About Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India, offering stunning panoramic views, charming landscapes, and an exhilarating experience for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, Kedarkantha is known for its relatively easy trail, breathtaking summit, and year-round accessibility, especially during the winter months when the area is blanketed with snow.
Kedarkantha Trek Highlights:
- Summit at 12,500 Feet: The Kedarkantha trek culminates at a towering height of 12,500 feet, offering magnificent 360-degree views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.
- Snow-Trek Paradise: If you’re trekking between December and April, the route is covered in pristine snow, creating a magical atmosphere, with snow-laden pine and oak trees, and frozen lakes. The trek is often referred to as a “snow trek” due to the heavy snow in winter.
- Beautiful Campsites: The trek is famous for its beautiful campsites. Some notable stops are Juda ka Talab—a partially frozen lake surrounded by pine trees, and Hargano Thatch, an open meadow offering striking views of the surrounding peaks.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trail traverses through dense pine forests, expansive clearings, frozen lakes, and wide meadows, with each stretch revealing unique natural beauty.
- Rich Flora and Fauna: As part of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kedarkantha region is home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan birds, leopards, and black bears. While sightings of larger animals are rare, the sanctuary provides a serene and peaceful trek experience.
Kedarkantha Trek Details:
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- Duration: Typically 4 to 6 days (including travel from and to Dehradun)
- Trek Distance: Approximately 20 km round trip
- Base Camp: Sankri, a small village located at 6,400 feet, serves as the starting point of the trek.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Winter (December to April): Ideal for snow trekking.
- Spring & Summer (May to June): When the snow melts, revealing lush green meadows and wildflowers.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and pleasant weather make this period great for trekking.
Kedarkantha Trek Route:
- Day 1: Reach Sankri (Base Camp)
- Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab (4-5 hours)
- Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3-4 hours)
- Day 4: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Base Camp (7-8 hours)
- Day 5: Base Camp to Sankri and Departure
How to reach Kedarkantha from Delhi?
To reach Kedarkantha from Delhi, follow these steps:
- By Road (Via Dehradun)
- Step 1: Delhi to Dehradun
You can take a bus, drive, or hire a taxi from Delhi to Dehradun (about 250 km, 6-7 hours). Buses are available from Kashmere Gate ISBT, or you can catch a train or flight to Dehradun. - Step 2: Dehradun to Sankri
From Dehradun, you need to reach Sankri, which is the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. Sankri is about 200 km from Dehradun and takes around 8-10 hours by road. You can hire a taxi, rent a vehicle, or take a shared jeep from Dehradun.
- By Train
- Take a train from Delhi to Dehradun (the Nanda Devi Express or Mussoorie Express are common options). From Dehradun, follow the road journey to Sankri as mentioned above.
- By Air
- You can fly from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approx. 1-hour flight). From there, hire a taxi to Sankri (8-10 hours by road).
- Sankri to Kedarkantha Base Camp
- The actual trek to Kedarkantha begins from Sankri and takes about 3-4 days, covering around 20 km. You will trek through beautiful forests, meadows, and snow-covered paths (in winter) to reach the Kedarkantha summit at 12,500 feet.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April for snow trekking, though it’s accessible year-round.
Why Choose Kedarkantha?
- Perfect for Beginners: The trek is suitable for first-timers and those looking to experience the thrill of winter trekking.
- Short Yet Rewarding: With a relatively short duration, you can achieve the summit and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without a long commitment.
- Stunning Summit Views: The 360-degree panoramic view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks from the summit is unparalleled.
Overall, the Kedarkantha trek is a fantastic blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural exploration, making it one of the must-do treks in India.
