Kedarkantha

Discover the iconic Kedarkantha Trek — a snow-draped Himalayan experience crafted for beginners, families, and comfort-loving adventurers. Walk through silent forests, camp under starry skies, and summit a panoramic 12,500 ft peak. The perfect winter trek for those who want nature, beauty, and a touch of ease.

INR 8,500 (Sankri to Sankri)

+ INR 3,000 (transportation to and from Dehradun)

+ INR 2,000 (offloading bag)

• Trek Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days

• Region: Sankri, Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand) – Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

• Max Altitude: 12,500 ft (Kedarkantha Summit)

• Start Point: Sankri

• End Point: Sankri

• Best Time: December to April (for snow); October to June overall

• Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the magic of trekking in deep Himalayan snow, the Kedarkantha Trek is your calling. With thick pine forests, frozen alpine lakes, open meadows, and a breathtaking 360° summit view of famous peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak — it’s a trail that feels straight out of a winter fairytale.

Kedarkantha is ideal for beginners, families with kids, or anyone wanting to experience snow trekking without too much difficulty. Add to that the beautiful campsites of Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base, and you’ve got one of India’s most beloved treks for all the right reasons.

✅ Iconic Summit View – 360° views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and other Himalayan giants from the top at 12,500 ft.

✅ Ideal Winter Snow Trek – Best experienced between December to April, with snow-draped trails and frozen campsites.

✅ Scenic Drive to Sankri – A picturesque 10-hour journey through pine forests, river valleys, and quaint villages in Uttarakhand.

✅ Stunning Forest Trails – Walk through dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests, often snow-laden in winter.

✅ Beautiful Campsites – Charming camps at Juda ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base, and Hargaon, each offering unique settings.

✅ Beginner-Friendly Adventure – Suitable for first-time trekkers and solo hikers seeking a safe yet thrilling Himalayan experience.

✅ Mythical Lake: Juda Ka Talab – A scenic, partially frozen lake with a mystical backstory, perfect for photo breaks and peaceful camping.

✅ Rich Local Culture – Experience warm village hospitality and glimpse into Garhwali traditions at Sankri.

✅ Perfect for Stargazing – Clear skies and high altitudes make it one of the best treks for night photography and Milky Way views.

✅ Wildlife and Birdwatching – Spot Himalayan Monals, foxes, and if lucky, pugmarks of elusive snow leopards in Govind Pashu Vihar sanctuary.

📅 Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (6,400 ft)

🚗 Distance: ~200 km | Duration: 9–10 hours

🌲 Scenic drive through Mussoorie, Yamuna valley, and pine forests

🏡 Arrive at Sankri – the charming base village in the Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary

🛏️ Overnight stay in guesthouse/homestay

📅 Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,000 ft)

-🥾 Trek Distance: ~4 km | Duration: 4–5 hours

🌲 Gradual ascent through dense pine and oak forests

🐾 Occasional sightings of birds and Himalayan wildlife

🏕️ Camp nearby the serene Juda Ka Talab – a partially frozen lake in winters

📅 Day 3: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft)

🥾 Trek Distance: ~4 km | Duration: 3–4 hours

🏞️ Forest thins out to open meadows with grand mountain views

📸 First glimpses of Swargarohini and Black Peak

🏕️ Camp in a scenic meadow with the summit in sight

📅 Day 4: Summit Kedarkantha (12,500 ft) and descend to Hargaon (8,900 ft)

🌄 Early morning summit push | Trek Distance: ~6 km total

🌌 Star-lit climb if you start pre-dawn—perfect for astrophotography

🏔️ Breathtaking 360° views from the summit

⬇️ Long descent to Hargaon campsite through snowy pine trails

🏕️ Final night of camping beneath a starlit sky

📅 Day 5: Trek from Hargaon to Sankri | Drive to Dehradun (Optional Stay at Sankri)

🥾 Trek Distance: ~4 km | Duration: 2–3 hours

🌿 Easy descent through pine forests and local trails

☕ Reach Sankri by late morning

🚗 Either relax overnight at Sankri or begin drive back to Dehradun (if time permits)

📅 Day 6 (Optional): Drive from Sankri to Dehradun

🚗 Ideal if you stayed overnight at Sankri

🏞️ Relive the scenic mountain journey as you descend back to civilization

🎒 End of trek with unforgettable memories and photos

🚉 By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

Well connected with major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Lucknow.

✈️ By Air:

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)

Regular flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities.

From the airport, you can hire a taxi to Dehradun ISBT or directly to Sankri.

🚌 By Road:

Dehradun to Sankri (190 km | 8–9 hours)

Two main options:

1. Private Cab: Can be booked in advance. Costlier but comfortable.

2. Local Bus: From Dehradun ISBT to Sankri via Purola (limited availability, leaves early morning).

✅ Kedarkantha is often mistaken for “Kedarnath”, but they are entirely different! Kedarkantha means “The Throat of Lord Shiva” and holds deep mythological relevance in local stories.

✅ Legend says Lord Shiva meditated here, but left for Kedarnath when villagers unknowingly disturbed him. The Trishul at the summit is said to be left behind and is still worshipped.

✅ Juda Ka Talab was formed, according to lore, when Lord Shiva opened a lock (juda) of his hair, letting water spill and create the lake you camp beside.

✅ The summit of Kedarkantha gives views of over 13 Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini, believed to be the route the Pandavas took to heaven.

✅ For many, Kedarkantha is their first Himalayan summit trek, thanks to its mix of adventure, mythology, and accessibility—making it a favorite among beginners.

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