Kedarkantha The Best Winter Trek : The Essential Guide

Most Adventures Winter Trek Of India - Kedarkantha Trek! 

Kedarkantha a winter trek is more popular than even summer treks in India. It showed us that the Himalayan treks are possible outside summer and autumn. Basically, Kedarkantha is a classic winter snow trek recommended for all adventure travelers who are in love with tall mountains & snow. You'll experience big snow blankets around you in winter, the gorgeous view of the campsites like Juda-Ka-Talab, a walk through pine and maple trees, and especially a breathtaking view of sunrise from the top of the hill. 

This trek is all about witnessing to winter wonderland unlike any other. So, let me give you the virtual tour guide of the most adventurous winter trek in India, which will make you emotional, and grateful, and gives you lots of adventurous memories for the rest of your life. 

About Kedarkantha Trek:

Winter trek of Kedarkantha through the remote forests covered with pine, rhododendron, and maple trees. Located close to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha is an adventure summit trek perfect for anyone who tries their hand at Himalayan trekking for the first time. A 5-day trek over a 20km span is suitable for first-time trekkers. Summit situated at a 12000ft (3810m) gives a glorious 360-degree view of Himalayan landscapes like Swargarohini, Black peak, Bandarpoonch, and Ranglana in the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges. 

The trek to the summit at night, gushing winds, and the freezing temperatures during the winters make the most challenging part of the trek but with strong willpower, you will reach to summit. And at that moment all the hard work will pay off & you become speechless with staring at the view. So, to understand the nature of the terrain you must complete the "KedarKantha the best winter trek". 

Best Time To Do Kedarkantha Trek: 

The Kedarkantha remains cold throughout the year, the winter months of December, January, and February are the maximum snowfall season and consider the best time to trek the summit. For choosing the right season you have to keep lots of things in mind. Every month comes with different weather so you have to decide what suits you best. So, after considering the best time for the Kedarkantha trek, let's take a look at its route. 

How To Reach For Kedarkantha Trek: 

By Air: 

For air transportation, you have to take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun and from there you can hire a cab or taxi to reach Dehradun city which is 29km away from there.

By Train: 

For train transportation, there is a Dehradun railway station located at the center of the city and it's well connected to all major cities of the country. 

By Bus:

As you know, Dehradun is well connected to all the major cities and it has excellent road connectivity all over. In Dehradun, there are private or state-run buses on regular basis. 

So, finally, after passing all the mountains road you arrive at your base camp.  And now we take a look at our day's itinerary for the summit. 

Itinerary For Kedarkantha Summit: 

Day 1: Dehradun To Sankri

Altitude: 1920m    Time: 7/8 hours    Distance: 198km

You'll reach to Sankri from Dehradun in the evening or at night. It's a beautiful small village with appropriable shops. The route to Sankri is like: Dehradun - Mussorie - Kempty Fall - Naugaon - Purola - Mori - Netwar - Sankri, with full of mountains and picturesque views. You can book a hotel or homestay for the night and Jio, the BSNL network is also available at Sankri. You should carry cash with you because the last ATM & Bank is at Purola and there is no online facility at basecamp. 

Day 2: Sankri To Juda Ka Talab 

Altitude: 6300ft - 9200ft  Trek Distance: 4km  Time: 4/5 hours

So, your real trek to the Kedarkantha summit starts from Sankri to Juda ka Talab with lots of excitement and energy. The path to Juda ka Talab is through a dense forest of pine and oak trees which will definitely amaze you. Juda ka Talab is situated at an altitude of 9100 ft. The lake was once two lakes that are now conjoined to make one, and it's a perfect campsite after a good trail of 4km. You can enjoy the sunset here while having a snack, spend some adventures with your friends in the snow, and then rest for the next day. 

Day 3: Juda ka Talab To Kedarkantha Base 

Altitude: 9200ft To 11300ft  Trek Distance: 3km  Time: 4 hours 

In the early morning with a cup of hot tea and breakfast, you will start your trek to Kedarkantha base. You will go through the dense forest of Oak & Pine trees which will later open into the field again. As we climb higher on snow with the gorgeous view we reach our destination Kedarkantha base camp. You can also see a jaw-dropping view of popular Himalayan peaks like Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Ranglana. 

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base - Kedarkantha Summit & Down To Juda Ka Talab

Altitude: 11000ft to 12500ft  Trek Distance: 11km (4km ascend-7km decent)  Time: 3-4 hours to climb, 4-5 hours to come down 

The trek starts at around 2-3AM so you can reach the summit before sunrise happens. The summit is situated at the height of 12500ft so during the trek keep hydrated your body in every 15-20 mins. It will be the most difficult phase for you because the temperature will go down up to -14 degrees and cold winds also flow at night. But that says "great views come after the hardest climb", so after walking at the night for 3 - 4 hours at a sunrise time you will see a silver line on the horizon while climbing a peak and that was the moment you live for, all your hard work, money will pay off after seeing this breathtaking view of snowcapped mountains from the summit. 

After reaching to peak, you enjoy the spectacular panorama view of nature's creativity. And by spending up to 30 - 45 mins on top you will descend back to Juda ka Talab & while descending you also enjoy the snow sliding that was fun to do! 

Day 5: Juda Ka Talab To Sankri & Return to Dehradun (same day)

Altitude: 9200ft To 6300ft  Trek Distance: 4km  Time: 2hours 

After getting breakfast & tea you will start your trek down to Sankri. This is the last day of your beautiful trek and it takes about 2-3hours to return back from Juda Ka Talab to Sankri. While on the trek you will see a gorgeous view of Sankri valley. And finally, say goodbye to this amazing trek that you experience in the last 4 days, it's a lifelong adventure that will make your memories stronger. However, you will reach Dehradun railway station up to 9pm and your amazing journey ends up here! 

Things To Carry For Kedarkantha Winter Trek: 

•  Backpack With Rain Cover (40-60 lit)
• Trekking Shoes
• Trekking Jacket
• Trekking Pants Two (one wear & one carry) 
• One Water Bottle
• Three-Four Warm Layers
• Thermals or T-shirts
• Woolen Sweater
• Pair Of Clothes
• LED Torch

Accessories: 

• Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50/70) 
• Sunglasses
• Cap
• Lip Balm  (SPF 30) 
• Hand Gloves
• Two-Three Pair Of Socks
• Plastic Cover (for wet clothes) 

Documents: 

• Photocopy or Original copy of government identity card like Passport, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.

I hope you love this article on "Kedarkantha the best winter trek" and also love to go there and witness this experience once in a lifetime with your friends & family. So, share this article with your loved ones!