KEDARKANTHA TREK
Per Person / 5999
Trek Name: Kedarkantha Trek
Days: 6
Adventure Type: Trekking
Base Camp: Sankri
Season: Spring | Winter
Month: January | February | March | April | November | December
Country: India
Altitude: 12,500 Ft.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Rail Head: Dehradun
Stay: Camping (Twin sharing) & Hotel/Guesthouse
Food: Meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
Location: Uttarakhand
Distance: 20 Km
Trail Type: Circle trail | Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, which is 28 km away from Dehradun
Highlights:
- +5% GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Services from Sankri to Sankri
- Meeting Point (Pickup/Drop Point): Prince Chowk, Dehradun (If transportation opted)
- Reporting Time: 6:00 AM
- Drop Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Timings subject to change based on weather and road conditions)
- Please reach Dehradun a day before to avoid any delays.
Why is Kedarkantha a Must-Do Trek?
Kedarkantha Trek, also known as the “Queen of Winter Treks,” offers breathtaking Himalayan views and an adventurous yet beginner-friendly experience.
- Sankri Village: Start your journey in a scenic Himalayan village and experience local culture.
- Juda Ka Talab: A high-altitude frozen lake with a fascinating mythological history.
- Kedarkantha Summit: Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Draupadi Ka Danda 2.
- No Network Zone: A complete digital detox for pure nature immersion.
- Beginner-Friendly Trek: Manageable terrain with mesmerizing views throughout.
Kedarkantha – The Majestic and Pristine Beauty
A perfect high-altitude winter trek in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha is an ideal escape for exploring snow-covered landscapes. The trek is famous for its:
- Easy endurance trails suitable for beginners.
- Spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the snow-capped Himalayas.
- Stargazing experience at the Kedarkantha Base Camp.
Why is Kedarkantha Titled the “Queen of Winter Treks”?
- Best Time to Visit: December to April for an ultimate snow trekking experience.
- Frozen Juda Ka Talab: A surreal sight with its mirror-like ice surface reflecting the forests and sky.
- Snow-covered landscapes: The trails, rhododendron forests, and open meadows turn into a winter wonderland.
- Mild Spring Weather (March-April): A mix of snow and greenery for those who prefer less extreme conditions.
Major Attractions of Kedarkantha Trek
- Sankri: A charming Himalayan village and the base camp for multiple treks.
- Juda Ka Talab: A serene lake with a mythological connection to Lord Shiva.
- Kedarkantha Base Camp: A breathtaking camping spot perfect for stargazing.
- Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft): The summit rewards trekkers with Himalayan panoramas and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Hargaon Base: A scenic camping area surrounded by alpine forests.
The Mountain Panorama from Kedarkantha Peak
Once at the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of:
- Swargarohini Peak
- Bandarpunch Range
- Draupadi Ka Danda 2
- Black Peak (Kalanag)
- Rupin Valley & Har Ki Doon Valley
The golden hour at sunrise and sunset transforms the snow-covered landscape into a magical scene.
Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek
- Winter Wonderland (Nov-April): Ideal for those who love trekking in the snow.
- Spring (March-April): Experience the first signs of new growth and vibrant landscapes.
Perfect Trek for Beginners
Kedarkantha is one of the best beginner-friendly treks due to its well-marked trails, moderate difficulty, and manageable altitude gain.
It’s an ideal 6-day adventure for those wanting to experience the magic of the Himalayas without extreme challenges.
Day-1: Arrival at Sankri
- Altitude: 1,950m/ 6,400 ft.
- Drive Distance: 220 km |10 hours approximately
Day-2: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab
- Altitude: 2800 m/ 9100 ft
- Trek Distance: 4-5 km | 5 hours approximately
Day-3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base
- Altitude: 3100 m/ 10,100 ft.
- Trek Distance: 4 km | 2.5 hours approximately
Day-4: Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak, Descend to Hargaon camp
- Altitude:
- Peak – 3,800 m/ 12,500 ft.
- Hargon – 2,700 m/ 8,900 ft.
- Trek Distance: 6-7 km | 7 hrs approximately
Day-5: Hargaon camp to Sankri
- Altitude: 1950 m/ 6400 ft.
- Trek Distance: 4 km | 3-4 hours approximately
Day-6: Departure day (Sankri to Dehradun)
- Drive Distance: 220 km | 10 hours approx
Note:
- Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
- If buffer day is not used in the travel then it can be used to Explore Dehradun.
- Read the article Things to do in Dehradun.
- Distance, Altitude, and Trekking hours are approximate and rounded off.
- Keep the original and copy of ID proof handy.
- Come one day early if planning to come by plane.
Inclusion
1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
- Day 1 and Day 5 in a guesthouse on triple/quad/penta sharing. (Males and females accommodated separately)
- Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4 in a Tent (Twin Sharing).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
- Day 1 Dinner to Day 5 Dinner as per the itinerary.
- Drinking water while on trek (Tap/Mountain water).
3. Support:
- 1 Versatile base camp manager handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
- 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional trek Leader.
- 1 Experienced high-altitude chef.
- Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
- Enough support staff.
4. Trek equipment:
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), mattresses, and Utensils.
- 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
- Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & microspikes (if required).
5. First aid:
- Medical kit,Stretcher,Oxygen cylinder,Blood pressure monitor,Oximeter,Stethoscope.
6. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
7. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.
8. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian.
9. Trek Completion Certificate.
Exclusion
1. Insurance (Mandatory).
2. Food during the transit.
3. Any kind of personal expenses.
4. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Emergency evacuation,hospitalization charge, etc.
6. Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return.
7. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things).
Mandatory Documents for Bali Pass Trek
Trekkers must carry the following documents:
✅ Original and photocopy of a government-issued photo ID (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voter ID, etc.)
✅ Passport and Visa (for foreign nationals)
✅ Medical Certificate (Part 1 to be filled by a doctor, Part 2 by the trekker)
✅ Declaration Certificate
Essential Trekking Gear
Many trekkers make the mistake of carrying unnecessary items, making their backpacks too heavy. Packing smartly is key. Here’s what you must carry:
Backpack & Footwear
🎒 Backpack (50–60 liters) – A sturdy backpack with good support (Rain cover recommended)
🥾 Trekking Shoes – Proper trekking shoes with ankle support (avoid sports shoes)
Clothing
👖 Trek Pants (2-3 pairs) – Avoid jeans; carry more for longer treks
🧥 Jackets (2) – Essential for cold weather
🧣 Warm Layers – Woolen or fleece layers (2-3 for winter, fewer for summer)
🔥 Thermals – Needed for cold nights
👕 Quick-dry T-Shirts – Preferably full sleeves to protect against sunburn
🌧 Poncho/Raincoat – Essential for rainy days
Accessories
🚶 Trekking Pole – For balance and support
💦 Water Bottles (2) – Stay hydrated
🧢 Cap/Balaclava – Protect against the cold
🕶 Sunglasses – To prevent snow blindness
👞 Slippers – Comfortable for campsite use
🧤 Gloves – Woolen and waterproof
🧦 Socks (Woolen & Regular) – Keep feet warm and dry
🧴 Sunscreen – Essential at high altitudes
🔦 Torch/Headlight – With extra batteries
Personal Items
🧼 Toiletries – Toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer, etc.
🩺 Personal Medical Kit (Take medicines only as prescribed by a doctor)
- Altitude sickness tablets
- Acidity and stomach relief medicine
- Fever and headache relief
- Pain relievers
- Motion sickness medicine
- Allergy medicine
- Diarrhea medicine
- Antiseptic cream
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
- Band-aids, cotton, stretchable bandage, and gauze
Trekking Safety Guidelines
✅ Carry a First Aid Kit – Be prepared for minor injuries
✅ Follow Safety Protocols – Stick to designated trails & avoid risky paths
✅ Stay Connected – Carry a mobile phone, satellite phone, or walkie-talkie
✅ Know Emergency Services – Be aware of the nearest hospital, police, and rescue teams
✅ Pack the Right Gear – Proper clothing & equipment ensure safety
✅ Respect Nature – Follow Leave No Trace principles: avoid littering, protect vegetation, and respect wildlife
✅ Stay Calm in Emergencies – Assess the situation and act wisely