the previous year, 2021, the Kedarkantha Trek witnessed snowfall for two days during the third week of October, which is rare but possible. By November, temperatures begin to slide to 0 or even sub-zero at night at the Juda ka Talab and above campsites. There is more snowfall than expected, starting from the first week of the November month.
December to February is the best time to really enjoy the Kedarkantha Trek, when the finest snowfall of the season occurs. The entire trail is covered with snow during this time, which adds to its beauty. The path becomes a little difficult during this period, but beginners can still complete this trek. During this time, the trees are laden with snow, the landscape looks like pristine white meadows, and the view of the mountains surrounding the trail appears heavenly. Although it is mostly cloudy during this season, if you are lucky and the sky clears, the snow-covered landscapes become even more stunning with a bright white hue that is sure to bring you immense pleasure. While the period from December to February is the best time to go on this trek, the weather conditions can affect trekkers if they are not adequately prepared. The temperature during this time ranges from 15 to 5 °C during the day and 0 to -5 °C at night. To withstand this harsh weather, one should be prepared with at least four layers of clothing, especially at Kedarkantha Basecamp (11,250 feet) and higher altitudes, where the temperature can drop to -10 °C and even lower. In December, Many trekkers plan their trip during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. By the second week of December, snow usually covers the landscape up to the base camp of Kedarkantha Trek. Also, there is some snow at Juda Ka Talab. By the end of December, the landscape around the trail turns into a winter wonderland, with tall pine trees and shrubs covered in thick snow. Campsites are whitewashed under a snow blanket. Temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius in the month of December, and Juda Ka Talab freezes completely, making it possible to walk on the frozen lake. January receives the most snowfall on the Kedarkanth Trek compared to other winter months. On the upper end, temperatures range from 7 to 8 degrees Celsius. On the lower end, temperatures drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius at higher campsites of the trek like Kedarkantha Basecamp and the Summit of Kedarkantha Peak. Especially in Sankri, Snowfall can even lead to temporary suspension of the Trek. February sees less snowfall, but the landscape above the Kedarkantha basecamp is still covered in snow. Juda Ka Talab Lake begins to melt, and temperatures become more bearable, making it a great time to plan this trek. Snow starts to recede at lower altitudes around Juda Ka Talab by the end of February and the starting of the March. At the beginning of March, temperatures hover around 0 degrees Celsius. By mid-April, new vegetation begins to bloom, but there is still a good amount of snow around the tril. The weather in Kedarkantha Trek is pleasant during this time , with temperatures averaging around 10 degrees Celsius during the day. At night, temperatures drop to around -2 degrees Celsius in upper campsites of the trek.
May and June are less frequented months for this Trek as trekkers prefer other summer treks nearby like Har ki Dun Trek, Phulara Ridge Trek, Bali Pass Trek, Rupin Pass Trek and so many other treks. Also, these treks start from the Sankri Basecamp.
The Kedarkantha trek is considered a moderately challenging trek based on the experience of the trekkers and the terrain sections, making it suitable for experienced trekkers as well as beginners. The elevation of the trail increases gradually and follows a well-defined trail that is not too technical either. The maximum elevation is only 12,500 ft, however the chances of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) are not zero, so it is important to be prepared with your AMS medicines and other necessary preparations. Although it does not require extreme physical fitness, and beginners can manage it with some prerequisites, there are a few notes about the difficulty factors to keep in mind. For instance, the last section, when trekkers climb to the summit, is a steep climb, heavy snowfall in extreme winters and AMS and related diseases due to low levels of oxygen at such a high altitude. These three major factors add to the difficulty of the trail and classify this trek as a ‘moderate level trek’. Physical preparation before starting the trek is important to deal with some of these difficulty factors, like the steep climb to the summit and heavy snowfall that makes each step more challenging. Do cardio, bodyweight exercises, core exercises, balance training and yoga to improve physical fitness. During the peak winter season, the temperature drops below zero at night and remains between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day so to deal with the extreme weather, it is necessary to be prepared with suitable gear like padded jackets, fleeces and thermal inners. Good physical fitness and following safety precautions and protocols during the trek will help you manage all the difficult sections as much as possible.
If you are planning to visit Kedarkantha Trek, you have to be aware of the route and ways of traveling. To start the Trek, you first have to reach Dehradun and then continue your journey towards the base camp of the trek. Trekkers should be aware that Sankri village serves as the basecamp of this Trek.
There are three ways to reach Dehradun and all of them are mentioned here:
Make sure you reach the base camp by 10 a.m. so you can start your trek on time. The distance from Dehradun to Sankri is 190 km, so it is suggested to arrive a day prior for an overnight stay in Sankri.
Choose whichever way is comfortable for you, plan the Kedarkantha Trek accordingly and enjoy the mesmerising views of the Himalayas.
The route usually follows this sequence: Sankri → Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp → Kedarkantha → Hargaon → Sankri. This route is well plotted on a map showing how all these campsites or stop points relate to each other in terms of distance and elevation gain & loss.
This is a pictorial description of the kind of terrain one is likely to encounter while undertaking Kedarkantha trek.
If you’re physically fit and aware of the safety precautions for the Kedarkantha Trek, you’ll experience the beauty of the trek 200% more effectively compared to those with weaker physical fitness and insufficient knowledge of safety precautions. This preparation enables you to fully enjoy the majestic landscapes and challenging trails without being held back by fatigue or physical limitations.
To overcome the difficulty level of this trek, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle the difficult terrain of the trail at high altitudes.
Regularly performing these exercises will build the necessary strength and stamina for a successful trekking experience. Good fitness is crucial for tackling the challenges of the Kedarkantha Trek and fully appreciating the adventure it offers.
The challenging terrain requires careful planning and adherence to safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Here is a list of 11 essential safety precautions and protocols for the Kedarkantha Trek:
Adhering to these safety precautions and protocols will help ensure a safe and memorable experience on the Kedarkantha Trek. Proper preparation and awareness are key to navigating the challenges of this beautiful Himalayan adventure.
Before going on the Kedarkantha trek you need to have the best knowledge on how to prepare for a Himalayan Trek with a perfect backpacking of gear and equipment required, so that you can enjoy the trek without worrying about the common requirements otherwise lack of proper backpacking preparation can lead to the worst experience of your beautiful trek. Follow the instructions below to pack your backpack for hiking-
Ensure you carry essential documents such as a valid ID proof (driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport), medical fittness certificate and an adventure insurance.
Bring along a sturdy Backpack with rain cover, Waterproof Shoes, trekking poles, sun cap, sunglasses, headlamp or flashlight, lunch box, water bottle, a trek route map & current weather forecast of the the trail' region. Don't forget to carry a camera to capture the scenic beauty of Kedarkantha Trek, and a power bank for charging electronic devices.
It's essential to bring basic toiletries to ensure personal hygiene and comfort during the trek. Pack biodegradable soap a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, tissues or wet wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, a small towel, and a comb.
Wear multiple layers of clothing to suit different temperatures. The best Packing of essential clothing for a Himalayan Trek is key point to fully enjoy your trek without much affacted by the harsh weather. Always Try to pack as many items as possible that are moisture-wicking, warm, waterproof and comfortable.
Extra cloths as per the duration of Kedarkantha Trek
Carry a basic First Aid Kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and any personal medications. It's also helpful to have altitude sickness tablets and a blister care kit.
Kedarkantha Trek Package is organised by one of the most leading tour operators in India, Himalaya Shelter. This trek package is a wonderful opportunity to get into the lap of nature. The natural beauty and spirituality of the destinations included in the Trek package are associated with the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which is part of the Garhwal Himalayas. Especially suitable for beginners and children, this 4-5 day program provides a great opportunity to connect with nature, discover one's inner self, and enhance your vacation plans. The beauty of its clearings is indescribable during the winters when the destination is covered in thick snow, so it is ideal to book this package for Christmas/New Year holidays. Our trek packages include all the facilities needed for a successful tour experience like immersive group camping, transportation, meals, accommodation, security as well as access to tourist attractions and the great outdoor activities. This beautiful trek package can be booked at affordable prices and will give you a chance to explore the fascinating region of Devbhoomi - Uttarakhand, while enjoying beautiful moments with friends and loved ones. One can check the available dates for trekking groups, the itinerary, duration, and the package inclusions of services provided by Himalaya Shelter.
Himalaya Shelter allows guests to create their own customised package of transportation, accommodation, food menu, guide and other add-ons like mule or porter assistance to carry luggage, custom itinerary and duration, more tourist attractions or activities etc. Kedarkantha trek package can be booked to enjoy the hidden gems and soothing mud of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand with preferred dynamic packaging for which guests can use a company itinerary or can also create a custom program with a private group of family members or friends. This option will make your personal vacation plan even more wonderful while staying away from the hustle and bustle of Kedarkantha trail.
Himalaya Shelter