Kedarkantha is a 6-day long trek in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha trek is one of the most preferred treks in the Uttarakhand region. One of the easiest treks in the Himalayas, the winter trek in Kedarkantha, is a delight for snow lovers.
One of the reasons of its popularity is the Summit Climb. The summit climb in Kedarkantha is very rewarding experience. You may have to climb the slope but it will offer you the grandest view as you are gaining the altitude. Along with that, you can experience the beautiful campsite for the rest. An additional award will entice you in the journey - the beautiful forest.
The trek stretches through an amazing landscape that passes through beautiful villages, snow-covered fields and breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. Feel lucky looking at the great mountain ranges, such as Swargarohini, Bandarpunch and Black Peak. It's a great getaway from Delhi. Do not forget to make a snowman.
Almost every youngster in late teenage or early twenties is fascinated with the idea of clubbing. But those who have passed this phase know better. More youngsters are heading towards mountains rather than partying with their friends and the reasons vary from staying fit to breaking the norm! Himalayas are addictive. There will forever be a yearning, a call that drives you back to them again.
In life it is not necessarily to be strong, but to feel strong to measure yourself at least once. Trekking provides you that chance for which you don’t need any prior skills. Realizing how hard it is to really survive there, you put aside all pretense and ego and reveal the raw You. And knowing even a small mistake can be end of your story, you push your mind and body to the limits you never knew.
Walking amidst the century old forests, beautiful and ferocious at the same time, your mind goes into a meditative state. The journey and surroundings organically takes you to a blissful state. In subtle ways you start thinking like a monk.
Is Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty
The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to difficult in winters as snow makes the path slippery. This comes under beginner category for the trekkers. This is very popular trek in Indian Himalaya for beginners. The route is quite safe and marked. Being a first timer trekker, you can rely on the clearly marked trails, gradual ascents, multiple exit points (in case of emergency) and well-placed campsites.
There is one tricky section closer to the summit. Otherwise, you do not need technical assistance. You have to gain 12500 ft altitude in Kedarkantha trek. In first three days, you have to climb 6500 ft and then the rest. Therefore, if you get hit by AMS, you have to be under the vigilance of the guide. Don’t need to panic. You only need to acclimatise when you are gaining altitude in this trek.
In monsoon, it is not advisable to do this trek as roads are blocked and all kinds of adventure activities are suspended. In summer, the place stands at its best. The beauty of Kedarkantha is worth visiting. The beauty of the place enhances in winters when the whole place is covered with snow and those snow-clad peaks, beautiful terrains, grasslands, farmlands and rivers will take your heart away.
How Do You Trek Kedarkantha
The Kedarkantha trek starts from a tiny village named Sankri and leads to a great adventure in the middle of the Himalayas. Sankri is the base camp of Kedarkantha trek. The trek is 30 kilometre long and It takes 3 to 4 days to complete the distance. Kedarkantha comes under the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey from Sankri to Kedarkantha is an unforgettable one! From Kedarkantha you will spot at least 13 peaks of the Himalaya.
The trail to the top is full of adventure, fun, greenery and new experiences. You will be passing through green oak trees, dense forests of alpine trees and rhododendrons and a massive variety of birds and animals.
Sankri to Juda ka Talab - Get all pumped up and ready to begin the trail. The trek will begin with the tickling sensation in the stomach and happiness on the face. Your first campsite will be Juda ka Talab which is 4km away from Sankri.
Juda ka Talab to Kedar Kantha base camp- The campsite is no less than the dream as it is surrounded by pine trees, oaks, rhododendrons and frozen lake. Set your camp near the lake and get inside and gaze at the night sky and the view beautiful! From Juda ka Talab ascend towards the Kedar Kantha base camp which will take around 3 hours to reach passing through by the beauty of humongous mountains, a carpet of snow and green trees in between white snow.
Kedarkantha has the unique clearing views unlike the other treks. You can experience multiple routes to the trek. From each route, you have different and unparalleled experience - Khujey will offer you camping on the cliff and Juda Ka Talab will charm you with the undisturbed lake. The vermilion sun set in the end of the day will pacify your mind with amazing colour-game on earth. The dramatic sunset offers you such an indigenous charm because of the placement of the campsites. Julota and Pukhrola campsites entertain you with the westside sky open. Now you are at the climax of the drama. The summit will offer you a breathtaking experience. As soon as, you have passed the treeline, you can view the summit right in front of you. The challenge of the summit will fire the ultimate inspiration. It is a steady climb of 45 to 60 degree angle.
How To Reach Kedarkantha
To reach Kedar Kantha, you need to take a bus from Delhi to Dehradun and from Dehradun,you need to reach Sankri, the base camp. Sankri is a small but very pretty village which has some amazing views to offer to its visitors. If you plan to fly to Dehradun, there are other modes of transport available like via Air. Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport at a distance of 25 kilometre from Dehradun.
If you are travelling on a train, the nearest railway station to Sankri is Dehradun which is well connected by all the major cities of India via road, air and rail. Sankri is easily accessible from Dehradun. Upon reaching there you can take local transportation (bus) or hire a cab to reach Sankri. The route to Sankri from Dehradun goes through some very pretty towns.
18 km stretch drive after Purola, through dense pine forest through the Mori valley alongside River Tons will be the most exciting welcome invitation before starting the trek. The third chapter of your journey comprises through the forest. It is a pristine beauty as less travelled path. You have to be careful in this journey; otherwise, will get lost in the forest.
Along with Deodar, Pine and Oak, you find lot of unknown vegetation and sometimes, the forest is so dense, you will experience the hide and seek with the Sun.
Accommodation in Kedarkantha
If you are travelling without any travel company, then also you will find hotels and guest house to stay. If you are travelling with a trek company, they will take care of your stay. Gaichawan Gaon and Kotgaon, the beautiful hamlets in the route is really worth for staying in the home stay. If you are planning for the trek, you must give a try to stay in these village and experience the village life there. It will be an additional bonus.
Kedarkantha Trek Highlights
Living in such challenging isolated environment, the local folks are very different from city dwellers. They are incredibly hard working, unbelievably strong, very warm and innocent. Tibetan culture is ancient and prayer flags, prayer wheels, mani stones, stupas accompany you every step of the way. Himalayas are stunning. The landscape is divine and seems out of a fictional world.
Things to Carry for Kedarkantha Trek
The weather at Kedarkantha is not constant and is always changing. Carry winter clothes always irrespective of the season, the temperature tends to fall in the night. If you want to experience high snow and extreme cold, Kedarkantha trek is the ideal destination. In daytime, you can enjoy 8° - 10°c and in night, the temperature turns to 0°c. Sometimes, it goes below freezing point. Therefore, you can experience -5°c to -10°c.
Use multple layering of clothes in winter. If you are planning for Kedarkantha trek in winter, select mid- January to February as the ideal time for the trek. You can enjoy full snow and less crowd in the trek. Winter season is little tricky rather rest of the 10 months. In winter, you have to cope with extreme cold and deep snow on the trail. You have to wear layers of cloth to protect from the cold. Simultaneously, armed with gaiter and micro-spike to hold the grip while you are walking in the snow.
- Thermal inner wears and Thermal inner pants
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Fleece jacket and Down jacket
- Waterproof windbreaker
- Pair of woolen socks and gloves
- A warm hat, Monkey cap and Sun cap
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Portable charger, Power Bank, Headlight with extra batteries and Camera with extra memory cards
- A small bottle of shampoo, Facial mist, Lip balm and body wipes - as showers are limited
- Moisturizer, Toilet paper, Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Sleeping bag, tents, mattresses, trekking shoes and trekking pole
- First aid box with all the necessary medicines