Kedarkantha Trek
Overview
Discover the Crown Jewel of Uttarakhand Kedarkantha Trek is not just a journey through the mountains – it's an experience that transforms you. Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand, this magnificent trek takes you through pristine landscapes where nature reveals its most beautiful secrets. Why Kedarkantha is Special: Picture yourself walking through dense pine and maple forests, their branches heavy with fresh snow. Imagine reaching the summit at sunrise, surrounded by 360-degree panoramic views of majestic peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalnag. Feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots as you trek through a winter wonderland that seems straight out of a dream. A Trek for Everyone What makes Kedarkantha truly special is its accessibility. Rated as easy to moderate, this 5-day adventure welcomes trekkers aged 8 years and above. It's the perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking, offering just the right amount of challenge without being overwhelming. Families, friends, solo travellers, and adventure groups – everyone finds their perfect experience here. Year-Round Beauty While Kedarkantha is famous as a winter wonderland (December to February), it reveals different charms throughout the year: Winter (Dec-Feb): Maximum snowfall creates a magical white paradise. This is peak season when the trail transforms into a winter fairy tale. Spring (Mar-Apr): Rhododendrons bloom in vibrant colours, snow begins to melt, and the weather becomes pleasantly moderate. Summer (May-Jun): Clear blue skies, green meadows bursting with wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures make for easy trekking. Autumn (Sep-Nov): Crystal clear skies offer the best mountain views. November is particularly stunning with perfect visibility of the surrounding peaks. The Journey Unfolds Your adventure begins in Dehradun and takes you through charming villages and pristine campsites. Trek through Juda-ka-Talab, a beautiful frozen lake surrounded by towering pines. Camp at Kedarkantha Base, where stars seem close enough to touch. Then comes the highlight – the summit night trek starting at 2 AM, climbing through darkness to witness one of the most spectacular sunrises you'll ever see. More Than Just a Trek This isn't just about reaching the summit. It's about: Snow trekking with ice axes and microspikes Sliding down snowy slopes with pure joy Camping under a blanket of stars Sharing stories around the campfire Capturing breathtaking photographs Connecting with fellow adventurers Discovering your own strength and resilience Safe, Comfortable, Professional Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. With mountaineering-qualified guides, high-quality camping equipment, nutritious meals, and comprehensive safety gear including oxygen cylinders and first aid kits, you're in expert hands throughout your journey. The Call of the Mountains Kedarkantha isn't just a destination – it's a calling. It's where adventure meets serenity, where challenge meets achievement, and where ordinary travellers become extraordinary adventurers. The mountains are calling, and Kedarkantha is waiting to show you why it's one of India's most beloved treks. Your journey, your choice. But the memories? Those are guaranteed.
Trek Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri Village(Distance: 220 km Duration: 10 hours drive
Your Kedarkantha journey starts early morning from Dehradun railway station. Our comfortable vehicle and experienced driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive through the beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand. At Sankri: Sankri is a quaint mountain village that serves as the base for several Himalayan treks. Nestled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this peaceful hamlet offers your first taste of mountain life. Acclimatisation Note: Rest well tonight. Although Sankri is at a moderate altitude, a good night's sleep prepares your body for higher altitudes ahead. Tip: Keep your trekking gear ready for tomorrow. Pack your daypack the night before!
Day 2: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab( Trek Distance: 4 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Gain: 2,700 ft.)
After an early breakfast, the real adventure begins! Your first day on the trail is designed to be moderate, allowing your body to adjust to altitude gradually. As you emerge from the forest, you'll be greeted by one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas – Juda-ka-Talab. What Makes This Day Special: Your first night camping at high altitude under star-studded skies. The silence of the mountains, the warmth of the campfire, and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers create magical moments. Tip: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Stay hydrated to prevent altitude sickness.
Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp(Distance: 4 km | Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude Gain: 2,150 ft.)
Today's trek is shorter but involves steady altitude gain. You'll leave the dense forests behind and enter the alpine zone with spectacular open views. Arrival at Kedarkantha Base Camp (The Gateway to Summit): As you crest the final rise, Kedarkantha Base Camp reveals itself – a stunning high-altitude campsite that will be your launch pad for tomorrow's summit attempt. What Makes This Day Special: The anticipation of tomorrow's summit builds as you rest at base camp. The views are already spectacular, but you know the best is yet to come. Tonight, sleep beneath some of the clearest skies you'll ever see. Important Tips: Hydrate well throughout the day and evening. Eat a good dinner even if you're not very hungry. Try to sleep early despite the excitement. Keep your gear organised for the 2 AM wake-up call.
Day 4: Summit Day - Kedarkantha Base to Summit & Descent to Juda-ka-Talab(Distance: 6 km (3 km ascent + 3 km descent to Juda-ka-Talab) | Duration: 8-10 hours (entire day) | Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810m) – Kedarkantha Summit | Altitude Gain: 1,2500 ft. to summit)
The Big Day - Summit Attempt: This is the day you've been preparing for – the crown jewel of your Kedarkantha journey. Today, you'll stand atop one of the most beautiful Himalayan peaks and witness a sunrise you'll never forget. The Moment of Glory: As you take those final steps and reach the Kedarkantha summit, exhaustion vanishes in an instant. Before you lies one of the most spectacular 360-degree panoramas in the Indian Himalayas. The Sunrise: Watch as the sun rises over the Himalayas, painting the snow-covered peaks in shades of gold, orange, pink, and red. This magical transformation happens over 20-30 minutes and is worth every step of the climb. The Kedarkantha Temple: At the summit, you'll find a small, ancient Shiva temple. Local legend says Lord Shiva meditated here. Pay your respects and absorb the spiritual energy of this sacred place. What Makes This Day Special: Summit day is the culmination of your trek. The pre-dawn climb, the spectacular sunrise, the 360-degree views, the sense of achievement, and the joy of conquering a Himalayan peak – these moments become lifelong memories. The physical challenge and emotional reward make this one of the most significant days many trekkers ever experience. Important Summit Day Tips: Pace yourself – slow and steady wins the race. Breathe deeply and rhythmically. Stay hydrated – drink water at every break. Don't push beyond your limits – safety first. Listen to your guide's instructions. Take care of fellow trekkers. If you experience severe altitude symptoms, inform your guide immediately. Enjoy every moment – you've earned this!
Day 5: Juda-ka-Talab to Sankri & Return to Dehradun( Trek Distance: 4 km (Juda-ka-Talab to Sankri) | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours (descending) | Drive Distance: 220 km (Sankri to Dehradun) | Drive Duration: 10 hours)
The Journey Home - Carrying Mountains in Your Heart: Your final day combines a pleasant descent trek with a long drive back to civilisation, giving you time to reflect on your incredible journey. What Makes This Day Special: The descent carries a bittersweet feeling. While you're tired and ready for a hot shower and comfortable bed, there's sadness in leaving the mountains. The long drive home gives you hours to process the incredible journey, flip through photographs, and realise that you're returning as a different person – stronger, more confident, and with a piece of the Himalayas forever in your heart.
Inclusions
- ✓Complete Trek Package - Everything You Need for a Hassle-Free Adventure
- ✓🚐 Transportation Round-trip comfortable transport from Dehradun to Sankri base camp and back (for Dehradun package)
- ✓🏡 Accommodation Guest house or homestay accommodation in Sankri village on Day 1
- ✓⛺ Camping Arrangements High-quality camping tents with comfortable sleeping arrangements at Juda-ka-Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp
- ✓🛏️ Sleeping Essentials Premium quality sleeping bags suitable for high-altitude temperatures
- ✓🍽️ All Meals Included Nutritious and freshly prepared meals from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 5 - includes breakfast, packed lunch, evening snacks, and dinner at all campsites
- ✓👨🏫 Professional Trek Leadership Experienced and mountaineering-qualified trek leader throughout the journey
- ✓🧭 Expert Guide Services Certified mountain guides with extensive knowledge of the terrain and region
- ✓👥 Support Staff Trained helpers, cooks, and support team ensuring smooth trek operations
- ✓🎒 Technical Trekking Equipment Ice axes, trekking ropes, and other necessary technical gear for safe trekking
- ✓👢 Snow Gear Provided Microspikes (crampon-like traction devices) for walking on snow and ice
- ✓🦵 Gaiters Protective gaiters to keep snow out of your boots, provided when required
- ✓🚑 Complete Safety Equipment Comprehensive first aid medical kits with essential medicines and supplies
- ✓💊 Emergency Medical Support Oxygen cylinders available for altitude-related emergencies
- ✓📊 Health Monitoring Oximeter for regular oxygen saturation monitoring at high altitudes
- ✓🛡️ Emergency Equipment Stretcher for medical evacuations if required
- ✓📋 All Trek Permits Forest permits, camping permits, and all necessary government permissions
- ✓💰 Camping Charges All campsite fees and charges included in the package
- ✓📄 Trek Documentation Trek completion certificates and necessary documentation
Exclusions
- ✗👕 Personal Trekking Gear Your personal clothing items including trekking jackets, thermal wear, waterproof pants, fleece layers, and trekking shoes
- ✗🎒 Backpack & Accessories Personal backpack, day pack, trekking poles, water bottles, headlamp, sunglasses, caps, gloves, and other personal accessories
- ✗💼 Backpack Offloading Charges Optional porter service to carry your backpack (available at additional cost if you wish to trek light)
- ✗🧺 Personal Items Toiletries, sunscreen, moisturizer, personal medications, and other personal care items
- ✗☕ Beverages & Extras Tea, coffee, packaged snacks, soft drinks, mineral water, and any beverages during road journey
- ✗💝 Tips & Gratuities Tips for trek staff, guides, cooks, and porters (optional but appreciated)
- ✗🍽️ Meals During Travel Meals during the Dehradun to Sankri drive and return journey (only packed lunch provided on Day 5)
- ✗🛡️ Insurance Coverage Personal travel insurance, trekking insurance, or medical insurance policies
- ✗🏥 Medical Insurance High-altitude trekking insurance covering rescue, evacuation, and medical emergencies (strongly recommended but not included)
- ✗📄 Document Costs Costs for obtaining medical certificates, photocopies of ID proofs, and passport photos
- ✗🚁 Emergency Evacuation Helicopter rescue or emergency medical evacuation costs (covered under insurance if purchased)
- ✗💊 Medical Treatment Any medical treatment costs, doctor consultations, or hospitalization expenses
- ✗📅 Itinerary Change Expenses Costs arising from itinerary modifications requested by trekkers
- ✗🎯 Optional Activities Any activities, excursions, or services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list
Things to Carry
No hidden charges