• By: NP Traveller
• Nov 15, 2024
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Kedarkantha Winter Trek: A Complete Guide to the Summit

Author: Alka Hantwal

If you’ve read Alice in Wonderland, it’s time to step into India’s winter wonderland—Kedarkantha, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most enchanting winter treks in India, offering trekkers a chance to connect with nature. The Kedarkantha Trek is famous for its pristine snow-covered trails, scenic campsites, and captivating Himalayan views. The trek culminates in a summit at 12,500 feet, offering panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalayas. If you’re still uncertain about the Kedarkantha trek, this guide has everything you need to know to help you decide.

Why should you choose Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek is located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, nestled in Uttarkashi, India. This trek is a part of the Garhwal Himalayas and lies at an altitude of around 12,500 feet. If you want to explore the Himalayas, starting from Kedarkantha would be a great option because this trek will give you an idea of the challenges  & fun in the Himalayas. Here’s why you should consider to choose the Kedarkanth trek:

• Mythological Significance: The name of the place “Kedarkantha” is derived from Lord Shiva. According to local legends, the mountain was where Shivji meditated after defeating the demon, Tarakasur. This connection to mythology gives the mountain a spiritual aura, and locals regard the area as a sacred pilgrimage.  The presence of Lord Shiva at the summit of Kedarkantha is witnessed by trekkers who have heard stories about a small hidden temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The local belief is that the area is rich in spiritual energy and probably that’s the reason that the temple is not always visible to trekkers. 

• Sankri Village & its Folklore: Sankri is a village which is at an altitude of 6,400 ft above sea level. This village is the starting point of the Kedarkantha trek, steeped in folklore. Interestingly, Sankri village is also a part of Govind Ballabh Pant Wildlife Sanctuary. If you visit Sankri village during the winter season, around January or February, you are also likely to witness the Someshwar Mahadev Festival which is celebrated to honor Lord Shiva in the region. It’s a way for the locals to pay homage to the deity. Not only for Kedarkantha trek, Sankri village is also the starting point for these treks which you can surely explore later from here:

• Har ki Dun Trek (Valley of Gods)
• Black Peak Trek (Kalang)

• The Mystery of Juda ka Talaab: What’s an adventure without a touch of mystery? Another stop on the Kedarkantha Trek is Juda ka Talaab, a high-altitude lake that often remains frozen in the winter. Without snow, the color of the lake appears to be black, so just make sure you plan your visit in winter as this will ensure that you will witness the deep blue or turquoise color of the lake reflecting the clear skies above and the surrounding landscape. There are stories that the lake is a sacred site, where ancient rituals were once performed by the locals. The mysterious appearance of the lake in the middle of the trek- often shrouded in mist- adds an element of mysticism with fun.

Best time for Kedarkantha Trek

The best time to undertake the Kedarkantha trek depends on what kind of experience you want to seek. However, there’s a reason why it’s categorized as a winter trek during winters you can glance at breathtaking views of snow-covered landscapes and high-altitude adventure.

• Winter (December to February)-The best time to experience the snow-covered landscapes, to get the main character vibe amidst stunning views.

The Journey to the Summit (Day wise Itinerary to Kedarkantha Trek)

Day 1: Sankri ( Base of  Kedarkantha Trek)

The Kedarkantha trek usually takes 4-5 days with an easy to moderate level of difficulty. The trek starts from Sankri village serving as a base for the trek. You can interact with the people here as it offers a great chance to learn about the unique culture of this village sharing borders with both Himachal & Uttarakhand mountains. Regarding the accommodation in Sankri village, there are options like guesthouses, homestays, and camps.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Juda ka Talab is going to be your next destination towards the summit of the Kedarkantha trek. From Sankri village to Juda Ka Talab, the trek is easy to moderate with a distance of  4 Km which can be covered in 4-5 hours. The trek begins from Sankri village, taking you through beautiful pine forests, dense oak trees, and stunning meadows. Juda ka Talab is a perfect spot for camping under the starry sky and experiencing the solitude of natural surroundings. If you’re carrying your tent, that’s great but don’t worry here you can buy tents for Rs.500.

Day 3: Juda ka Talaab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

From here, the icicles on the trail will make it a moderately difficult start but with the eerie silence of nature, the trail leads you through dense oak forests and opens up to lush meadows as you get closer to the base camp. To cover this 4.5 km from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp, it will require 4-5 hours to gaze at the breathtaking views of the Kedarkantha Summit.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and Back to Base Camp

The highlight of the day is the trek’s summit day! You just have to start early in the morning around 2-3 AM to catch the sunrise from the summit. It will take 6-8 hours to cover 6km(round trip), as you climb to the summit, it can be physically demanding due to the altitude but the views from the top are worth it!!. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Tungnath and Chopta region. After you reach the spot you are going to hear others shouting the slogan “Jai Kedar Baba” in the name of the presiding deity of Kedarkantha Peak which is a victory call. After spending some time at the summit, you descend back to the Base Camp at night.

Things to keep in mind for Kedarkantha Trek

• Fitness Preparation: Although the trek is considered moderate, it involves steep ascents and high-altitude trekking. Ensure you’re physically prepared and have experienced moderate-level treks before attempting the Kedarkantha trek.
• Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness. Take adequate rest at each campsite, stay hydrated, and eat well. The roads before you reach Sankri village are narrow and you can feel motion sickness, so carrying Warmestop or Antihistamine tablets can be useful there.
• Guides & Permits: The trek passes through a wildlife sanctuary, so permits from the local authorities are required which costs  Rs.150-250 with an identity proof to be carried mandatorily. It’s advised to trek with a certified trek guide for safety reasons as they are well-acquainted with the route and local conditions. The cost of a local guide depends on the season, normally it ranges from Rs 2000 to 3000 per day

What to pack for Kedarkantha Trek?

• Clothing: Thermal Innerwear, woolen jackets/sweaters, down jackets, waterproof and windproof jackets, snow-resistant trekking pants, gloves, woolen caps, socks, and most importantly trekking shoes. All of these items are indispensable for the trek to 
• Gear: Sleeping bags, headlamps, rucksacks, sunglasses, personal towels and toiletries.
• Food & Water: Dry snacks and water are the things that will come to your rescue over here.

It is advised to keep your backpack light so that it doesn’t put pressure on your back while trekking.

CONCLUSION

The Kedarkantha trek offers a truly unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with a bundle of adventure. With the right preparation and equipment, this trek will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Note: The Kedarkantha trek is generally a no-network zone, but there is a specific area famously known as the “Network Point” where both BSNL and Jio networks are available.

1. Getting to Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi: Flights, Trains and Buses

•  Flight from Delhi to Dehradun-  Book a flight from Delhi Airport to Dehradun’s JollyGrant Airport.

• Delhi to Dehradun(via bus or train) –From New Delhi Railway Station(NDLS), take a train to Dehradun which usually takes 5-6 hours by Shatabdi Express or from Dehradun Express.

Alternatively, you can take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi to Dehradun which takes approximately 6-7 hours.You will reach Dehradun via Rishikesh and Haridwar.

2. Dehradun to Sankri (By Road)

From Dehradun, you can take a bus from Mussoorie Bus stand which strictly runs between 6 AM to 8 AM. There are only 2 or 3 buses which take you to Sankri village at Rs.300 to 400.

You can also opt for a Tempo Traveller or shared taxis at the cost of Rs. 4-5k depending upon the season & number of travelers.

3. LOCAL TRANSPORT

The Kedarkantha Trek is located in the remote mountain regions of Uttarakhand, where local transport options are limited. Most of the journey involves trekking on foot but there are certain shared local Jeeps that can be considered sometimes.

4. Accommodation Types Near Kedarkantha Trek.

There are accommodation options available in the form of a Hotel, Dormitory, or homestay in Sankri village. One can consider these options:

• Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Tourist Rest House (GMVN)
• Hotel Snow View
• The Himalayan Village Resort

5. Places to Eat

Food options along the trek are fairly basic as there are no fancy restaurants or cafes along the trail, but you will find local eateries and camp-based basic dining that cater to trekkers. At the campsite, the trekking agencies or your guides will set up tents and prepare meals in a makeshift kitchen, so a Pahad  Maggi will come to your rescue at the campsite of Kedarkantha Trek.