Complete Kedarkantha Trek Guide
Trek Details & Route
5-day winter circuit (base: Sankri, 1,920m):
Day 1: Sankri → Juda Ka Talab (2,740m) — 4 km, 3 hrs. Frozen lake campsite in snow.
Day 2: Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha base camp (3,500m) — 4 km, 3 hrs. Snow forest camp.
Day 3: Base camp → Kedarkantha summit (3,800m) → Hargaon camp (2,900m) — 9 km, 7 hrs. Summit day.
Day 4: Hargaon → Sankri — 6 km, 3 hrs. Return.
Winter experience (December–March): The defining quality of Kedarkantha is the snow-covered forest — pine trees laden with snow, fresh powder on the trail, and the open snowfield on the summit. In January, the trail has 4–6 feet of snow above Juda Ka Talab. The summit view encompasses 9+ Himalayan peaks — Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri range.
Summer Kedarkantha (April–June): The same trail without snow — green meadows, wildflowers, forest clarity. The summer version is less dramatic than winter but still a fine trek. Some trails visible year-round.
Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kedarkantha trail passes through this sanctuary — the same habitat as the Har Ki Dun trek. Himalayan monal, snow partridge, Himalayan griffon. Entry fee: ₹150/person.
How to Reach Kedarkantha
| Origin | Distance to Sankri | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dehradun | 200 km | 7 hrs via Purola |
| Delhi | 504 km | 12 hrs |
| Mussoorie | 159 km | 6 hrs |
| Rishikesh | 218 km | 7 hrs |
How to Reach Kedarkantha
Drive to Sankri (200 km from Dehradun, 7 hrs) via Vikas Nagar–Purola. Daily shared jeeps from Dehradun (Nehrugram stand) to Sankri: ₹400–₆₀₀/person. Overnight bus option from Delhi to Dehradun + morning jeep to Sankri.
Budget, Difficulty & Tips
- Best time: December–March (the classic winter snow trek experience — this is why people come). Summit snow in January–February is 6 feet; December and March are slightly less. Crampons essential January–February.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The most beginner-friendly winter trek in India at this altitude. Gradual ascent, well-maintained trail, experienced operators with safety protocols. Suitable for first-time trekkers with basic fitness. Altitude: 3,800m maximum.
- Operators: Indiahikes, Bikat Adventures and Trek the Himalayas all offer Kedarkantha packages (₹6,000–₁₂,₀₀₀ for 5 days including transport from Dehradun). Book 2–3 months in advance for December–January peak demand.
FAQs
- Why is Kedarkantha the most popular winter trek?
- Three reasons: (1) Proximity — Sankri is 200 km from Dehradun and 500 km from Delhi, making it the closest proper Himalayan snow trek to North India's major cities. (2) Achievability — the summit at 3,800m is within range for first-time trekkers (no technical terrain, no altitude sickness risk). (3) Visual payoff — the pine forest under 6 feet of snow, the frozen Juda Ka Talab lake and the 9-peak summit view create a winter mountain experience that rivals treks twice as difficult and remote. The December–March window fits school and college vacation schedules.