Overview

Kedarkantha Trek

Day wise Planning

The Queen of Winter Treks, Kedarkantha Trek is undoubtedly the first choice that comes to mind when you think of winter trekking. Kedarkantha is sometimes known as "Kedar Khand," which is a name of historical significance in the area that roughly means "Section of Lord Shiva." Nevertheless, Kedarkantha means "Throat of Lord Shiva." As per the legend, Lord Shiva used to meditate in Kedarkantha before moving to Kedarnath.



Elevated at 12,500 ft, Kedarkantha is one of the breathtaking peaks of the whole majestic Himalayan range. Out of all the best winter treks in India, Kedarkantha Trek is the most popular choice attracting thousands of hikers and trekkers across the country. It is suitable for everyone from novice trekkers to those who are experts.



This 4-night, 5-day Kedarkantha trek is organized to cater to those who prefer to be in calm nature with unpredictable paths and mysterious valleys with a love for adventure. Famous for its awe-inspiring sight of snow-covered mountains, the summit gives a fleeting look at several ranges, namely Black Peak, Swargarohini, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The summit's name means Lord Shiva's Throat and its association with Lord Shiva, and the stories and folklores that come from the locals add to its beauty and mix the experience.



JustWravel’s Kedarkantha Trek will kick off at Dehradun then we will navigate through a tiny village Sankri which is the base camp for this long trek of 20 kilometers. We will spend a night at our designated homestay or hotel, introducing ourselves and sharing experiences, before going to bed for the night. The next day, after a briefing session from our trek leader, we will go to our first checkpoint, Juda Ka Taal, where we will spend the day at the campsite, enjoying lunch and dinner while looking at the Swargarohini ridges.



The following day, we will carry on our trek to the Kedarkantha base camp positioned at 11,200 ft above sea level. After a hot lunch and doing some random activities such as snowball fights, we will start our overnight stay at the base camp itself.



After enduring the highs and lows of this short trek and watching the magical sunsets, we will make our final trek to the Kedarkantha summit before dawn. One of the most memorable moments of this trek is the early sunrise at the top which will make you forget about your weariness and put you in complete tranquility. One thing that sets the Kedarkantha trek apart is that it is classified as a moderately difficult trek. It is beginner-friendly and gives trekkers a chance to enjoy the splendid 360-degree view of the majestic Himalayan ranges thus, making the experience of trekking all the more enjoyable. The coldest place along the trekking route is Juda Ka Taal where during the winter months the lake is frozen completely. The sun glimmers on its surface like diamonds causing it to have a golden coloration. The trek gets more interesting as you proceed, with enchanting landscapes along the way. If the weather gods are kind, you may find yourself amidst the snowfall. A large number of people who go to Kedarkantha Trek continue coming back, not only for the summit but also for the culture and cuisine. Apart from the peaked rice variety which is one of the specialties of the Kedarkantha region, you have to try the well-cooked red rice as it assists the body stay warm during winters.



The carrying of electronic devices that work only with a network connection is not advisable. The network is lost just before arriving at Sankri Village, the starting point of the trek. Although the Kedarkantha trek is accessible year-round, most people prefer to visit during winter to witness the pristine snow, particularly in December and January. The best time to visit Kedarkantha is from November to February. It is one of those places where the full essence of the experience cannot be captured on the first visit, so trekkers often return. In conclusion, based on popular opinion and its widespread appeal, the Kedarkantha trek can be easily categorized as ‘The Best Winter Trek in India’. If you’re overwhelmed by multiple winter trek options in India and unsure of which to choose, Kedarkantha should be an easy decision.



So, make some room for the Kedarkantha Trek in your 2024 travel bucket list, and keep your backpack ready for this winter season.


How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek


By Air: The closest airport to the Kedarkantha Trek is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located approximately 25 kilometers away. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun. Once you reach Dehradun, you can either hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach the base camp Sankri.
By Train: If you are coming from Delhi to Kedarkantha, you have the option to take a train to Dehradun. There are frequent trains connecting Delhi and Dehradun, so you can choose to travel overnight. Upon reaching Dehradun, you can then take a private vehicle or a bus to Sankri.
By Road: Regular bus services are available from Delhi to Dehradun. It is recommended to take a Delhi government bus from Kashmere Gate to Dehradun. Once you arrive in Dehradun, you can either use public transportation or rent a private vehicle to reach Sankri.

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