Search

Kedarkantha Trek

6599

DURATION

4 NIGHTS/5DAYS

MAX ELEVATION

3849 Meters

GRADIENT

Easy to Moderate

DISTANCE

20 KM

BEST MONTH

Nov-March

GROUP SIZE

20

Short Itinerary

  • Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri | Distance: 199 km | Drive Time: 8 Hours
  • Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab | Distance: 4 km | Trek Time: 5 Hours
  • Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp | Distance: 2 km | Trek Time: 2 Hours
  • Day 4: Ascent to Kedarkantha Summit and return to Base Camp | Distance: 6 km | Trek Time: 6 Hours
  • Day 5: Return to Sankri and journey back to Dehradun | Distance: 6 km (Trek), 199 km (Drive) | Trek Time: 3-4 Hours, Drive Time: 8 Hours

Book Your Slots

529
  • Fixed departure

Base camp

Sankri

Pickup

Near Dehradun Railway Station

Nearest Railway Station

Dehradun

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport

Temperature

(Summers-25° Max/ 10° Min) (Winters-18° Max/ -5° Min)

Mobile Network

Sketchy Jio Networks are available in Sankri

Electricity

Sankri is the last point that has electricity. Note: Most of the electricity is extremely intermittent and can be absent for most part of the day during winter/late summer (when monsoon starts to set in)

Last ATM

Purola, on the way to sankri has last Day Note: Most of time ATM in hilly regions are not functioning. So you are requested to carry cash from Dehradun

Embark on an adventurous journey to Kedarkantha Peak, a beginner-friendly trek nestled in the ridge peak of the Tons River valley, accessible year-round. Located at an altitude of 3800 meters within Govind Pashu National Park and Sanctuary, Kedarkantha Peak offers an unparalleled winter trekking experience in Uttarakhand, resembling a fairytale gateway to a magnificent and remarkable summit.

The name Kedarkantha, translating to “Throat of Lord Shiva,” carries a tale that resonates through the ages. It embodies the belief that Uttarakhand is a haven for a mystical, harmonious, and natural lifestyle. The name itself is derived from “Kedar,” one of the names of Lord Shiva, and “Kantha,” meaning throat. This peak holds a storied past; legend has it that Lord Shiva meditated here in solitude, evading the Pandavas. It is said that during his meditation, the sound of a calf led Lord Shiva to realize the proximity of civilization, prompting him to move to Kedarnath, the holy shrine of Chota Char Dham.

The trek to Kedarkantha is less exhaustive yet visually stunning, offering a plethora of changing landscapes within the national park area. The journey begins with an enchanting trail through pine and rhododendron forests, past lands once cultivated for potatoes and apples by the locals. As you ascend, you will encounter Juda Ka Talab, a sacred lake surrounded by densely forested pine trees, offering breathtaking views in any weather condition. This lake is steeped in mythology, and believed to have been created from a droplet that fell from Lord Shiva’s hair bun.

The ascent culminates at Kedarkantha Peak, where a flat summit provides a majestic 360-degree view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains, including Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and many others. Reaching the peak might leave you in awe, as if entering a new realm of existence, with the vast Himalayas draped in a snowy blanket. If you live for moments like this, the Kedarkantha trek offers profound insights and breathtaking vistas.

For those seeking an unforgettable winter trekking experience, Kedarkantha is a perfect choice, featuring rich vegetation and diverse landscapes, from serene lakes to snow-covered peaks. Join us on this incredible adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime in the heart of the Himalayas.

Day 1: Travel from Dehradun to Sankri

  • Distance: 199 km (Drive) Duration: 8 Hours
  • Altitude: Dehradun – 477 meters, Sankri – 1920 meters

Begin your morning in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, and set off on a drive that transitions from the urban setting into the heart of the mountains. The journey offers scenic vistas as you pass through the bustling markets of hilly towns such as Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Damta, Naugaon, Purola, and Mori. Travel alongside the serene rivers Yamuna, Tons, and Kamal Ganga. In Netwar, witness the confluence of the Supin and Tons rivers. The route features meandering paths lined with pine trees and sharp curves that enhance the drive’s excitement. Upon arrival in Sankri, the distant peaks of Swargarohini glisten in the horizon. Spend the night in a local homestay near Sankri Road’s main market, ready for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

  • Distance: 4 km (Trek) Time: Approximately 5 hours
  • Altitude: Sankri – 1920 meters, Juda Ka Talab – 2700 meters

After breakfast in Sankri, the trek to Juda Ka Talab begins, passing through the quaint village of Saud situated along the ridge of the Tons River valley. The trail soon diverges into a forested path where thick pine and maple trees shield trekkers from the sun. This enchanting route leads up to Juda Ka Talab, where tents are pitched beside a stunningly frozen lake, surrounded by snow and dense pine forests. Enjoy dinner under a starlit sky at this breathtaking high-altitude location.

Day 3: Trek to Kedarkantha Base Camp

  • Distance: 2 km (Trek) Time: 2 Hours
  • Altitude: Juda Ka Talab – 2700 meters, Base Camp – 3200 meters

Today’s trek is more challenging, with a steeper ascent. Departing Juda Ka Talab, the path splits; take the left fork which climbs through dense pine forests. Along the way, encounter shelters transformed into makeshift shops by locals. Reaching the Base Camp unveils stunning views of the Kedarkantha summit. Prepare for an early night, as the ascent to the summit begins at 3 A.M.

Day 4: Ascent to Kedarkantha Summit and return to Base Camp

  • Distance: 6 km (Trek) Time: 6 Hours
  • Altitude: Summit – 3800 meters, Base Camp – 3200 meters

An early start leads to a challenging two-hour hike to a tea point where the tree line ends, opening up to spectacular Himalayan vistas. The summit of Kedarkantha is a haven for snow enthusiasts and photographers alike, featuring small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. Spend time absorbing the panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the prominent peaks of Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, Gangotri, and Yamunotri ranges. Return to Base Camp for a well-deserved rest under the cold night sky.

Day 5: Return to Sankri and journey back to Dehradun

  • Distance: 6 km (Trek) back to Sankri, 199 km (Drive) to Dehradun Time: 3-4 Hours trek, 8 Hours drive
  • Altitude: Base Camp – 3200 meters, Dehradun – 477 meters

The final leg of the trek leads back to Sankri via a different route, passing through the campsite at Hargaon. The return drive to Dehradun travels through picturesque settings, transitioning from serene mountain landscapes back into the lively urban environment. Reflect on a memorable adventure as you approach Dehradun, bringing the journey to a close.

Basics Gears

  • Backpack
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Trekking Pole
  • LED Torch
  • One Water Bottle (one litre)
  • Lunch Box
  • Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)

 

Clothes

  • Trekking Jacket
  • Warm Layers
  • Two trek pants
  • Full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
  • Thermals (1 pair)

 

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreeen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
  • Lip Balm (SPF 30)
  • Synthetic hand gloves
  • Woolen Cap
  • Three pair of Socks
  • Raincoat/Poncho is a must

 

Others

  • Daypack (Recommended), for summit Day
  • Plastic cover (for wet clothes in winters and rainy season)

 

Mandatory Documents

  • Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or voters ID
  • Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun (Only
    for participants who have opted Dehradun to
    Dehradun packag
  • All vegetarian meals starting from dinner on day 1 to
    dinner on day 5
    Tented accommodation throughout the trek on
    sharing basis
    Guesthouse/Homestay accommodation in Sankri for
    Day1 and Day 5 on triple/Quad sharing
  • Professional guide, cook and support staff
    Rent for camping equipment
  • Clean sleeping bags and mats
  • Good quality ¾ or 4 season ‘A’ shaped or dome tents
    Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents
  • Gaiters and Crampons, if required
  • Forest entry charges for Indian nationals
    Porter and mule support to carry camping equipments
  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above.
  • Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions.
  • Accommodation in Dehradun.
  • Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc.
  • Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage – Can be arranged at an additional cost of INR 500 per day (1 soft bag per person < 12 kg).

Cancellation Policy

    • We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, reduce, or amend a guaranteed reservation, please do so by 12 noon, 15 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation charges. Any cancellation made within 15 days of arrival will be 100% non-refundable. Bookings made under non-cancellable or non-amendable packages or rates cannot be canceled or amended, and the full amount of the advance paid will be treated as the cancellation fee. The same terms apply if guests do not show up.

    • For all bookings other than non-cancellable ones, if the guest does not show up, the complete booking will be non-refundable. If the guest chooses to check out early, one night’s room rate, including taxes, will be charged. No cancellations will be accepted over the phone or via WhatsApp message. Please reply to the email confirmation you received at the time of booking to request a cancellation.

    • No refunds will be provided in case of problems arising due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we usually have a backup plan ready and will proceed with that. Sometimes, we may have to cancel activities mentioned in the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.

    • If a trek is called off at the last moment due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances (such as rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strikes, or bandhs), participants will be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount. This voucher can be used within 365 days of the issuance date for any package of equal value, subject to availability.

    • If a trek or trip has to be aborted midway due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances, no refund will be provided. Mountainiax will not bear any extra expenses due to such natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances.

Refund Policy

The following refund shall be payable to the user in case of valid cancellation as per the guidelines

    • Cancellations up to 21 days prior to departure date – 70% refund

    • Between 21 days to 14 days prior to departure – 50% refund

    • Between 14 days to 10 days prior to departure- 30% refund

    • Less than 10 days of departure – No refund or you can transfer
      your trek (same batch date & same trek) to your dear one.

Note: The above-mentioned refunds are subjected to deductions for any expenses that may have been incurred for hotel booking or
transport etc. Refunds are applicable on the total cost and not on the advance amount.

FAQ's

Related Treks