Kedarkantha Trek

5 Days 4 Nights

Introduction

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.

Extended Read: How To Reach Kedarkantha

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha trek is unique among the Indian Himalayas as it can be done all year round, except for July and August when it is closed due to heavy rainfall. The trek is divided into four seasons, each offering its own distinct terrain, difficulty, and weather conditions.

Winter – November to March

During November, December, January, and February, the Kedarkantha Trek is famous for its winter journey. The snow-covered landscapes and thrilling summit ascent make it a popular choice, especially for beginners. You will trek through deep snow-covered forests and set up camps in clearings amidst the snowdrifts.

Spring

In March and April, Kedarkantha still retains a significant amount of snow, particularly in the upper campgrounds near the summit. The blooming rhododendrons and newly exposed grasses create a stunning contrast against the snowy backdrop as you ascend higher. By April, most of the snow has melted, and Kedarkantha comes alive with the beautiful scenery after its winter slumber.

Summer

May and June bring the brilliant morning sun to Kedarkantha. The nights are not as cold as in other months, and there is a lower chance of rainfall. This is also the time when the trail is less crowded, as most people have moved on to higher-altitude hikes. If you prefer a more solitary experience, May and June are the perfect months to visit.

Monsoon

September, October, and November mark the post-monsoon season when the entire journey comes to life. The meadows and forests are fresh and vibrant, and the air is crisp. The upper Himalayan vistas are breathtaking during these months.

Why Kedarkantha Trek is the Best Winter Trek

If you've ever pondered which Indian winter trek is the greatest, Kedarkantha's name has probably come up. If you're wondering why people go to Kedarkantha, the five main attractions are the snow, forest, frozen lake, 360-degree summit view, and camping experience. The unmatched splendor of the Kedarkantha Trek in the winter is what makes it unique.

Winter Wonderland: Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best winter treks in the Himalayas, being beautiful with snow-covered peaks and chilly nights.
Mind-Bending Camping Adventure: During the Kedarkantha Trek, you can camp at some really cool and unique campsites with great mountain views and a close relationship with nature.
Frozen Forests: Trekking through the dense Himalayan coniferous forests and glacial landscapes you will learn to camp in the captivating winter scenes.
Frozen Lake - Juda Ka Taalab: Juda Ka Taalab is a frozen lake of extraordinary beauty that you should spend time on because it will be a peaceful place to meditate and take photos.
Beginner-Friendly Trek: Kedarkantha Trek is the best option for you as a beginner offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and thrilling adventure.
Summit Climb: If you want a real excitement kick, try a summit climb and walk on thick layers of snow to the top.
Panoramic Views of the Himalayas: Above the clouds, there are stunning views of the various mountain peaks from Kedarkantha Trek, including the peaks of the beautiful Gangotri, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Yamunotri, and the Swargarohini range.
Photographer's Paradise: The landscapes of Kedarkantha Trek will be indescribable as if you are living on a postcard. So, you will have an endless number of breathtaking photography opportunities out there.

Kedarkantha Trek Guide

What is the difficulty level of the Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek is categorized as easy to moderate. A 20 km hike rises from 6,400 feet to 12,500 feet, which is a suitable choice for beginners who are looking to discover the magnificent Himalayas. The summit day is exacting, and it is usually a 7-8 hours trek that includes 5 hours of constant ascent and then 2-3 hours of descent. This can be a drainer, hence a reasonable degree of fitness is vital for one to finish the day without any strain.

Due to the trek's relatively short length, you will be able to embrace the stunning vistas and take pictures that will stick in your mind for a lifetime thus making your trekking experience more pleasant. When you get to the summit and see the other peaks around you at eye level, you will not only experience a profound sense of humility but also satisfaction. Kedarkantha is a solo mountain with many routes to the top, which increases the thrill while at the same time ensuring safety with various exit points - a great asset, especially for solo trekkers. The trip has numerous characteristics of an easy one but the length and steepness of the summit climb are the reasons for its classification being easy-moderate.

The Story of Kedarkantha

The Kedarkantha trek has a rich spiritual history, placed in priestly bondage with the legends of the god Lord Shiva. To local folklore, this peak could be addressed as the place of meditation by Lord Shiva. However, he moved his meditation to Kedarnath after being disturbed by a bull that was roaming around. At the height of Kedarkantha, trekkers could find a small shrine built by Lord Shiva, it is now a historical monument proving the legend. Besides being an attractive mountain peak where visitors can view the superlative panorama covering many of the majestic ranges, its spiritual claims also make it a revered site for trekking devotees.

There is another story linked to Kedarkantha, which deals with the Pandavas of Mahabharata. They were said to have gotten the approval of the bull god who happened to be a disguise used by Shiva, when they were looking for his blessing. When Bheem recognized him and tried to take him, Shiva went underground, thereby causing the parts of his body to separate and fall at different locations. It is believed that the throat of Lord Shiva fell at Kedarkantha, thus, the peak gets its name for which it is called Kedar Kantha, the throat of Lord Shiva. This relationship not only considers the trek as more spiritually important but also has a historical background in Hindu mythology, thus, Kedarkantha is a place where seeking thrills is blended with reverence.

How To Prepare For Kedarkantha Trek

Preparing for the Kedarkantha trek involves a mixture of physical conditioning, gear selection, and route familiarity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are the essential steps to help you get ready:

Physical Preparation

The Kedarkantha trek is a trip of medium difficulty, therefore, it is important to be in good physical shape. Seek ways to improve your cardiovascular health with exercises such as jogging, biking, or vigorous walking for instance. Include strength training specializing in the legs and core to be able to walk in multiple areas without any difficulty. Be moving for 4-5 kilometers every day until you really get used to it. The slow rise is the main factor for acclimatization. Make your route a little longer to include some gradual ascents, as this will give your body the chance to adapt to the higher altitudes. Drink sufficient fluids and don't consume alcohol in order to avoid altitude sickness.

Gear and Packing

For Kedarkantha Trek, make sure you have tough footwear with a good grip, warm clothes, and a rugged backpack. Layering is the key; along with the pack you should have waterproof and windproof jackets, thermal innerwear, and moisture-wicking fabrics. You should take along also things like gloves, hats, sunglasses, and a sleeping bag as well as warm and comfortable ones. Opt for a smaller backpack and only take the things you really need. Make sure the weight is distributed equally for better balance and comfort during the walk.

Route Familiarization

Try to learn how to go from Sankri Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak by yourself. Being aware of the trail will allow you to find your way easily, and you will not get lost. A well-detailed map or GPS device can be used as a guide for the route. Get weather updates before you start your trek so you can be ready for the changing weather, especially in the winter when there will be snow on the trails that can make them slippery.

Safety Measures

It is possible to do a trek by yourself, but getting a guide can make it more secure and easier. A skilled guide can help you navigate the difficult terrain, find places to stay, and tell you about local customs. Bring essential first aid supplies that consist of painkillers, blister plasters, antiseptic creams, and any personal medicines you may need.

Mental Preparation

You should be ready to face obstacles such as steep hills or erratic weather. Get into the spirit of the journey with an open heart and have a blast while it lasts.

By strictly following these guidelines and preparing in advance you can make sure that your Kedarkantha trek is not only safe but also an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning Himalayan landscapes.

Be ready to witness the best sunrise in Kedarkantha Trek…