Considered as one of the best winter treks in India, Kedarkantha is a mountain summit at an altitude of 12500ft, located inside Govind Wildlife sanctuary in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The climb to Kedarkantha starts from a village called Sankri.
It’s a moderate level trek during winters and easy as for summers but mesmerizes with pure blissful Himalayan views. This trek is suitable for beginners as well as children. The beautiful snow covered landscape and thrilling climb to summit, makes it a perfect getaway for a 4 day trek.
Easy
5 Days
3800m (12500ft)
Min 4 Max 16
Min 14 Max 60
220 km drive – approx 10 hours
Trekkers will be picked from Dehradun at 6:30am in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle. The scenic beauty of the setting sun on the Greater Himalayas from Sankri is a fabulous sight to savor. One can have dinner at the hotel premises or can enjoy dinner at the dhabas to taste some local flavors and experience the cuisine of the area. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Expected arrival time at Sankri – 5:00 pm
BSNL network erratic
The trail passes through dense pine forests, maple trees, few streams and finally opens out to beautiful meadows. The journey begins by moving out of Sankri village through an extension called Sor. Once the village is crossed the road takes a wide curve and climbs sharply. Moving along the stream this is the road that moves towards the Kedarkantha. The initial climb would be climbing several bridges through dense forest trees and thick carpet of maple and pine leaves all brown in color. It’s an exquisite vision and a pictorial view that leaves all mesmerized. Crossing few streams and continuing through the trail and rising sharp through dense oaks one can reach the beautiful pictorial spot of Jadu Ka Talab which can never be missed by any trekker due to its sharp contrasting and unique beauty.
Most of today’s trail is on a ridge, under oak trees. In this trail one will come across many shepherd huts in open meadows which are equally delightful to see. At an altitude of about 10,400 feet one can visualize traces of snow in and around the track only if it is the winter months trekking. With winding roads meandering through dry oak forests, stretched meadows and through lanes around shepherd huts the trail continues to Kedarkantha Base.
The evening sky is equally beautiful with glowing stars and shining planets ornamenting the sun. As the night grows the sight becomes more charming with the Milky way stretching from one end to the other, the dense network of stars and glistening peak of the mountain all come together to provide an awe striking view that remains imprinted in mind.
Peaks :- Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana stand among the others
On this route, the trekkers need to again cover a few portions of oak forest but the journey through this trail is much easier and faster. Climbing through the forest till its end , one can find the Kedarkantha peak much closer. Towards the end of the trail and close to the top the trek becomes a little difficult and can be a little strenuous especially for the first time trekkers. However the view from the top and the amazing location is worth the effort. At the top of the peak there is a beautiful yet small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. There is a small shrine of Lord Ganesh too.
Meandering through rich dense pine forests one can view the sight of streams flowing by in a slow and steady way. One can fill in water here for the rest of the track. A little further down the trail comes to a ridge from where it gives a splendid view of Har ki Dun valley or the Valley of Gods in its blissful and harmonious view. Descend 2500 feet through dense pine forests .
Distance: 220 km drive, approx 10 hours
You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle
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
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhi Kashmiri gate.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station
The trek fees includes
The trek fees does not include
Note : Normally HT expects you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have a waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
