Kedarkantha Trek Overview

One of the most well-liked winter treks in Uttarakhand is Kedarkantha, sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Winter Treks.“

Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India, located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This 12,500-foot (3,800-meter) summit trek is well-known for its forest routes, snow-covered trails, and expansive 360-degree Himalayan views.

Sankri, a small town about 190 kilometers from Dehradun, is where the trek begins. Its non-technical trail, short duration (4-5 days), and gradual altitude gain make it one of the best treks for beginners. The trek is still doable by those with a basic level of fitness, even in the winter, provided they have the right equipment and a guide.

Important Information Kedarkantha Trek:

Area: Uttarakhand, Uttarkashi Sankri (6,400 feet) is the starting point for the trek.

Elevation Maximum: 12,500 feet

Trek Length: 20–23 km (round trip)

Time Start: 4N/5D (from Dehradun)

The best times to go kedarkatha treks are from September to November (when the trails are clear) and from December to April (when there is snow).

Trek Grade: Moderately Easy

Network Availability: Sankri’s last available

What Makes It Special Kedarkantha Trek:

One of the few hikes that offers novices a chance to climb a summit.

Experience a snow trek between mid-December and March.

360-degree views of the Himalayas, encompassing Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Swargarohini.

Explore meadows, isolated Garhwali villages, and thick pine and oak forests.

Porters, guides, and homestays from Sankri and neighboring villages support the local economy.

Ideal For Kedarkantha Trek:

• First-time Himalayan trekkers

• Students, families with teenagers

• Small groups or solo travelers looking for snow or winter experiences

• Those training for moderate treks like Brahmatal, Har Ki Dun, or Kuari Pass

Kedarkantha Trek – 5 Days Itinerary (Uttarakhand)

 Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri

Distance: 200 km | Time: 8–10 hours

Altitude: 1,967 meters

Enjoy a scenic road trip through pine forests and river valleys to reach Sankri, the base village.

 Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Distance: 4 km | Time: 4–5 hours

Altitude: 3,430 meters

Hike through dense forests, wooden bridges, and small mountain hamlets to reach the peaceful Juda Ka Talab campsite.

 Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Distance: 3 km | Time: 4 hours Trek to base camp, enjoy snow activities, and relax in the mountains with group games and a warm meal.

Day 4: Summit Kedarkantha Peak & Return to Juda Ka Talab

Distance: 9 km | Time: 8 hours Early morning summit push to catch sunrise views from 12,500 ft. Trek back via base camp to Juda Ka Talab for the final night.

Day 5: Descend to Sankri & Drive Back to Dehradun
Trek: 4 km | Drive: 8–10 hours

Reach Sankri, have lunch, and return to Dehradun by late evening (around 10:00 PM). Trip ends with mountain memories.

Kedarkantha Trek Detailed Itinerary – 5 Days

Region: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 meters)
Total Trek Distance: ~20 km (round trip)
Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Season: December to April (for snow), also possible from September to November

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (Base Village)

• Distance: ~200 km

• Time: 8–10 hours by road

• Altitude: Sankri – 1,967 meters (6,450 feet)

• ourney Highlights:

  • Drive along the Yamuna and Tons rivers

  • Cross towns like Mussoorie, Purola, Mori

  • View lush pine forests, terraced fields, and hill settlements

  Details:

  The trek starts with a long but beautiful drive from Dehradun to Sankri. You’ll be picked up early in the morning (usually around 6:30–7:00 AM) and drive through winding mountain roads. Sankri is the last motorable village before the trek begins, and it’s also the gateway to multiple famous treks like Har Ki Dun and Bali Pass.

  Once you reach Sankri by evening, you’ll check into a homestay or guesthouse. You can take a short walk in the village to get a feel of mountain life and shop for last-minute gear or snacks.

  Note: This is the last point for mobile network and ATM. After this, it’s all trail and nature.

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  Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

  • Trek Distance: 4 km

  • Time: 4–5 hours

  • Altitude Gain: 1,967 m → 2,743 m → 3,430 m

  • Camp Altitude: Juda Ka Talab – 3,430 meters (11,250 feet)

  Trail Highlights:

  • Dense oak and pine forests

  • Wooden huts and small hamlets

  • Occasional sightings of mountain birds and langurs

  • Juda Ka Talab – a small lake that often freezes in winter

  Details:

  After breakfast, the real trek begins. The trail from Sankri starts with a steady incline into thick forest. You’ll pass shepherd shelters and wooden bridges. It’s a quiet, shaded walk that opens up occasionally to give you views of nearby ridgelines.

  By noon or early afternoon, you’ll reach Juda Ka Talab—a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. In winter, the lake may be completely frozen and the ground blanketed in snow. Campsites are set up nearby, and hot lunch is served after arrival.

  Winter Note: Snow starts appearing from here in December.

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  Day 3: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

  • Trek Distance: 3 km

  • Time: 3–4 hours

  • Altitude Gain: 3,430 m → 3,800 m

  • Base Camp Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet)

  Trail Highlights:

  • Forest begins to thin as you approach the snowline

  • Wide open meadows and views of snow peaks

  • Campsite located just below Kedarkantha summit ridge

  Details:

  Today’s trek is shorter but involves a steeper climb. As you ascend above the tree line, you start getting clearer mountain views, including glimpses of Swargarohini and Black Peak. The meadows open up, and the cold starts getting sharper.

  You’ll reach the base camp by early afternoon. After settling into tents and having lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure. Most groups use this time to relax, take short acclimatization walks, and prepare mentally for the summit push next morning.

  Temperature at night may drop to -8°C or lower in December–January.

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  Day 4: Kedarkantha Summit and Return to Juda Ka Talab

  • Total Trek Distance: ~9 km (6 km up & down summit + 3 km to Juda Ka Talab)

  • Time: 7–8 hours

  • Summit Altitude: 3,800 m → 3,810 m → 3,800 m → 3,430 m

  Summit Highlights:

  • Start at 2:00–3:00 AM to catch sunrise from the summit

  • 360° views of Himalayan peaks: Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Yamunotri, Black Peak

  • Prayer flags, small shrine, and sense of achievement at the top

  Details:

  This is the toughest and most rewarding day of the trek. Wake up before 2:30 AM and begin trekking under headlamps. The trail to the summit is steep and can be icy in winters. You’ll reach the summit just in time for sunrise—weather permitting, the sky turns golden over snow-capped peaks.

  After spending time at the summit and taking photos, you’ll descend back to the base camp for breakfast or early lunch. Then, continue downhill to Juda Ka Talab for the final campsite of the trek.

  Evening includes a farewell bonfire (weather permitting), group games, and dinner under the stars.

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  Day 5: Trek Down to Sankri | Drive Back to Dehradun

  • Trek Distance: 4 km

  • Drive Distance: 200 km

  • Time: 2 hrs trek + 8–10 hrs drive

  • Arrival in Dehradun: Around 9:00–10:00 PM

  Details:

  Start the day with breakfast and a slow walk down to Sankri. The descent is easier and quicker than the climb. After freshening up in Sankri and grabbing lunch, the drive back to Dehradun begins.

  Most trekkers reach Dehradun by 9:30–10:00 PM. You can plan your onward journey accordingly, but it’s recommended to stay overnight in Dehradun and travel the next morning.

  Drop-off at Dehradun Railway Station or ISBT by night.

How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek ?

Directions to Reach Dehradun

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the domestic airport serving Dehradun, with frequent flights from major cities across India.

• By Train: The Dehradun Junction is the nearest railway station, offering excellent connectivity to major cities in India.

• By Road: Dehradun is well-connected through an extensive road network. You can drive from nearby cities like Delhi or hire a cab/taxi. Additionally, regular bus services operate between Dehradun and other regions.

Route from Dehradun to Sankri:

1. Take NH 7 from Dehradun to the popular hill station of Mussoorie.

2. Continue on NH 7 from Mussoorie to Purola, enjoying scenic mountain roads.

3. Proceed from Purola to Mori and follow signs towards Sankri.

4. Finally, reach Sankri, which is clearly marked and serves as the trek’s starting point.

Information for Drop-Off

• Drop-Off Location: Prince Chowk, Dehradun.

• Timing: Arrive at Prince Chowk between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

• Post-Trek Travel: Plan onward journeys after 9:00 p.m.

• Travel Time Estimates:

  • Railway Station to Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT): ~25 minutes (6 km).

  • Railway Station to Jolly Grant Airport: ~1 hour (30 km).

Tip: Adding a buffer day to your itinerary is highly recommended. If unused, explore local attractions like Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh.

TripOnHiamalaya provides comfortable transportation via Bolero, Tempo Traveler, or similar vehicles. For upgrades or further assistance, contact your trek coordinator.

Final Thought: Consistent physical training and mental preparation are the keys to a successful Kedarkantha trek. By adopting a comprehensive fitness plan, you’ll enhance your endurance, reduce injury risks, and fully enjoy the majestic Himalayan landscapes.

Embark on your Kedarkantha adventure with confidence—prepare today for a rewarding and unforgettable trekking experience.

Inclusions For Kedarkantha Trek:

1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)

2. Meals while on trek (Veg.)

3. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7. Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return (According to itinerary)
8. Mules to carry the central luggage.

Exclusions Kedarkantha Trek:

1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Note: Kedarkantha Trek:

Normally SecureTravels expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

To book Kedarkantha Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.

Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee Kedarkantha Trek:

The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

When to Book Kedarkantha Trek:

It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking).

Terms for Cancellation & Refund Kedarkantha Trek:

Customer is suppose to make a full payment in advance for the confirm bookings.

If in case a confirmed booking needs to be cancel than below are the refund policies

1. Prior 30 days of the confirmed date, 50% of the total amount would be refunded
2. Prior 25 days of the confirmed date, 40% of the total amount would be refunded
3. Prior 20 days of the confirmed date, 30% of the total amount would be refunded
4. Prior 15 days of the confirmed date, 20% of the total amount would be refunded
5. Prior 10 days of the confirmed date, 0% of the total amount would be refunded

Note: After the said time the Trip on Himalaya would not be entertaining any cancelation and no amount would be refunded whatsoever.

Trekking Gear Kedarkantha Trek

1. Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1

2. Day Pack Bag – Recommended for treks with summit day
3. Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
4. U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1
5. Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear Kedarkantha Trek

1. Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1

2. Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing Kedarkantha Trek

1. Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty – 2

2. Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking

3. Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
4. Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
5. Undergarments. Qty – 1 for every day of trekking
6. Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
7. Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
8. Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
9. Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
10. Woolen cap. Qty-1
11. Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries Kedarkantha Trek

1. Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream etc.)
2. Sun screen lotion small pack . Qty -1
3. Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils Kedarkantha Trek

1. Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
2. Plate. Qty- 1
3. Spoon.Qty-1
4. Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous Kedarkantha Trek

1. Camera (Optional)
2. Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
3. Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

17. Is Kedarkantha the same as Kedarnath?

No, Kedarkantha and Kedarnath are entirely different.

• • Kedarkantha: A trekking peak in Uttarakhand known for its scenic beauty.
  • Kedarnath: A holy pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for the Kedarnath Temple.