One of the oldest and most popular treks in India, Kedarkantha trek is an ideal trek for beginners and is also considered as the best winter trek in India. This trek has gained its popularity from the fascinating mythological stories and 360 degree views of mesmerizing peaks from the top. Kedarkantha is the combination of 2 words ‘Kedar’ which is another name of Lord Shiva and ‘Kantha’, which means throat. This trek has mythological importance and there are various stories related to it.
Situated in Govind National Park, the trek starts from Sankri- a scenic little village nestled deep into the mountains of Himalayas. The 8-hour drive to this village from Dehradun will keep you fascinated as you drive along Yamuna and Tons river.
The 20 km long trek to Kedarkantha offers awe struck views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Draupadi ka Danda peaks from the top as you climb to an altitude of 12,500 ft. As you push yourself to the summit, you will be delighted with a feeling of accomplishment. The trek is one of the few treks in India that has so many clearings, offering multiple stops for campsites with eye-catching views. From knee-deep snow in winters to green forest and golden meadows in summer, the trek offers you a unique experience in each season.
Kedarkantha Trek Quick Info:
Kedarkantha trek distance: 20 km
Kedarkantha trek temperature:
Winter- Dec to Feb: 8 to 10 degree in day, 0 to -5 degree at night
Spring- Mar to Apr: 15 to 20 degree in day, 0 to 5 degree at night
Summer- May to June: 18 to 24 degree in day, 3 to 8 degree at night
Autumn- Sept to Nov: 10 to 15 degree in day, 0 to 3 degree at night
Kedarkantha trek best time: November to April
Kedarkantha trek height: 12,500 ft
Kedarkantha trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
Detailed Information
Kedarkantha Trek Distance- Cover a distance of 4 to 5 km daily during your four trekking days as the total trek distance is almost equally distributed on all four days. From Sankri to Juda ka Talab, trek for a distance of 4 km on your first trekking day which will take you around 4 to 5 hours. On your next day while trekking through the dense forests of pine and oak and some meadow clearings to reach Kedarkantha Base camp, cover the distance of 4 km in a span of 4 hours. On your summit day, the trek from Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha peak and descend to Hargaon campsite takes 7-8 hours where the total distance covered is 7 km. From Hargaon, cover a distance of 5 km as you reach Sankri village.
Kedarkantha trek height- Kedarkantha peak is situated at a soaring altitude of 12,500 ft.
The altitude gain throughout the span of 4 days would be as follows:-
On your first day, you will gain an altitude of 6400 ft as you reach Sankri from Dehradun.
The next day while trekking to Juda Ka Talab, you will gain an additional altitude of 2450 ft as the lake is situated at an altitude of 8850 ft. Climb to the height of 11,250 ft as you reach the Kedarkantha base camp which is the last campsite for this trek. On your summit day, climb the peak situated at an altitude of whopping 12,500 ft.
Kedarkantha trek Difficulty- Kedarkantha trek is one of the easiest treks in the Uttarakhand region with an easy to moderate difficulty level.
Kedarkantha trekking starts from Sankri as you pass through the forests of pine and maple and many streams on the way to Juda Ka Talab. The trail is quite broad and ascends gradually for 2-3 hours. During winters, the trail is covered in snow and gaiters are used to navigate the path properly which gives this trek an exciting difficulty attracting thousands of trekkers across India.
The trekking route from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp opens into the clearing as you walk for 1 km through the forests. You will get introduced to the next clearing after covering another kilometer. The trail is steeper than the previous day and becomes steeper as it gets closer to the campsite.
The trek to the summit is comparatively longer as it begins by crossing the dense forests of pine and oak and is gradually inclined and steep towards the end, testing your fitness and skills a little. The descent to Hargaon campsite and then to Sankri is quite easier and faster as you pass through the forests and gurgling streams opening into the ridge and offering you a bird eye view of the Har ki Dun valley.
Kedarkantha trek weather-
Kedarkantha trek in Autumn (October and November)
During these months, the weather in Kedarkantha is pleasant with the temperature ranging from 0°C to 12°C. The temperature rises as in the month of November but the terrain and views remain beautiful for the trekkers.
Kedarkantha trek in Winters (December to February)
Kedarkantha trek in December to mid February is thrilling with temperatures ranging from -15 degree celsius to 5 degree celsius. The snowfall in this region starts from the month of December and usually lasts till the last week of February. The trek is most popular during winters as the trekking trails are submerged under a blanket of snow and along with the snow-covered alpines, the trek offers a right proportion of beauty and adventure.
Kedarkantha trek in Spring (March and April)
This is the great time to experience the last of the winter snow. In these months, the temperature ranges from 3-15 degree celsius. The trekking trail is full of rhododendrons trees and the freshly exposed grasslands as the landscape comes alive after the winters.