Rising to an impressive height of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha Trek offers panoramic views of majestic mountain ranges such as the Yamunotri and Gangotri.
Introduction
Nestled in the Western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the Kedarkantha trek has emerged as one of the most popular trekking destinations in India. Its scenic beauty, moderate difficulty level, and the thrill of a summit climb make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. Rising to an impressive height of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha offers panoramic views of majestic mountain ranges such as the Yamunotri and Gangotri.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Kedarkantha trek, including details about Kedarkantha trek distance, height, packages, best time to visit, and preparation tips. Alongside, we’ll discuss other iconic treks like Kedarnath trek, and other treks in uttarakhand and snowfall in Uttarakhand.
Kedarkantha Trek: An Overview
The Kedarkantha trek stretches over approximately 20 kilometers, taking you through dense forests, alpine meadows, and snow-covered trails (especially in winter). The journey starts from Sankri, a small village at an altitude of 6,400 feet, known as the base camp for the trek. The trail gradually ascends, with each day bringing a new set of challenges and stunning vistas.
For beginners, this trek is an excellent way to experience the thrills of a Himalayan adventure without the overwhelming demands of more difficult summits. Despite its relative ease, the Kedarkantha summit offers awe-inspiring views of towering peaks, rewarding the efforts of all who attempt it.
Kedarkantha Trek Distance and Height
The total distance of the Kedarkantha trek is around 20 kilometers, which is typically covered over 4-5 days, depending on the itinerary. The trek's final altitude is 12,500 feet, making it a perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas.
Kedarkantha Trek Best Time
The best time to trek Kedarkantha depends on what kind of experience you are seeking:
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Winter (December to March): Winter is the most popular time to attempt the Kedarkantha winter trek. The thick snow, frozen lakes, and pristine white landscapes create a magical experience. Be prepared for cold nights, with temperatures dropping to as low as -7 degrees Celsius.
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Spring (March to April): As the snow melts, the trail transforms into a carpet of vibrant wildflowers. This is a great time for those who want to enjoy the trek without the heavy snow.
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Summer (April to June): The summer months offer clear skies and pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures around 15°C to 20°C. You’ll walk through lush forests and meadows, providing a completely different charm than in winter.
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Autumn (September to November): After the monsoons, the weather clears up, and the forests look fresh and rejuvenated. This is another ideal time for trekking.
Kedarkantha Trek Route and Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (1950 meters)
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Distance: 210 km
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Travel Time: 8-9 hours by road
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, a remote village that serves as the starting point for the trek. You’ll pass through places like Mussoorie, Naugaon, and Purola. This route offers mesmerizing views of the mountain ranges in India, and the weather in Kanth adds to the adventure. Sankri, at 6,400 feet, provides the first glimpse of snow-capped peaks.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,700 meters)
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Trek Distance: 4 km
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Time Taken: 4-5 hours
From Sankri, you trek through dense oak and pine forests to reach Juda Ka Talab, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by meadows. In winter, you will likely encounter snow from this point onwards.
This stretch of the Kedarkantha trekking route is relatively easy, making it an enjoyable start for beginners.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3,400 meters)
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Trek Distance: 4 km
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Time Taken: 2.5-3 hours
The ascent from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp is steeper than the previous day, but the trail offers magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges. Pine and oak forests give way to open meadows, and as you gain altitude, the Kedarkantha trek difficulty increases slightly. This is the day when you get the first clear views of Kedarkantha peak.
Day 4: Summit Kedarkantha (3,800 meters) and descend to Hargaon
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Trek Distance: 6 km (summit to Hargaon)
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Time Taken: 7-8 hours
The most challenging day of the trek is the summit day. You’ll start trekking early in the morning, around 3 AM, to reach the top before sunrise. The final ascent is steep, and in winter, the snow makes it even more demanding. However, the panoramic view of mountain ranges in India, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Swargarohini, is a sight to behold. After soaking in the views, you’ll descend to Hargaon campsite.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri
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Trek Distance: 6 km
- Time Taken: 4 hours
The final day involves an easy descent back to Sankri, where your trek concludes.
Kedarkantha Trek Cost and Packages
The Kedarkantha trek package prices vary depending on the services offered, but typically range between INR 7,000 to INR 12,000 for a 4-5 day trek. A standard package includes:
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Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and back
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Accommodation (tents, sleeping bags, and meals during the trek)
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Trekking permits
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Trek leader and guides
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Equipment (microspikes, gaiters, etc. in winter)
Additional costs, like Kedarkantha trek from Delhi or from other cities like Pune, may include transport to Dehradun.
Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty and Safety
The Kedarkantha trek difficulty level is moderate, making it suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness levels. Each day involves 4-5 hours of trekking, except for the summit day, which can take up to 7-8 hours. The most challenging part is the steep ascent to the summit, especially in winter when the snow makes it harder to walk.
Despite these challenges, the trek is considered safe, provided you are prepared for cold weather and follow the guidance of your trek leader. Many beginners choose the Kedarkantha trek in December for the full snow experience.
Preparation for the Kedarkantha Trek
Though the Kedarkantha trekking distance and difficulty are manageable, it’s important to prepare physically to enjoy the trek fully. Here’s a basic fitness routine you can follow:
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Cardio: Jogging or brisk walking for 30-40 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week
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Strength Training: Exercises like squats and lunges to build leg strength
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Core Workouts: Planks and sit-ups to enhance balance and endurance
In addition to physical fitness, make sure to pack appropriately for the trek:
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Warm Clothing: Layering is key. Include thermals, fleece, and a down jacket.
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Trekking Shoes: Waterproof, high-ankle shoes with a sturdy grip
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Backpack: Lightweight but spacious enough to carry essentials
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