Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most beautiful winter treks in Uttarakhand. Known for its scenic trails that pass through dense forest, picturesque valleys, and snow-covered peaks, this trek is a blend of tranquillity and adventure. Due to its well-marked and easily accessible trail, Kedarkantha is considered the best winter trek in Uttarakhand.

The base camp of the Kedarkantha Trek is Sankri Village, which is around 200 km away from Dehradun. The round-trip distance from Sankri to Kedarkantha is around 20 km and can be completed within 3 to 4 days. The difficulty level of the Kedarkantha trek is easy to moderate and is mostly regarded as a beginner trek in the Himalayas. In this Kedarkantha Trekking guide, we cover all the information to help you prepare well for the journey.

Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Journey Commenced From

Your Kedarkantha Journey primarily starts from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Being the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun offers good connectivity by all three modes, viz, Air, Rail, and Road. Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest one offering good connectivity with Delhi, Haridwar, Lucknow, and others. On the other hand, Jolly Grant Airport is located around 27 km from the city and provides daily regular flights to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Bangalore. You can board a bus from Dehradun Hill Bus Stand to Sankri or can hire a cab.

Kedarkantha Trek Route: Key details

A Trail to Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek generally starts from Sankri Village, which is its base camp. However, some trekkers also start from Kotgaon or Gaichawan Gaon. The most common and popular trek route is Sankri Village.
 

From the Sankri base camp, the total trekking distance to the Kedarkantha summit is around 20 km. It begins from Kotgaon, the distance is around 22 km and from Gaichawan it is around 23 km.
 

The Kedarkantha Trek is rated easy to moderate, making it suitable even for beginners. Even in winter, when the trail is surrounded by snow, it remains accessible due to a well-marked path.

Permit: First Things First

It is mandatory for the trekkers to obtain a permit for the Kedarkanatha Trek and to undertake the trek through a registered guide. The guide will assist you in obtaining the permit from the forest department and throughout the journey.

Documents required for the permit

To obtain the Kedarkantha Trek permit, visitors must carry at least one valid photo identification proof.

Towards the First Campsite

Marching from the Sankri base camp, trekkers head towards the Juda-Ka-Talab. It is a serene lake situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet. The distance from Sankri to Juda-ka-talab is around 4-5 km, which usually takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail is surrounded by dense forests of pine, oak and cedar trees. In winter, the path becomes more beautiful, as it is blanketed in a snow sheet, and Juda-ka-talab itself is covered in a thin sheet of ice. Enjoy this dusky, starry night amidst the wilderness of the region.

At the foothills of Kedarkantha Base

The Next day journey leads to the base camp of Kedarkantha Trek, which is located around 4 km away from the Juda-Ka-Talab. This part takes around 3 hours to complete and is easy to navigate, offering a blissful and enchanting view of the Himalayan Valley. Depending on the season, you will either witness snow in winter or lush greenery in summer. Upon reaching the earmarked campsite, relax and recharge your body with a warm meal.

The Summit

Finally, the day you have been waiting for has arrived. After breakfast, start moving towards the summit. To witness the sunrise from the peak, start trekking early. The Kedarkantha Trek height is around 12,500 feet, which is almost similar to the altitude of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.

The final stretch of the trail is steeper and will test your mettle. As you move forward, the crunch sound of the fresh snowfall during winter is so satisfying. After crossing all the hurdles, you will reach the summit. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise (if you arrive in time) and natural beauty.

From the vantage point of Kedarkantha, you can see the glorious Himalayan peaks such as Bandarpooch, Gangotri, Swargarohini, and Kalanag. After enjoying the views, descend towards the campsite at Hargaon Camp.

Return to Base Camp

On the final day, you have to trek around 4 km to reach the Sankri base camp, which takes around 4 hours. Once you've reached Sankri, explore local shops where you can buy souvenirs and local products.

Backpack Check List for Kedarkantha Trek

Keep the following list of items for the Kedarkantha Trek: -

Kedarkantha Trek Route Map

The Kedarkantha Trek starting point is Sankri Village, Kotgaon, or Gaichawan Gaon. However, the Sankri Village base camp is the most commonly used by the trekkers. To reach the Kedarkantha Trek base camp, you need to go through the following route map. However, the starting point may vary depending on your place.
 

Option 1 : Dehradun → Mussoorie → Nainbagh → Lakhamandal → Naugaon → Purola→ Mori→ Netwar → Sankri Village.
 

Option 2 : Dehradun → Dakpathar → Nainbagh → Lakhamandal → Naugaon → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri Village.

Accommodation

• Several accommodations are available at the Kedarkantha base camp, including home stays, hotels, and guest houses. Visitors can book the same in advance to avoid any last-minute fuss. Some nearby stay options include: -
  • Hotel Mountain View.
  • Hotel Sankri Paradise.
  • Hotel Kedar Woods.
  • Hotel Meraki Palace.
  • Wild Orchid Inn.
  • The Daffodils Inn.

Important Tips for Trekkers

• The Kedarkantha Trek requires expert guidance, and it is mandatory for all.
• A trek permit is mandatory for all, which you can obtain from the Forest Department Check post with the help of a guide.
• Trek doesn't offer a mobile network; it is advisable to stay with your group.
• Children above 11 years of age with good physical fitness can undertake the trek.
• Direct transportation to base camp is limited; you can hire a cab or use the transport provided by your trek coordinator.
• Book your accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
• Avoid heavy meals before commencing the trek.
• Check the list of essential items required for the trek.
• If your trek provider does not provide the listed item, ensure you carry the same.
• Opt for the luggage offloading facility, as trekking with heavy luggage can be difficult.

Kedarkantha Trek Package

The Kedarkantha Trek is mandatorily to be done under the expert guidance. The guide will assist you in navigating the trail and help to tackle the common challenges that arise during the trek. Visitors can find various vendors at Kedarkantha base camp, Sankri or can hire the same from Dehradun. Kedarkantha Trek cost varies by the operator, and generally ranges between Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000.

Facilities covered in the Trek Package

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Meals.
• Tents.
• Gears.
• Permit

Popular Trek providers

• India Hikes.
• Trek The Himalayas.
• Trekup India.
• Himalayan Hikers.
• Bikat Adventures and more

Helpline Number

In case of any emergency, reach out to your trek coordinator or send an SOS alert from your smartphone.