Kedarkantha Trek – A Himalayan Classic for Beginners and Adventure Seekers
When it comes to winter trekking in India, one name stands out like a shining jewel – the Kedarkantha Trek. Located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha is a summit trek that has gained legendary status among trekkers. Unlike many high-altitude Himalayan trails that remain inaccessible in winter, Kedarkantha is one of the rare peaks that can be attempted almost year-round, making it the perfect choice for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers.
Standing tall at an altitude of 12,500 ft (3,800 m), Kedarkantha offers some of the most panoramic Himalayan views you can imagine. From the summit, trekkers are rewarded with a 360° panorama of snow-clad peaks, including Swargarohini, Black Peak, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch, and Rupin-Supin ranges.
What makes Kedarkantha truly special is not just the summit, but the journey itself. Dense pine and oak forests, frozen lakes, charming wooden villages, open clearings, and snow-laden meadows – every day on this trek feels like a new postcard unfolding. During winter, when snow carpets the entire region, Kedarkantha turns into a magical white wonderland, often described as “the queen of winter treks.”
If treks like Hampta Pass are about dramatic landscapes and Valley of Flowers is about meadows, then Kedarkantha is about experiencing the pure joy of trekking – simple, beautiful, and immensely rewarding.
Highlights of Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft): A rewarding summit climb offering breathtaking 360° views of Himalayan giants.
Snow-Covered Meadows: From December to March, the trek is blanketed in thick snow – a dream for photographers.
Juda Ka Talab: A high-altitude lake surrounded by pine trees, frozen in winters, adding an enchanting charm.
Dense Forest Trails: Walk through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests alive with the crunch of snow and birdsong.
Remote Villages: Experience the simple Himalayan lifestyle in villages like Sankri, Gaichwan Gaon, and Hargaon.
Starlit Camping: Campsites like Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base are perfect for watching a galaxy of stars under clear skies.
Beginner-Friendly Summit Trek: Manageable distance, well-marked trails, and moderate difficulty make it one of the best first Himalayan treks.
Best Seasons: December–April for snow, and April–June & September–November for lush greenery and clear skies.
Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary (5 Nights / 6 Days)
Day 1: Arrival at Dehradun – Drive to Sankri (200 km, 8–9 hrs) | Altitude: 6,400 ft
Your journey begins at Dehradun Railway Station/airport, where you’ll be received by the trek team. From here, a scenic drive of 8–9 hours takes you to Sankri, the quaint base village of Kedarkantha.
The drive passes through Mussoorie hills, Yamuna river valley, pine-covered ridges, and apple orchards. En route, stop for lunch at a roadside dhaba and enjoy views of the mighty Tons River.
By evening, reach Sankri – a charming Himalayan hamlet surrounded by deodar forests. After check-in at a guest house/homestay, enjoy a warm dinner and briefing about the trek. Overnight stay in Sankri.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (4 km trek, 4 hrs) | Altitude: 9,100 ft
After breakfast, your trek begins! The trail starts with a gentle climb through apple orchards and gradually enters a dense pine and oak forest. In winters, this stretch is often covered in snow, giving the feeling of walking through a fairy-tale forest.
After 4 hours of trekking, you reach Juda Ka Talab, a serene high-altitude lake. Legend says this lake was formed when Lord Shiva opened a strand of his hair. In winter, the lake freezes, creating a picture-perfect scene surrounded by tall pine trees.
Set up your tents near the lake, enjoy hot tea, and spend the evening around a campfire under a star-studded sky. Overnight camping at Juda Ka Talab.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km trek, 3–4 hrs) | Altitude: 11,200 ft
Today’s trek is short but steeper, taking you higher into the alpine zone. The trail passes through pine forests that gradually open into wide clearings with stunning views of snow-clad peaks.
By afternoon, you reach Kedarkantha Base Camp – one of the most picturesque campsites in the Himalayas. The vast meadow is surrounded by pine forests and offers unobstructed views of Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch ranges.
Spend the evening acclimatizing, capturing sunset views, and preparing for the summit climb the next day. Overnight camping at Kedarkantha Base.
Day 4: Summit Day – Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) and descend to Hargaon (6–7 hrs trek)
This is the most thrilling day of the trek! Start early around 3–4 am with headlamps, as the goal is to reach the summit by sunrise.
The trail climbs steeply through snow slopes and scattered pine trees. As you ascend, the first rays of the sun hit the snow, painting the landscape in hues of gold and orange.
Finally, after 3–4 hours of effort, you stand atop Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) – a moment of pure triumph. From the summit, witness 360° panoramic views of Himalayan peaks: Swargarohini, Black Peak, Yamunotri & Gangotri ranges, Rupin-Supin valleys, and even glimpses of Har ki Dun.
After spending some time at the summit, descend back to Base Camp for brunch and then continue down to Hargaon campsite. Overnight stay in tents at Hargaon.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri (6 km trek, 3–4 hrs) | Drive to Dehradun next day
Today’s trek is a gentle descent through forests and meadows. In spring, rhododendrons bloom along the trail, while in winter, snow carpets the forest floor.
After 3–4 hours, you arrive back at Sankri, marking the end of your trekking journey. Enjoy a hot shower, relax at the guest house, and celebrate the successful completion of the Kedarkantha Trek with your group.
Overnight stay in Sankri.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun (200 km, 8–9 hrs drive)
After breakfast, bid farewell to the mountains and drive back to Dehradun. The journey offers one last chance to soak in the beauty of Garhwal’s landscapes.
By evening, reach Dehradun, from where you can board your train/flight back home – carrying unforgettable memories of snow trails, starry camps, and the joy of standing on Kedarkantha Summit.
Why Choose the Kedarkantha Trek?
While there are several winter treks in the Himalayas, Kedarkantha has become the most popular for a reason:
Summit Trek: Unlike most treks that end at a pass or meadow, Kedarkantha gives the joy of a true summit climb.
Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for first-time trekkers with basic fitness. No prior experience is needed.
Year-Round Beauty: Covered in snow from December to April, while summer and autumn bring lush forests and crystal-clear views.
Cultural Touch: Interaction with villagers of Sankri and Gaichwan Gaon adds cultural depth to the journey.
Safe & Accessible: Well-marked trail with easy accessibility from Dehradun makes it ideal for solo trekkers and groups.
Essential Trek Information
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)
Trek Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Trek Distance: ~20 km (one way)
Trek Grade: Easy–Moderate (ideal for beginners with basic fitness)
Best Season: December–April (for snow), April–June & September–November (for clear skies & greenery)
Nearest Railhead: Dehradun (well connected to Delhi & other cities)
Base Village: Sankri (200 km from Dehradun)
