Kedarkantha, regarded as one of India’s top winter treks, is one of the few Himalayan treks that is accessible even in the winter. The Kedarkantha trip gives a unique experience to trek across snowy routes, dense forests, and gets a glimpse of life in the mountains even in the dead of winter.

Kedarkantha Trek is suitable for beginners wishing to start their journey into the Himalayas or even seasoned trekkers looking for a brief break.

The Kedarkantha trek offers the ideal combination of challenge, adventure, and magnificent vistas, with lush oak and pine woods, wide-open green meadows, peaceful lakes, picture-perfect campsites, and panoramic views of towering Himalayan peaks.

The Kedarkantha journey begins in Uttarakhand’s picturesque village of Sankri, which is at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The Kedarkantha trek, which passes through dense pine and oak tree woods, frozen lakes, and snowy trails on its way to the 12,500 ft. Kedarkantha summit. It offers panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains practically the entire way. The walk takes about 5 days from Sankri to Dehradun and back, plus additional days for travel from Dehradun and beyond.

 

MYTHOLOGY OF KEDARKANTHA

Kedarkantha, like most other places in Uttarakhand splattered with mythical connections, is no exception. The Mahabharata asserts Kedarkantha to be the location where Lord Shiva in his bull aspect sought refuge from the Pandavas and meditated in the valley. He fled from the Kedarkantha due to a disturbance created by the one villager laters he reached Kedarnath. The Lord Shiva Trishul, which stands atop the mountain, is said to protect the valley and its inhabitants.

kedarkantha trek

BEST TIME TO DO THE KEDARKANTHA TREK

Although the Kedarkantha trek can be done at any time of year, it is one of the few Himalayan treks that is accessible during the winter, so it is best done between December and the end of April, giving trekkers the opportunity to not only see the snowy landscapes but also experience trekking on the crackling snow. The Kedarkantha hike is not too difficult as compare to Kuari Pass trek, with just the proper amount of snow and no drastic weather variations, and is thus acceptable for even first-timers. Kedarkantha trek is good for experienced trekkers to enjoy the high altitudes in winter.

 

KEDARKANTHA TREK DISTANCE

Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 km from Sankri to summit and back. Sankri is base village and trek starting point. Which is located at height of 6,500 feet above sea level. Start the trek from here through the pine forest and Juda ka talab is the major attraction on Kedarkantha trek. From the trek, you’ll see the amazing Har ki Dun valley.

 

Check out the Kedarkantha Trek Cost

Kedarkantha trek

 

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR KEDARKANTHA TREK

A high level of cardiovascular fitness is required for the Kedarkantha trek. So there are a few tips that you can be used to increase your fitness level.
1. Walking with a rucksack weighing 10 kilograms attached to your back is an excellent technique to tone your legs and body. It increases calorie burning, weight loss, and bodily strength.
2. Stair climbing is the best training for high ascents. Make it a part of your workout program.
3. Jogging can improve your life and help you live longer by strengthening your lungs. It’s a high-intensity aerobic activity that requires a lot of oxygen to complete. This is a fantastic activity for losing weight and keeping your health in check.
4. For increasing balance, squats are the most efficient functional exercise. Legs, thighs, hips, and hamstrings are all become stronger as a result of this workout.

 

kedarkantha trek

THINGS TO CARRY FOR THE KEDARKANTHA TREK

The following are some of the items that must be brought to the Kedarkantha Trek. Please keep in mind that if you are planning to hike the trail alone rather than with a group or package, you will need to bring additional sleeping and cooking supplies.

 

CATEGORY ITEMS
1. Clothes

  • T-shirts/shirts, trekking pants
  • Windproof Jacket
  • Raincoat/Poncho
  • Sunglasses with UV protection

 

2. Winters Cloths

During the winter, at least four to five layers of clothing are
required, including woolen fleece jackets, thermals, gloves,
caps, mufflers or neck warmers, and socks.

 

3. Footwear & Gears

  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking poles
  • Sandals or slippers for nights
  • Crampons and Gaiters (If You doing it in winters)

 

4. Toiletries

  •   Toothpaste and brush, liquid soap, Sanitizer, Tissues
  •   Sunscreen lotions, and lip balm are all items to have on hand.

 

5. Electronics

  • Power banks and chargers
  • Extra memory cards and batteries for the camera
    Headlamp Torch

 

6. Snacks

  • ORS, glucose, energy bars, biscuits, chocolates, dried fruits

 

7. First Aid/Medicines

  • Diamox is an essential drug for headaches, stomach distress, and other symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • Also keep sprains, band-aids, volini spray.
  • consult a registered medical practitioner for more.

Kedarkantha Trek Cost

POINTS TO KNOW BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE KEDARKANTHA TREK

1. Because there are no ATMs after Mori, bring enough cash from Dehradun to last the entire hike.
2. After Mori, there is no cell phone connectivity. In and around Sankri, only a limited BSNL network is available & not trustworthy.
3. During the peak season, from November to January, pre-booking of lodging, guides and equipment is required.
4. Pack light because you will be carrying your bag for the whole of the walk. It’s best if your backpack doesn’t weigh more than 10 kg.
5. When traveling to Dehradun from Delhi, take the train or bus, it is budget-friendly
6. Stay hydrated from the moment you wake up until the end of the walk.
7. You have the option of trekking alone with a local guide or joining one of the several organizations that organize the Kedarkantha trek. For a stress-free trekking experience, the latter ensures that all of your lodging, meals and other legalities are taken care of.
8. Be a responsible hiker by not littering the path or nearby areas.

 

kedarkantha trek

ITINERARY DETAILS FOR KEDARKANTHA TREK

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (approx. 220km, 8-9 hours)
Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab (5 hours)
Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Summit Camp (Trek 4-5 hours)
Day 4: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Trek Summit 12,500 ft and return to Juda-ka-Tal after a lunch break at Summit Camp (Trek 8-10 hours)
Day 5: Trek from Juda-ka-Tal to Sankri (2-3 hours), then drive from Sankri to Dehradun (Drive 8 hours). You’ll reach Dehradun by 9 pm.

 

kedarkantha trek

HOW TO REACH SANKRI

Sankri is a multi-purpose village in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area. Hundreds of hikers visit Sankri each year to experience the Himalayan mountains and wildlife. Black Peak Expedition, Har Ki Dun, Baraadsar Lake, Bali pass, Kedarkantha, Dev kyara, Phulara ridge, and other treks use it as a base camp.

Step 1 : Reach Dehradun

Take a Flight To Dehradun
Take a direct flight to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. There are no public transit options from the airport to Sankri. The best alternative is to go to the railway station, where you can take shared cabs or buses to Sankri. The railway station is 28 kilometers from the airport and can be reached by shared cab or private taxi. Private taxis can be found inside the airport, while shared taxis can be found on the highway that runs near the airport.

Take a bus or train from Delhi

From Delhi’s Kashmere Gate and ISBT Bus Terminus, there are numerous Volvo and regular buses to Dehradun. The cost varies between Rs 500 and Rs 750. Dehradun is approximately 6-7 hours away. Please note that there is no public transportation available from Dehradun’s Bus Stand to Sankri. To go to the Dehradun railway station, which is 6 kilometers distant, you’ll need to take a taxi or a local bus.

Step 2 : Reach Sankri

Take the bus to Sankri
Three buses leave early in the morning from Dehradun railway station at 5.00 a.m., 6.30 a.m., and 8 a.m. The buses between 5.00 a.m. and 6.30 a.m. are private vehicles. Buses to Sankri are normally parked at the Grand Hotel. The railway station is a 5-minute walk away. The government bus, which departs at 8 a.m., maybe located just outside the railway station. Both commercial and government buses have ticket prices of roughly INR 400 to INR 600

To Sankri, take a shared taxi.
Taking a shared taxi from Dehradun Railway Station is the second-best choice. These are typically parked at the Hotel Grand, which is a 5-minute walk from the train station. Please notice that these cabs do not go directly to Sankri. They make a pit stop in Purola, which is 54 kilometers from Sankri. The journey will take approximately 4.5 hours and will cost INR 300 to INR 500. There are shared cabs that run all the way to Sankri from Purola. All shared taxis, on the other hand, leave before midday. If you plan on taking this route, make sure you get to
Purola before noon. The cost of a cab ride from Purola to Sankri is approximately 150-250 rupees.

 

kedarkantha trek gear on rent

RENTING GEARS IN SANKRI FOR KEDARKANTHA TREK

Don’t be concerned if you haven’t yet purchased trekking equipment. There are around few stores in Sankri where you may get everything you need for your trek. All of the equipment is available at a very low cost. Equipment which are available for rent are :
1. Trek Pole
2. Trekking Shoe
3. Poncho
4. 3-in-1 Jacket
5. Microspikes
6. Gaiters
7. Trekking Backpack

For Gear Rentals Availability  Call +91 73800 87934

 

THINGS YOU CAN BUY IN SANKRI BEFORE KEDARKANTHA TREK

1.  Gloves
2. Woolen Socks
3. Woolen Cap
4. Water Bottle
5. Goggles
6. Neck warmer/Muffler

 

how to reach kedarkantha trek

PLACES YOU CAN VISIT AFTER KEDARKANTHA TREK

1. Yamunotri
In Hinduism, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the home of the Goddess Yamuna. It is located 80 kilometers from Sankri at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas. Yamunotri is one of the four most revered Hindu pilgrimages in the Himalayas, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The small mountain village, which is home to the Yamunotri Temple, attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and serves as the starting point for the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, which runs from Yamunotri to
Gangotri and then to Kedarnath and Badrinath. If you have a 1 day extra, then surely you can visit this place & enjoy the
beauty of this place also.

2. Mussoorie
If you have a 1 day extra, then surely you can explore the Mussoorie Hill station while returning back to Dehradun & enjoy the beauty of the “Queens of the Hills”. Mussoorie is located at an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level and has a mild and pleasant environment all year.

The Ropeway to Gun Hill is one of Mussoorie’s biggest attractions. Gun Hill is Mussoorie’s second-highest point, and visitors can take a cable car ropeway ride up for a breathtaking view of the entire city as well as the surrounding Himalayan mountains. Other Major Attractions of Mussoorie are Kempty Fall, Lal Tibba, Mall Road, Mussoorie Lake, Chaar Dukaan.

3. Rishikesh & Haridwar
If you can give 1 or 2 days more to your trip, then surely you can make a plan to explore the Haridwar & Rishikesh City. After reaching Dehradun, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Haridwar. The route to Haridwar from Dehradun is amazing. You will experience the real beauty of the forest & mountains. You will reach there in around 1.30 hr. After that, you can explore the famous Har-ki-Pauri Ghat, Maa Mansa Devi Temple & Maa Chandi Devi temple.

Now the time is to visit the historic town of Rishikesh, which is set against the backdrop of the Himalayas and with the immaculate Ganga flowing through it. It is one of the major tourist and pilgrimage destinations in northern India, attracting visitors from all over the world in pursuit of calm. Rishikesh is known as the ‘yoga capital of the world,’ and for good reason. The location is bustling with tourists who
have come to learn yoga and meditation. Rishikesh is home to a number of ashrams, some of which are worldwide renowned as centers for philosophical study, yoga, and other old Indian healing traditions.

You will love to see the famous Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula, which is the main attraction of this city.

 

things to do after Kedarkantha trek

THINGS TO DO AFTER KEDARKANTHA TREK

1. Zipline at Sankri: Visitors and trekkers to the Sankri range can now enjoy the zipline as well. Zipline at Sankri village is the highest zipline of Uttarakhand, which is full of adventure and thrill. The length of the zipline is about 700 mtr & it passes through the famous Saur Village. Book Zipline Call +91 73800 87934.

2. Bungee Jumping at Rishikesh: At Mohan Chatti, experience a thrilling bungee jumping experience which is also India’s first fixed-platform bungee jumping. Buckle up because this adventure sport will boost your adrenaline and provide you with a fantastic adventure. Jump from a height of 83 meters, India’s highest bungee jumping site.

3. Paragliding Dehradun: Glide through the air like a bird and enjoy the spectacular views of Dehradun Valley and Mussoorie Hills. Paragliding in Dehradun is one of the most exotic paragliding experiences in the world. This paragliding spot is nearby the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium.

4. Rafting Rishikesh: Rishikesh is one of India’s most well-known rafting destinations. Rishikesh rafting always draws adventure seekers from all over the world. The Ganga River, which flows from Gangotri to Rishikesh, is filled with rapids and adventure. There are various rafting points in Rishikesh like Brahampuri, Shivpuri, Marine Drive & Kaudiyala.

5. Cafe Hoping Rishikesh: Rishikesh has a variety of cafés ready to serve you the best dishes in town, where you are all set to live amidst serenity and tranquility in life. Meat and alcohol are strictly prohibited in Rishikesh since it is regarded as sacred Hindu site. Some famous cafes are:
1. Freedom Cafe
2. Little Budha Cafe
3. 60’s Beatles Cafe
4. Cafe Karma

6. Yoga & Meditation Classes: Rishikesh, also known as the World Capital of Yoga, is the most popular place to learn and practice yoga. For Hindus, Rishikesh is one of the holiest destinations on the planet. That is why yoga masters and sages have been flocking to the city for thousands of years. You can avail yoga classes from various ashrams like:
1. Parmarth Niketan
2. Sivananda Ashram
3. Omkarananda Ganga Sadan
4. Yoga Niketan
5. Sadhana Mandir

 

 

If you are looking for other winter treks you can visit our website www.heavenridersindia.com or call us on +91 73800 87934 or email us at: [email protected]

 

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