Kedarkantha Trek – The Queen of Winter Treks
Kedarkantha Trek is not just a trend starter but also one of the Finest Summit Climbs in winters. It has gained its popularity due to the views, terrains, flora, fauna and the fact that has easy to moderate level of difficulty. Making it accessible for first-timers, amateurs and above. By the way, the name ‘Kedarkantha’ must not to be confused with Kedarnath. These two are completely different treks and comes with different set of big mountains with a whole range of thrill, excitement, and awesomeness.
Being the most popular trek in the Indian Himalayas, the name Kedarkantha, is derived from two words Kedar + Kantha, literal meaning – ‘Throat of Lord Shiva’. Kedarkantha trek has a whole lot of fascinating mythical stories attached to it.
Best of Kedarkantha Summit
#1 The Magic of Beautiful Forests
Topped with the beauty of snow at Upper Himalayas, another biggest reason for choosing Kedarkantha trek package are its charming forest. Taking place in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, you’ll find more varieties of trees & shrubs than Deodar, Pine and Oak. Besides, the forest is extremely dense and perfect spot to capture the magical and playful actions between sunrays & shadow.
#2 Finest Summit Climb for Beginners
There are many reasons to visit Indian Himalayas with Kedarkantha. One major reason is the summit climb. The peak views of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Draupadi ka Danda accompany you until you reach the summit. But, the excitement doesn’t end there. As you reach the top of Kedarkantha Summit, you’ll be mesmerized with the Garhwal Himalayas sparkling as the first light hit the snow top!
#3 Adventures of any other Top Himalayan Trek
The Kedarkantha tour package starts with a steep gradient for a short distance and then eases itself during the middle sections. The final summit climb is the hardest and longest. The trail offers plenty of panoramic views like any other Himalayan Trek. From several narrow streams to slippery and muddy terrains to rocky patches and boulders. However, the best part is that you as a beginner can have all these adventures you hear among pro-level trekkers community.
#4 Stunning Backdrops & Lovely Locals
Imagine camping under the star studded sky in the night or waking up to a snowy morning. Ain’t these are the dreamiest thing you’ll ever see. On your way up, you will come across large clearings or open grounds that will provide you not just excellent view but also a sense of nature’s beauty. Besides, you’ll encounter the herd of cattles led by the shepherds who are really nice and humble Pahadi people as if you’re their family member.
#5 Foods on Kedarkantha Dhabas
Although Kedarkantha trek cost covers your food expense, trying those hillside dhabas hit you differently. The food that you get on the trek is locally procured to help sustain the local villages and is vegetarian. A vegetarian healthy diet helps keeps your bowel movements in order throughout the expedition. Your food consists of lentils, chapattis, cooked vegetables and rice. This trek is one of the most magnificent treks in the entire Himalayas. This is the perfect trek to get started on your Kedarkantha trekking expeditions.
Over the period it has gained its popularity among trekkers and turned into a buzzing place for tourists. Thanks to the thrill thirsty Indians! However, now it all makes sense why this winter trip deserves the title of Queen of Winter Treks.
Weather on Kedarkantha trek route
Kedarkantha Summer Trek: –
Kedarkantha trekking can be done all-round the year. However, the views you will get to see depends on the weather conditions. The temperature during summer months varies from 10 – 20 degrees Celsius. The warm weather and ample of sunshine results in lush green landscapes and trees filled with leaves and flowers.
One of the best things about Kedarkantha trek in summers is the flourishing trees and flowers. While trekking, you pass through several trails of stunning rhododendrons and gorgeous oak trees. As the temperature remains very moderate, the entire route becomes extraordinarily colorful too.
Kedarkantha Winter Trek: –
During Winter Kedarkantha Trek is packed with heavy snow and offers your beautiful views of snow-topped Himalayan Mountains. Sun’s reflection from the snow studded mountains makes the mountains glow. The weather becomes extremely cold in winters and the actual temperature dips to -5 degrees in winter. Due to wind gusts, the temperature feels like -10 to -15 degrees.
Your campsites are placed in grounds full of snow. An itinerary planned for half-day treks and balance half rest period make sure that you get ample time to enjoy the snow.
For further queries regarding Kedarkantha Trekking Trek Height, Kedarkantha Trek Package, Kedarkantha trek cost, and Kedarkantha trek map, call us or write to Moustache Escapes today!
Kedarkantha trek itinerary
Option 1 – Kedarkantha Trek 5D/4N
From Sankri to Sankri – Rs.4699 + GST
From Dehradun to Dehradun – Rs.6699 + GST
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
Altitude: 6,455 ft.
Drive: 6-7 hrs. (187km)
Meal: Dinner
Stay: Stay at a guesthouse on a sharing basis.
Take a shared cab from Dehradun and reach Sankri, it will take 7 hours to reach the campsite.
Enjoy the drive covering the pine forest section along with river Yamuna on your side.
Sankri is the base camp of many treks of Uttarakhand, out of which the most popular are Har ki Dun and Bali Pass.
22 km before Sankri the Govind National Park area starts which is famous for its avid collection of flora.
After reaching Sankri, freshen up and step out of the guest house to explore the village on your own.
Day 2 : Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
Altitude: 8,859 ft.
Trek: 4 km (4-5 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.
After a healthy breakfast at the guest house and start your journey towards Juda ka Talab.
After crossing Sorh the journey takes a wide and sharp curve moving along the stream, the initial climb will pass you through the dense forest, brown leaves of Maple and Pine crushed under the foot.
After crossing a dense forest section you will reach Juda ka Talab, try taking a walk around the fascinating lake.
Few meters from the lake we will pitch our tents and will retire for the day.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab – Kedarkantha Base Camp
Altitude: 11,250 ft.
Trek: 4 km (3-4 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.
After morning breakfast starts your trek towards Kedarkantha Base, on a straight guided path.
After crossing 10,400 ft. you can visualize the snow traces with winds meandering around the track.
Few meters from today’s destination enjoy the views of arc-shaped snow-capped mountains, Swaragarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Rangala standing in the front.
After reaching the campsite, pitch the tents and enjoy the clear views of the night sky filled with twinkling stars, planets, and satellites.
Enjoy a hot meal at the campsite and retire ASAP as the next day’s climb will start as early as 4 am.
Day 4: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Top, Descend to Hargaon
Altitude: 11,250 ft. – 12,500 ft. – 8,900 ft.
Trek: 6 km (6-7 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.
The most exciting day of the trek begins as early as 4 am, today you will conquer Kedarkantha Trek Height & Peak.
During the trek, you will pass through a few portions of Oak forest with the ascend to as high as 12,500 ft.
The last climb to the peak is adventurous, spot a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati overlooking the region.
Enjoy your time at the top, descend back to the base camp to fill up your empty stomachs with hot lunch. Rest for a few more minutes and descend to Hargaon.
Once again it’s the journey covering the dense Oak, Pine, and Maple forest with many shepherds’ huts at different spots, Reach the campsite, pitch the tents and mark an end to the delighted day.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri and back to Dehradun
Altitude: 8,900 ft – 9,100 ft
Trek: 4 km (2-4 hrs)
Drive: 187 km (7-8 hrs)
Meals: Breakfast
After a relaxing breakfast, start your descend back to Sankri.
After an hour into the trek you will reach a ridgeline from there you can spot some splendid views of Har Ki Dun Valley, enjoy your moment by the photography of the route from a distance.
After reaching the base get into your taxi and head towards Dehradun
Trek ends here!!
Option 2nd – Kedarkantha Trekking Itinerary 6D/5N
From Dehradun to Rishikesh – Rs.7699 + GST
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
Altitude: 6,455 ft.
Drive: 6-7 hrs. (187 km)
Meal: Dinner
Stay: Stay at a guesthouse on a sharing basis.
Take a shared cab from Dehradun and reach Sankri, it will take 7 hours to reach the campsite.
Enjoy the drive covering the pine forest section along with river Yamuna on your side.
Sankri is the base camp of many treks of Uttarakhand, out of which the most popular are Har ki Dun and Bali Pass.
22 km before Sankri the Govind National Park area starts which is famous for its avid collection of flora.
After reaching Sankri, freshen up and step out of the guest house to explore the village on your own.
Day 2 : Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
Altitude: 8,859 ft.
Trek: 4 km (4-5 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.
After a healthy breakfast at the guest house and start your journey towards Juda ka Talab.
After crossing Sorh the journey takes a wide and sharp curve moving along the stream, the initial climb will pass you through the dense forest, brown leaves of Maple and Pine crushed under the foot.
After crossing a dense forest section you will reach Juda ka Talab, try taking a walk around the fascinating lake.
Few meters from the lake we will pitch our tents and will retire for the day.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab – Kedarkantha Base Camp
Altitude: 11,250 ft.
Trek: 4 km (3-4 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.
After morning breakfast starts your trek towards Kedarkantha Base Camp, on a straight guided path.
After crossing 10,400 ft. you can visualize the snow traces with winds meandering around the Kedarkantha track.
Few meters from today’s destination enjoy the views of arc-shaped snow-capped mountains, Swaragarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Rangala standing in the front.
After reaching the campsite, pitch the tents and enjoy the clear views of the night sky filled with twinkling stars, planets, and satellites.
Enjoy a hot meal at the campsite and retire ASAP as the next day’s climb will start as early as 4 am.
Day 4: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Top, Descend to Hargaon campsite
Altitude: 11,250 ft. – 12,500 ft. – 8,900 ft.
Trek: 6 km (6-7 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Evening Snacks – Dinner
Stay: Stays in tents on a sharing basis.
The most exciting day of the trek begins as early as 4 am, today you will conquer Kedarkantha Peak.
During the trek, you will pass through a few portions of Oak forest with the ascend to as high as 12,500 ft.
The last climb to the peak is adventurous, spot a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati overlooking the region.
Enjoy your time at the top, descend back to the base camp to fill up your empty stomachs with hot lunch. Rest for a few more minutes and descend to Hargaon.
Once again it’s the journey covering the dense Oak, Pine, and Maple forest with many shepherds’ huts at different spots, Reach the campsite, pitch the tents and mark an end to the delighted day.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri Trek and Drive to Rishikesh
Altitude: 8,900 ft. – 9,100 ft.
Trek: 4 km (2-4 hrs.)
Drive: 200 km (8-10 hrs.)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Stay: Stay at a Hotel in Dorm beds.
After a relaxing breakfast, start your descend back to Sankri.
After an hour into the trek you will reach a ridgeline from there you can spot some splendid views of Har Ki Dun Valley, enjoy your moment by the photography of the route from a distance.
After reaching the base get into your taxi and head towards Rishikesh.
Check in to your rooms, have dinner and relax for the night.
Day 6: Check Out
Meals: Breakfast
Early morning get up and go for a sunrise walk to Laxman Jhula or you can choose to stay in your comfy bed for a lazy morning.
Have a delicious breakfast at the hotel and check out.
You can either proceed towards your onward journey or put your luggage in the luggage room and explore the things which Rishikesh has to offer
Rafting, Bungee Jumping, or other adventure activities can be arranged at an additional cost
Trek ends here!!
Things to Carry on Kedarkantha Trek Package :-
- Shirts/T-shirts –2/3, Jeans/Trekking Pants -2
- Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood
- Warm and thick Fleece/Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
- Raincoat/Poncho, Small quick dry towel
- Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty plastic bottels bottles!!)
- Cap/Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
- Sun glasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch/Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
- Personal toiletries
- Day pack/small bag in case if you are planning to offload your regular backpack
- Hand Sanitizer
- Extra face masks
- Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)