Location
Uttarakhand | India
Average Trekking
20 km
Duration
7 Days
Difficulty
Difficult
Altitude
12,500 Ft
The Queen Of All Winter Trek
Uttarakhand | India
20 km
7 Days
Difficult
12,500 Ft
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02
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01 Fri
29 Fri
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01 Sun
29 Sun
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01 Wed
29 Wed
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01 Sat
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29 Sat
Uttrakhand
72 Km
6 Days
Easy to Moderate
12,500 Ft
Trek Name: Kedarkantha Trek
Days: 6
Adventure Type: Trekking
Base Camp: Sankri
Season: Spring | Winter |
Month: January | February | March | April | November | December |
Distance: 20 Km.
Trail Type: Circle trail | Camping in various locations, starting and ending at the same point.
Country: India
Altitude: 12,500 Ft.
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Stay: Hotel and teahouse
Food: Meals while on trek & at Hotel/Guesthouse (Veg & Eggs)
Stunning Summit Views: The summit, standing at 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), offers a 360-degree panoramic view of famous Himalayan peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), and the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges.
Beautiful Camping Spots: The trek features some of the most picturesque campsites in the Himalayas, such as Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base, surrounded by dense pine forests and open clearings.
Winter Wonderland: The trek is particularly famous for its snow-covered trails in the winter months, providing a magical winter trekking experience.
Rich Flora and Fauna: The trail passes through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, home to a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Cultural Experience: The trek begins from the charming village of Sankri, where you can experience the local culture, traditional wooden houses, and warm hospitality of the Garhwali people.
Ideal for Beginners: The Kedarkantha Trek is considered a relatively easy trek, making it ideal for beginners. The well-defined trails and gradual ascent ensure a comfortable trekking experience.
Physical Fitness: The Kedarkantha Trek is moderately challenging, so a basic level of fitness is required. Regular cardio exercises, leg strength training, and endurance-building activities will help you prepare.
Acclimatization: Although the trek doesn’t reach extreme altitudes, it’s still important to acclimatize properly. Spend a day in Sankri before starting the trek to get used to the altitude.
Altitude Awareness: Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If symptoms persist, descend immediately and consult your guide.
Weather Preparedness: The weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. Be prepared for sudden changes, including snowfall, and carry appropriate gear.
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and keep your energy levels up with nutritious snacks. Avoid consuming alcohol or smoking during the trek.
Start Early: Begin your trek early in the day to ensure you have enough daylight to reach your campsite. Early starts also provide clearer views from the summit.
Respect Local Culture and Environment: Respect the local culture and traditions of the villages you pass through. Practice “Leave No Trace” principles—do not litter, respect wildlife, and avoid disturbing the natural environment.
Follow the Guide’s Instructions: The terrain can be challenging, especially in snowy conditions. Always listen to your guide’s instructions and stay with the group.
Proper Footwear: Ensure your trekking shoes are suitable for snowy conditions, and consider using microspikes or crampons for added grip on icy trails.
Photography Tips: The snowy landscape is stunning, but keep your electronics warm and carry extra batteries as cold weather can drain battery life quickly.
Drive Duration: 7-8 Hours (Approx)
Your journey will start from the capital city of Uttrakhand: Dehradun at 6:30 AM. Our team will collect you and drive you to the village of Sankri which serves as the base camp village for many treks including the trek of Kedarkantha. The drive to the village is however a long one taking at least a minimum of 7 to 8 hours, but you’ll cross beautiful cities on your way one of which is Musoorrie, you’ll drive along with rivers like yamuna and not to miss the long, dark and deep woods and you’ll reach the village just like that. The village of Sankri is small and recently has started a zip line activity.
After reaching the village you will be served some hot and freshly made snacks and tea, you can relax for the day now.
There are some local cafes in the village you might explore them as well later in the evening we will serve freshly cooked food as dinner, have it and depart early to bed as tomorrow your day will start early and will mark the beginning of your trek.
Wakeup in the beautiful hill station of Sonamarg, Sonamarg, located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. During ancient times the very place acted as a gateway on the ancient Silk Road, connecting Kashmir with Tibet. After you have your breakfast we will leave for the first day of our trek. The trek trail will take you through some of the best scenic beauties of the forest. Trees like Maple, Pine, and Bhoj cover the forests and are a treat for the eyes. Walking for some half an hour you will get to an army check-post where you have to submit your ID cards and photocopies. Walking through the forests you will reach Shitkadi and it will take around two and a half hours for you to reach Shekdur from there. Shekdur is a beautiful campsite location where you can enjoy some good time clicking pictures and relaxing your body for the trek ahead. You can also munch on some protein bars and quick eateries. From there we just need to follow the stream of Nichnai and will be welcomed by the valleys, choose a flat land and pitch your tents, enjoy the lunch served and now you can enjoy nature for the day.
Waking-up from your cosy sleeping bags coming out from them might come as a challenge to you but don’t worry once you overcome that you will be greeted by beautiful and breathtaking views from the forest. After a good healthy breakfast you will leave for your next destination, the base camp. The trek to the base camp is a rather easy one since it is a gradual ascent. The base camp will take you a step closer to your final destination, you can spot the summit from the base camp.
The base camp also has a lot to oer during the winter months of December and January. It is filled with snow and it is beautiful to watch.
A lot of trekkers who enjoy skiing prefer to ski there.
You‘ll be reaching the base camp before lunch on your arrival. They will serve you lunch after which you can take good pictures with your friends, enjoy the snow, make reels and and and can also try your hands on making a snowman. In the evening you will be served hot tea and after that fill your stomach with dinner. Also you’ll be required to go to bed early on that day as the next day is the most awaited one and you’ll start trekking at 3 A.M. in the morning.
In order to watch the breathtaking view and the sun rise you will start your trek super early. The trek is quite a dicult one and you might feel dehydrated so make sure to carry a water bottle at all times with you.
Our team will arrange breakfast and tea in the morning for you so make sure to eat well before you start your trek towards the summit.
Since it is super early in the morning and no sunrise you will wear a head torch and make sure to walk extra carefully in the snow. The path though is a really really mesmerising one but don’t just stop there the view from the summit is worth every climb.
After reaching the final tea point the summit is just 750 metres away and a final climb if you take short breaks and climb nicely you will reach the summit before sunrise and will be able to witness the sun rise from your naked eyes.
There is a shrine made up of stones of lord Shiva, pay your respect there, you will be able to stop the mountains of Garhwals at its complete beauty from the summit, dierent shades of white and blue for as long as your eyes can go, just make sure to capture all that, click good pictures, spend good time with your friends and then get ready to ascent down to the basecamp. While going down you’ll see a temple of lord Ganesha just below the summit, it has a lot of religious importance for the locals. Ascending down you will feel like you are travelling in some winterland. Also make sure to slide down the snow slides created by the trekkers. It is worth the fun.
After resting for sometime and having your lunch you’ll descend to Hargaon camp.
You will serve dinner at night and then depart to your tents marking the end of your long and eventful day.
Waking up to new views, pine trees and aroma of hot breakfast get ready to trek down. The descent is easier than the ascent, if you walk with a steady speed you will reach Sankri at day light and will be able to explore the local market as well.
On your trek down you will also see the trek of Har ki doon, also a very famous summer/monsoon trek. You can also plan to come back again this time to Har ki doon, we also provide group discounts and attractive oers for this trek. So if you ever plan this trek mail us your queries or give us a call. After reaching Sankri you will be allocated your rooms in the guesthouse and will be provided evening snacks and dinner.
after that your next stop is Wan village (also known as : Ran ka Dhar) If you want you may spend some time with the locals, click some snaps and then proceed forward towards the road ahead, a car will wait for you to take you to Lohajung. After reaching Lohajung, relax yourself, if you want you can explore the local market and accommodate yourself in the guesthouse.
After breakfast you will return back to Dehradun.
You can also opt to extend your trip by visiting the beautiful hill stations of Uttarakhand: Nainital and Mussouriee or can also visit the yoga capital: Rishikesh.
Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute).
Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 70 – 90, SYSTOLIC 100 – 140 mm Hg).
Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
No pacemaker implant.
People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
First, you can arrive at Delhi, Dehradun Airport or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Dehradun is explained below.
1. Take an overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun.
2. Take a bus to Dehradun ISBT from Delhi Kashmiri gate ISBT or Chandigarh Sector 17 Bus stand, and then take local transport to the pickup point (Prince Chowk).
Delhi to Dehradun – 250km | 6hr.
Chandigarh to Dehradun – 220km | 5hr
The distance from the Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to the Railway Station is 6 km, without traffic, it will take 15 minutes.
( We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Dehradun at least by 05:30 am positively. )
3. Take a flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport), then from the Airport to Prince Chowk, Dehradun Distance is 30km and it will take around 1 hr( if coming by flight then reach one day early).
( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and don’t want to take TMV’s pick-up service, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab from Rishikesh. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
TMV offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
9. Trek Completion Certificate.
1. Insurance (mandatory).
2. Food during the transit.
3. Any kind of personal expenses.
4. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charge, etc.
6. Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return.
7. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusion.
The Mountain Vibes
We get that a travel and adventure enthusiast like you will be as bumped about cancelling a trek as us but we also understand that you may have to cancel the trek for any unforeseen reason and therefore the Cancellation Service of The Mountain Vibes does not return the advance amount paid by the trekkers instead we provide a voucher for the exact amount which is equivalent to the amount paid by you.
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Terms & Conditions for the cash voucher:
• An identity card-original (MANDATORY)
• Bagpack and Rain cover(50-60 liter )
• Day pack And Rain cover (if you hire mule or porter)
• 1liter of Water Bottle
•Slipper and TrekKing Shoes (Waterprof is Preferred)
•LED Torch/Headlamp(With extra batteries)
•Poncho, Raincoat or Umbrella any one is must.(Poncho is preferred, since it is light weighted)
• 2 pairs of Quick Dry T-shirt and Trek Pants (DENIM ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TREKS)
• 1 pairs of T-SHIRTS for (Full Sleeves or Half Sleeves)
• 3 Pair of Cotton Socks And 2 Pair of Woollen Socks
• 2 weater OR 1 Fleece Jacket
• Thermals (1 is must 2 if going on a long trek)
• Sun Cap, Scarf, Light Towel, Snow Gloves
• Woolen Cap or Balaclava that cover Your ears (For the protection from coldwaves)
• UV sunglasses
• Carry few plastic bags incase your clothes get wet.
• Wind sheeter, Snow Jackets, One Down Feather Jacket (Carry any one from the mentioned)
• Personal Toilet kit, Toilet Paper, Sanitizer, Tooth Brush and Paste
• Lip balm , Cold Creame , Mistiriser and Sun Screen Lotion(SPF 40)
•Personal Medicine Kit (With basic First Aid kit and your regular medicine)
•Anti Fungal Creame : Carry an Anti Fungle Creame if you are sensitive to Sweating and prone to skin irritations around genital or groin area due to lack of bathing.
Sunscreen | 1 Nos |
Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
Backpack with rain cover | (50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack with rain cover | 20 – 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electoral/ors |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 2 Half sleeves |
Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 2 Nos |
Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | 1 Nos |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun Cap | 1 Nos |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Synthetic & 1 Woollen |
Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles – (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle, good grip) |
Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Micro spikes | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Sunscreen | 1 Nos |
Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
The Kedarkantha Trek is graded as easy to moderate. The Kedarkantha location is such that it has gentle inclines and well-marked trails making it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. The climb to the summit can be a bit challenging due to the steep ascent, but overall, the trek is not too strenuous.
The Kedarkantha Trek spans over 6 days, covering an approximate trekking distance of 20 kilometres.
The best time to visit Kedarkantha Trek is during the winter months of December to February and the pre-spring months of March to April. These periods offer abundant snow and clear views, making the trek more magical and scenic.
Kedarkantha is the best winter trek in Uttarakhand and is renowned for the breathtaking views of peaks like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and the Swargarohini group of peaks. The Kedarkantha Trek is also famous for its picturesque campsites like Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, and Hargaon, which are surrounded by pine forests and offer stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Yes, individuals over 50 can do the Kedarkanthat Trek, provided they are physically fit and have no serious health issues. The trek’s moderate difficulty level makes it accessible to older adults who maintain a good level of fitness.
Yes, the Kedarkantha Trek is suitable for families, including those with children. Its moderate difficulty level and scenic beauty make it an enjoyable experience for family members of various ages, provided everyone is in good health and capable of walking 4-5 km per day.
Absolutely, the Kedarkantha Trek is the best trek for beginners in Uttarakhand. The Kedarkantha Trek route is well-marked and the daily trekking distances are manageable. Beginners will find the trek both accessible and rewarding.
While it is possible to go on a solo Kedarkantha Trek, it is recommended to join a group or go with a guide for safety reasons. The trails can be challenging to navigate alone, especially in winter when they are covered in snow. If you are a solo trekker, you can opt for our fixed departure groups to Kedarkantha and we will pair you with a group of like-minded trekkers so that you can enjoy the trek while also being safe.
There is no electricity available on the Kedarkantha trail beyond Sankri village. It is advisable to carry extra batteries or power banks for electronic devices.
Yes, it is advisable to carry cash on the Kedarkantha Trek, especially for any personal expenses in Sankri and for emergencies. There are no reliable ATMs available once you leave Dehradun.
The weather on the Kedarkantha Trek can be cold, especially during the winter months, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to -3°C. Snowfall is common from December to April, making the trails more challenging but also more beautiful.
For the Kedarkantha winter trek, you should carry:
Yes, offloading services for your backpack are available on the Kedarkantha Trek. This service can be arranged in advance with us for an additional fee.
Yes, there is a TMV guest house at Sankri where you can store extra luggage before you start the trek. You can leave items that you won’t need during the trek here.
Accommodation on the Kedarkantha Trek includes staying in tents at campsites and a guesthouse at Sankri. The tents are usually shared, and the guesthouses provide basic but comfortable lodging. Meals are provided at the campsites and guesthouse, ensuring you have a warm and hearty diet throughout the trek.
KEDAR KANTHA TREK PACKAGE
Batch – November – 2023
Batch – December – 2023
Batch – January – 2023