Kedarkantha Trek: A Detailed Trek Guide

Nestled in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha is one of the best treks in the Indian Himalayas. Kedarkantha is a mountain peak with an elevation of 12,500 ft.

The tall pine trees clad in snow, beautiful clearings for the camp which gives a nice vantage point, and the lush green forests make up for wildlife.

The summit climbs which loom over from the base itself are a most satisfactory feeling in this trek.

But wait, how can I make this trekking experience more efficient and memorable? To answer your question, let’s dive into the things you can do in Kedarkantha Trek.

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Quick Facts

Trek Distance: 20 km

Trek Altitude: 12,500 ft

Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

Best Season: November to April

How to Reach Kedarkantha

The Kedarkantha Trek begins at the small, quaint village named Sankri. This village is well connected to most of the towns and cities like Dehradun. You can take a train or flight from your location to Dehradun and from there you can take public or private transport to Sankri. Direct Public buses from Dehradun to Sankri are available from 5 AM onwards and would take up to 10-11 hours. It is advised to book your transport in advance in peak season.

Things to Carry

1. Woolen clothes and innerwear

2. Windproof jacket and raincoat (if there is occasional rain)

3. Hiking shoes

4. Trekking pole or stick

5. Medicines if you are taking any, Band-Aids and Diamox for altitude sickness

6. Accessories like sunglasses, lip balm, power bank

7. Identity card and photographs

8. Energy bar and ORS

9. Camera with an extra memory card, batteries, and charger

Best Time to Visit

Although trekking in the Himalayas would be great as a summer vacation spot, the beauty of Kedarkantha magnifies at the peak of the winter season. When most of the trekking routes are closed due to heavy snowfall, Kedarkantha offers just the right amount of snowfall for you to enjoy its surroundings.

The best time to visit Kedarkantha is all around the year, but experiencing winter snow from mid-December to April would be the best time to visit.

Level of Difficulty

If you are thinking- ‘trekking in the Himalayas? That’s some pro-level hiking’ than you are in for a treat. This satisfying summit climb of 12,500 ft is surprisingly one of the easier treks in the Himalayas.

The short distance of 20 km trek can be done even by the beginners with the right amount of hustle and satisfaction.

Things to do

1. Sankri Village:

As you start your trek from the base of Sankri, you will see humble mud houses making the surrounding picturesque. You can explore the way of living in these tiny little hamlets and get to know about the culture of the locals

2. Zipline Activity

If you are into adventurous sports, then this zip line which gives a beautiful aerial view of thesauri village is for you. This one-hour worth of Paid entry activity is handled by professionals. It is the highest Zipline of the Uttarakhand Himalayas and you can indulge in its thrill while on the trek.

3. Microspikes boots

Experience walking with microspike boots in the heavy snow during winters. This is the thing you can’t do in your regular plain region. So, get those microspike boots of yours and rendezvous through the snowy mountains.

4. Juda-ka-Talab 

Juda-ka-Talab is a spiritual lake where Lord Shiva once meditated. The lake gives you another serene look, making this trek one of the most popular among tourists.

You can camp beside this dazzling lake and engage in bird-watching activities.

5. Dashing through the snow

Yes, all those choruses from Christmas would finally come true. Let the kid in you go crazy in the snow. Build that snowman, play snow-balls with your pals or just slide through the snow.

You can even ski with the Kedarkantha ski courses available in the winter.

6. Someshwar Mahadev Temple

People from all over the world come to understand the art and culture behind this temple of Lord Shiva. This charming temple is made from deodar wood and has intricate wood carving which depicts the culture of the locals.

Interesting Facts

1. With an elevation of 12,500 ft, it gives the overall view of 13 peaks from the Himalayan range.

2. Kedarkantha is known as one of the highest trek in the Himalayas making it the best one to do in winters

3. The summit climb gives you a 360-Degree view from the Kedarkantha peak.

4. Juda-ka-Talab, is rich with cultural importance as legend says it was Lord Shiva’s meditating place

5. This treks base start from Govind National Park, Sankri where you can soak up the richness of wildlife

The heavenly experience of thrill and peaceful retribution from the humble lifestyle will surely get you enchanted in this trek of Kedarkantha.

You may also read: Kedarkantha Trek Guide: Feel the delight of Lord Shiva