Would you like to enjoy magnificent views along with relaxing experiences? I believe the Kedarkantha trek is the right one for you! It is one of the finest winter treks to visit in India. Kedarkantha is located in Uttarakhand.

As the name Kedarkantha suggests, the trek comes with astonishing views and the best part of it all, the majestic Himalayan range makes an appearance right at the end of your trek after the blizzard you experience. They are waiting for your panoramic views to match the experience of trekking towards blizzard like surroundings.

Here are some of the tips and highlights one needs to get the much desired trek.

What is the Kedarkantha Trek?

This trip starts and completes in the same location of your trek, so it continuously requires you to dedicate approximately 6 days. Remember to pack the essentials as the trip also includes a camping expedition in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

The trail begins in the lovely village of Sankri and goes through luscious forests and wide open clearings which are snow-covered in the winter. Eventually leading to the Kedarkantha's summit. At the peak, breathtaking 360 views of some of the best Indian Himalayan mountains, Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana are visible.

Why Choose the Kedarkantha Trek?

The reason why the Kedarkantha Trek is known as the "#1 Winter Trek in India " has to do with its unique charm and this is why it is loved by many people.

Winter Wonderland

Between December and early April, the weather transforms everything into a winter wonderland. Beautiful thick snow covers everything in sight. It’s snow-covered fairy-tale perfection.

Great Starting Point for Beginners

Many high-altitude summit treks come with unrealistic months of training. Wrong. It’s perfect for mentally and physically prepared beginners. You are able to enjoy the thrill of a summit climb without it being dangerous or tiring.

Panoramic Views

On a clear day, you can see 13 Himalayan peaks from the top of Kedarkantha summit 12,500 feet and the view is beautiful in winter and summer. In winter, the peaks are snow capped and in summer they are bathed in golden light.

The monsoon season from July to August is jam packed with heavy rainfall and extremely slippery trails. This time of year is known for landslides making it the most dangerous and risky.

Trek Kedarkantha Itinerary, day wise.

Day 1: Sankri

Altitude: 6,400 feet

Time: The 200km journey from Dehradun to Sankri is around 8-10 hours by vehicle

Highlights: The Hasna Sankri area has cold, clear inviting fresh air to breath, as well as a breathtaking view to the mountains. The yamuna river also enhances the view.

Day 2: Juda Ka Talab To Sankri

Altitude: 6,400 to 9,100 feet

Trek Distance: 4km taking 4-5hours.

Highlights: The journey is prettiest to juda ka talab, full of pines and clearings. The camping site is a frozen lake surrounded by tall trees which is breathtaking in the winters.

Day 3: From Juda Ka Talab To Kedarkantha Base Camp

Altitude: 9,100 ft To 11,250 Ft

Trek Distance: 4km. 3-4 hours.

Highlights: You will get to experience amazing views while doing the trek that will take you around pine trees accompanied by a few small clearings. Afterwards, you can sleep under the Kedarkantha peak illuminated in the background while star gazing.

Day 4: Summit Day: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak and from there to Hargaon

Altitude: Start from 11,250 ft to 12,500 ft (summit), then 8,900 ft engraving.

Trek Distance: 6 km | 7-8 hours

Key points: Waking up early is best for catching stunning Kawarus sunrise views. It makes for fantastic photographs as well. In terms of reward to difficulty ratio, today is the best. Seeing new landscapes as you descend to Hargaon is quite mesmerizing.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri

Altitude: 8,900 ft to 6,400 ft

Trek Distance: 6 km | 3-4 hours

Key points: Like the previous trek, this also offers a gentle incline for a smooth jog. The soft incline leads through fragrant pine forests which makes for a treat to the senses. As well as the village is quite cozy.

Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun

Driving back to Dehradun, comes with the feeling of nostalgia, with all the memories picked up at the trek.

Fitness and Preparation

Kedarkantha trek is quite simple and beginner friendly, which is why it comes with the inclusion of basic fitness of the person. Here are some basic tips:

Jogging, cycling and swimming are great cardio options. Start doing these 4-6 weeks prior.

To boost overall fitness for the trek, squash, lunges and step ups work best.

Join and attend short hiking regimens equipped with tools to improve your hiking overall.

Do not rush to acclimatize properly once at high altitudes.

What to Bring on the Kedarkantha Trek

Coming very well equipped on the trek is a necessity, especially during winter. Here's a useful checklist:

The essentials one needs are: beanies and fleece jackets, thermal jackets and waterproof gloves, as well as waterproof trousers, insulated gloves and fleece jackets.

Footwear: Trekking boots that are well gripped, waterproof, and high ankle.

Accessories: Trekking poles, consumables, and bottles of water, and bottles that are reusable.

Headlamp, portable charger, and proof of ID are some essentials.

Tents, sleeping bags, and food are provided during planned treks, but it is always good to clarify what is included.

Cost for Kerdakantha Trek

The price for Kedarkantha Trek ranges from ₹ 5000 to ₹ 8000 based on inclusions and operator for a short 5 to 6 days trek and starting point at Dehradun.

This usually includes:

Accommodation in tents and guesthouses.

Meals during the trek.

Guides and support staff.

Permits and camping equipment.

For safety and quality, always book with a reputed trekking agency.

Leave no trace for responsible trekking.

Each one of us is responsible for the balance between the environment and tourism while trekking the Kedarkantha mountain.

Avoid using disposable plastic.

Pack and carry your waste.

Stick to the allocated pathways.

Honor the local people and their traditions as well as the local vegetation and wildlife.

Brought filters for water aren’t allowed, use eco-friendly soap instead.

Final Remarks

The Kedarkantha Trek experience, climbing the hill with your friends, is an adventure that imprints in one’s mind forever, regardless of the number of treks one has been on. From the Kedarkantha summit there is an amazing view, and the distance is covered with enchanting pine forests. With every step of your journey, you will encounter the magic of this trek.

As word of this trail spreads, we must be responsible stewards with care, gratitude, and humbleness. So, while all other treks of India could wait, one could look forward to the amazing Kedarkantha trail.

So, this is why every trekker in the world should try and trek the trails of Uttarakhand’s Kedarkantha trek, because one of the most beautiful and powerful places is the breathtaking Kedarkantha summit.