When it comes to Indian Winter Treks, Kedarkantha is always the table topper. Kedarkantha Trek is often termed as “The Queen Of Winter Treks” being one of the most popular choices amongst the trekkers. It is definitely a great trek for beginners too. Kedarkantha Trek offers some of the best campsites and summit experiences. The trail of Kedarkantha is, thus, a very special one indeed.
Basic Details Of The Trek – Kedarkantha Trek
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Region: Sankri, Uttarakhand
Duration Of The Trek: 5 Days and 4 Nights
Budget Of The Trek: INR 10,000 – INR 12,000
Maximum Altitude Gain: 12,500 feet (3810 meters)
What Does Trekking Kedarkantha Feel Like?
For the ones who want to set out their foot for the first time in the field of winter trekking, Kedarkantha is by far the best choice. It is a great choice for the beginners because of the easy terrain and trail. Kedarkantha offers one of the best Himalayan winter trails. For the climbers, Kedarkantha trek is a heavenly experience.
However, the only con of this trek is its popularity. Kedarkantha, right from when the routes to the trek were opened in the year 2011,has seen a large number of visitors trying to scale the summit. The crowd takes away the essence of such a beautiful trek and makes the experience a bit less amusing.
Complete Tour Guide and Itinerary – Trail Of Kedarkantha Trek
Completing the Kedarkantha trek usually takes around 5 days. You can cover the hiking distance in 6 or 7 days as well. Since solo trek tours aren’t common in this area, it’s important to follow your guide’s recommendations. I will suggest booking a proper tour package for Kedarkantha Trek to avoid any last minute mishaps. You may gain elevation at your own pace and take as many days as you want. However, the ideal duration is 5 days, and I’ve outlined the schedule below:
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
The trek to Kedarkantha begins from Sankri. The distance of Sankri from Dehradun is around 186 kilometers. The first day of the Kedarkantha trek is for everyone to reach Sankri and be guided by the trek guides about the details of the treks. After the briefing, dinner is served and people rest and gather energy for the upcoming days.
How to reach Sankri?
To reach Sankri, you can take a bus from the Dehradun Bus Stand to Sankri and you may also opt for private cabs, which would obviously cost more.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Taal
The second day begins with your ascent from your base at Sankri to Juda ka Taal or Juda ka Talab. This will be a test of your physical ability because this will be your first ascent. You will be provided with gaiters and spikes for an easy climbing experience. The total distance you will cover on the second day will be around 5-6 kilometers. The distance of Juda ka Talab from Sankri is 5 kilometers.
On your way to Juda ka Talab, you will pass through Swargarohini and by the time of afternoon, you will reach your campsite where you’ll have to spend the night. Do not forget to view the beauty of the night sky as the night falls.
Day 3: Juda Ka Taal to Kedarkantha base camp
With the rising sun you will leave for your base camp. It is a 3 to 4 kilometers hike, but believe me, by the time you reach Kedarkantha Base Camp, you will feel like you have walked 10 kilometers easily. It will be evening already by the time you reach the Kedarkantha base camp. After you supper, you’ll be asked to sleep early, because the ascent to the peak requires you to start trekking from 3 a.m. in the morning. Kedarkantha Base Camp height in feet is 11,200 feet above the sea level.
Day 4: Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha
The fourth and the most special day of the trek. You will have to be well prepared to walk a lot, because today you have to ascend till you have summited Kedarkantha and descend after reaching the Kedarkantha summit. In short, the day is going to be a long one. Be ready to get mesmerized by the 360 degree views of the Himalayan peaks. After which you’ll come back to the base camp.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri
The last day of your journey will be an easy one, but a rather emotional one. The day will be long because you have to come all the way down from your Base camp to Hargaon and from there to Sankri where your Kedarkantha trek would end. I would suggest staying in Sankri for a day and enjoying the local food and culture and leave for Dehradun the next day.
Important Documents That You Need To Carry On Kedarkantha Trek
This is the part where people often make mistakes. Do not forget to carry your important documents including major identity proofs before setting on this trek. It is very important to carry the needed documents on your trek.
- Do not forget your identity cards. This is the basic thing everyone should carry on each of their treks. Keep either the original or a photocopy of any government photo identification card like the Aadhar Card, Driver’s Licence, Voter’s ID or PAN.
- If you are a NRI or a foreigner, you will need your passports and VISA for this trek.
- Keep in mind to have yourself thoroughly checked for any medical turbulence. Once checked, keep your medical certificates with you.
- You will also need to sign a certificate of Declaration before you set out on the trek. Do not forget to read it thoroughly.
- Keep some passport sized pictures of yourself. They may come in handy.
Useful Essentials For Trekking Kedarkantha
Trekking is not a child’s play and thus needs to be done properly. One must take care of the basic amenities that every trekker must have. You should not look to pack everything in your rucksack, but you also have to keep in mind the things that you cannot avoid. Here are some useful essentials that you should carry for a smooth trekking experience.
Clothes – Inners and Warmers
You must be layering up quite well in order to be able to withstand the cold temperature up there. Do not forget your thermals, jackets and socks. Also, carry proper water resistant boots or shoes with a proper ankle support. Keep a pair of gloves, a raincoat and track pants with yourself. Try to stay as dry as possible.
SIM Card and Electronic Items
If you’re hoping that your operator would reach the heights of Kedarkantha, you’re mistaken. This is a job that is possible for BSNL. It is advised for you to take a BSNL Sim if you need to stay in touch with your loved ones throughout the trek. Keep a torch and a head light along with an extra pair of batteries and a power bank too.
Toiletries
Paper soaps, sanitisers, tooth brushes, toothpastes, moisturizers and tissue papers are some of the must haves for this trek. Apart from this, carry a sunscreen (SPF 40 or above). These things are going to prove useful, because at such freezing temperatures, water would be the last thing you would want to come in contact with.
Other Essential Products
Some of the other essential products for a smooth trek include UV Sunglasses, to protect you from the harmful and direct rays of the sun; thermal bottles with heat isolation properties to keep warm things warm; medicines for altitude sickness and breathing problems; towels, extra pair of slippers or shoes, and first aid kit.
What Is The Significance Of Kedarkantha?
Uttarakhand in itself is a place of great spiritual and mythological significance and is the hub of pilgrimage due to the holy landmarks it has within. Kedarkantha is one such place that has a great spiritual significance. When I talked to the locals of Kedarkantha, I found out that Lord Shiva, before going to Kedarnath, did his meditation here.
Yes, you heard that right. It is said that a bull disturbed Lord Shiva’s meditation and he left Kedarkantha and went to Kedarnath to seek peace and meditate. There is also a stone sheet at the summit of Kedarkantha which is worshiped by people who trek up there. Some also believe that Shiva’s Trishul lies somewhere in there which has been protecting the place and its people ever since.
What is the height of Kedarkantha?
Kedarkantha is nestled amidst the ranges of the Greater Himalayas. Kedarkantha height in feet is 12,500 feet above the mean sea level. It means that Kedarkantha is 3,810 meters high. The height of Kedarkantha is another factor behind its serenity. It is a must do winter trek in India.
What Is The Best Time For Kedarkantha Trek?
The Kedarkantha, as I have mentioned quite in the beginning of my blog, is a winter paradise. It is one of the best winter treks in India and definitely a Himalayan Winter Wonderland. The best seasons to trek Kedarkantha begin early in the Decembers and continue to April. The entire place becomes a heaven of snow during these months. The best time for Kedarkantha trek is during the winters.
What does Kedarkantha Trek offer you in Winters?
Kedarkantha trek has got a lot to offer during the winter months. Some of the major attractions of the Kedarkantha Trek are listed below.
Snowy Trails
During winters, Kedarkantha gets totally engulfed in the white sheet of snow. It has a really good snowy experience for each and every trekker out there. The snow beautifully settles on the pines and gives you a picturesque view of the mountains. You are going to fall in love with the view that Kedarkantha offers during winters.
Clear Skies
Most of the trekkers around the world have just one complaint with the treks they set out, that they do not get to see clear views of the Himalayas. Well, not in Kedarkantha. The crystal clear skies are surely going to take away your breath and are going to leave you with one word, ‘Wow!’
Challenges
Yes, Kedarkantha is a beginner level trek, but it has its challenges too. The snow not just adds to the beauty of the trek, but makes it even more challenging, which is why I would suggest you be prepared for the trek. The temperature may also fall down quite a lot. Sometimes, you can have the scale go down to as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Rare Wildlife Sightings
Have you heard of the Himalayan Blue Sheep? If you’re lucky enough, you will be able to sight the Himalayan Blue Sheep while on your trail to the summit of Kedarkantha. This attraction multiplies the value of the trek and increases the amount of experience that you are about to gather.
Important Tips For Kedarkantha Trek
According to my analysis of the trek, I would suggest avoiding the route from Sankri and trekking from the Kotgaon route. The Kotgaon Route is secluded and less attended by the travelers unlike the one through Sankri which is quite a crowded one. It is also a better and a more scenic route in terms of picturesque views and trails.
Also, I would suggest to be well layered and carry water resistant shoes for yourself through the trek to avoid any sort of discomfort or illness. Also, carry the necessary medications for Altitude Sickness like Diamox. I would also suggest you not to buy costly trekking equipment but to rent them. It would fit your pocket needs.
Observe proper care of your body. Any signs of uneasiness and shortness in breathing must not be neglected. Stay hydrated throughout the trek, but also do not drink a lot of liquid. Water is something that has the ability to save as well as kill at high altitudes. It thus is very important to monitor your health properly throughout your trek.
Places To Visit Near Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha is a great trek in itself and you will forget every other thing you have experienced on other intermediate treks once you set out on this one, but trust me, there are certain other places near Kedarkantha that you can visit after you have done trekking Kedarkantha. Here below are five of the best places to visit near Kedarkantha or after your trek.
1. Sankri Village
Sankri is going to be the base of your trek to Kedarkantha. It serves as a base for many of the other treks from that region and it is really a very beautiful village in all. The local culture, pine forests, temples, etc, are guaranteed to take you away from all the stress of your daily life. I would personally suggest everyone to stay and explore Sankri after the trek.
2. Someshwar Mahadev Temple
In the village, you will find the famous Someshwar Mahadev Temple. The temple holds a deep spiritual value and is dedicated to Mahadev or Lord Shiva. In fact, the entire trek to Kedarkantha holds a spiritual significance. What is the spiritual significance of Kedarkantha? The answer to that question lies in another blog. I would definitely suggest you all to visit the Someshwar Mahadev Temple.
3. Har Ki Dun Valley
If you have got enough time to spare after your Kedarkantha trek, nothing would match the serenity of being in the Har Ki Dun Valley. Har Ki Dun Valley is a whole different place. It has it all, from dazzling alpine meadows, to dense oak forests, from birds that are rare, to flowers of different sorts. It is, as I have said before, a heaven for nature lovers.
4. Osla Village
Osla is a part of the Har Ki Dun Valley and is quite well known for all its ancient temples. It has a great spiritual significance. The architecture speaks for itself and tells vividly about the historical and the cultural significance the village holds. If you are in Osla Village, do visit the Duryodhana Temple.
5. Juda Ka Talab
Many of the trek groups have Juda ka Talab as their first camp site. However, the ones that take the Kotgaon route do not get to see Juda ka Talab. It is a beautiful frozen lake at a really good height. It is a place to relax and calm your mind of racing thoughts and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva used to meditate.
How To Reach Kedarkantha?
Basic tour packages of lowest prices begin from Sankri as the base where everyone has to meet. However, there are some packages that offer you pickup from Dehradun and drop you back too. I personally feel that the Sankri to Sankri package is much more value for money and also lets you plan your stays at Dehradun and visit nearby places.
So, in order to begin with the trek, one has to reach Sankri and if one needs to reach Sankri, Dehradun is the nearest hotspot to report. Dehradun is well connected from the rest of the sub continent by flights, air and roads. Here below are the ways and a limelight on how to reach Kedarkantha.
How To Reach Kedarkantha By Air?
To reach Kedarkantha, you need to land at Dehradun. Dehradun is far to the North of the Indian subcontinent and people wishing to embark on this trek from the Southern or the central parts of India have a lot of distance to cover. It is thus not advisable for them to make a road trip or a train journey to Dehradun, which leaves the air route as the best option for them.
Flights to Dehradun land at the Jolly Grant International Airport which is well connected to India and some International Countries too. Here below are details of flights landing from the rest of India at Jolly Grant with their prices. If you are looking forward to booking your flights to Dehradun, read this.
Flight from Chennai to Dehradun
Flights do operate from Chennai to Dehradun. The price for each flight ticket from Chennai to Dehradun begins from 8000 INR. It is the best and the quickest way to reach Dehradun from Chennai.
Flight from Bangalore to Dehradun
The flight tickets to Dehradun from Bangalore ranges from 8,500 INR and goes as high as 25,000 INR depending upon the rush and the dates. It is advisable to book flight tickets early to avoid paying huge extra charges.
Flight from Kolkata to Dehradun
There are continuous flights from Kolkata to Dehradun. The price of the flight tickets from Kolkata to Dehradun ranges between 5,000 and 15,000 INR per person depending upon the time of your booking.
Flight from Mumbai to Dehradun
Many flights operate from Mumbai to Dehradun. The price of the flight tickets may get as low as 7000 INR if booked at the right time from the right place. There are many costly flights too, so make sure to check rates overall to avoid paying extra for your tickets.
Flight from Delhi to Dehradun
The ticket price of flights from Delhi to Dehradun ranges from 3,500 to 10,000 INR depending upon your time of travel. However, Dehradun is well connected to Delhi by roads too and a road trip is a better option if you are looking to go to Dehradun from Delhi. Delhi to Dehradun distance is around 250 kilometers.
You can book your flights to Dehradun from online booking platforms like GoIbibo, Indigo, etc.
How To Reach Kedarkantha By Railway?
Dehradun Railway Station is well connected to most of India and the basic tour packages of Kedarkantha or other treks begin near the station as well. If you have enough time in your hand, nothing could and would match the experience of your train journey.
Howrah to Dehradun Train
Howrah to Dehradun Distance is around 1,800 kilometers. There is a direct train from Howrah to Dehradun. Kumbha Express (12369) runs from Howrah Junction (HWH) to Dehradun (DDN) and takes about 30 hours to reach Dehradun from Howrah.
Kumbha Express is the only direct train available from Howrah to Dehradun and it operates everyday, except Tuesdays and Fridays. The train leaves Howrah at 13:00 p.m. and drops you at Dehradun station at 18:10 p.m. the next day.
Delhi to Dehradun Train
Many trains operate from Delhi to Dehradun. The Vande Bharat Express is the most famous train from Delhi to Dehradun and the most popular choice too, because of its superfast speed. If you are looking forward to a train journey from Delhi to Dehradun, I would recommend the Vande Bharata Express. It is a 4 hour journey in Vande Bharat if you are going to Dehradun.
Mumbai to Dehradun Train
No direct trains operate from Mumbai Central to Dehradun. However you can take the Swaraj Express from Borivali to New Delhi and then another train from Delhi to Dehradun. I believe that flight is a better option for traveling to Dehradun from Mumbai.
How To Reach Kedarkantha By Road?
Buses operate from Delhi to Dehradun and a few other states like Bengal too. However, Dehradun is not the perfect road trip experience for you. It cannot match the level of experience that traveling to Ladakh or Sikkim gives you. You can try a bus ride or take your personal vehicle to Dehradun, but I would prefer the airways or the trains anyday over road trips to Dehradun.
What are the peaks you can see from Kedarkantha?
Out of the great view of the Greater Himalayas throughout, from the summit and through the trail, you can easily spot some really famous peaks like Swargarohini, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Black Peak and Bandarpoonch. It also gives you a picturesque view of the Kinner Kailash mountain range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the documents to carry for the Kedarkantha trek?
Well there are no particular separate documents other than the ones required on all the basic treks including identity proofs, medical certificates, and a certificate of Declaration. A few pictures come in handy too.
Are there any trains from Mumbai to Dehradun?
No, there are no direct trains from Mumbai to Dehradun. You have to take a connected train to Delhi first and then from Delhi to Dehradun.
Conclusion
In conclusion of the entire blog on Kedarkantha Trek and its details, I would like to bring to your notice that Kedarkantha is a winter trek and is one of the best winter treks in India out there. I thus insist that if you are a beginner, you must try this trek out. I have addressed many details in this blog ranging from the different ways to reach Kedarkantha, the route to Kedarkantha and guides for your traveling.
I would also ask you all to take responsibility for your actions throughout the trek and not litter the place at all. The mountains are constantly being plundered of their heritage and polluted by the city crowds. Make sure to keep the place clean. Even if you find any litters your way, carry them back with you and throw them where you find a disposal.
Lastly, enjoy your trek to the fullest. This is going to be one of the, if not the best experience of your life.
Happy Travels.
