5 Days 4 Nights
Daily Tour
50 people
___
| Sankri To Sankri | ||
|---|---|---|
| ADULT | CHILD | INFANT |
| ₹5,499.00 | ₹0.00 | ₹0.00 |
| Dehradun To Dehradun | ||
| ADULT | CHILD | INFANT |
| ₹6,500.00 | ₹0.00 | ₹0.00 |
Dist: 190 km | Time: 7 to 8 hr | Altitude: 640 m to 1900m
After we pick you up from Dehradun in the early morning, you will drive towards Sankri. After a journey of 7 to 10 hours, you will reach Sankri in the evening, where you will stay at the lodge for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Night: Lodge at Sankri
Dist: 4.5 km | Time: 4 to 5 hr | Altitude: 1900 m to 2700 m
After breakfast at Sankri, you will start your Trek towards Hargaon/Juda ka Talab, which will take 4 to 5 hours to cover 4.5 km. After reaching there, you will stay in the tents for the Night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Night: Stay in the tent at Hargaon/Juda ka Talab.
Dist: 2.5 km | Time: 2 to 3 hr | Altitude: 2700 m to 3429 m
After breakfast, we will start the day by aiming to reach the Kedarkantha base at 11,250ft, which will take approximately 3 hours. We will stay overnight in the tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Night: Stay at Camp in Kedarkantha base.
Dist: 3 km | Time: 3 to 4 hr | Altitude: 3429 m to 3800 m
This is the summit day we’ve been waiting for. We will cover the last patch to stand tall in the 360-degree view from the summit. This journey will consist of a 3-hour trek through a 3-km uphill and flat trail. After the summit, you will return to Juda ka Talab/Hargaon for the night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Night: Stay at Camp in Hargaon/Juda ka Talab
Dist: 197 km | Time: 10 to 12 hr | Altitude: 3800 m to 640 m
Descending from Juda ka Talab/Hargaon to Sankri, we set out for the last day of the trek. After reaching Sankri, you will drive towards Dehradun and bid farewell to this adventurous trip.
Meals: Breakfast
Night: Nil
Avomine is used to treat allergies, trouble sleeping, and nausea. Crocin relieves mild to moderate pain symptoms, e.g., headache or migraine. Combiflam: It contains two painkiller medicines. They work together to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. Muscle relaxant mitigates symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain, and hyperreflexia. Digene: Used against acidity caused by indigestion, providing quick relief. Cetirizine: Used to relieve allergic symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. ORS: Oral Rehydration Solution. It treats dehydration caused by diarrhoea, a common illness for travellers. Note: This is just an explanation of medication that may be required. Kindly consult your doctor for a prescription before trekking.
Don’t let all this scare you. There have been no such incidents, but we are responsible for making you aware because knowledge is better than saying sorry later. Snow Leopards: Also known as “Grey Ghost of Himalayas”. Kedarkantha lies in “Govind Pashu Vihar National Park,” and this national park manages the “Snow Leopard Project,” which was started by the government. Snow leopard is an endangered species that rarely interacts with humans. You will seldom find any Snow Leopard on the Trail; instead, you must search for them deep into the mountains. Bears: Bear encounters are infrequent on the Kedarkantha Trek Trail. Stay safe with your group or guide, avoid using deodorants or anything with a strong fragrance, and don’t keep food in the open. If the bear comes too close, don't run! You cannot run away from the bear. Continue speaking in a calm voice and start walking away slowly. Any bear will most likely refuse to continue the encounter and leave unless it is aggressive. In the worst case, they fall to the ground at the very last moment. Lie on your stomach with your legs spread slightly, or curl up in a ball. Cover your head with your fingers interlocking at the back of your head. In this position, you protect your face and neck. Wearing a backpack will help protect your back and neck. Don't fight or shout. Stay still for as long as possible.
We cannot pay any compensation, reimburse expenses, cover losses for any amount or otherwise accept responsibility if, as a result of circumstances beyond our control, we have to change your tour after booking or we cannot supply your tour, as we had agreed, or you suffer any loss or damage of any description. When we refer to circumstances beyond our control, we mean any event we could not foresee or avoid, even after taking all reasonable care. Such circumstances usually include, but are not limited to, war, the threat of war, airport closures, epidemics, natural or nuclear disasters, terrorist activity, civil unrest, industrial disputes, and bad weather.
We understand that plans can change, but the booking amount is non-refundable due to the costs we incur in preparing for your tour or activity. If you wish to reschedule for a different date, we'll adjust it to the same package, providing you with the necessary flexibility. If you have paid the total amount but cancelled the package. You will be provided with a refund, as mentioned below:
Tours or activities may be cancelled due to unforeseen events beyond our control, weather conditions such as heavy rain or storms, or government restrictions like sudden closures of specific areas. In such a scenario, we will provide an alternate tour or activity. However, no refunds will be provided.
Kedarkantha Trek (not to be mistaken for a well-known Temple Kedarnath) is a trip to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha is one of the most famous journeys in India, and it is popular amongst seasoned trekkers and beginners. There are numerous reasons why it is a highly well-known trip in the Indian Himalayas. The most significant of them is this — the highest point climb. The highest point climb of Kedarkantha is a rewarding one. The world surrounds you as you start your journey in the early morning hours and consistently move up the lofty slant.
The climb can be challenging. The whole stretch is consistently steep. As you draw nearer to the summit, it gets tricky, too. But the big mountains of the upper Himalayas keep you company until you finally reach the summit. As you stretch yourself and take in the views of the Himalayas from the summit, you feel a solid feeling of fulfilment and achievement. This is an incredible feeling. Few journeys offer a similar experience, making it popular among beginners for its finest summit climb.
Except for the summit, the journey is likewise fascinating for its delightful clearings. Rarely will you discover dazzling clearings on a trip that clears a path for some rest spots and beautiful campgrounds. This journey is loaded up with clearings in all the various courses. Moreover, the clearings are precisely in the correct areas, giving you excellent viewpoints from which to appreciate the trek and its views.
The third primary motivation for this journey’s uniqueness is its excellent timberlands. Each course has lovely assorted woods that will trick you in. If you are not careful, you will get lost in them (in a good way).
Best Time To Do The Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha trek is one of the few treks in the Himalayas that can be travelled for most of the year. It is accessible for 10 months of the year except in July and August (the peak rainy months in Uttarakhand).
These 10 months spread over four distinct seasons –
Winter – December to February
Spring – March, and April
Summer – May and June
Harvest time – Mid-September to November
Each of these seasons has something different to offer regarding landscape, trouble, and climate.
Kedarkantha in Winter (December, January, February)
Kedarkantha in Spring (March and April)
Kedarkantha in Summer (May and June)
Kedarkantha in Autumn (September, October, and November)
Availability of Mobile Networks
Kedarkantha Trek starts from Sankri, a wonderful town settled in Govind National Park, Uttarakhand. When one enters the National Park, the mobile network will begin fluctuating. When arriving in Sankri, forget to connect with the rest of the world!
Even though Sankri has landline telephones at a few shops, they still need to work. Services like BSNL, Airtel, and Idea, a fulfilment of known owned Jio, have been professed to work. Indeed, they don’t. The last hint of the ideal sign quality before arriving at Sankri is in Mussoorie, Dehradun. So, if you need to have a word with your loved ones before the beginning of the journey, you should ring them when you are at Dehradun or Mussoorie.
Availability of ATM
There are no ATMs accessible in Sankri and throughout the Kedarkantha journey. Everybody needs cash to make their excursion agreeable without experiencing any difficulty. ATMs make it easy to withdraw some money legitimately from financial balances. The truth is that no solitary ATM is present in Sankri or throughout the journey. The last spot where you will discover an ATM is Purola.
So, ensure you carry enough cash to spend your time beautifully in Kedarkantha. Cash consistently makes things simple for us. It’s a requirement for everybody. It might help to save us from big trouble or issues if we have a terrible day.
Things to do in Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha Trek – A Personal Experience
Prepare for an exhilarating adventure on the Kedarkantha Trek, one of the most renowned winter treks in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India. Set against a backdrop of snow-clad peaks and pine forests, this trek offers an unforgettable experience at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The trek within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary guides you through breathtaking landscapes, including snow-laden trails, dense forests, and picturesque meadows. Kedarkantha is renowned for its winter beauty, with the best trekking conditions typically found from early November to late April when the area is blanketed in snow. Starting from the charming village of Sankri, about 210 km from Dehradun, the trek provides a mix of challenges suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting to around 10 degrees Celsius at night, only enhance the adventure, allowing trekkers to experience the Himalayan winter truly. The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is notably scenic, offering stunning views of snow-covered paths and lush meadows. During the trek, you can enjoy activities like skiing and be greeted by serene streams and tranquil lakes that add to the trek’s charm. Kedarkantha is also steeped in cultural significance, with local legends linking it to the ancient Kedarnath temple and Lord Shiva, adding a spiritual dimension to your journey. The trek reveals stunning views of the Burane range, Bandarpoonch, Rupin range, Har Ki Dun, Swargarohini peaks, and the Black Peak. The summit offers unparalleled vistas, and the trek’s campsites, surrounded by snow and pine trees, provide magnificent sunrise and sunset views. This trek showcases a variety of Himalayan flora, including Rhododendron, Oak, Pine, Walnut, and Chestnut, and offers a glimpse into the lives of remote village inhabitants. Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, the Kedarkantha Trek offers a classic winter adventure combining excitement and breathtaking scenery.
Why Kedarkantha Tops the List for Trekkers
Kedarkantha stands out as a premier winter trek, earning its reputation as the “Queen of Winter Treks.” The adventure begins in the scenic village of Sankri, where trekkers are immediately immersed in stunning forest trails. The trek features charming water streams and snow-covered paths, with one of the most captivating highlights being Juda Ka Talab. This tranquil lake, bordered by expansive fields on one side and dense forest on the other, transforms into a stunning frozen expanse in winter. Local lore adds a mystical touch, claiming that Lord Shiva once cast a lock of his hair into the area, creating the lake. Campers at Juda Ka Talab enjoy playing in the fresh snow, with cosy evenings warmed by hot food and soup, making for a comforting experience. The sunset views from the camp, paired with a warm beverage, are highly anticipated by trekkers. As you approach the summit of Kedarkantha, the horizon reveals layers of majestic mountains blending into the distance. At the summit, a quaint temple provides a peaceful touch to the panoramic views, showcasing the grandeur of surrounding peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. The final ascent to the summit combines challenge and exhilaration, culminating in breathtaking vistas that draw trekkers from around the globe.
Trek Distance and Location:
The Kedarkantha trek spans approximately 20–22 kilometres through the captivating Himalayan terrain of Uttarakhand, India. It unfolds within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, beginning in the quaint village of Sankri in the Uttarkashi district. The trek offers trekkers a journey through diverse landscapes and ecosystems, making it a popular choice for those eager to explore the Himalayas.
Difficulty Level:
Renowned for its moderate difficulty, the Kedarkantha trek suits both beginners and experienced trekkers. It provides an engaging yet manageable challenge, allowing adventurers to experience the Himalayan beauty up close.
Legends and Myths:
The Legend of Lord Shiva:
One of the most famous legends about Kedarkantha is that Lord Shiva chose its summit as a meditation spot. However, the disturbance caused by a passing bull led him to move his meditation to Kedarnath, a more secluded location. This legend underscores the sacredness attributed to Kedarkantha.
The Pandavas’ Pursuit:
In the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to atone for the bloodshed of the Kurukshetra war. Lord Shiva transformed into a bull and fled into the Himalayas to escape. The Pandavas’ pursuit resulted in Lord Shiva’s body splitting into five parts, with his throat landing on Kedarkantha, further linking the peak to Shiva.
Juda-ka-Talab – The Celestial Lake:
Juda-ka-Talab is at the base of Kedarkantha, a serene lake believed to reflect the heavens. Legend has it that this lake was created when Lord Shiva released a strand of his hair, which turned into water, forming the lake. Bathing here is thought to purify sins and grant spiritual enlightenment.
Early Exploration:
The Kedarkantha trek first attracted British mountaineers in the early 19th century. The initial recorded peak ascent occurred in 1883, led by British mountaineer William Martin Conway. This period marked the beginning of the trek’s recognition as a challenging and beautiful destination.
Growth of Trekking:
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kedarkantha continued to draw mountaineers, setting the stage for modern trekking. By the mid-20th century, trekking had become popular, with Kedarkantha gaining prominence for its accessibility and stunning views.
Interesting Facts:
Summit Experience:
Unlike many Himalayan treks that lead to passes or ridges, Kedarkantha offers the rare experience of reaching the summit. At approximately 12,500 feet, the summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Sacred Shrine:
A small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at the summit, adding spiritual significance to the trek and enhancing its sacred character for pilgrims.
Stargazing and Birdwatching:
The clear skies and remote location make Kedarkantha an excellent spot for stargazing. There are opportunities to see the Milky Way and numerous stars. The area is also ideal for birdwatching, with over 200 bird species, including Himalayan snowcocks and monals.
Where to stay in Sankri Village?
For accommodation in Sankri Village, there are various options available depending on your preference and whether you’ve booked a trekking package or are travelling independently:
Homestays:
Local families in Sankri offer homestays where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and experience village life firsthand.
Campsites:
There are several camping spots in and around Sankri where you can set up your tent and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Guesthouses:
Sankri also has a few guesthouses that provide fundamental accommodations for travellers.
Resorts:
For a more comfortable and luxurious experience, resorts in the surrounding areas offer well-furnished rooms and additional amenities.
Essential Things To Keep In Mind During The Kedarkantha Trek:
Here are some key points to keep in mind while trekking Kedarkantha:
Physical Preparation: Though Kedarkantha is a moderate trek, it requires a basic level of physical fitness. Before the trek, engage in regular exercise to build stamina.
Weather Preparedness: The weather can be unpredictable, particularly during winter, so pack warm clothing, waterproof gear, thermal socks, and sturdy trekking shoes.
Altitude Acclimatization: With altitude gain comes the risk of altitude sickness. Stay hydrated and take time to acclimatise to prevent any issues.
Permits: You need a forest department permit to trek in the Kedarkantha region. Ensure you have all the necessary documents; most trekking companies handle these for you.
Essential Gear: Bring a durable backpack, trekking shoes, a pole, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Also, pack water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
Guides and Porters: If you’re inexperienced, hiring a local guide or porter familiar with the route is wise. The cost typically ranges from ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 for the entire trek.
Camera & Batteries: Bring a power bank, as there are no charging stations during the trek. Cold weather can drain camera batteries quickly, so carry extras.
Environment Care: Respect nature—avoid littering and harming the flora and fauna along the trek.
Accommodation: The trek route offers campsites and guesthouses. It’s best to book in advance and carry enough cash for unforeseen expenses.
Planning: Plan your itinerary, considering weather, fitness levels, and unexpected delays.
How To Reach To Kedarkantha Trek
Reaching the Kedarkantha trek is straightforward and manageable. Here’s how you can get there:
By Air:
The closest airport to Kedarkantha is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 25 kilometres from the city. Daily flights operate from Delhi to Dehradun. Upon arrival, you can take a cab or use local public transportation to reach the base camp.
By Train:
A train is available from Delhi to Dehradun. Several trains are running regularly between these cities, including overnight options. Once you arrive in Dehradun, hire a private vehicle or take a bus to Sankri.
By Road:
Regular bus services from Delhi to Dehradun are available. It is advisable to use Delhi government buses departing from Kashmere Gate to Dehradun. After arriving in Dehradun, continue your journey to Sankri by public transport or a rented private vehicle.
Kedarkantha Trek is a moderate-leveltrek. The summit is steep, and snow and cold weather make it more challenging. Yes, you have to follow a strict fitness routine and prepare your body before going for this trek.
Kedarkantha trek is around 10 km from Sankri to Kedarkantha peak. It will take about 4 days to complete the trek to and fro from Sankri.
No Kedarkantha and Kedarnath are not the same. Kedarkantha Peak is situated within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, whereas Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayan Range of Uttarakhand.
April is the month when the snow starts melting. You may or may not find snow if you visit this month. Moreover, beyond this month, there will be no snowfall. So, if you plan to do it in April, you are advised to check the weather forecast or ask our team about the current situation.
Yes, it is safe, provided you have proper gear and itineraries. Most people try to do the summit only in December. The temperature can range from -5 to 3 °C, so wear appropriate clothing to protect you from extreme cold.
Sometimes, due to heavy rainfall, landslides, or snowfall, the government may ban tourism activities. To learn if trekking is open or banned right now, contact us at [email protected].
The network in Kedarkantha could be more reliable; the Last point where you might get a signal is Sankri. It is advised that if you want to inform anyone, you should do it in Dehradun itself.
The distance is about 400 km.
From Dehradun, you can take a Bus to Sankri. There are very few local buses, which you can get on early, at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. You can catch them at Prince Chowk in Dehradun. It will take these buses around 10 hours to reach Sankri.
Kedarkantha Peak is an altitude of 12,500 ft or 3810 m.
Kedarkantha is a winter Trek. Therefore, you must protect yourself from extreme cold. Try to bring Thermals, Jackets, a Warm cap, and Gloves. You also need the proper gear to walk on the snow, including waterproof trekking shoes, gaiters, crampons, Sunglasses, and Trekking poles. Carry a headlamp for adequate visibility in less light and other toiletries as required.
From December to April, the winter season is the best time for Kedarkantha Trek. During this period, Kedarkantha is fully covered with snow. It is the best time to witness the true beauty of Kedarkantha Peak and the valley around it.
Yes, Kedarkantha is a long trek; you need a proper guide with complete information about the area. Locals will be the best guides as they know the area very well. If you book the package, a guide is included.
Yes, Kedarkantha Starts receiving rainfall by December.
Many options are available at base camp Sankri, where you can rent trekking gear. We cannot mention the exact price as we do not manage it. Wherever you rent gear, ensure it is in good condition before starting the trek. You won’t have any option to replace or rent new gear on the way.
Kedarkantha means “Throat of Lord Shiva”. According to Indian Mythology, Lord Shiva meditated here, and the droplets falling from Shiva’s hair formed the water body known as “Juda ka Talab”.
Yes, the trek is accessible initially and moderate in the end. However, as mentioned, ensure you have proper gear and equipment; otherwise, you will have difficulty doing this trek.
You can take a bus or hire a cab from Dehradun to Sankri. The journey takes around 10 hours. Ensure you catch the buses early (between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.). After that, it will be challenging to get any bus.
Yes. It is safe for couples. And lots of couples have already done it. The tour guide will be there with the group and handle everything.
You must follow a strict fitness routine for one month before going to Kedarkantha Trek. Make sure you jog and walk regularly and do some basic stretching exercises. Also, perform squats and climb up and down a flight of stairs daily.
The Trek will take 4 days to complete from Sankri and 6 Days to complete from Dehradun.
The total distance of Kedarkantha Trek is approximately 20 to 23 km.
Yes, there are many options for booking homestays at Sankri. Make sure you book them beforehand. A stay at Sankri is already included in our package.
Yes, it is safe for female travellers. If you join the group, you will find other females in the same or any other group going along.
Sankri is the starting point of the Kedarkantha Trek.
The temperature at Kedarkantha stays between -5°C and 17°C throughout the year. For the latest weather updates, you can contact our team at [email protected].
Juda ka Talab is a campsite used by trekkers going for the Kedarkantha Trek.
Only try this or any other trek in the Himalayas once you are 100% sure about everything. Don’t try to attempt any trek after reading blogs or watching some videos. You think you can do it after collecting all the information, but reaching the place and navigating the trail are different.
In Hindu mythology, Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva in Varanasi to compensate for their sins after the war of Kurukshetra. Still, Lord Shiva was furious about the loss and dishonesty in the war and didn’t want to meet them, so he disguised himself as Bull (Nandi) and Went to the Garhwal Ranges in the Himalayas. Pandavas, who could not find him at Varanasi, went to the Himalayas, where Bheema spotted this bull and identified it as Lord Shiva. He held on to it, not letting him go. In the struggle, the bull was torn into five parts, which resulted in panch Kedar, Kedarnath - Back of Lord Shiva, Kapaleshwar - Hairs of Lord Shiva, Rudranath - Face of Lord Shiva and Kedarkantha - Throat of Lord Shiva. There is a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at the summit.
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