Kedarkantha Trek is a trekking destination full of adventures. The Kedarkantha Trek is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The Kedarkatha trek takes you towards the vast mountains. The trekking journey starts from Dehradun, from where you can see the small, but very hybrid Village. Snow falls in the winter in this valley, during this time the snow-clad mountains are very beautiful to see. The Kedarkantha trek is located at an elevation of 3800 meters. This amazing trek provides a great experience to trekkers. Trekkers have to go through the wildlife sanctuary to reach the Kedarkanth trek. Trekkers reach Juda Ka Talab after crossing the wildlife sanctuary. The Juda Ka Talab is an attractive pond surrounded by green pastures of maple, oak, and pine trees. Trekkers can relax here if they want.
- Region – Garhwal Himalayas
- Days – 7 days
- Trekking Grade – Easy-Moderate
- Altitude – 3800 m
- Trek Length – 20 km
About Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha trek is one of the prettiest treks in Uttarakhand and not just India. It also comes in this category, being easy for the first month and the first time people of the year. It is also easy to reach the base camp for the trek. People do this trek of 24 kilometers according to their convenience in 2 to 4 days. For the availability of more days, the path of Har Ki Doon also comes out from the base camp Sankari, you can spend 7 to 8 days or more here if you want to relax. This trek is ideal for all those who are willing to spend some time in the lap of nature or wish to see the snow. After reaching the top, if the weather is clear you can have a 360-degree view of the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, Rupin Valley, Har Ki Doon Valley, and around. What could be more beautiful than this for any tourist or nomad? Even in summers, snow is seen here till June, in the rainy, small bugyals in the middle of the forest gives you such an eye relaxing views. It is also a thrill for anyone to conquer a peak of 3800 meters for the first time. This trek is gaining a lot of fame as a snow trek because it is possible to go here in winter as well and it is not possible to trek in such snow everywhere. Another feature of this trek is its footsteps. Juda Ka Talab, which is a thrill itself to see it in winters, while the base camp is also in a very beautiful place which is white in winters and full of green color the rest of the time.
How Difficult Is The Kedarkantha Trek For A First-Timer?
This trek is categorized as easy or moderate to moderate difficult trek. The rest is up to you. In winters, I will keep this trek in medium difficulty trek because it is not easy to trek in the snow anywhere. There is a need to be careful on the ice and also the means to deal with it. The rest of the time will depend on your physical structure in doing this trek. If you do any light work like walking or cycling, then you can do this trek in two days. If you do not move at all, you will still do it in 3 days. By doing it in 3 days, you will not have any problem even going to the height and you will be able to keep pace with the environment. However, if you start walking 5 or 7 kilometers 4 or 5 days before leaving, it will be even better. This is at least a qualification and should be done before everyone goes on any trek in the Himalayas. If you are planning to visit this trek then you should be fit or I would recommend you start some workout atleast 5 – 6 days before starting your journey.
Do We Need A Guide or Porter?
Whether you want a guide or not to Kedarkantha, it all depends on you. If you are going in the package by some company then you do not have to worry about the guide, you will get it.
If you are going on your own expenses and have friends or family with you, then you should work with a porter instead of a guide because even if you have to carry your things, you will have to take the porter. If you are going in the summer, then you will see the way well. In the winter, after the fresh snowfall, the path is not visible many times it makes it difficult to choose the right path in the snow, but there is another aspect of it, whether it is winter or summer. If you are going into the season, you will get so many people on this trek that you will not have to ask the way. Goods can also be transported from mules to Kedarkantha Base Camp. If you book the mule, you will also get a local man who can guide you as well.
From Where Should We Hire Guide & Porter?
Guides and Porters are easily available at the Sankri Village. People from nearby Villages also work as guides and porter here. You can also ask for the porters and guides at the hotel you stay in Sankri Village. There is an option available to choose a porter with a mule or without as per your requirement and luggage. If you are a group of 4 people or more then I would recommend you to take all the essentials including tents, sleeping bags, food, utensils, etc. from Sankri and hire atleast 2 porters to help you carry your luggage.
From Where Can We Get The Camping Gears?
All camping and trekking gears are easily available at hotel halls or you can also buy them from the nearby market.
Do We Need To Carry Food For Kedarkantha Trek?
Kedarkantha Trek requires at least two days to complete. This trek cannot be completed in a day so you need to carry an ample amount of food with you to complete the trek. On the day of starting your trek, you can have your breakfast at Sankri and get the food packed for your rest of the trek. If you are traveling through any companies package then you need not worry they will keep proper arrangements for your best trekking experience. During the time of the season, you can find small tea shops between Sankri and Juda Ka Talab which also could be providing food and stay facilities. In this case, you need not carry your food items, utensils, and stoves with you as it all will be available on your way. One more thing – whether you take foodstuff or not, but keep dry food and some snacks with you, which contains biscuits, roasted chickpeas, chocolate, chips, energy drinks, etc. It is necessary, urgent, and very important for your trek.
Most Important Things One Should Carry?
Generally, my recommendations are:
- Thermal T-shirts, Pajamas, Pairs of Socks, Jackets, Rain Coats.
- Good trekking shoes.
- Gloves, Woolen Cap, Neck Warmer.
- Bag Packs and Rain Cover for Bag Pack
- Trekking Stick, Torch, Medicines.
- Phone, Power Bank, Extra Battery (if possible), Camera, Extra SD Card, Camera Bag with Rain Cover
How To Reach Sankri?
A direct bus from Dehradun to Sankri runs via Budkot – Purola – Natwad. As far as I know, a bus runs around 5:30 a.m., which reaches Sankari around 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. So if you want to catch this bus then you must reach Dehradun a night before you start this journey.
There are more two options available to reach the base camp. If you are a group of 6 to 8 people then you can book the Max or Bolero and if you are around 4 to 5 people then you can share Bolero or Max with other people traveling the same route. You can find these Bolero’s at Rispana bridge in Dehradun or can book them online.
If you are traveling by your vehicle i.e., car or bike you can choose the best suitable route as per your comfort.
- Delhi – Yamunanagar – Vikasnagar – Yamuna Bridge – Nougaon – Purola – Sankri
- Delhi – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Yamuna Bridge – Nougaon – Purola – Sankri (Dehradun to Sankri 180 Km)
- Delhi – Rishikesh – Chamba – Chinyalisaud – Budkot – Purola – Sankri
While returning to Dehradun by bus you need to reach the bus stand around 4:30 a.m. as the bus starts its journey towards Dehradun around 5 a.m. and drops you at the Dehradun bus stand around 4:00 p.m.
Kedarkantha Trek Package And Package cost?
Many companies offer KedarKantha trek. India Hike is one company amongst them, which has taken the lead in all the treks. Most companies start their package from Dehradun to Dehradun (drops you back to Dehradun). If you are traveling alone or two, then I would suggest you reach the basecamp and hire a porter on your own which could be very feasible for you and it will reduce your expenses as compared to those in the package.
Can Girls & Children Do This Trek?
Yes, as this trek is categorized amongst the moderate trek. Girls and Children can do this trek. Even many girls and families had done this trek with less or no obstacles in their way to the peak. I would recommend leaving the children at the basecamp with one adult to look after them just because the trekking distance is around 24 Kms it could get a bit difficult to trek to the top with children.
Best Time For Kedarkantha Trek?
As KedarKantha trek is known as the winter treks in Uttarakhand the best time to visit here is from December to April. You can also do this trek in any month of the year except the rainy season months July and August. In winter you will be mesmerized to see the snow-covered trek and a view of nearby mountains and after the rainy season, you will get to the beauty of Bugyals.
Heights of Places In Kedarkantha Trek?
- Sankari – 1930 mts.
- Juda Ka Talab – 2786 mts.
- Base Camp – 3029 mts.
- Kedarkantha Peak – 3800 mts.
Weather Condition at Kedarkantha Peak?
During the months from December to February, the temperature remains zero or below zero, especially at night, and the rest of the months it ranges from 5 °C to 15 °C. So it is advisable to keep good enough woolen cloths to deals with such situations.
You May Like To Read
