Kedarkantha Trek

Known as the queen of winter treks, Kedarkantha offers snow-covered landscapes, panoramic Himalayan views, and a beginner-friendly trail.

Overview

The trek begins from a beautiful village, Sankri, where you can experience the local village life. Witness the beauty of Juda Ka Talab, which is even more enchanting in winter when it is frozen. A mythological story attached to it adds a mystical touch to your journey. The Kedarkantha summit offers noteworthy views, providing a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Draupadi ka Danda 2. You'll also get a stunning view of Har Ki Doon Valley, Rupin Valley, and the Gangotri and Yamunotri mountain ranges.

Itinerary

The Route

The trek starts from Sankri (6,400 ft) and proceeds through dense pine and maple forests to reach Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft), a beautiful high-altitude lake. From there, the trail continues to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft) through oak forests with panoramic views. The summit day involves an early morning steep climb to Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft), followed by a descent to Hargaon Camp. The final day includes a trek back to Sankri through pine forests before returning to Dehradun.

Highlights Along the Way

• Panoramic 360-degree views of major Himalayan peaks from the summit
• Enchanting frozen Juda Ka Talab lake in winter months
• Beautiful campsites surrounded by pine and oak forests
• Mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views during the trek
• Opportunity to experience local Himalayan village life in Sankri
• Perfect beginner-friendly winter trek with snow-covered landscapes

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Kedarkantha Trek is from November to April. During these months, the trail is blanketed in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. Clear skies reveal snow-covered peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak (Kalanag), and more. For those who prefer milder weather, the spring months of March to April are ideal. The landscape transforms as the forests come alive with new growth, and Juda Ka Talab takes on a mesmerizing mirror effect.

Difficulty and Preparation

The Kedarkantha trek is considered an easy to moderate trek, making it one of the best treks for beginners. While the trail is well-marked, the final ascent to the summit is steep and requires a good level of fitness. With proper acclimatization and pacing, the trek is manageable even for first-time trekkers. It's recommended to engage in cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, or swimming for at least a month before the trek to build stamina. The summit day involves a steep climb, so practicing stair climbing with a loaded backpack can be beneficial.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the Kedarkantha Trek includes a hotel stay in Sankri village on the first night and camping in tents for the remaining nights. The campsites at Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, and Hargaon are set up in picturesque locations with stunning views. Tents are typically on a sharing basis (2-3 people per tent) and come with sleeping bags and insulated mats suitable for sub-zero temperatures. The camping experience allows you to fully immerse in the wilderness and enjoy stargazing on clear nights.

Local Culture

The trek passes through the culturally rich region of Uttarakhand, where you can experience the unique traditions of Garhwali people. Sankri village offers a glimpse into the simple mountain lifestyle, with traditional wooden houses and friendly locals. There's a small temple at the Kedarkantha summit that holds religious significance for the local communities. The region is known for its folk tales and legends, including stories about the frozen Juda Ka Talab lake, which adds a mystical dimension to the trek.

Conservation

The Kedarkantha Trek falls within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. Trekkers are expected to follow responsible trekking practices to minimize their environmental impact. This includes carrying back all non-biodegradable waste, avoiding plastic usage, staying on marked trails to prevent soil erosion, and not disturbing the wildlife. Many trek operators in the region participate in eco-conservation initiatives and employ local guides to support the community while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

Frequently Asked Questions