Located in lap of Gharwal Himalayas, near Govind Vihar National Park ascending Kedarkantha peak is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarkantha can exhibit completely different views of nature depending upon the season you’re going in. In summers you’ll find a lush green landscape (blossoming with flowers in spring) ready to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. However in winters all you will see around is thick layers of pure white snow and trekking in this time presents the real adventure and glory. Perhaps, this is why Kedarkanth Trek is more popular as a snow trek.

  • Altitude: 3,850m
  • Temperature Range: 5 to 20°C in Summers, -5 to 10°C in Winters
  • Total trekking distance: 20 km
  • Duration: 5-6 Days from Dehradun

Kedarkantha in Summers

Kedarkantha in Summers
Kedarkantha in Summers

As stated above summers are warm and pleasant. The difficulty level of the Trek is Easy to Moderate. En route you will see beautiful scenes with abundant flora and fauna. Also, a good thing about the summers is that you wouldn’t need much trekking gear and hence less cost and less weight to carry. Summers is a great time for nature lovers to take on Kedarkantha trek.

Kedarkantha in Winters

 Kedarkantha in Winters
Kedarkantha in Winters

If you really want to have a magical experience, then this is the time to go especially in December beginning or mid February, the whole trek will be in deep snow. However, you should be clear that winters can be extremely harsh as well. You will have to be well prepared to face the biting cold, snow, and strong cold winds. You’ll need special jackets, thermals, snow boots and the rest of trekking gear detailed later in the post. Although, the experience is worth the effort and the cost.

Itinerary

Kedarkantha Trek Map
Kedarkantha Trek Map (Source:Google)

Day 1 – Dehradun – Sankri (Drive 210km/ 8hrs)

 Passing through: Garhwal, Mussoorie, Barkot, Sankri, Govind National Park.

on the way to kedarkantha trek
Somewhere near Sankri

Drive on the enchanting roads through the most scenic sights of the Garhwal as you pass through exotic locales of Mussoorie, Barkot to finally arrive at the last motorable village Sankri, 13km inside Govind National Park. You’ll camp at this quaint village for the tent in pitched camps.

Day 2 – Trek from Sankri to Juda ka Taalab (Trek 9,000ft/ 4hrs)

Passing through Remote Lake, Pond, Pine and Oak Trees, Himalayan Backdrop.

kedarkantha trek in summers vs in winters
Juda a Talaab in Summers vs in Winters

After a wholesome breakfast and some warm up exercise to help you accommodate with the local weather conditions, you’ll begin your trek from the beautiful village of Sankri and head towards Juda ka Talaab. This remote lake tucked away in the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains is the ideal place to camp for the ever changing scenes bring alive the natural kaleidoscope with every change in light. Retire for the night by a pond ringed by pine and oak trees.

Day 3 – Trek from Juda ka Talaab to Kedarkantha Base (Trek 9,000ft/ 7hrs)

Passing through Green Pastures, Wild flora, Undulating Meadows, Snow-capped Mountains, Forest Trek.

kedarkantha trek blog

Post breakfast, start on the day’s trek to the base of the Kedarkantha peak. This is one of the finest stretches on this trail as the natural beauty is unbelievable and promises to leave behind an unforgettable memory. Trek through forest heavily occupied by pine and oak trees that give these mountains its distinct charm. Arrive at an open meadow at the summit’s base, set up camp for the night and retire.

Day 4 – Trek to Kedarkantha Summit and descend to Hargaon (Trek 9,000ft/ 3hrs)

kedarkantha summit

Passing through Gangotri and Yamunotri Ranges, Ascending and Descending Trek.

Ensure that you have had a suitably large sized breakfast as today will be a long day. Ascend to the Kedarkantha peak (3,850m). The climb is steep but absolutely worthwhile and one with rewarding views. Have lunch against a stunning backdrop of the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges. After a quick break, prepare for a descent to Hargaon, your destination for the night’s halt.

Day 5 – Trek from Hargaon back to Sankri (9,000ft/ 8hrs)

kedarkantha trek image
Sankri

Enjoy the Campfire and Natural Wonders.

After a filling breakfast with crisp mountain air for company, pack and prepare for your trek back to Sankri. Along the way you can enjoy the open views of meadows of the beautiful Har ki Dun Valley much known for its rich flora. All you wish now is to reach sankri and dip your aching feet in hot water. But you know that pain was worth enduring. Retire for the day.

Day 6 – Drive from Sankri to Dehradun (210km/ 8hrs)

End of trek

Today marks the official ending to your mesmerizing Kedarkantha trek. As you travel on the same path from Sankri to Dehradun, the excitement at the start of the journey finds a way to settle down with a set of unforgettable memories in your conscience.

Where to Book?

There are many trekking companies which provide trekking tours to Kedarkanth, but pefer to book your trek with some professional trekkers like Indiahikes, TREK HIMALAYAS, THRILLOPHILIA, etc. Book well in advance in winters, since with major trekking companies all seats get booked a month before the trek.

Trek Package Cost: Appx. Rs.8000/- per person from Dehradun including all meals and tents.

Things To Carry/ Trekking Gear

Also Read: Trekking Gear: What To Pack and How to Pack?

For the summer trek in Kedarkanth you won’t be needing much gear or woolens but still carry atleast a sweater or a thin jacket. For, the snow trek you will be needing all the gear listed below. You can rent trekking shoes, trekking pole, spikes and grater from your tour provider, just ask beforehand. But if you are a adventurer and a frequent trekker, you should buy atleast the trekking shoes and preferably all the gear.

1. Rucksack Backpack (min 60 Ltrs) with rain cover

2. Trekking Shoes: QUECHUA FORCLAZ 100 HIGH Men’s recommended,

3. Other Essentials

  • Headlamp or torch with a fresh pair of batteries: I recommend this DOCOSS Military Head Torch.
  • Dark sunglasses (U/V protected)
  • Trekking Pole (one): You can buy this here UDee Trekking Pole.
  • Two pairs of full sleeve shirts/T-shirts and track Pants.
  • Two pairs of waterproof cotton socks.
  • Three pairs of woolen waterproof socks.
  • One full sleeves sweater or fleece jacket (preferable).
  • One jacket.
  • Thermal inner – One Pair
  • A pair of waterproof gloves.
  • Sun cap
  • One scarf
  • Light towel
  • Lip balm
  • Cold cream & sun screen (SPF 40+)
  • Water bottle 1 Litre
  • Personal toilet kit and toilet paper
  • Personal medicine kit.

Disclosure: Few links in the above post are affiliate links. When you buy any product through my affiliate link (not necessarily from the above products), I earn a little commission that helps me in travelling and in running this blog. Please note that you don’t have to pay any additional cost if you are buying through my affiliate links. Thank You.


Sagar Patel

Sagar Patel is a traveler, freelance writer focusing on travel, culture and lifestyle. He is a guest writer here on BookPackTravel. Life Motto: Live Everyday to the fullest.

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