About Kedarkantha Trek
The journey to this beautiful abode starts at Sankri which is located at a distance of around 210 km from Dehradun. It takes around 10 hours by road from Dehradun to Sankri and the journey takes you along zigzag roads in the backdrop of lofty mountains with mountain rivers bubbling effervescently nearby. En route, you cross Mussoorie, Damta, Nain Bhag village, Purola, Harsaadi, and Natwad before reaching the remote village of Sankri. Throughout the route, you are treated to the magnificent views of Mussoorie, and awe-inspiring views of high-altitude mountains and rivers such as Yamuna, Ganga, Kedarganga, Supin, and Tons rejuvenate you with their sparkling waters.
At an elevation of 6,400 feet, Sankri is a quaint village located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It serves as the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. The trekking route from Sankri takes you to Juda ka Talab, the sacred mountain lake, as you journey along local trails and dense forests.
You are treated to the magical panorama of amazingly beautiful campsites en route to your trek to Kedarkantha.
Juda Ka Talab, the first campsite, is a picturesque campsite located at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Juda Ka Talab captivates with a beauty so serene that you blink twice to see if the place exists. A thicket of mighty oak and tall pine trees with colossal mountains in the background surrounds the glacial lake imparting the look of a protective shield. Juda Ka Talab weather ranges from -12 to -1 in winter months, 3 to 12 degrees in spring and summer months, and -8 to 12 degrees in the fall season.
From Juda ka Talab, you trek around 4 km through pine and oak trees to reach the open highlands just below the Kedarkantha summit. Just as the forest ends, you reach a wide meadow which is Kedarkantha base camp. Located at an elevation of 11,250 feet, Kedarkantha base camp is the second campsite in the Kedarkantha trekking trail.
From Kedarkantha base camp, you take a challenging uphill trek of 3 km to reach the Kedarkantha summit located at an elevation of 12,500 feet. The 360-degree view of colossal mountain ranges from the Kedarkantha summit leaves you awestruck.
It is an ideal trek for that it journeys you through a beautiful vista of Himalayan beauty. Kedarkantha trek base camp leading to the majestic summit treats you to a magical panorama of open highlands, expansive meadows, steep slopes, and lofty mountain ranges.
At the summit, a 360-degree view of mountain peaks sways you off; not just the famous peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar ranges but also hundreds of other untouched and untainted virgin mountains welcome you with a warm embrace. This picture-perfect scene is absolute bliss, each frame looks like a postcard image; it is a sight that stays with you for a lifetime.
Kedarkantha Trek is one of the easiest and most alluring treks in the Uttarakhand Himalayas. This all-season trek is one of the best and most comfortable treks in India. But the beauty of the trek is at its best in the winter.
Quick Glance at some amazing facts about the Kedarkantha trek
- Region- District: Uttarkashi State: Uttarakhand
- Trek Altitude- 12,500 feet
- Trek Difficulty Level- Moderate to Difficult
- Trek Duration- 5 Days
- Trekking Distance- 20 km
- Temperature- Average day temperatures vary from plus 8 degrees Celsius to plus 20 degrees Celsius and average night temperatures vary from minus 10 degrees Celsius to plus 3 degrees Celsius.
- Nearest Railway Station- Dehradun
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Last ATM-Purola near Sankri has the last ATM
Trek Details for Kedarkantha Trek
- Pickup Point on Day 1- Dehradun Railway Station
- Departure time from Dehradun Railway Station on Day 1-7 am
- 2nd Pickup Point on Day 1- Kitab Ghar bus stand, Mussoorie
- Pick up time from Mussoorie- 7:45 a.m.
- Drop Point on Day 5- Dehradun Railway Station
- Arrival time on Day 5 at Dehradun Railway Station- 6 pm
- Base Camp- Sankri
- Distance from Dehradun to Basecamp, Sankri- 210 km
- Cloakroom: There is no separate cloakroom available. You can hand over your luggage to our team and collect it while returning. We will be keeping it safely at Sankri in the same Homestay.
- The shared vehicle will be a Tata Sumo, Bolero, or similar and may be shared with a few other local passengers. The cab will be arranged from Dehradun to Sankri and Sankri to Dehradun.
- We charge Rs.950/- per person on each side per person.
- The cab is a 7-seater.
- The whole cab costs 6500/- from Dehradun.
- Trekkers may choose to travel by bus or local cab to reach Sankri.
How to reach Kedarkantha
Sankri is the base camp of the Kedarkantha trek. To reach Kedarkantha you need to reach Sankri from Dehradun. The distance of Sankri from Dehradun is around 200 km and it takes around 8 to 10 hours to cover this hilly trail.
To reach Kedarkantha from Dehradun, one can opt for the government bus which starts at 8 in the morning from Mussoorie Bus Stand (just outside Dehradun Railway Station). The bus drops you at Sankri in around 10 hours.
Another alternative to reach Sankri from Dehradun is boarding a taxi. Cabs can be boarded either from the same Mussoorie Bus Stand and also from Dehradun ISBT. Several cabs are leaving for Sankri from Dehradun in the morning hours. So if you arrive early and board one of them, you can split your cab fare with your fellow travelers. But if you arrive a little late, there are chances that you won’t find any co-travelers for Sankri and you might have to bear the cab fare all by yourself.
By Train- Dehradun is well-connected to major cities of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc. by train. From Dehradun to Sankri, it takes around 10 hours by road.
By Road- Dehradun is well-connected with most of the major cities of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc. by road.
By Flight- Reach Dehradun from Delhi by flight. There are flights available every day and flying time is 55 minutes.
Kedarkantha Trek Length
The Kedarkantha trek length is 20 Km which is covered in 5 days. Kedarkantha Trek is a moderate to difficult grade trek that can be done by beginners or first-timers also if they have a basic fitness level. The trek from Sankri to Juda ka Talab is approx 4km from there another 4km trek to the Kedarkantha base camp. The next day you will be trekking 12km in total from basecamp to summit and summit to Sankri.
Kedarkantha Trek in Summer
Kedarkantha is one of the most favored Trek and the summer season also brings an opportunity for the adventure seekers to experience this trek with the awe-inspiring landscape and the dense forest cover of oak and pine. The summer months of April, May, and June are the times when the temperature varies from 0 degrees Celsius at night to 20 degrees Celsius in the day.
Kedarkantha in April: It is a time when the leftover winter snow can be encountered throughout the trek route, melting and revealing the beautiful landscape beneath. It is the best time for those who want to experience the pleasing breeze with the perfect amount of bearable chill. Woolen clothes are recommended if you plan to trek in April.
Kedarkantha in May: This is the time when you can witness vast green landscapes throughout with a variety of sweet blossoming flowers. During this month the trek is easiest to perform as there are no thick sheets of snow or the monsoon to make it slippery and difficult to carry out. The temperature during May is generally around 5 degrees to 15 degrees.
Kedarkantha in June: To experience the multitude of vibrant blooming flowers and the freshness of the beautiful Kedarkantha valley this is the perfect time for the adventure enthusiast and nature lovers. The chances of rain are slight during this month but the valley is at its best to enliven you.
Kedarkantha Trek Best Time
Kedarkantha is an all-season trek that captivates you with a distinct beauty in each season. Spring and summer boast clear skies and fresh landscapes that treat your senses with the fragrance of blooming flowers. The glossy green pine forests look inviting and the green landscape allures you with a magical freshness that is simply irresistible. The fall season offers a unique experience; trekking on the trail bedecked with dried multi-hued leaves is an amazing experience.
However, winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. The snowy trails lined with tall snow-drifted trees, frozen mountain lakes incandescent in the moonlight, and snowy peaks glittering at dawn and dusk in amazing hues of golden and red; the panorama of winter landscape leaves an indelible impression on your mind. Kedarkantha Peak at an elevation of 12,500 feet shimmers beautifully in the winter sun and at night the moonlight casts a magical glow to the lofty mountain. The panoramic view of the stunning mountain ranges of Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar from the Kedarkantha summit looks ethereal in winter.
The beautiful slopes covered with snow during winter make Kedarkantha a wonderful ski destination as well.
Kedarkantha Weather and Temperature
Trek to Kedarkantha is an all-season activity. However, you can better plan your trip if you visit it during the season that best suits you. You might love to explore Kedarkantha in its greenest glory when the meadows, trails, and campsites are fresh with new leaves and blooming flowers. The region gets enough rainfall during the monsoon months and you witness pretty waterfalls sprout up in the hills. The dark and grey clouds hovering over the mountains make for a beautiful sight. However, heavy rains may cause a lot of landslides during the monsoon months.
If you are seeking a snowy rendezvous then you might want to trek Kedarkantha in the winter months. Kedarkantha trek in December is the beginning of winter when the falling snow transforms the landscape into a wintry fairyland. Snow remains on the trail till the last week of April. The temperatures vary from -10 to 8 degrees in winters and you might face harsh weather conditions such as slippery slopes and severe winds. Trudging your way through thick snow is also a divine experience offered by the Kedarkantha winter trek.
- Summer months of April-June- Plus 6 degrees to plus 20 degrees
- Monsoon months of July-August- Plus 3 to plus 16 degrees
- Fall/Autumn months of September-November- Plus 2 degrees to plus 15 degrees
- Winter months of December-March- Minus 10 degrees to plus 8 degrees
Difficulty Level Of Kedarkantha Trek
The difficulty level for Kedarkantha Trek is easy to moderate. Kedarkantha Trek is best done in the winter season which is from mid-Dec to the end of April. During this time the temperature can drop to -10 degrees as the weather in the Himalayas is highly unpredictable. One has to carry proper clothing to protect themselves from the rough weather. So, for beginners, the Kedarkantha trek in winter can be a bit challenging if not taken care of. For the summer months, from April to June, the temperature varies from 0 to 20 degrees Celsius. During these months the weather is cool, breezy, and pleasant which makes the trek easy to do as compared to the wintertime.
The difficulty of the Kedarkantha Trek can be decided on the basis of weather and terrain.
Based on Weather: The best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek is in the winter season as you get to experience ample snow throughout the trek. From the base camp, Sankri to the Kedarkantha summit you come across a thick blanket of snow that adds up the adventure that trekkers are looking for. The trail during winter becomes somewhat tough but with proper gear and fitness, one can easily reach the summit. Good health is mandatory with no pulmonary or cardio-vascular difficulties to carry out the Kedarkantha Trek. The view of peaks like Gangotri, Swargarohini, Yamunotri, Dhauladhar Range, and many virgin mountain ranges welcomes you for a lifetime experience. On the other hand, Kedarkantha Trek in summer becomes an easy trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Based on Terrain: The trail throughout the trek is easy, surrounded by thickets of oak and pine treks. The campsites are mesmerizing. Be it the snowy winter trails or the crackling brown leaves covering the forest. One has to trek a maximum of 6-7 km a day. With proper physical fitness to trek the ups and downs, this distance is easy to trek in summer as the trails are non-slippery as compared to winter.
Is Kedarkantha Trek Safe?
One of the easiest treks of the Uttarakhand Himalayas, the Kedarkantha trek can be your best bet if you are a beginner. It is a 6-day trek that requires you to trek 4-6 km every day. Kedarkantha is a safe trek to undertake in all seasons except monsoons. The rains are unpredictable and there might be a lot of landslides.
Fitness Required for Kedarkantha Trek
Some basic preparations are required for undertaking the Kedarkantha trek. You should be physically fit, have the endurance to walk 6 km daily, and have no medical issues. You can prepare for the trek by doing a brisk walk every day for 30 minutes and then increasing your speed each day. This should be done a minimum of 2 weeks before the trek.
Trekking is always fun, it takes you back in time. With the right attitude and adequate preparation, you can conquer the invincible. The trick is to be well-equipped so that you undertake your trek with utmost confidence and conviction.
- Kedarkantha Trek
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Day 1: Arrival at Sankri From Dehradun
- Early start from Dehradun in the morning at 7:00 a.m.
- Altitude 6,400 feet.
- 210 km drive
- 10 hours of Travelling, Expected arrival time at Sankri – 5:00 pm.
- Accommodation and food in Guest House.
The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is an enchanting hill drive of 10-11 hour stretching over approx 210 Km ride via Mussoorie, Damta, Naugaon, Purola, Mori and Naitwar. A pick up will be arranged at Dehradun and the pick-up points and timings will be coordinated by email prior to your bookings of the trek. The booking excludes the lunch for the day and the transportation from Dehradun to Sankri. And from Sankri, we will be taking care of your fooding and lodging.
Day 2: Start from Sankri to Juda ka Talab
- Altitude Gain From 6,400 feet to 9,100 feet.
- 4 kms Trekking
- 5 hours of Trekking
- Camping at Juda Ka Talab
- Accommodation & Food in tents.
Your second day will start with a chilled morning, locals doing their daily works, mules passing by and lots Himalayan Bhutia dogs trying to get friendly with you. Post breakfast trek starts from the local Sankri road entering into the local trails and then dissolving into the forest of broad leaves trees. The path goes through Saud village and it is a gentle climb. A lot of locals, mostly women and children will be seen on the way carrying wood and dried leaves for their cattle. Walking trails of this day will be steep sometimes and sometimes it will be levelled grounds with green and dense forests running along with you. End of the day we will be setting up our campsites which is located near to Juda Ka Talab and is a closed camping site surrounded by tall pine and oak trees and mountain slopes. We will be reaching the campsites by afternoon and staying in camps enjoying the serenity scattered around this place with evening sunset and glittering sunrise in the morning.
Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Altitude Gain From 9,100 feet to 11,250 feet.
- 4 kms Trekking
- 2.5 hours of Trekking
- Camping at Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Accommodation & Food in tents.
We start post breakfast from JUDA KA TALAB and trek through the pine and oak trees to reach the open highlands below the summit. As you move forward into the forest suddenly at the end forest trails you start to see a wide meadow stretching in front of mighty Dhauladhar Ranges. This camping site has excellent picturesque views and is the main highlight of the trek. There are green pastures nearby and the views towards Himachal which are unending. You can roam around this place easily and can soak all the fresh tidings of nature's gift .We camp here for the night.
Day 4: Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak then descend to Sankri
- Altitude gain from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet, then descend to 6,400 feet
- 12 kms Trekking
- 10 hours of Trekking
- Reach the summit and then return to the base camp for lunch.
- After lunch, descend down to Sankri.
- Reach Sankri by evening.
- Accommodation & Food at Sankri.
It's a long day today as we are climbing on steep slopes from the west ridge of the mountain and then after reaching the summit, we return back to the basecamp and post lunch we move to Sankri. We will start early in the morning post breakfast and try to reach the top by the morning to experience the sunrise. As we move forward slowly dense forest trails surrounding by Pine trees start to disappear slowly. It's a rigorous and tiring uphill climb of over 2 hours but the scenic views around you will keep your adrenaline rush high just to know how's the view from the top. At some point of this walk you will be awestruck by the 360-degree view and once everyone reaches the top, believe us it's a win-win situation for everyone. Panoramic views of mighty Himalayas range mixed with dark blue and white clouds scattered like a painting sketched by nature just for you. After spending some time on the top we head back to our campsite, have lunch at a mid point of the downwards journey from the basecamp and head towards Sankri. Stay for the night at Sankri guesthouse.
Day 5: Sankri to Dehradun drive
- 210 km drive, approx 10 hours.
- Travel Back From Sankri to Dehradun
- You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a pre-booked vehicle or cab.
We will be arranging a vehicle for your drop to Dehradun or trekker can choose to board local bus or shared cabs themselves to reach Dehradun.