About Kedarkantha:
Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarkantha trekking in Uttarakhand is an amazing experience for those who enjoy spending time in nature. One of the often visited locations, the area’s natural beauty is complemented with quaint hamlets, unending lush green meadows, and some terrific sights of the towering Himalayan peaks.
The snaking trail to the 3,850 m tall summit goes through Govind National Park, which offers an exclusive glance of the Himalayan flora and fauna. With views of peaks like the Swargarohini, Banderpooch, Black, and Ranglana, the highlight of the trail is undoubtedly sunsets against the backdrop of impressive snow-capped mountains.
About the Kedarkantha trekking experience:
- Kedarkantha is a great trail for people looking at winter treks in the Himalayas. With the falling of winter snow, the landscapes take on a completely different and refreshing look.
- The trail is mostly through forest sections and meadows making it safe for walking even with lots of snow on the trail. What makes this trek special is the views of the Himalayan ranges that one gets along the trail and from the summit.
- In winters the sky is usually absolutely clear and the air clean ensuring fantastic views. At an altitude of around 3800 m/12500 feet, the summit (Kedarkantha) offers a good challenge to trekkers who are rewarded for the hard work with mesmerising views which are sure to stay with one, lifelong.
- Days are going to be warm and sunny but be prepared for cold nights with temperature always being sub-zero.
If luck is taking the trip with you then get ready to be enthralled by spotting wildlife of the region. There are leopards, wild cats, birds, bear, boars and the musk deer to be seen.
- There is also a policy of ‘Safety first’ and in line with this have chosen campsites which have back up Gujjar huts so just in case the weather gets really bad these huts can be used providing utmost safety.
- The trip begins with a beautiful drive from Dehradun to the remote village of Sankri in the Har-ki-Dun valley. This valley plays host to some of the most popular and enchanting treks in the Indian -Himalayas like Har-ki-Dun, Ruinsara Tal, Rupin Pass, Black peak etc, and is home to many a trekker during the popular summer trekking season.
- The trek starts with an easy climb to a beautiful water pond called Juda-ka-Talab, continue a short distance beyond the pond to our camping site for the night and get acclimatised to the conditions.
- By the end of the day, start seeing the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas including some peaks that stretch into the Himachal region.
- The next day starts with climbing and gaining altitude and trek through snowfields towards the base of Kedarkantha. The ease or difficulty of today’s hike will depend on the snow conditions, after great hiking day and camp at the base.
- The next day, you move as early as possible to try and get maximum time for the climb to the top.
- From the top get brilliant views from all around, the Himalayan ranges and the underlying valleys make quite a sight. Equally enjoyable as the views are going to be the sense of achievement that one experiences on climbing a snow-clad Himalayan mountain.
- Next day get down to Sankri early and celebrate the successful summit of the Kedar Kantha peak. From Sankri, drive down to Dehradun next day.
Quick Facts About Kedarkantha Trek:
Temperature: Day: 8°C to 15°C and Night: -5°C to 3°C
Kedarkantha Trek Distance: 20 KM
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft
Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate
Railway Station: Dehradun is the nearest railway station
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Base Camp: Sankri (10 hrs drive from Dehradun)
ATM: Purola has the last ATM point before your trek begins.
How to reach?
Dehradun has a railway station which is well-connected from all metropolitan cities and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.