Overview ~
Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is a popular winter trekking destination located in the Uttarakhand region of India. The trek starts from a small village called Sankri located in the Tons Valley of Uttarkashi district. This 6-day trek is a round-trip trek covering a distance of approximately 20 km through the lush forests of Govind National Park, valleys, and snow-covered meadows.Kedarkantha is a mountain peak in the Uttarakhand region of India, standing at an elevation of 12,500 feet. The trek is a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.The trail offers a picturesque view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, making it one of the most sought-after treks in India. The highest point of the trek is Kedarkantha Peak, situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level. On reaching the top, trekkers are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag.
The Kedarkantha trek is suitable for people of all age groups, including beginners, as it is moderately difficult. The trail offers a mix of steep ascents and descents, making it a challenging yet thrilling experience. The kedarkantha trek can be done throughout the year, but the best time to go is from December to March when the trail is covered in snow, adding to the charm of the trek.
Itinerary ~
Day 1
Drive From Rishikesh to Sankari (around 7 -8 hours) and stay overnight at Sankari.
You will be picked up from Rishikesh in the morning and driven to Sankri, which is the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek Uttarakhand. The drive takes around 7-8 hours and passes through beautiful mountain scenery and small villages. You’ll arrive in Sankri in the evening and check into your accommodation for the night. On the way to sankri, you will pass through the Queen of Hills “Mussoorie”, Kempty Fall and on the way you will be followed by the Yamuna River.
Day 2
Trek from Sankari to Judo – ka – Talab (around 5 – 6 hour) and camp overnight at Judo – Ka – Talab.
After breakfast, you’ll start your trek from Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab. The trek is around 4-5 hours long and is a gradual ascent through dense forests of oak and pine trees. You’ll also pass through small villages and get a chance to interact with the locals. Juda-ka-Talab is a beautiful campsite located by a small lake and surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll camp here for the night.
Day 3
Trek from Judo – Ka – Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (around 5 -6 hours) and camp overnight at Base Camp.
Third Day trek is around 5-6 hours long and takes you through a scenic trail with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. You’ll pass through meadows and forests of rhododendron trees before reaching the Kedarkantha Trek base camp. The base camp is located at an altitude of around 10,600 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll camp here for the night.
Day 4
Summit Day : Trek from Kedarkantha Base Camp To Kedarkantha Peak (aroud 4 – 5 hours) and then descend to Judo – Ka – Talab campsite.
Fourth Day will be the most challenging day of the trek as you’ll be summiting the Kedarkantha peak. You’ll start early in the morning and trek for around 3-4 hours to reach the summit. The trail is steep and involves walking on snow and ice, so make sure you have the proper gear and follow your guide’s instructions. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan range. After spending some time at the summit, you’ll descend back to the Juda ka Tal campsite, which takes around 3-4 hours. You’ll camp here for the night.
Day 5 and Day 6
Trek From Judo – Ka – Talab to Sankari and drive Back to Rishikesh.
Fifth Day will be the last day of the trek. After breakfast, you’ll pack up and Descent back to Sankri and drive back to Rishikesh, which takes around 7-8 hours. You’ll say goodbye to your trekking companions and guides and be dropped off at your desired location in Rishikesh, where the trek ends.
Note : The above itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, group size, and other factors. It’s always best to check with your trekking company for the most up-to-date itinerary and any changes. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that you are physically fit and acclimatized before attempting the Kedarkantha trek, as it involves high altitudes and strenuous trekking.
Sights
Map
Info
Things To Carry ~
If you are planning to go on the Kedarkantha trek, here are some essential items that you should carry with you:
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack with a capacity of at least 40-50 liters to carry all your essentials.
- Trekking Shoes: Good quality trekking shoes with a good grip and ankle support.
- Warm Clothes: It is essential to carry warm clothes as the temperatures can drop significantly at night. Carry thermals, fleece jackets, down jackets, gloves, and woollen socks.
- Rain Gear: Carry a raincoat or poncho to protect yourself from rain and wind.
- Sun Protection: Carry sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
- Headlamp or Torch: A headlamp or torch with extra batteries is necessary as there will be no electricity on the trek.
- Water Bottles: Carry at least two water bottles with a capacity of 1 litre each to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with medicines for headaches, stomach upsets, and other common ailments.
- Trekking Poles: Trekking poles provide stability and support and reduce the strain on your knees while descending.
- Miscellaneous: Carry a camera, power bank, and pocket knife for emergencies.
Make sure to pack light and carry only the essentials to avoid unnecessary weight on the trek.
