Kedarkantha trek: for the wanderlust in winter

October 21, 2024

If you are a trekker who loves adventure and wish to experience the thrill of winter trekking, then Kedarkantha is the right destination for you. Because of its scintillating landscapes, snow-clad peaks, and dense forests, the Kedarkantha Trek has gained massive attention in the circuit among trekkers throughout India. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek is often referred to as one of the best winter treks in India and attracts both novice and seasoned trekkers. But what makes the Kedarkantha special? How do you access this winter wonderland? What do you need to know before taking on this trek? Here are all your answers.

Why Kedarkantha is the best winter trek in India.

Unbeatable in beauty, one of the most beautiful treks around is the Kedar kantha trek. During winters, the trail metamorphoses into a white wonderland, with the bottom as far as the eyes can see snow-carpeted. That makes it simply great for an introduction to the Himalayas without any prior experience of trekking. At an altitude of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha offers the panorama of some of the highest peaks of Uttarakhand, namely Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.

This trek offers key highlights of walking through snow-covered pine and oak forests, camping under the stars, and finally reaching the Kedarkantha summit with a speechless sunrise experience.

How To Reach Kedarkantha

Not too difficult to reach the Kedarkantha base camp, Sankri from Dehradun. The road connectivity is pretty good, with more than one option, depending on your mode of travel:

By Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is 25 km from the city center. Every day, flights are available from Delhi to Dehradun. Once you reach Dehradun, you can book a cab service in Dehradun that will take you up to Sankri which is about 200 kilometers.
By Train :Dehradun railway station is connected to Delhi. The trains are also frequent. From Dehradun, you can get a dehradun taxi service that would take you to Sankri.
By Road : Available Govt. and private bus services from Delhi to Dehradun: overnight journeys. Local taxi services in Dehradun, the base camp lies a few kilometers from this city.The journey up to Sankri itself is an adventure, with divine Himalayan views of whatever the speed in which one goes.

Detailed Route For Kedarkantha Trek

Here's a quick overview of distance covered during the Kedarkantha Trek:

Day 1 : On the First day we travel from Dehradun to Sankri. Distance from Dehradun to Sankri is 200 km. It takes 7-8 hours by road to reach Sankri.
Day 2 : On the Second day we travel from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab. Distance from Sankri to Juda talab is 4 km. It takes 2-3 hours to walk there.
Day 3 : On the Second day we travel from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp. Distance from Juda talav to Kedar kantha trek is 4 kilometers. It takes 3 -4 hours to reach there.

Each day, the trek is manageable and allows trekkers to acclimatize while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

Preferred Route of the Kedarkantha Trek

Most common circuit is Sankri-Juda Ka Talab-Kedarkantha Base Camp-Kedarkantha Summit-Sankri. The trek passes from the serene Juda Ka Talab, a frozen lake in winters, before one gets to the Kedarkantha Base Camp from Sankri. This final push does promise an exciting bit of climbing to get those amazing views on top.

Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty Level

Kedarkantha Trek falls under the easy to moderate trek category. Therefore, it suits beginners very well as well as is great for an experienced trekker. This activity falls in the short duration of 6 days with travel; so even for people with just basic fitness levels it's feasible. However, during winters, the snow may even be a challenge along with the temperatures being very low. So, it would be great to get attuned and equipped well before the start of the trek.

How to Prepare for Kedarkantha Trek

Well, before taking this trip to Kedarkantha Trek, surely you will have to prepare for it. Here are a few tips to get you ready:

Physical Fitness :
The trek to Kedarkantha does not require highly challenging trekking. However, you will still need to be pretty fit. Jogging, walking, and light cardio help in building stamina for the trek.
Cold Weather Gear :
Considering that it will be a winter trek, you are bound to require warm clothing. This includes thermal layers, down jackets, gloves, and caps to prevent the biting frosts of the night.
Trekking Essentials :
A good pair of trekking shoes, a backpack, trekking poles, and sunglasses for snow glare are must-haves. Don’t forget to carry a headlamp for early morning summit climbs.
Acclimatization :
Stay overnight at Sankri to acclimatize to the altitude before starting your trek.
Hydration :
Adequate hydration is imperative in preventing altitude sickness. Travelers should carry water bottles and drink water at regular intervals throughout the trek.

Where to Stay in Sankri

Sankri is a base camp for Kedarkantha Trek and therefore, has multiple guesthouses and homestays where you can stay. Most trekking companies also provide camps in Sankri for the rest as a precursor to the hike. However, in case you are making all your arrangements personally, you will be expected to book in time because accommodations get sold out very fast during the trekking season.

It can even be a convenient mode of traveling and visiting the village before the trek for groups when booking a tempo traveler in Dehradun.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek

The best seasons to visit Kedarkantha Trek are November and March. This makes it winter months when the trail is covered under snow; and the setting is almost magical. Winter Trekking is a bit challenging because of freezing temperatures but crossing the snow-laden landscape is well-deserved.

It can even be a convenient mode of traveling and visiting the village before the trek for groups when booking a tempo traveler in Dehradun.

Love Kedarkantha Trek? What to do Next?

Now, if you love trekking even after having completed the Kedar kantha Trek, then you are lucky. There are plenty of other trekking routes in Uttarakhand that are equally charming. So, for the next adventure, you can think about trekking Har Ki Dun, Rupin Pass, or Brahmatal. Each of these treks involves different kinds of challenges and serves to unfold breathtaking landscapes thus acting as perfect alternatives for the mountain lover.

Conclusion

The Kedarkantha Trek is indeed an amazing winter wonderland, leaving first-time trekkers as well as the experienced ones with an experience that no one would ever like to forget. The breathtaking views, such a serene environment, and the thrill of standing on top of such a mountain make it one of the best trekking options in India. From reliable tempo traveler in Dehradun to cozy stays in Sankri, every element for the perfect trek is within reach. So pack your bags, get your trekking boots ready, and immerse into this fantastic adventure!