Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand’s Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for being one of the highest altitude treks in India. It caters equally well to both beginner and veteran trekkers and has an elevation of 12,500 feet. The breathtaking trek promises to show you the winter wonderland of India in addition to exposing you to the local culture.
This trek unlike others is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and has snow capped perfect for melting the snow off your boots. It is a true gem for trekkers and nature enthusiasts and is one of the perfect treks for snow lovers.
What is the Kedarkantha trek?
Kedarkantha trek is a 6 day trek that traditionally starts in the beautiful village of Sankri.It lies within the Western Garhwal Himalayas and the peak is around 20km from the base. 12500 feet of altitude is what awaits the hikers at the peak.
Kedarkantha is a high altitude trek which does not require any technical climbing skills, making it great for beginners. The trek is also made easier by the well defined pathways and a steady 3 to 4 degree incline and is e specially snow covered from December till April.
Why Standout Features Of The Kedarkantha Trek?
Kedarkantha Trek earns its moniker, “Queen of Winter Treks,” for a number of reasons. Here are its highlights:
Best Snow Trekking
Do you want to enjoy snow without the struggle of a super high altitude Himalayan climb? From December to early March Kedarkantha is perfect for you. It gets covered in snow from early to mid-March.
Peaks Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black and Ranglana 360-degree
Kedarkantha trek is famous for its the breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black, and Ranglana which are treasured amongst all Himalayan trekkers. The views you earn through some effort are in most cases the best of the trek.
Beautiful Wooded Trails
Fables aside, one of the most spectacular sets of trees in the country is the pine and oak covered in rhododendron. The snow sprinkled woodlands paired with the gentle sound of crimson snow is a sight to behold.
Great For Novices
Kedarkantha trek can be done without any form of professional mountaineering experience. The trek can be done without any form of professional mountaineering experience, with the right guidance and medical prep any one can attempt the trek.
Cultural Immersion
Your journey will start with the lovely village of Sankri, which strongly demonstrates the ethnic garhwali culture. The hike offers an insight into the life of the people in the mountains. You are going to meet people at the village, local temples, wooden homes, and the locals are often very nice and welcome hikers with a smile and a cup of tea.
Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary
Almost every tour company offers a unique itinerary, and most hikers prefer to take a 6-day itinerary with a very interesting plan:
Day 1: Sankri to Dehradun
Distance: 200 km
Duration: 8 to 10 hours of travel.
Get ready to take the first journey to Sankri with the breathtaking Yamuna and Tons river valleys. The starting village Sankri will always leave every trekker amazed with an altitude of 1,950 m and 6,400 ft offering stunning 360 degrees views.
Day 2: Juda ka Talab to Sankri
Trek Distance: 4 km
Elevation: ~9,000 ft
Sankri to Juda ka Talab trek is short but absolutely gorgeous. The trek will take you to a gorgeous alpine lake which during the winters is often covered with frost. The lake also offers stunning views in winters allowing fantastic views making winters a great time to camp.
Day 3: From Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Trek Distance: 4 km
Altitude: 11,200 ft The last segment of the trail is the easiest, with an additional 200 ft gain in elevation to around 11,200 ft. As with most of this trek, the scenery is likely to be rather dull. Unlike the other parts of the trek, the final stretch will be very rewarding as participants will be able to view the distant mountains as well as the meadows blanketed in snow.
Day 4: From Base Camp to Hargaon
Trek Distance: 6 km round trip
Summit Altitude: 12,500 ft
Jumping from one of the most abundant wildlife areas in the world to the most attractive peaks is not very easy. However, the early starts which requiere trekkers to wake up before the sun does will ensure that the most sought after peaks will be availabe the the overwhemling rays of the sun.
Day 5: Sankri
Distance: 6 km
Time: 3–4 hours
As you make your way back to Sankri, you will retrace your steps in the forest, which will lead you back to Sankri. The path you take down will give you a fresh look at the trail which is usually neglected during the ascent.
Day 6: Dehradun
Distance: 11 km
Predominantly dominated by uneven mountainous lands, Cardkantha is still one of the most trekker friendly lands in the world.
When Is the Best Time to Do the Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek is accessible any time of the year, but its most favorable period is between December and March. During this time, you can expect snow, which is the primary allure of this trek.
If you prefer relatively warmer temperatures, consider visiting in April or November, which is post snow period, but the terrain is still verdant and the crowds are minimal.
How Difficult Is the Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is relatively easy to moderate in difficulty, which is the case with most of the treks in that region. Here is what to expect:
Altitude: Max of 12,500 ft which is moderate and you will feel the altitude pressure but not overly strenuous.
Daily Trekking Time: 3 to 6 hours max.
Physical fitness: Some moderate to easy fitness routine in the form of calisthenics or cardio will do.
Weather: Sub-zero temperatures in winter (down to -10°C), so warm layering is a must.
Regardless of its moderate difficulty, the final part of the trek can be sharply inclined, particularly steep and exhausting when the snow is deep. However, the right hiking gear and pacing helps most travelers complete the trek.
What Items to Bring for Kedarkantha Trek
Your tuple Kedarkantha experience can be hindered without the proper foresight to pack for the venue. Here is a basic list for your convenience.
An appropriate sturdy pack for individual goods will be necessary
Shoes for trekking need to be waterproof, fleece lined, or coated with a durable waterproof finish
The Upper Body will consist of gloves, a winter coat, and a cap
Protect your eyes, especially during cold ventures, with UV protective goggles for the harsh winter rays
Woollen socks will be necessary for the lower ensemble
Bottoms will require trekking pants as well as thermals
For the more seasoned veterans of trekking, a walking pole will prove beneficial for balance
Microspikes and gaiters are a must, and are usually supplied by the trek operators
For tracking time, a headlamp or flashlight is needed
The lower half will require trekking pants along with woollen socks, gloves and a cap, UV goggles for eye protection
A thermos for drinks is also needed, in concordance with a water bottle
The trek also sports Musk Deer, Himalayan Monals, Langurs, various high утра, and even wild boar.
Upper body consists of a coat, a cap, gloves, and goggles.
The flora also sports spectacular vers, with oaks and deodars, and rhododendrons in the early spring.
You will need fringe sports to the upper body.
For camping, food, or permits, the professionals are needed.
Headlamps and water bottles need to be packed along with a thermos for drinks.
Safety: Our instructors have undergone training in first aid and mountain safety.
Equipment: We frequently supply gaiters and sleeping bags.
Environmental effect: All waste must be removed.
Traveling solo can be comforting but in the context of travel can be taken alone in the form of joining a group.
Focusing on carrying out their responsibilities while participating in the trek can lessen the impact the trek has on the areas.
Always aim to make use of environmentally friendly washroom items.
Do not use camping areas as a restroom.
Respect local inhabited camps and towns.
Respect local country customs and tribes.
Parting Thoughts
The trek is part of the hiking experience with snow, but it remains a pivotal moment to unlock the tremendous wonders the Himalayas possess. For novice and seasoned trekkers, those who want a break and want to be challenged at the same time, this is providing with the breathtaking views and running paths it has. For some it won’t be the hardest trek but it can still be challenging.
The experience is bound to be inspiring and challenging with the participants not forgetting it throughout.
The Himalayas are called the Kedarkantha trek. Get your gear on, bring your bags and leash your boots and head on out for your adventures. Summers or winters, wonders are waiting.
