The Kedarkantha Trek, located in the Western Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is a popular winter trekking destination that attracts adventure enthusiasts from across the globe. Standing at an altitude of 12,500 feet, the Kedarkantha summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks, making it a trekker's paradise.
Key Highlights:
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Scenic Beauty: The trek passes through dense pine forests, open meadows, and small villages, each offering a unique glimpse of the Himalayan landscape. The snow-covered trails in winter add a magical touch to the journey, making it a visual treat for trekkers.
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Summit View: The Kedarkantha summit provides an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of some of the most prominent peaks of the Himalayas, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is unmatched.
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Cultural Experience: The trek also offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the villagers in the region. The villages of Sankri and Juda ka Talab are particularly noteworthy for their traditional wooden houses and warm hospitality.
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Moderate Difficulty: The Kedarkantha trek is classified as a moderate trek, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trek usually spans over six days, with the trail gradually ascending, allowing trekkers to acclimatize and enjoy the journey.
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Best Time to Visit: While Kedarkantha can be trekked throughout the year, the winter season from December to April is considered the best time for this trek. The snow-covered landscape during these months adds a unique charm to the trek, though the cold temperatures can be challenging.
- Kedarkantha is a stunning trek that provides photographers with an ideal opportunity to capture snow falling from the pine trees, which appears to be magical dust.
- Experience the beautiful campsites, where each and every campsite is different and unique in its own way.
- Get a chance to camp near frozen Juda ka Talab, according to legends this was once used as Lord Shiva's meditation ground.
- The journey to the summit is filled with many bucket list adventures few being night trekking in deep snow, under a blanket of stars, and witnessing a magnificent sunrise from 12500 ft above sea level only from Kedarkantha.
- You also get to stargaze from here!
- The talks about Kedarkantha's sunrise and sunset, do no justice to the actual beauty of it.
- Taking pictures at the peak is a must! Otherwise, how will you make your friends and family jealous?
Pune/Bhopal: Board Samparkranti / Goa express
Mumbai/Ahmedabad/Surat: Board Mangladeep express/ Garibrath
Nagpur:Board Rajdhani Express from Nagpur
- Reach Delhi early morning and board afternoon train to Dehradhun
- Reach by night
- After half an hour, stop at kempty falls. Have breakfast there and witness people from different parts of the world. The break will be of maximum 1 hour. Ahead the peaks are visible and further you will come close to the holy Yamuna River. If you want, then take a short break of 20 minutes and enjoy being around it.
- Reach Mori and after 1 hour you will come across a check post. They will ask for Aadhar cards and some other details. Ahead lies Sankri, enjoy the drive and the wait is soon going to be over. Reach trekkers paradise and the main market of Sankri.
- Go to the hotel, freshen up and enjoy evening snacks on the open terrace with great views. You will be provided some details after which you can go for an evening walk but be at the hotel for dinner.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a comfortable night in the mountains.
- Trek Distance 5 Km – 4/5 Hours Trek
- Mode of the journey – on foot
- Altitude – Juda ka talab – 2700 Meters
- Night Stay – Camp in tents – on a triple/quad share basis
- Today, the heartwarming morning is eagerly waiting for you to wake up. Feel the peace amid the mountains; no connectivity and no materialistic thing is here to disturb you, the only thing is peace. Relish the hot cup of coffee/tea at 6:00 am and get ready for your breakfast at 7:30 am. You have to strictly leave at 8:30 am after the instructions of your guide trek start from Sankri to Juda ka Talab which is 5 km away. After a little walk from the main market witness Swargarohini peaks (I, II, III) which will mesmerize you. After 20 minutes of the hike the beautiful Saur village will come into sight, all the houses there are made of wood. Here are homestays that serve delicious organic local food. As you move further, the forests turn more beautiful. Spot some Himalayan birds and don’t miss the sight of cascading waterfalls. The meadows and these forests are enough to attract anybody. Some names of the local places are – Goteka, Boiroka ligudiya, Posla, Jainola, Kuwamohli, and then Juda Ka Talab. Juda Ka Talab is today’s destination which is a favorite of many trekkers. This lake is present in a forest clearing. It is 100 meters long and the width is 36 m. The water is clear and reflects the surroundings. Camp amid pine trees and enjoy the night there. Have evening tea/coffee, snacks, soup and explore the area. Dinner will be served after which you can rest for the night.
- Trek Distance 3.5 Km – 2/3 Hours Trek
- Mode of the journey – on foot
- Altitude – Kedarkantha basecamp – 3200 Meters
- Night Stay – Camp intent- on triple/quad share base
- Wake up and peep out of your tents to see if there is snow or the sun is shining. It is important to tell you that one day there is greenery everywhere and the other day it turns all white because of snow. This is reality, and this scenery is heartwarming! Like other days enjoy tea/ coffee, have breakfast at 7:30 am, and leave at 8:30 – 9:00 am. Today, you will be heading towards the Kedarkantha base from where the Kedarkantha peak is visible. The distance from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha base is 3.5 km which can be easily reached in 2 to 3 hours. Today’s trek is short and comfortable. Start the trek, cross an ascent, move through the dense forest, and suddenly an open meadow will welcome you. Halt there and enjoy great views of the Himalayas. Move further through the pine forest and reach your campsite from where the Kedarkantha peak shines tall and relish the great views! Afterward, enjoy hot lunch. Note: – if you are trekking in the winter season then briefing is the most important part and the gaiters and crampons will be provided. So, you have to be ready at 4:30 am wearing them.
- Trek Distance 9 Km – 6/7 Hours Trek
- Mode of the journey – on foot
- Altitude – Hargaon thach – 2645 Meters
- Night Stay – Camp intent- on a triple/quad share basis
- Trek Distance 5.5 Km – 4/5 Hours Trek
- Mode of the journey – on foot
Today morning enjoy breakfast at your last camp of this trek. Start trekking and while descending from Hargaon to Sankri you will come across many viewpoints and ahead reach the apple orchards. After it reaches base camp Sankri and today freshen up and leave for Dehradun.
- Since the treks in the Himalayan region come with their ups and downs we always keep a buffer day in hand to make sure the trek goes smooth.
Reach Delhi early morning by overnight train.
Reach your respective city with loads of memory.
Return Train:
Pune/Bhopal: Jhelum Express at 11.00 am from Delhi
Mumbai/Surat/Ahmedabad: Take Hw-Bandra Spl at 6:55 pm from Delhi
Nagpur: Take any train after 10.00am
Basic Fitness Routine before the trek
- Kindly make sure you are physically fit and have no medical conditions in which case it would be preferable to take medical advice from your doctor before joining the trek.
- Kedarkantha is considered as a beginner grade trek in the Uttrakhand region however a basic physical routine of running or jogging is to be followed at least a week before the trek alternatively you can also take up any moderate Sahyadri trek to bring your body in the zone of trekking before the Kedarkantha trek
- In case you have any underlying conditions such as Asthama or Blood pressure problem or any muscle injury kindly consult us and your doctor before booking this trek
Train tickets: In case train tickets are not available from Pune we will travel via Mumbai.The fares for Rajdhani trains are high since it is premium train and only available last-minute train so the cost of trek will vary accordingly
What is included in the tour
- Transport from Pune/Mumbai/Nagpur/Ahmedabad/Surat in Sleeper/3AC trains
- Travel from Delhi to Dehradun via train or bus as per availability (2S or Sleeper Trains)
- Accommodation in Dehradun on 3/4 sharing basis
- Accommodation on 3/4 sharing in Dehradun for buffer day(check out 11.00 am) only for Pune Mumbai Delhi and other city packages(if you are booking dehradhun to dehradhun make sure you select stay option)
- Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and back
- Accommodation in Sankri on a triple or quad-sharing basis
- Dinner in Dehradun and next day breakfast en route Sankri while going
- All meals during the trek from Sankri to Sankri
- Tents on a 3/4 sharing basis during the trek
- Wooden Hiking sticks
- High-Quality Camping Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Compost toilets
- Radio Walkie-Talkie for Communication with guide
- Experienced Trek guide and Technical guide
- Medical Kit with guide
- Crampons and Gaiters
- Local Team captains
What is NOT included in the tour
- Food during train journeys
- Trasport between two delhi train stations(both was) and any internal transportation in delhi.
- Food on buffer day
- Any activities planned on buffer day
- Heater.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion section
- Your stay in Dehradun for Ex-Dehradun people on arrival(can be added using add on the section while booking)
- Incase if any train is getting delayed or due to which your further transport is missing, then alternative will be provided on monetary costing
- 5% GST will be added during checkout
- Transaction charges depending upon the mode of payment will be charged by Razorpay(Use the NEFT option to pay and save gateway charges)
- Any extra costs incurred due to extension/change of the itinerary because of natural calamities, train/ bus delays or cancellation, road blocks, vehicle breakdown etc. factors beyond the control of "TrekPanda" and it's associates.
- Sankri (Basecamp): 5,999/- Per Person
- Dehradun: 7,499 /- Per Person
- Delhi: 11,299/- Per Person
- Pune/ Mumbai (Sleeper): 13299/- Per Person
- Pune/ Mumbai (3AC): 16299/- Per Person
- The panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Experience one of the finest summits in India
- Indulge yourself in exciting adventures while climbing the steep slopes
- Witness the mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views
- Witness the rich culture and lifestyle of the locals
- Feel the winter vibes in the charming villages
Basic Essentials
- Day Bag(20-30 liter) with Rain Cover (If you hire a mule or porter)
- BackPack(50-60 liter) with Rain Cover
- 2- water bottles
- Personal Medical kit (If required)
- Hiking Shoes-water proof and ankle support
- Torch With extra batteries
- Original ID Card
- Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits, and nuts
Clothing Essentials
- Thermal Wear
- 2-jacket (1 Fleece, 1 Down feather)
- Warm Inner-wears
- 2-Gloves (1 Woollen, 1 Waterproof)
- 2-Trek Pants (which is a comfortable full day)
- 4-T-shirts (2 Full Sleeves, 2 Half Sleeves)
- 2-Sweater (1 Fleece, 1 Woollen)
- 5-Socks (3 Cotton, 2 Woollen)
- Rain Coat / Poncho
- Handkerchief/towels
Protect Your Head
- 2- Caps (1 Sun Cap, 1 Woollen Cap)
- UV sunglass
- Balaclava
Personal Utilities
- Cameras
- Sunscreen Cream
- Tooth Brush & Paste
- Lip Balm
- Quick Dry Towel
- Body Lotion
- Sanitizer
- Scroll down to the "BOOK NOW" button and click it.
- Select your departure date from the calendar and proceed.
- Select your ticket type and quantity. (If you have a coupon code, apply at this stage)
- Fill out our personal details and proceed.
- Select your payment type (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) and proceed.
- Once your tickets are booked, you will receive tickets along with the WhatsApp group link via email. Click on the link to join the WhatsApp group.
- If you don't receive at WhatsApp group link, don't worry we will email it to you two days prior to the trip.
- Further details about the trip will be shared on that WhatsApp group 1-2 days prior to the trip.
Bank Account Details:
- Name: Stormfree Adventures & Tourism
- AC No:50200068275548
- Bank Name: HDFC BANK (current ac)
- Bank IFSC: HDFC0000103
NO REFUND SHALL BE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INITIAL BOOKING AMOUNT FOR ANY CANCELLATIONS. HOWEVER IF FULL PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE THEN,
- If cancellations are made 30 days before the trip's start date, 50% of the trip cost will be refunded within 5-7 working days.
- If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the trip's start date, 25% of the trip cost will be refunded within 5-7 working days.
- If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the trip's start date, 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees. No refund will be processed.
- In the case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be canceled and in such cases, the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets can be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If we cancel the TRIP, only the TRIP AMOUNT will be refunded.
- Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
- Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same event.
- A complete schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants
- Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case
- Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
- We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, and no litter policy.
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What is the location of Kedarkantha Trek?
It is situated in the picturesque Himalayan village of Sankari in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India.
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How do I get to the trek's starting point, Sankri?
We usually provide good transportation to Sankri and back. If you prefer another mode of public transportation, there are Uttarakhand roadway buses from Dehradun. There are 2-3 daily buses that leave only in the morning hours between 05:30 am to 07:30 am; please check and re-confirm the timings with sources.
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What is the difficulty level of the Kedarkantha Trek?
It is a simple Moderate Trek that anyone can attempt and complete. However, remember to start exercising before your trek, as you will rapidly gain altitude on this trek. As a result, you must be physically fit.
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How long does the Kedarkantha Trek take?
The total trek distance is approximately 20-22 kilometers, and it is an amazing Himalayan trail with mesmerizing scenery, mind-blowing sunrises, and a 360-degree Himalayan view from the top.
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Is Kedarkantha suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Kedarkantha trek is easy to moderate, and beginners can easily attempt it; however, keep yourself physically fit with 4-5 kilometers of daily walking and the exercise routine that will be sent in the mail atleast 10 days prior to acclimatize your body for the excursion.
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How much luggage should we bring for the Kedarkantha Trek?
Carry only necessary items; a backpack of 60-70 liters should suffice; your backpack should not weigh more than 9-10 KG.
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Is there a network in Kedarkantha Trek? Which sim card is the best?
Currently, the Jio network is quite good in Sankri; however, no network will be available beyond Sankari.
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What should we bring for the Kedarkantha Trek?
For a complete packing list, click on the following link: Things to carry
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How should we prepare for the Kedarkantha Trek?
Begin your day with a 4-5 km walk or run, and make breathing exercises a requirement. Stop smoking and drinking too.
Go for hikes near your cities.
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What kind of weather can we expect on the Kedarkantha Trek?
December and January are the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from 10-15 degrees Celsius during the day to -4 degrees Celsius at night.
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Is the trek to Kedarnath and Kedarkantha the same?
No, they are not the same thing. Kedarnath is a Pilgrimage Trip, whereas Kedarkantha is a proper Trek. Both Kedarnath and Kedarkantha are located in the district of Rudraprayag in the state of Uttarakhand.