Once in a lifetime, we all dream of going to a location surrounded by snow, tall trees, and a sky full of stars. If you still have a passion for visiting such a location, then the Kedarkantha trek is the destination you are seeking. Popularly known as “the queen of winter treks”, the Kedarkantha trek has a route that is entirely covered with snow, a beautiful frozen lake, and an excellent infrastructure that makes trekking quite easy.
Believe us, if you have decided to do the trek, you are going to turn a beautiful chapter in your life. However, never forget that good planning is required for a smooth experience. And it is done when you are aware of the basic things about the trek and a few crucial instructions. In this guide, we will provide a complete guide to the incredible winter trek in India to help you plan your tour perfectly.
Quick Facts About the Kedarkantha Trek
Before we go further, let’s take a look at the quick facts about the Kedarkantha trek.
Trek Duration: 4-5 days
Maximum Altitude: ~12,500 feet
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Major Peaks: Swargarohini peaks, Bandarpunch Massif, Mount Kalanag
Where is Kedarkantha & How to Reach
So, your adventure to the Kedarkantha trek begins in the incredible Sankri village. If you love the Himalayas, you’ve definitely heard of this spot! As you step into this peaceful Garhwali village, you can feel the excitement in the air. This is where your story in the mountains begins.
How to reach Sankri in Uttarkashi
The most common gateway to reach this beautiful settlement is via Dehradun.
By Air: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
By Train: Arrive at Dehradun Railway Station.
By Bus: Catch a bus to Dehradun from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Once you reach Dehradun, you can take a bus to Sankri village. If you prefer more comfort, you can go ahead with a shared cab or book a taxi.
Best Time to Visit
The peak winter season is the time when this entire landscape has turned into a beautiful Narnia-like land. You look around and find yourself in a realm that you have never experienced before. Snow everywhere, tall trees, and a beautiful frozen lake all make you still. But you can also opt to visit the Himalayan trek during spring, a season when greenery enhances the beauty of the landscape. Autumn and summer are also perfect times to experience the beauty of the destination. But avoid the monsoon season for safety reasons.
Itinerary: What to Expect Daily
Remember, the trek is 4 or 5 days long, and the harsh weather can extend the duration. It’s a 20 km round trip. Let’s explore the day-wise itinerary:
Day 1: Have breakfast at Sankri. And then, start trekking to an unforgettable campsite: Juda ka Talab. You reach here after covering a distance of 4-5 km. This takes at least 3 hours. Stay here overnight, and you will wish to return here again.
Day 2: Now, start walking to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. It takes around 2-3 hours. But once you reach here, you forget your past and just live in the moment.
Day 3: Summit day starts super early (around 3–4 AM). The aim is to reach the top of Kedarkantha by sunrise. The last part is steep. But the sunrise views of Himalayan peaks make it all worth it. Then, you start descending back to the campsite.
Day 4: The Final day of the trek begins with descending from Hargaon or the campsite that the trek guide has selected for you. You reach back to Sankri.
Gear You Will Need
The right gear matters. The first step that you have to do is to request your trekking guide about the important trekking tips and gear you will need. They can arrange everything for you, or you can also request that they make a few arrangements for you. Every reputable trekking package provides a detailed list of the things to carry a few days before the trek starts.
- Wear trekking shoes with ankle support and good grip, and carry microspikes.
- A trekking pole is essential and mostly provided by the trekking package.
- Carry thermal base layers (top & bottom) and a warm mid-layer.
- Woolen gloves and one pair of waterproof gloves.
- Sunglasses with UV protection and a water bottle/hydration pack.
- Lightweight trekking pants / quick-dry trousers.
- Pack snacks / dry fruits, too.
A successful trek demands regular training for a few days. Train your body to walk for at least one hour a day. And also stick to the instructions provided by the trekking guides when it comes to acclimatization.
Highlights of the Trek
Now, let’s take a look at everything that you will experience on the trek. After all, these are things that are motivating you to cover this easy-to-moderate trek.
Camping Near a Frozen Lake: This experience is going to be one of the wonderful moments in your life. You camp near the Juda Ka Talab lake and witness the beauty around. The peace that you feel here stays with you long after you travel back to your hometown.
Starry Skies: Plan to trek when the weather is clear. This is because clear weather allows you to sleep under a sky that is full of stars. Confidently inform your trekking guide that you want to witness this experience, and they will help you plan your trek at the right time.
Winter Wonderland: The entire area is buried under deep snow. But still, the right professionals help you manage to make a way to summit. The peaceful environment motivates you to explore the beauty of the region more.
Conclusion
We understand that it is really hard to remain confident about everything, especially when you are trekking for the first time. But the right professionals can help you stay confident. They arrange everything or help you arrange everything that you require for a successful trek. Involving their help not only smoothens your experience but also enhances the adventure to the next level.
