Kedarkantha Trek: An Ascent to the Abode of Shiva
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit:
- For Snow: January to March
- For Spring: April, May, and September
Temperature:
- Day: -1°C to 10°C
- Night: -8°C to -3°C
Highest Altitude: 12,500 ft
Pickup Point: Dehradun
Experience the Magic of Kedarkantha Winter Trek – The Most Thrilling Adventure Trek in the Himalayas – 2025
The Kedarkantha Winter Trek is one of the most special treks in India, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 12,500 ft, it provides a perfect opportunity for beginners to experience trekkers the magic of trekking through snow-clad trails. The panoramic summit views of the Himalayan peaks and the tranquil campsites like Juda Ka Talab make it an unforgettable journey for seasoned trekkers. This trek stands out as a must-visit destination for an exhilarating winter adventure.
Kedarkantha Queen Of Winter Treks
The true beauty of the Kedarkantha Winter Trek unfolds during the snowy season when the entire landscape transforms into a pristine white wonderland. Trekking through snow-laden trails, you’ll be greeted by majestic views of towering peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag. As night falls, the magic intensifies, offering the unforgettable experience of camping under a dazzling moonlit sky, where the serenity of the Himalayas will leave you spellbound. This winter adventure is a perfect escape into nature’s untouched splendor.
Discover The Cultural Heritage Of Kedarkantha Winter Trek
The Kedarkantha Winter Trek isn’t just an adventure through snow-clad trails; it’s a journey steeped in cultural heritage. The trek passes through quaint Himalayan villages like Sankri, where you can witness traditional wooden architecture, local festivals, and the warm hospitality of the Garhwali community. At the Kedarkantha summit, trekkers can find a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the name “KedarKantha” is quite unique. According to the legend, Lord Shiva had visited the place with his wife Parvati and made it their temporary home. You can start the Kedarkantha Winter Trek with the trusted Triptoo Team, a local trekking organization dedicated to providing a memorable and family-like experience. Enjoy a luxurious stay at our premium accommodations in Sankri, including The Grand Shiva Homestay and Hotel Swargarohini Palace, which offer comfort and hospitality like no other. Your trekking adventure will cover scenic spots like Sankri, Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, and Hargaon Camp, with camping arrangements to enhance your connection with nature. Our experienced local guides, skilled cooking team, and helpful staff ensure a seamless trekking experience. Relish delicious meals served 4 to 5 times daily, prepared fresh to energize your journey. Additionally, we provide convenient transport services, including pickup and drop-off from Dehradun Railway Station. Choose Triptoo for an unforgettable adventure on the Kedarkantha Winter Trek.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Local Guides For A Safe And Insightful Kedarkantha Trek Triptoo provide trained and knowledgeable guides and trek leaders, ensuring safety and valuable insights throughout the trek. With local expertise, these guides offer an authentic experience, perfect for first-time adventurers. Seamless Kedarkantha Trek Logistics With Premium Trekking & Camping Gear We ensure a hassle-free trekking experience by providing high-quality Trekking gear like insulated tents and cold-resistant sleeping bags. Along with delicious meals and well-planned transportation, they make your adventure both comfortable and memorable. Safety First: Expert Guidance And Acclimatization On Kedarkantha Trek Your safety is our priority, we have trained first-aid professionals, carefully planned acclimatization schedules, and constant monitoring of weather conditions, ensuring a secure and worry-free trekking experience. Eco-Friendly Trekking: Sustainable Adventures On Kedarkantha Trek Triptoo promote responsible travel by following eco-friendly practices, including proper waste disposal, leave-no-trace principles, and preserving the pristine beauty of the Himalayan trails. Kedarkantha Trek For Women – Safety & Support At Every Step We understand the importance of a women-friendly trek, and at Triptoo we ensure that women trekkers experience the Kedarkantha Winter Trek in the safest way possible. Our team includes trained female and male guides, and we provide a supportive environment that fosters confidence and comfort. By focusing on safety, proper care, and personalized attention, we aim to empower every woman to conquer the Himalayan trails and embrace the adventure with peace of mind. Empowering Women Trekkers On Kedarkantha Trek We prioritize creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for women trekkers at Triptoo. Our trained male and female guides ensure that every trek is both comfortable and secure, with a dedicated support crew looking after your needs. With our women-friendly approach, we empower women to explore the Himalayan region with confidence and ease, making the Kedarkantha Trek a memorable and peaceful journey. The powerful Himalaya presents a spectacular view of its snow-capped ranges. The Kedarkantha peak stands tall at an altitude of 12,500 ft. It offers mesmerizing and awe-inspiring visuals of Black Peak, Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Devkyara, Vijay Top, Rupin Pass, and Chainsheel Valley. The peak offers a panoramic view of the region. If you wish to feel like an eagle with a bird’s eye view, this trek is for you. So don’t miss out on views of Purola, Mussoorie, and Dhungiri.
Best Time To Visit Kedarkantha Trek
Are you looking for snow-capped trails or lush green meadows? The best time to visit Kedarkantha depends entirely on your trekking dreams. We have created a personalized seasonal breakdown to help you choose the best: Witness The Winter Wonderland Of Kedarkantha (December To April) Required Layers Of Warm Clothing: 3-4 warm clothing Temperature: Expect cold temperatures, ranging from -5°C to -10°C at night and around 5°C to 10°C during the day. (Add thermometer and day-night icons) Snow Conditions: This period offers a 360-degree view of stunning snow-covered landscapes, making it a fantastic time for snow trekking and winter photography. Prime Season For Winter Trekking: The ideal time to trek Kedarkantha for those craving snowy vistas and chilly mountain air is from late December to March. During this prime winter season, the entire region transforms into a magical snow-covered paradise. Perfect for winter trekkers, this period offers the perfect balance of thrilling terrain, towering summits, and a true mountain experience that will leave you in awe. So, if you’re ready for a winter challenge then this is the best time to answer the call of the mountains.
How Difficult Is Kedarkantha Trek?
The Kedarkantha Trek is generally classified as easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. Here’s a breakdown of what this means in terms of various aspects of the trek: Beginner Friendly: Suitable for beginners and first-time trekkers, especially those who are physically active and have a reasonable fitness level. No prior trekking experience is necessary. Well-Defined Paths: The trails are well-marked and maintained, making navigation easier for trekkers. The paths are a mix of dirt trails, rocky sections, and some snow-covered areas in winter. Moderate Altitude: The highest point of the trek is Kedarkantha Summit at 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). While this is high enough to require some acclimatization, the gradual ascent helps mitigate the risks of altitude sickness. Short Trek: The trek typically lasts around four days and covers approximately 23-25 km in total. Daily trekking distances range from 4 km to 6 km, making it manageable for most trekkers. Ascent & Descent: The ascent is gradual, allowing for proper acclimatization and reducing physical strain. The descent is relatively easy compared to many high-altitude treks. Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Follow Leave No Trace principles and leave the trekking area as you found it. This includes packing out all trash and waste, avoiding damaging vegetation, and respecting wildlife. Weather Conditions: The peak season for the Kedarkantha trek is during winter, from December to March, when the snow blankets the trail, adding both beauty and a layer of difficulty. This period calls for basic snow trekking skills and proper gear. You can also experience Kedarkantha’s charm in spring, summer, and fall, each offering its unique appeal. However, trekking during the monsoon is not recommended due to heavy rainfall and the risk of occasional landslides, making the journey challenging and unsafe. Basic Fitness Required: While no advanced fitness level is required, it’s important for trekkers to be in good health and to do some cardio and strength training in preparation for the trek. Age Limit For Kedarkantha Trek Our personal belief is that people can do this trek for a minimum of 6 years to 60 years but it is necessary to be fit to do this trek. And you can do this trek in the year. These are the plans for both summer and winter. The Kedarkantha Trek is generally accessible to a wide range of age groups, but most trekking organizations and guides set certain age limits to ensure safety and enjoyment.
What Do We Do For Safety In The Kedarkantha Winter Trek?
First of all, the safety of trekkers is our utmost priority, if you see the trek, then there are all the risks, which I do not think about. Safety Guidelines For Trekkers The trek is manageable and enjoyable. With a calm mind and steady determination, you’ll find every step of the journey feels easier and more rewarding. Most people look somewhere and where they are walking, this can cause twitching in your legs and ruin your entire trek. You should always keep your medical kit with you, it saves very crucial time in providing immediate treatment during emergencies. Our Safety Guidelines triptoo always keep a medical kit with every group, such as oxygen cylinders, and medicine to be given in an emergency on the trek. If any trekkers have any more problems, then they are brought back to the base camp by laying them on the stretcher. Our camp in Kedarkantha trek is around the tree line where you can not have any problem with Oxygen. In case of any medical problem, the help of your guide or well-informed trekkers should be taken.
Emergency Evacuation & Nearest Hospital
In case of an emergency situation, our professional trekking guide will be ready to help you out. The Kedarkantha trek has multiple exits like Sankri, Gaichawan Gaon, and Kotgaon, and they can take you the nearest exit based on your current location. Note:- In case you or your group is trekking without any trekking company then we highly recommend hiring a local guide and being well-informed about the nearest hospitals or healthcare centers. Nearest Hospitals: Here are some close government & private hospitals that you can know about: Mori Government Hospital Mori – Sankari Rd, Mautar, Uttarakhand – 249128 Primary Health Center Mori, Uttarakhand – 249128 Ph: 01373 234 486 Barkot Government Hospital Barkot, Uttarakhand – 249141 Swami Vivekanand Dharmarth Chikitsalay Barkot, Uttarakhand – 249141 Ph: 095576 19690 Note:- For serious medical emergencies the closest hospitals are in Mussoorie and Dehradun which can take 9-10 hours depending on the location of the base camp.
Let’s Learn About Altitude Sickness
Kedarkantha Peak is situated at 12500 feet and you start your trek from Sankri village at 6,455 ft above sea level. At this height, there are many chances of getting hit by AMS. But don’t worry it’s a natural part of high-altitude trekking and we are here to help you know about altitude sickness and how you can reduce its effect: To ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience, our campsites are strategically placed at shorter distances. This thoughtful placement provides ample time to rest and acclimatize, significantly reducing the chances of altitude sickness. The second day of the Kedarkantha trek is intentionally kept shorter than Day 1, giving your body the much-needed time to recover. A good night’s sleep on this day is crucial, as it helps your muscles regain strength and prepares you for the upcoming summit push. On summit day, after reaching the breathtaking Kedarkantha Peak, you’ll descend quickly, covering a significant drop in altitude. This rapid descent naturally helps your body recover from any mild symptoms of mountain sickness, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trekking experience. However, despite being physically fit and carefully following your guide’s instructions there are chances that you may get AMS. The early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) often include headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping. If you experience any of these signs, inform your trek guide immediately before they get severe. They can assess your condition and provide necessary altitude sickness medication, ensuring a safe and successful trek completion. If symptoms persist for more than 12 hours, descending to the Samkri base camp is the safest option to prevent further complications. Once you ascend beyond 11,000 feet, the risk of HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) increases significantly. Ignoring or hiding symptoms can be life-threatening, so always prioritize your health and safety at high altitudes.
- The motor route offers some breathtaking views of verdant pine forests on the way. The journey is marked by the meandering rivers on the left – first the Yamuna and later the Tons. On the route to Yamunotri, you take a detour via Naugaon to reach Purola, a small town bustling with activity. Later on the route, you come across Naitwar, which is a confluence of the Rupin and the Supin. Finally, we move towards Sankari (1,950 m) - a quaint, small hamlet. It houses approximately 250 families and is also the basecamp for other treks including Har-ki-Dun Trek, Bali Pass and Borasu Pass. The place offers a breathtaking view of Swargarohini.
- It is from here that the trek starts via a village named Saur. During the climb, it is a common sight to spot women and kids carrying bundles of wooden logs, wooden sticks for the fire. The verdant green meadows are a treat to watch. This picturesque trail takes you through dense forest and a thick carpet of maple, pine and oak.
- The sound of the burbling stream is mellifluous and offers a natural music to your ears. Do observe two wooden bridges on the way. It is an indication that you have reached Posla, where one of the route takes a detour to Hargaon. You may also wait and enjoy tea at Jainole Thach.
- Finally, you spot a lake that is flanked by thick pine and oak forest. Yes, that’s Juda-ka-Talab. The spot is a beauty to behold and is a perfect place for campsite. On a full-moon day, the lake illuminates in all its resplendence because of the moonshine. The vision of the starry night is another cherry on the cake. In some cases, the campsite is stationed at Kuamoli, which is just 10 minutes from here.
- The visible and almost leisure walk meanders through dense forest of pine and oak trees. It is not surprising to come across steep ridges. Do care to observe the shepherd huts in open meadows, which are redolent of an idyllic setting. The winding roads through these settings take you to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. The arc-shaped range of snow-capped mountains comprising of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana are all a bliss to explore.
- This exquisite location marks the night halt in the tents. As the night grows darker and darker, it lends it a more Romantic setting as the dense network of stars and glistening peak of the mountain all conspire to create a memorable experience for all.
- It is the day that has been marked to conquer the Kedarkantha Peak. The trek begins at the wee hours in order to witness the mesmerising sunrise at the peak. The main trail is the perfect one to choose as it marks a slow ascent to the peak. The fag end of the trail is physically demanding for the first-time trekkers. But the 360 degree view that the summit has on offer is inexplicable and worth a life-time experience. As the crepuscular rays declare the arrival of a fresh morning with the sunrise, it fills everyone with exhilaration. The top of the peak has a beautiful yet small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, along with a small shrine of Lord Ganesha too. As one reaches the summit, it makes one realise why Lord Shiva chooses places like these as his abode. Well, you have to be there to know the answer to this question.
- This is followed by a descent to Hargaon Camp, which is a different route nonetheless equally breathtaking. It also passes through idyllic settings, which entail a journey through dense oak forests, pine and maple trees, shepherd huts and burbling streams.
- The return journey passes through ascent and descent over the West Himalayas. It marks a descent till Mori, where you can view the ferious Tons river on the right. The route till Jarmola is an ascending one and passes through pine forest. It is not surprising then that you can observe a sharp decline in temperature here. If you begin to see some habitation, it is an indication that you are about to reach Purola. It is a small town that houses a Government Degree College too, the only one in the region. As you are about to reach Naugaon, you cross a metal bridge built over the Yamuna. Lunch is provided at Damta and finally the drop back to Dehradun Railway Station marks the end of the trek.
How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun.
By Train
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi:
- Nanda Devi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure: 11:50 PM, Arrival: 5:40 AM)
- Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure: 9:10 PM, Arrival: 5:00 AM)
By Bus
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We recommend taking only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT, and they are not trustworthy.
Usually, buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there, you have to reach Dehradun Railway Station.
Note:
- Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek.
- You will reach Sankri by 5:00 PM.
- Food from Dehradun to Sankri is not included in the trek cost.
- Transport will be arranged from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:30 AM.
Inclusions
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
- Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent, utensils, and crampon (if required)
- Welcome refreshment
- Three times meals (Veg+egg): Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder
- Mountaineering qualified & professional guide and support staff
- Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and return (According to itinerary)
- Porter or mule charges for carrying camping equipment and rations
- Morning Tea & Evening Tea with snacks
- Guide Charges
- Hot drinking water
- Trek completion certificate (Approved by Outside Explorers)
- Dry fruits, chocolates, biscuits, toffees provided during the trek
Exclusions
- Porter/mule for personal bags
- Any meals or services not mentioned in inclusions
- Any charges for video cameras or still cameras
- Charges for soft drinks or any other beverages
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, or telephone calls
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like landslides, bad weather, or roadblocks
- Food during transit
- Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
🏔️ Things to Carry for This Trek
🧳 Essentials
- 🆔 Government ID (Aadhar, Passport, etc.)
- 📄 Permits & Trek Bookings
- 💵💳 Cash (Limited ATMs in Remote Areas)
- 📍 Trek Map & Itinerary
🎒 Backpack & Gear
- 🎒 Backpack (50-60L) with Rain Cover
- 🥾 Good Quality Trekking Shoes
- 🦯 Trekking Pole
- ⛺ Sleeping Bag (if required)
- 🔦 Headlamp / Torch with Extra Batteries
🧥 Clothing & Accessories
- 🧥 Waterproof Jacket / Windcheater
- 🩳 Quick-Dry T-shirts & Trek Pants
- 🧤 Woolen Gloves, Socks & Cap
- 🕶️ UV Protection Sunglasses
- 🩲 Thermal Innerwear (for high-altitude treks)
🛠️ First Aid & Personal Care
- 💊 Basic First Aid Kit & Personal Medicines
- 🧴 Sunscreen & Lip Balm (SPF 50+)
- 🚿 Wet Wipes & Sanitizer
- 🦟 Mosquito & Insect Repellent
📱 Electronics & Miscellaneous
- 📱🔌 Phone & Charger
- 🔋 Power Bank
- 📸 Camera / GoPro (optional)
- 🍫 Dry Fruits, Energy Bars & Snacks
- 🚰 Water Bottles / Hydration Pack
Why should I book my trek with Triptoo?
Triptoo offers expert-guided treks, well-planned itineraries, quality camping gear, and 24/7 support to ensure a safe and memorable trekking experience. We handle permits, meals, and logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
What type of food we serve on trek?
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