Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Kedarkantha Trek

Nestled in the embrace of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha Trek is a popular winter trekking destination. The trek leads to the summit of Kedarkantha Peak promising a mesmerizing journey through the beautiful winter landscapes of the Himalayas. From dense pine forests to frozen lakes, and vast snowscapes to panoramic mountain views, the trek offers it all. I am sure most of you have heard about this incredible trekking destination and may want to venture to this beautiful land of snow. We have prepared this guide to give you all the information regarding the Kedarkantha Trek so that you have a smooth and fulfilling adventure.

Location & Accessibility 

The Kedarkantha Peak is located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. The Kedarkantha trek typically starts from Sankri, a picturesque village that serves as the gateway to this winter wonderland. Trekkers often find themselves captivated by the charm of this quaint village, which serves as a base camp for the adventure that lies ahead. 

Sankri is accessible by well-connected roadways from Dehradun and Rishikesh. The easy accessibility of the Kedarkantha location ensures a smooth transition into the heart of the Himalayas.

The Height Of Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha summit stands at an impressive elevation of 12,500 ft showcasing a gallery of Greater Himalayan Ranges.

Elevation of Sankri : 6,400 ft

Kedarkantha elevation : 12,500 ft

From the base camp to the summit, you gain an altitude of about 6,100 ft in a period of 3 days. The gradual ascent allows for acclimatization, ensuring that participants can savour every moment of the journey without compromising on their well-being. 

Best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek

For those who have been planning their Kedarkantha trekking adventure, winter is definitely the best time for Kedarkantha Trek. 

The winter months, spanning from December to April, transform the region into a magical winter wonderland, Kedarkantha trek best time in our opinion. Trekking through the powdery snow, adventurers encounter frozen lakes, dense alpine forests, and a challenging yet rewarding journey. The chilly temperatures add an element of thrill, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quintessential winter trek experience. For those looking for the thrills of a snow trek December to April is the best time to visit Kedarkantha.

How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?

Kedarkantha Trek is an easy to moderate-grade trek. However, embarking on the Kedarkantha trek in December or other winter months presents enthusiasts with a unique blend of adventure and challenges. While the trek is renowned for its accessibility to a wide range of trekkers, the winter conditions add an extra layer of complexity.

Kedarkantha Trek is generally categorized as moderate, making it suitable for individuals with basic fitness levels and trekking experience. The well-marked trails and gradual ascents contribute to a trek that strikes a balance between thrill and manageability. While the Kedarkantha winter trek presents additional challenges with the snowy terrain, its moderate difficulty level and the support provided by experienced Trek Leaders make it an achievable and exhilarating winter adventure.

Who is this trek suitable for?

The Kedarkantha trek is suitable for a diverse range of trekkers, making it an inclusive and accessible adventure. Beginners, experienced trekkers, families, nature enthusiasts, and photography enthusiasts, all can join this trek with a moderate level of fitness.

Major highlights of the trek

Unlike the itinerary of Kedrakantha Trek India hikes, we follow a different route to the Kedarkantha Trek and it offers the best views and surprises. Here are some key highlights from our Kedarkantha Trek route.

The Kedarkantha summit

The pinnacle of the trek, standing at an elevation of approximately 12,500 feet is the key highlight of the trek. Climbing to the Kedarkantha summit is truly a rewarding experience. The struggle to reach the top is worth it once you make it to the summit and the marvellous views of the Himalayas await you. You will literally feel like you are on top of the world and filled with a sense of accomplishment and inner peace. The astounding views will rejuvenate you after the strenuous journey. There’s also a small temple of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha at the summit.

The mountain panorama from the summit

At the summit, the trekkers are rewarded with a spectacular view of prominent peaks, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. The sunrise from the summit unveils a mesmerizing play of colours over the snow-clad peaks.

Juda Ka Talab Lake

The Juda Ka Talab campsite is extremely scenic with an alpine lake on one side and a pine forest on the other, it almost feels surreal here. In the lap of mountains and the middle of pine and snow, the surreal beauty of Juda Ka Talab is simply otherworldly. During peak winters, a sheet of ice forms on the lake, creating a picture-perfect view. The lake also has a natural tunnel that provides water to the villagers nearby.  The locals consider the lake as sacred and believe that Lord Shiva meditated at Kedarkantha and droplets falling from his hair formed the lake. 

The amazing sunsets

Sunsets from the Kedarkantha trek are quite unsurpassed and there are very few treks that offer such wonderful sunset views as Kedarkantha. Since Kedarkantha Peak is located in the western part of the Garhwal Himalayas, you can get an untarnished view of the setting sun in all its glory. The golden hour when the snow changes its colour from blue-white to that of molten gold is indeed a mesmerizing sight to behold.

The mesmerizing Pine and Oak forests

The Pine and Oak forest cover in Kedarkantha adds to the beauty of the trek and creates an aura of serenity. These are some of the most pristine alpine forests and being a forest cover at such a high altitude, they do not appear manicured but rather have a wild touch to them. In some places, the forest cover is pretty dense giving a very surreal feel to your climb. In winter the forests seem even more surreal with the snow covering the leaves and branches of the trees.

Is network available on the trek?

At Sankri BSNL network is available but it is very erratic. Past this point, you won’t get mobile connectivity on the trek. So it's recommended that you make all your important calls before starting the trek at Sankri. You may get a mobile network for short spans at certain points on the trek.

Is there electricity on the trek?

Sankri is the last point where you will get electricity on the trek. We strongly recommend bringing extra batteries for cameras and power banks to keep your mobile devices charged. Also, note that power from your batteries will drain faster in cold conditions. So store them in bags and keep them inside your sleeping bag at night.

What is the accommodation like on the trek?

As a part of our Kedarkantha Trek Package, we offer guesthouse accommodation in Sankri and throughout the trek, you will be staying in camps in different campsites. The camping is done on a twin-sharing basis for optimum comfort and convenience.

Can I avail of offloading services?

Yes, you can avail of the offloading services for Kedarkantha Trek. The offloading charges are not included in the  Kedarkantha Trek cost and you have to pay an additional charge for booking the offloading service.

Offloading cost when booked in advance : Rs. 1200

Offloading cost when booked on the spot : Rs. 1800

Your offloading bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.

Is there a cloakroom at the Base Camp?

At the Base Camp, you can store your luggage in our guesthouse which you can pick up at the end of your trek. Please make sure that you do not keep any valuable items in the bags that you leave behind. 

What is the nearest ATM facility to the trek?

Mori is the last point on the route to Sankri which has an ATM. However, there may not be cash available at this ATM always. So to be safe, carry cash with you or withdraw cash at Dehradun.

Can I rent gear at the Base Camp?

Sankri serves as the Base Camp for many Himalayan treks including Kedarkantha and as such you find some trekking gear and equipment at the Base Camp. However, to be on the safe side, you should buy or rent your gear in advance so that you do not miss out or get bad-quality gear for the trek. This can affect the quality of your trekking experience. If you want to rent your gear, we offer gear rental services at an additional cost along with the Kedarkantha Trek price.

Fitness requirements for Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek, while accessible to trekkers with a range of experience levels, does require a reasonable level of physical fitness due to the varied terrain and altitude gain. Here are some fitness considerations for the Kedarkantha Trek:

Cardiovascular Endurance

The trek involves continuous walking, often at varying elevations. Building cardiovascular endurance through activities like jogging, cycling, or brisk walking helps prepare for sustained physical activity.

Leg Strength and Muscular Endurance

The trek includes ascending and descending trails, sometimes through snow. Strengthening leg muscles, especially quadriceps and calves, is beneficial. Activities like stair climbing and uphill walking can help.

Flexibility

Flexible muscles and joints contribute to agility on uneven terrains. Incorporate stretching exercises for the lower body, back, and shoulders into your routine.

Tips for the best trekking experience

To get the best out of your Kedarkantha trekking, here are some useful tips:

⏩ Start a fitness routine well before the trek to build endurance, strength, and flexibility.

⏩ Prioritize essential items and pack them efficiently.

⏩ Dress in layers to regulate body temperature.

⏩ Invest in high-quality, comfortable trekking boots.

⏩ Carry an adequate supply of water and stay hydrated throughout the trek.

⏩ Check weather forecasts before the trek and pack accordingly.

⏩ Respect local customs and traditions.

⏩ Carry a basic first aid kit and know how to use it.

⏩ Be aware of common trekking ailments and their prevention.

Are you ready for a journey that transcends the ordinary? Join us on the breathtaking Kedarkantha Trek, an adventure that promises snow-laden landscapes, stunning mountain panoramas, and a soulful connection with nature.