Kedarkantha Trek

Overview

Kedarkantha trek in Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand is far and wide popular for its ravishing beauty and thrilling panoramic winter landscapes. The highest Kedarkantha peak is at an altitude of 3900m in the frontier district Uttarkashi. Both Dhauladhar range of Himachal and lesser known Rupin range of uttarakhand are quite visbible from there simultaneously. Throughout the trip, roaring ‘Tons river’ keeps the hiking spirit high. It is admired as one of the best winter treks in India.

Kedarkantha trek is located in the Govind wildlife sanctuary. It is a 485sqkm conservation zone, primarily established in Uttarakhand for the protection of endangered snow leopard. Hikers always have the opportunity to look out for fishing cat, musk deer, serow, himlayan tahr and sambhar. While sight of monal, snow pigeon, green pigeon is a bird watchers’ delight.

The spectacular panoramic view of mountain peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas over the horizon is very rewarding of the effort made while ascending. Kedarkantha trek exclusively provides you the chance to witness swargarohini (I,II,III,IV), Bandarpunch and Kala Nag peaks all together. Nonetheless, the lush green picturesque filled with the primordial boulders gives the nature photographers the perfect shot.

Hindu mythology pronounce Kedarkantha as the ‘Throat of lord shiva’. Kedarkantha winter trek is one of the short treks in Utttrakhand popular for its accessibility to virgin snow for a greater part of the year. Exotic campsite under the pines, walnut and other coniferous trees at Kedarkantha basecamp makes it a perfect getaway destination. At just total trek distance of 20km, travellers can finish it in a weekend break. Enroute, ‘Juda ka talaab’ is a high altitude naturally formed lake at an altitude of 2826m. It is at a distance of 4km from Sankri village.

Why Kedarkantha?

Best winter Trek in Uttarakhand :- The peaks remain snow capped and accessible simultaneously for a longer part of the year. Heavy snowfall continues from early November to late April. Winters in Uttarakhand usually results in snowfall in almost all the terrain with elevation above 2000m. Thereby it becomes a snowy paradise in winters. Though Kedarkantha trek best time is winters but it is trekkers favourite throughout the year.

Campsites around Kedarkantha peak :- Kedarkantha trek provides the prettiest campsites with the backdrop of pines, lake and majestic peaks. At the height of 3900m, knee deep snow with cold breeze is a most thrilling experience of the trek. Nature is abundant all around you.

Beginners delight:- It is a popular beginners trek. The base camp for the trek is Sankri, which is a 7-8 hrs drive from Dehradun and thereafter just a 4 day trek. The trail is an easy hike. Meanwhile, you have to crawl through the sub alpine vegetation, peaks in sight and relieving weather.

Rare wildlife:- Kedarkantha trek falls in Govind wildlife sanctuary. A large number of endangered, vulnerable species is endemic to the area. Monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand), Musk deer, Himalayan tahr, Bharal (Blue sheep) is regularly spotted by people trekking towards the Kedarkantha peak.

Seasonal conditions:

Autumn trek: Kedarkantha trek in September/ October/ November Most people love to visit kedarkantha trek in autumn for a favorable weather and snow trail simultaneously. Temperature records close to zero at night while 12-15 degree Celsius in the day. The average rainfall drops from 200mm to 30mm from September to November as a result of retreating monsoon. Stable winds is conducive to clear weather which is almost predictable. Take breaks at Natural water streams to refill your water bottles and get reenergized for the trek. After mid autumn kedarkantha trek turns into snowy paradise.

Winter trek: Kedarkantha trek in December/ January/ February Kedarkantha claims to be the best winter trek for its accessibility to virgin snow. It receives maximum footfall in winters. The awestruck gentle slope of the kedarkantha peak is draped in snow throughout the winters. Extreme cold demands multiple layers to keep yourself warm. The temperature varies from -5 to 10 degree Celsius between night and day. The average rainfall received is 50mm due to western disturbances over the northern India. Juda ka talaab stays frozen throughout the winter. Keep your water bottles full as all the possible water streams might have frozen.

Spring trek: Kedarkantha trek in March/ April/ May Almost no rainfall and good temperature is favorable for the trekkers who want to hike conveniently without weather complexities. Nature is abundant everywhere. Sublime water streams flows soft. No need to be anxious about drinking water availability.

Kedarkantha Trek Map

Brief Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Sankri village (197km drive from Dehradun).

Day 2
Sankri - Juda ka talab (4km trek).

Day 3
Juda ka talab - Kedarkantha Base camp (4km trek).

Day 4
Kedarkantha Base camp - Kedarkantha Summit - Hargaon (10km trek).

Day 5
Hargaon - Sankri (6km trek) - Departure.

Trek Maps

Trek Cost

Rs. 8,200 per person and GST 5%

Inclusions-

 experienced trek staff: trek leader, support staff(cook, helper, paramedic)

 accommodation: hotel, homestay, guest house, tent

 all meals during trek

 trekking equipments: all tents(including kitchen, dining & toilet tent), sleeping bags, mattress, fleece inners, crampons, utensils

 charges: permit fee, forest camping charges

 medical kit: medicines, oxygen cylinder, first aid

 mules/ porters

Exclusions-

 Transport upto Sari village and back from Chopta

 Rucksack offloading charges for the trek

Note:

 We can also provide you transport from nearest airport/rail head/ city at a cost ranging from 4000rs to 6000rs. Depending upon the distance to base camp, the price is applicable for 8 persons. If you wish to negotiate yourself, we can also provide you the contacts of cab service providers.

 Offloading charges are 300/bag for one day on informing 7 days before the commencement of the trek, thereafter, 350/ bag for one day.

 In case of illness/ sickness/ injury, the trekker will be escorted back to base camp by the support staff.

Detailed Itinerary

How to reach Kedarkantha

Trek services start from - Sankri

Rail head - Dehradun/ Haridwar

Air head - Jolly Grant in Dehradun

Inter state Bus terminal - Dehradun

Using Taxi :

From any of the stop as per request, we can arrange a pick and drop from Dehradun/Haridwar to basecamp. Cost will be shared by the travellers on equal basis. The fare is approximately 4500 rs. for sumo/bolero/max one way which can accommodate upto 8 people. While a Tempo traveler is a better choice for upto 14 people at cost of approximately 8000 rs. from Dehradun and 10000 rs. approximately from Haridwar. It is not the part of trek fee and to be paid directly to the taxi operator. We can also forward you the contacts of operators to negotiate yourself.

Note :

There may be surge in above mentioned prices at the time of Char Dham Yatra season.

Using public transport :

From the Mussoorie bus stand on Gandhi road near railway station of Dehradun, you can take Uttarakhand transport buses to Sankri. Roughly 200 kms journey will take 7-8 hrs. Buses are available as early at 5:30 AM. It is low on pocket at 300 rs per person.

How to reach Dehradun :

For the treks in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli district, Dehardun/ Haridwar is closest city for road, rail and air connectivity. It includes Kedarknatha, Har ki Dun, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital, Tapovan, Kedartal, Panwali Kantha, Tungnath and Valley of Flowers trek. Public transport and taxis are available easily from here.
Dehradun is connected to all other cities of the country through these modes:

Dehradun is connected to all other cities of the country through these modes:

Train from	Train name	Train no.
Delhi	Dli Ddn Special	04053
Madurai Jn	Dehradun Express	12687
Allahabad Jn	Ald Ddn Link Express	14113
Amritsar Jn	Asr Ddn Express	14632
New Delhi	Nanda Devi Express	12205
New Delhi	Ddn Jan Shatabdi	12055
Bandra Terminus	Dehradun Express	19019
Kathgodam	Kgm Ddn Express	14119
Howrah Jn	Doon Express	13009
Indore Jn	Ind Ddn Express	14317

ISBT Dehradun is connected to Delhi and other cities. You can find bus scheduled throughout the day or visit www.utconline.com to book tickets.