Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Short Itinerary for Kedarkantha Trek

Here’s a concise breakdown of the Kedarkantha trek with details on distances, trekking hours, and altitude changes. This summary will help you understand the daily trek requirements at a glance.

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)

• Distance: ~200 km by road
• Drive Time: 8–10 hours
• Altitude: 1,950 meters (6,398 feet)
• Latitude/Longitude: 31.0565° N, 78.2010° E

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

• Trek Distance: ~4 km
• Trek Time: 4–5 hours
• Altitude: 2,700 meters (8,858 feet)
• Latitude/Longitude: 31.0833° N, 78.1833° E

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

• Trek Distance: ~4 km
• Trek Time: 3–4 hours
• Altitude: 3,400 meters (11,154 feet)
• Latitude/Longitude: 31.0942° N, 78.1990° E

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and Descend to Hargaon Camp

• Trek to Summit Distance: ~3 km
• Trek Time to Summit: 3–4 hours
• Summit Altitude: 3,810 meters (12,500 feet)
• Summit Latitude/Longitude: 31.0965° N, 78.2162° E
• Descend to Hargaon Distance: ~4 km
• Trek Time to Hargaon Camp: 3 hours
• Altitude at Hargaon Camp: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)

Day 5: Hargaon Camp to Sankri and Drive Back to Dehradun

• Trek Distance to Sankri: ~6 km
• Trek Time: 3–4 hours
• Drive Distance to Dehradun: ~200 km
• Drive Time: 8–10 hours

Detailed Itinerary for Kedarkantha Trek

Here’s a closer look at each day’s journey with tips on what you can explore and enjoy along the way.

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)

• Distance: ~200 km by road
• Drive Time: 8–10 hours
• Highlights: As you drive from Dehradun, you’ll pass through the scenic beauty of Mussoorie, Naugaon, and Mori. These small towns offer panoramic views of terraced fields, the Yamuna and Tons rivers, and dense pine forests. Sankri, your base camp, is a quaint village where you’ll get a first taste of the local Garhwali culture. The village has homestays, guesthouses, and local shops to stock up on last-minute essentials.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

• Trek Distance: ~4 km
• Trek Time: 4–5 hours
• Highlights: Today’s trek leads through a dense forest filled with oak and pine trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere as you climb gradually. About halfway, you’ll pass some open meadows with stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayas in the distance. Juda Ka Talab, your camp for the night, is a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by thick forests. The lake freezes in winter, adding to its charm. Here, you can explore the lake surroundings and spot some local Himalayan birds if you’re lucky.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

• Trek Distance: ~4 km
• Trek Time: 3–4 hours
• Highlights: On this day, the trail opens up, giving you clearer views of the Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini. You’ll walk through thick pine forests, broken by stretches of open fields. The Kedarkantha Base Camp offers a mesmerizing view of surrounding snow-covered mountains. It’s an ideal place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Sunset views from here are spectacular, and the sky lights up with stars as night falls, making it a great spot for stargazing.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and Descend to Hargaon Camp

• Trek Distance to Summit: ~3 km
• Trek Time to Summit: 3–4 hours
• Descend Distance to Hargaon: ~4 km
• Descend Time: 3 hours
• Highlights: This is the most challenging yet rewarding day as you climb to the Kedarkantha summit. The early morning trek rewards you with breathtaking 360° views of the Himalayan peaks like Black Peak, Gangotri, and Yamunotri ranges. After spending some time at the summit, you’ll begin the descent back to Hargaon. The downhill trek takes you through dense forested trails, and Hargaon offers another great camping spot with beautiful pine and oak surroundings.

Day 5: Hargaon Camp to Sankri and Drive Back to Dehradun

• Trek Distance to Sankri: ~6 km
• Trek Time: 3–4 hours
• Drive Distance to Dehradun: ~200 km
• Drive Time: 8–10 hours
• Highlights: The trek back to Sankri is a gentle descent through forests and meadows, offering one last experience of the Kedarkantha trail. After reaching Sankri, you can explore the village for souvenirs or enjoy some local food before heading back to Dehradun.

Difficulty Level of the Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha trek is considered easy to moderate, making it ideal for beginners who want to experience a Himalayan trek without tackling extreme heights or technical challenges. The trail has well-marked paths, and most sections involve gradual ascents and descents, with a few steep sections, especially on the summit day. However, during winter, the trek becomes slightly more challenging due to the snow cover, which requires a bit more stamina and balance.

Even with this added winter difficulty, the trek remains manageable for first-time trekkers as long as they are moderately fit and can handle trekking for 4–6 hours a day. Since altitude sickness is rare on this trek (max altitude ~12,500 feet), it’s a great introduction to high-altitude treks, allowing you to acclimate at a comfortable pace while enjoying stunning landscapes.

Best Time to Visit the Kedarkantha Trek

The best time to visit the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April if you’re looking for a snow trek experience. During these winter months, the landscape transforms into a beautiful white wonderland, with snow-covered trails, frozen lakes, and clear views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. December and January are peak winter months with thick snow layers, making it an ideal time for adventure lovers. February and March still offer plenty of snow, but the weather is milder, making it more comfortable for trekking.

If you prefer less snow or wish to explore the green meadows, April to June is also a good time, with pleasant temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and lush greenery. Monsoon season (July–September) is best avoided due to heavy rains, which make trails slippery and may lead to landslides. By late October to early November, the autumn season sets in, offering a peaceful trekking experience with clear skies and moderate temperatures.

Conclusion

The Kedarkantha trek is truly a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. It’s a trek that welcomes both beginners and seasoned trekkers, with its moderate trails and mesmerizing winter landscape. The trek offers an experience of walking through dense forests, camping near scenic lakes, and witnessing some of the finest Himalayan peaks from the summit. Along the journey, you’ll get to explore quaint villages like Sankri, interact with locals, and immerse yourself in the Garhwali culture.

From the snow-laden trails in winter to the refreshing green scenery in summer, Kedarkantha’s beauty shines year-round. This trek leaves you with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas. If you’re looking for a trek that’s both challenging and enchanting, the Kedarkantha trek is the perfect choice. It’s more than just a journey; it’s a chance to connect with nature and experience the magic of the mountains.

Also read: valley of flower trek itinerary