Snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, crystal clear streams, tall pine trees, the sunlight dousing your trail in a golden glow- this is what the Kedarkantha trek feels like. Magic, that’s what it feels like.
While trekking commonly is thought of as a summer activity, the number of people who are exploring the world of winter trekking, or snow trekking as some prefer to call it, is steadily on the rise. When you think of winter treks, it is the Kedarkantha trek which has emerged as a clear favorite amongst adventure lovers. There are many reasons for this, and the opening sentence of this article only shows a glimmer of what those are. But first, some information about this lovely part of the Himalayas:
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About Kedarkantha
- It is located inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, in Western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.
- Situated at a height of 3,810 meters (about 12,500 feet), this trekking trail covers a consolidated distance of 20 kilometers.
- Best time to visit is the winter months, i.e. from November to February, with the last snow present as late as April.
- The nearest major city is Dehradun, around 220km from Sankri, the starting point of the trek. Dehradun also has the nearest railway station, which is located in the center of the city, and the nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is located about 22km southeast of Dehradun.
The Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri, which is a quaint little place in the foothills at an altitude of 6,400 feet. The first major halt is when one reaches Jadu Ka Talab, which is located around 9,100 feet high and takes about 5 hours on foot from Sankri. This first stretch gives one a sample of the abundant beauty which awaits the trekkers ahead. It offers the gorgeous pine forests and maple trees for which Kedarkantha is famous, with stunning meadows and streams lining the trail. Jadu Ka Talab is the first campsite on this trek; here you can spend the night and get rested for the next stretch the following day.
Next up is the trek to Kedarkantha base, up at 11,250 feet and at a distance of 4.5km. Along this stretch is where you encounter for the first time the luxurious and ravishing 360 degrees views of snow-capped summits all around you. The campsite at Kedarkantha base is one of the most beautiful campsites that any trek in India has to offer, and is an ideal spot to lay your tent, make some Maggi and take your night’s sleep.
The next and final destination is the Kedarkantha peak, which is situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet. This stretch is the only slightly challenging part of the trek but even this can be done with ease if you are moderately fit. Plus the views you encounter on the way and finally at the peak are unparalleled in beauty and magnificence. The Himalayas present themselves in all their glory here, and trekkers find the experience most rewarding.
After reaching the top, it’s a journey back to the ground where the first stop would be Horegaon Camp. It offers yet another alluring campsite and can serve as your night-stop. Next day you can head back straight to Sankri back through those dense pine forests, which won your heart over when you started this trek.
Why is Kedarkantha Trek Special?
Where do I start?
- First and foremost, it is a moderately easy trek, which nonetheless is amongst the most scenic. It just simply offers a great return on investment (in terms of effort and skill required) for most trekkers, and especially for beginners)
- A total of 13 peaks, that’s what you encounter during this trek. That is a very impressive number, especially when they are all covered in snow and offer stupendous views of sunlight reflecting off of them. Swargarohini, Black Peak and Bandarpoonch are a few of the particularly beautiful Himalayan peaks which you will see on this trek.
- It is relatively easier to access, as it is not that far from Dehradun, which offers great connectivity through road, rail and air. Plus the drive to Sankri from Dehradun is an experience in itself, which is guaranteed to keep you glued to your window seat the entire way.
- The most special and unique feature of Kedarkantha trek is the number of wide and open clearings this trek offers, which is quite uncommon and is not found on most other treks. This is why the campsites on this trek are reputed to be amongst the most heavenly. Jadu Ka Talab, Kedarkantha base and other campsites all are located on these clearings, nestled amongst the peaks of snow and sunlight.
- There are charming little villages all through the trail where the inhabitants are friendly. You can get amazing insights into the local Garhwal folk culture, and about the way of life of people who inhabit the Himalayas.
Tips for the Kedarkantha Trek
There are some things to be kept in mind if one decides to go for this amazing trek (cough cough, you totally should). The total number of days to and from Dehradun required for this trek should be around 6 days, but you can always customize the itinerary according to your preferences.
While the trek is not particularly challenging or hard, a decent level of physical fitness is always a plus point. The altitude does get a little high when you reach the peak, so prepare accordingly. Carrying a decent amount of water is always a safe bet, and a good trekking habit.
You cannot expect mobile network reception after Sankri, but with the mesmerizing views and natural beauty all around you, all you will need in your phone to function is that amazing camera to click scores of pictures for your Instagram feed and Snapchat stories!
This post is authored by Ishan Dewan. Hailing from Karnal, you will have a hard time finding Ishan Dewan without a book in his hand. He jumps at the opportunity to travel and learn something new and lets the world live alongside his adventures through writing and video-blogging
Mesmerising. I do hope to go there someday!
Fingers crossed for you 😀
very inviting…
🙂 Let’s plan
The Kedarkantha Trek is lesser known as compared to some of the more popular ones. But love the fact that this trek incorporates 13 peaks. The trek looks like a great one for people not really into hardcore trekking and yet seems to offer the best in terms of spectacular views and experience. Will check out more about this trek.
I too, find this fascinating and am hoping to be able to get to try it out. Cheers
nice information..i was willing to know about kedar trek since a long time….
Well now you have got the info. 🙂 Hope you can do it this year.
Looks beautiful.
Thank you. It sure is.
You have just inspired me to attempt this trek. 13 peaks is really cool! And I can’t do very tough treks, since this one is moderate, it’s something I can think of doing. And those lovely scenes, so worth it!
I am sure it will be an enjoyable one with those views. Plan for it this winter
It looks like an amazing experience. The scenery on this trek looks out of this world. The snow on the ground and on the mountain tops looks so picturesque. I don’t think I’d be fit enough to attempt this but I know someone who would love it.
I am sure a hiking enthusiast will love this one. Thank you for sharing it with your friend.
That’s a lot of peaks to cover and it sounds really amazing to do and if you say its a moderate trek then that is a nice change compared to the many demanding ranges in India. The images of this landscape look amazing!
Indeed. IT is a good one to start with in India. I hope to do it myself.
I love trekking in the mountains and taking in the beautiful scenery. I love taking memories from trips like this. Totally agree with your post, if you are abled body, go and do this! its takes ya breath away.,
Hoping to do it myself. Cheers. 🙂
You definitely describe this trek as magical. The images of the snow capped peaks are beautiful
I hope that I can do it myself. It does look so magical.
This looks like a beautiful trek in the Himalayas! Since it’s moderately easy, I may just be able to do it then. I think it would be interesting to see the villages that are along the trail. Sounds lovely!
Indeed…does sound like a lovely natural and cultural experience.
Wow, this looks like a really beautiful trek to take in the Himalayas and good to know you’d rate it as moderately easy. Perhaps one day I might be able to take this one!
I hope you do try it out. It does seem amazing
I regularly read your travelogues. Keep inspiring us with your travel stories!
Thank you. Glad you enjoy the blog stories.
Nice post. This was really helpful post. Thanks!!!
Thank you.
13 peaks!? That’s really so many gorgeous viewpoints! I would love to do this, what a great read and lovely shots as well.
Thank you. I hope you can visit and do this.
Is the trek always snow covered? I would love to do the trek all in the snow. Snow makes everything way more pretty. It looks amazing and glad to know it isn’t super hard to do the Kedarkantha Trek.
Nice blog. Thanks for sharing information.
Thanks a bunch
Hi, I am planning for Kedarkantha in December. Do you think I should add Auli in my trip too?
Might be a bit of a stretch. It is better to just do the trek.
Heading on to Kedarkantha trek on 1st Jan from Dehradun. Anyone’s up on the same day ?
Sigh,..wish I could have
Kedarkantha trek is one of the most beautiful trek in the uttarakhand region of india.
It sure is. Thanks for stopping by
I have done Kedarkantha trek. Reading this blog has refreshed my memories. Very soon i will do it again. Thanks for this inspiring article.
I am sure it was amazing. Glad that you found the article interesting. Thanks for stopping by
Wow! A great article. I loved the read, will definitely share with my friends.
Thanks a bunch
Man! You just convinced me! How is January for this trip?
Quite cold and filled with snow.
Thanks for sharing this amazing post, this was an incredibly wonderful article.!….keep sharing such a nice post…
Thanks Dev
Thanks for the in-depth wonderful article you turned out here Enjoyed reading the article above and thank you for sharing good knowledge and information it’s very helpful. I was searching for a travel blog and found your blog site. I like your high-quality blog site design plus your posting abilities. Keep doing it.
Thank you so much for the kind words
Thanks for sharing the amazing blog, look it so easy but take a step go there it’s not that much easy. But these type of places make you feel alive in a busy world. Kedarkantha is a dream everyone, such a lovely description . Thanks for the blog
Am glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by