What you should consider before going to Kedarkantha Trek ?

• The temperature of the place various from 15°C to – 5°C so there shouldn’t be any doubts to fill your bags with warm clothes while you go for Kedarkantha trek in December or any month of the year for that matter.

• Trekking shoes, slippers, sunscreen lotions, windcheaters, raincoat, and UV protected sunglasses, water bottles, personal medication, walking stick, torch, first aid equipment should be with you in the trek

• Carrying extra energy cells for the flashlight and the torch will be fruitful as due to low temperature sometimes cells don’t work properly.Kedarkantha Trek

• The weather out there is cold and chilly so it is advisable to carry a proper pack of moisturiser to keep your skin healthy.

• The idea of keeping extra food and dry foods will be amazing

• Do not carry more than 10 kg of weight or luggage as it will become difficult to carry

• Keep an appropriate amount of money with you so that you do not fall short of the fund in the middle of the trekking tour

• Avoid such treks if you have breathing problems and you are acrophobic

• The person suffering from a heart problem, high blood pressure and ellipses should avoid such trip.

• Kedarkantha is supposed to be the throat of Lord Shiva and this place has religious significance so do not try to hurt the religious sentiments of the local people.

• Dehydration is one of the reasons for altitude sickness so keep yourself properly hydrated.

Kedarkantha trek

Located in the Western Garhwal region in the state of Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks going around.

This is also one of the few treks where a less experienced trekker can get a winter trek experience in less than a week’s time. kedarkantha trek package

The trip commences from Dehradun, from where you drive to the small, but pretty village of Sankri. The village is inside Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to diverse species of flora and fauna.

Hiking towards Juda Ka Talab – the highlight of the Kedarkantha trekking tour – come across Saud Village and witness the traditional way of life without modern technologies. kedarkantha trek height

Juda Ka Talab is a mesmerizing pond, surrounded by lush pastures, and forests of maple, oak and Morinda spruce trees. The trek route offers a breathtaking view of snowy mountains, peaks, deodar & pine forest, waterfalls, bugyals (high altitude meadow), wildlife and rare Himalayan birds.  One can view the majestic peaks of Swragarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag from a close range. 

For ages, the land has been known for temples and shrines with sacred mythological attachments.  Duryodhana, the eldest of Kauravas, is worshipped here.  kedarkantha trek difficulty

This trek route is virtually a paradise for the botanists, bird watchers, photographers, nature lovers, foot loose trekkers and anyone connected with nature in exploring and learning in an unconventional way.

With charming and captivating sights of snow clapped Himalayas, the verdant greenery, lush landscapes, myriad collection of flora, frozen ponds, to the sights of mesmerizing peaks, this trek have all the delightful marvels that a trekker wish to experience and view in his journey.

Not only for the adventure seekers and trekkers, to enjoy thrilling challenges, the Kedarkantha Trek is an ideal destination for the nature lovers to bask in the beauty of undisturbed nature and enjoy delightful and blissful moments with exhilarating experiences.

Folk tales of Kedarkantha

At the trek top, there is a stone-sheeted shrine of Lord Shiva, which is bordered by snow-covered mountains all around. A Trishul is positioned on the shrine’s ground, pointing towards the great blue sky.

Locals visit the top every now and then to pay their respect at the shrine, and a small temple below is- also at the summit- that houses a statue of Lord Ganesha in peak summer every year.

People here believe in the fact that if the summer experiences no rainfall, laying Ganesha’s statue on the ground would result in good rain. Lord Shiva and the Bull story According to the Kedarkantha legend, Lord Shiva sat at the summit to meditate but was disturbed by a bull, which was running below.

So he went to Kedarnath, a town in Uttarakhand, to meditate afterwards. The Pandava legend Another local myth relates to the Pandavas, who went to the Himalayas to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.

However, he hid from Bheem and disguised himself as a bull. But, Bheem recognised him and went after him. So Shiva hid underground. When he rushed out from his hiding place, he let his body parts get divided, and each part fell at a different place.

His throat fell on the Kedarkantha, thus earning the peak its name- transliteration- “the throat of Lord Shiva”. The myth resembles the story of Panch Kedar, a set of five Shiva temples- Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar- located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region.

According to this legend, the Pandavas, on the advice of Lord Krishna, sought Lord Shiva to pardon them for their sins of killing their kin during the Mahabharata. But, Shiva was angry with them for their conduct and avoided them by taking the form of a bull and leaving for the Garhwal region.

The Pandavas sighted Shiva grazing as a bull in the hills of Guptakashi and tried to grab its tails and legs forcibly. However, the bull disappeared into the ground and later reappeared in the original form of Lord Shiva at five places- the bull’s hump at Kedarnath, legs at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, stomach at Madhyamaheswar and hair at Kalpeshwar. It is believed that the Pandavas built five temples at these places.

Kedarkantha Trek location

In the magnificent beauty of Garhwal Himalayas, lies the Kedarkantha Peak located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand. This imperial peak lies close to Har ki Dun valley in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

Its elevation is 12,500 ft (3,800 m). Kedarkantha is located within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district. kedarkantha trek route map

A trek to the peak of Kedarkantha usually starts from Sankri, a small village, and takes four days to complete.

Altitude of Kedarkantha

Trek At a towering height of 3800 meters, Kedarkantha is a majestic peak located in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarkantha is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand due to its relative ease of access and gradual inclination.

Trek distance The overall Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 km, from start to finish. The trek begins from a village by the name of Sankri located at a height of 6,500 ft. From Sankri, trekkers have to climb 6,00 ft uphill and cover a distance of 10 km.

Kedarkantha Trek Best Time

Kedarkantha is an all-season trek that captivates you with a distinct beauty in each season. Spring and summer boast of clear skies and fresh landscapes that treat your senses with the fragrance of blooming flowers.

The glossy green pine forests look inviting and the green landscape allures you with a magical freshness that is simply irresistible.

The fall season offers a unique experience; trekking on the trail bedecked with dried multi-hued leaves is an amazing experience.

However, winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. The snowy trails lined with tall snow-drifted trees, frozen mountain lakes incandescent in the moonlight and snowy peaks glittering at dawn and dusk in amazing hues of golden and red; the panorama of winter landscape leaves an indelible impression on your mind.

Kedarkantha peak at an elevation of 12,500 feet shimmers beautifully in the winter sun and at night the moonlight casts a magical glow to the lofty mountain.

The panoramic view of the stunning mountain ranges of Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar from the Kedarkantha summit looks ethereal in winters.

The beautiful slopes covered with snow during winters make Kedarkantha for a wonderful ski destination as well.

1. Kedarkantha Trek in December to February

• The temperature during the day is usually 13-18 degrees.

• After the sun sets, the temperature might go as low as -7 degrees Celsius.

• Higher altitude adds up to temperature getting lower (in minus).

• Kedarkanta campsites may have chilling winds blowing so make sure you carry enough warm clothes.

2. Kedarkantha Trek March to May

• The temperature during the day will be around 16-20 degrees.

• During the night, the temperature drops to 3-4 degrees, plus during snowfall, the temperature could go to zero degrees. We advise our trekkers to take the Kedarkantha trek in winter to enjoy the complete benefits of the trek in the natural environment. 

Kedarkantha Trek distance

The overall Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 km, from start to finish. The trek begins from a village by the name of Sankri located at a height of 6,500 ft. From Sankri, trekkers have to climb 6,00 ft uphill and cover a distance of 10 km. 

Weather of Kedarkantha trek

Kedarkantha peak is an all-round year trek and however, the views you will get to see depends on the weather conditions.

The temperature during summer months varies from 10 – 20 degrees Celsius. Kedarkantha Trek

During winters Kedarkantha trek is packed with heavy snow and offers your beautiful views of snow-topped Himalayan mountains. Sun’s reflection from the snow studded mountains makes the mountains glow. Kedarkanta Trek

The weather becomes extremely cold in winters and the actual temperature dips to -5 degrees in winter. Kedarkantha Trek

Due to wind gusts, the temperature feels like -10 to -15 degrees. Best season to visit This trek in itself is a beautiful trek, but the experience varies with the changes in the season. Kedarkantha Trek

People who like to trek amidst the green environment with comfortable weather, summer is a good time to take on this trek. But if you are looking for some excitement winter is the time to go. Kedarkantha Trek

The fresh snow fall, trees covered with snow makes it an amazing time to visit the place during the winters.

Highlights of the Kedarkantha Trek

  The scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri The mountain roads here are long and serpentine with sharp curves that open up to gaping views of the valley below. Swift mountain streams run parallel to the roads in many sections. Half an hour into the journey, you will see the Doon valley retreating below and a striking view of the Queen of Hills – Mussoorie on the mountain range afar.

The mythical Juda Ka Taal Campsite The lake changes landscape with every season. During the winter months it is usually frozen with temperatures varying from as low as -7 degrees to 16 degrees. The campsite transforms into a winter wonderland during this time with the naked branches of trees adorned in snow, the frozen lake coated in a silver sheen and the land all around carpeted under a blanket of snow.

Bewitching forest glades with phenomenal view The trek from Sankri will take you through an uneven path with sparse conifers along the way. Not far ahead, the tree line begins to change and you’ll come across towering Maple and Oak trees with the sun playing hide-and-seek all along.

 The Kedarkantha Base Camp The trek to the Kedarkantha Base Camp is comparatively steeper than the previous days. The trail takes you through primeval Oak forests that get denser as you veer through. Further ahead, you will be welcomed by a carpet of Rhododendron blooms covering the trail with bursts of red and pink.

The thrill of a summit climb before dawn Negotiating a steep ascent in the dark in icy cold winds and low temperatures are some of the challenges that make this experience absolutely exhilarating. At the break of dawn, as you reach the summit you will be greeted by a 360 degree view of mountain peaks like the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Har Ki Dun amongst others.

Kedarkanta Trek Itinerary

Day 1- Dehradun To Sankri |8 hours drive |190km|

• Reach Dehradun, we will drive towards Sankri, which is the starting point for the trek.

• Reach Sankri by evening arrival assistance followed by the introduction of our Trek leader and Support staff.

• Post-check-in to our designated hotel/homestay, the rest of the day is at leisure and you’re advised to relax and prepare for the journey ahead.

• The dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Sankri Village.

Day 2 | Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,774 m) | 2-3 hours’ trek| 3 km|

• The day will start with morning Tea at around 06:00 AM.

• Followed by that, the day will start with breakfast and a day briefing session from the Trek Leader end.

• Afterward, we’ll start our trek, the first checkpoint for the day will be Juda Ka Taal Campsite.

• Upon reaching Juda Ka Taal Campsite, we’ll have lunch.

• The rest of the day is at leisure.

• Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay at Juda Ka Taal Campsite.

Day 3 |Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3,429 m)|2-3 hours trek |3 km

• The day will start with a morning tea, followed by breakfast.

• The Trek Leader will give you a day briefing before starting out for the Kedarkantha Base Camp.

• Afterward, we’ll start the trek towards the Kedarkantha Base Camp, which takes about 2-3 hours.

• Upon reaching and checking into the campsite, we’ll have hot lunch. Kedarkantha Trek

• The rest of the day is at leisure and we’ll relax with things like snow fighting, group activities and more.

• Lastly, we’ll have dinner at the campsite followed by an overnight stay at Kedarkantha Base Camp.

Day 4 |Kedarkantha Trek base camp to Kedarkantha Summit (3,810 m) and back to Hargaon (2,713 m)| 5-6 hours trek| 8 km|

• The day 4th is when we trek towards Kedarkantha Peak. 

• We will be needing an early start today, the group will trek up to the Kedarkantha Summit. Kedarkantha Trek

• After reaching the summit, we’ll enjoy the view from the top and witness the famous sunrise from this place.

• Shortly afterwards, we’ll start back for the Kedarkantha Base Camp once again. Kedarkantha Trek

• Upon reaching, Hot Lunch will be served at the campsite. Kedarkantha Trek

• It’s last night at the campsite so we will have a farewell bash. Kedarkantha Trek

• Overnight stay at Hargaon Campsite.  Kedarkantha Trek

Day 5 |Hargaon – Sankri – Dehradun|8 hours drive |190km|

• After a hearty breakfast, we’ll trek down to the Sankri Village from Hargaon Campsite. Kedarkantha Trek

• The path to Sankri is filled with stones and is basically a descent through pine trees with a stream on our left which is a good spot to fill water.

• Upon reaching Sankri, we’ll stop and freshen up at our designated hotel, hot lunch would be provided.

• Shortly afterward, we’ll be out again, moving towards Dehradun. (Reach Dehradun by late evening).

Things to Carry for Kedarkantha Trek

• Backpack 30/60 L

External straps and loops and easy to open compartments access.

• Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle/hydration flask – 1.5-2L.

• Energy Bars

Nutrient-dense with oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit.

• Weather Appropriate Clothing

Warm and waterproof clothing for winters, wind and waterproof jackets

• Flashlight

A textured grip with rechargeable batteries.

• Sun protection

Sunscreen, wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.

• Rain Protection

Umbrella, opt for waterproof & windproof rain jacket for winters.

• Trekking Boots

Good grip, flexible sole, good ankle support, snug fit, water-resistance and are easy to wear/remove.

• Extra Pair of Clothing

When the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you can take off or put on layers as required.

• Towel

Lightweight – cotton/bamboo/linen/microfiber easy to dry. har ki dun trek trek solo , har ki dun trek from dehradun , har ki dun trek valley , har ki dun trek blog

• Personal Hygiene Kit

Hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton washcloth,toilet paper, a menstrual cup (if necessary) or feminine hygiene products and a sealable plastic bag to carry them out.

• Mini First Aid Kit

First aid for emergencies  har ki dun trek from deharadun, har ki dun se konsi nadi nikalti hai , har ki dun altitude , har ki dun best time to visit

• Trash Bag

Normal kitchen garbage bags to keep the trails you trek beautiful, clean, and free of garbage.

• Slippers

With a flexible sole and good grip, water-resistant. Kedarkantha Trek

How to Reach Dehradun

Dehradun By Air/Road

Located around 22 km southeast of Dehradun, the Jolly Grant Airport, also known as Dehradun Airport, connects the city to almost all major domestic destinations.

The airport also has easy access to the holy towns of Rishikesh (20 km) and Haridwar (30 km).

By Road 

Dehradun is well-connected by road to other major cities of the country via NH 72.

Regular deluxe and normal buses to the city are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi.

By Rail

Dehradun Railway Station connects the city to all major cities of the country such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Varanasi and Vadodara.

From outside the railway station, you can take a auto rickshaw or hire a private taxi to reach your desired destination.

You can also find treks near sankri Village-

Har ki Dun Winter Trek

Brahmatal Trek