Kedarkantha Trekking

Kedarkantha trek is everything a trekker can dream about; Crystal clear mountains, lush green expanses of rich flora, unexplored mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand, jaw-dropping campsites, serenity of mountain villages and a glimpse of the distinctive culture of the locals, this trek is a complete package of fun and adventure.

Experiencing the local culture and enjoying the local food is another highlight of the Kedarkantha trek. The warm hospitality of the locals is such a rewarding experience that it makes you wonder at their grandeur.

About

Kedarkantha, a magnificent Himalayan peak in Uttarakhand, towering and formidable at an altitude of 12,500 feet, is home to the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Whether you are hiking the snowy winter trails or traversing your way through the dazzlingly lush deodar forest, Kedarkantha trip will enthrall you with the wide variety of flora and animals.

The name Kedarkantha conjures up magnificent images in your mind. One of the first pictures that leaves you mesmerized is that of Lord Shiva sitting on the top of a huge Himalaya, showering his blessings on the earth below. Standing at an altitude of about 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha Peak is a spectacular mountain peak located in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand.

Even though the Kedarkantha trek is a perfect destination during all seasons, it is one of the most sought after winter treks in India. Trekkers marvel at this amazing trek which covers you with snow till the end of April. The snow-capped peaks surrounded by tall trees offer mesmerizing views from less than 10,000 feet.

Story

Kedarkantha trek is steeped in mythology and this is what makes it fascinating.
The place gets its name from “Kedar Khand” which translates to “Khand of Lord Shiva”. This is the historical name of the region. Kedarkantha literally means throat of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Shiva once meditated at Kedarkantha and then went to Kedarnath.

According to Hindu mythology, Jude Ka Talab originated from the water droplets falling from the hair of Lord Shiva. Synonymous with its name, a lake (pond) was formed where the water of Lord Shiva’s Gokha (Juda) touched the ground.

The divine peak of Swargarohini, one of the splendid attractions of this trek is called the stairway to heaven. It is believed that Yudhishthira reached heaven by trampling this holy peak with his dog.

The journey to this beautiful abode starts from Sankri which is situated at a distance of about 197 km from Dehradun. It takes about 7 hours by road from Dehradun to Sankri and the journey takes you along zig-zag roads in the backdrop of high mountains, with mountain rivers bubbling up close. On the way you cross Mussoorie, Damta, Nain Bhag Gaon, Purola, Harsari and Natwar before reaching the remote village of Sankri. Throughout the route, you are treated to splendid views of Mussoorie, awe-inspiring views of the lofty mountains and rivers like Yamuna, Ganga, Kedarganga, Supin and Tons to rejuvenate you with its sparkling waters.

At an altitude of about 6,400 feet, Sankri is a quaint village situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. It serves as the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. The trekking route from Sankri takes you to the sacred mountain lake Juda Ka Talab as you travel along local trails and dense forests.

You are treated to a magical panorama of stunningly beautiful campsites during your visit to Kedarkantha.

The first camp, Juda Ka Talab, is a picturesque camp located at an altitude of about 9,000 feet. Juda Ka Talab mesmerizes with such serene beauty that you blink twice to realize whether this place really exists. A thicket of mighty oak and tall deodar trees with towering mountains in the background form a protective shield around the glacial lake. Juda’s pond season ranges from -12 to -1 in the winter months, 15 to 17 degrees in the spring and summer months, and -2 to 8 degrees in the fall.

From Juda Ka Talab you travel about 4 km through deodar and oak groves to reach the open highlands just below the Kedarkantha peak. As the forest ends, you reach a wide meadow which is the Kedarkantha base camp. Situated at an altitude of 11,250 feet, Kedarkantha Base Camp is the second campsite in the Kedarkantha trekking trail.

From the Kedarkantha base camp, you undertake a challenging 3 km climb to reach the Kedarkantha peak situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet. The 360-degree view of the vast mountain ranges from the Kedarkantha peak leaves you awestruck.

It is a perfect trek for which it travels you through a beautiful view of the beauty of Himalayas. The Kedarkantha Trek Base Camp that takes you to the majestic summit takes you through a magical panorama of open highlands, vast meadows, steep slopes and high mountain ranges.

At the summit, the 360-degree view of the mountain peaks leaves you stunned; Not only the famous peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Dhauladhar ranges but hundreds of other untouched and unspoiled virgin hills warmly welcome you. This picture-perfect scene is absolute bliss, with each frame looking like a postcard image; It is a sight that stays with you for the rest of your life.

Kedarkantha Trek is one of the easiest and most fascinating trek in Uttarakhand Himalayas. This all-season trek is one of the best and most comfortable treks in India. But the beauty of the trek is at its peak in winters.

Length of Kedarkantha Trek

The length of Kedarkantha trek is 20 km which is covered in a period of 6 days. The Kedarkantha trek is an easy to moderate grade trek that can be undertaken by beginners or even first-timers, if they have a basic fitness level. The trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab is about 4 km and from there to Kedarkantha Base Camp is a trek of 4 km. The next day you will trek from Basecamp to Shikhar and from Shikhar to Hargaon for a total trek of 6 kms. On returning to Sankri, you will trek for a length of 6 km from Hargaon.

Kedarkantha trek in summer

Kedarkantha is one of the most preferred treks and the summer season also brings an opportunity for thrill seekers to experience this trek with awe-inspiring landscapes and dense forest of oak and deodar. The summer months of April, May and June are the time when the temperature ranges from 0 °C at night to 12 °C during the day.

Kedarkantha in April: This is the time when the remaining winter snow can be seen throughout the trek route, melting to reveal the beautiful landscape below. This is the best time for those who want to experience the pleasing breeze with the right amount of tolerable chill. Woolen clothing is recommended if you are planning to go trekking in the month of April.

Kedarkantha in May: This is the time when you can see the vast lush green landscape with a variety of sweet flowers. It is easiest to trek during this month as there are no thick sheets of snow or monsoons to make it slippery and difficult. The temperature in the month of May is generally around 5 degrees to 15 degrees.

Kedarkantha in June: It is the perfect time for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers to experience the multitude of vibrant blooming flowers and the freshness of the beautiful Kedarkantha Valley. The chances of rain are less during this month but the valley is at its best to bring you alive.

Kedarkantha trek in winter
During winters, the pastures of Kedarkantha are covered with heavy snow, giving a dreamlike appearance. Snowfall begins in early December, and the areas remain covered with snow until April. Due to the frost, the path becomes a bit more challenging, but with precautions and safety measures, amateurs can also attempt the winter trek in Kedarkantha.

Due to unfavorable weather conditions and heavy snowfall the streams remain icy during the cold season. Mohak Juda’s pond becomes completely motionless. The attractive campground position allows you to enjoy gorgeous panoramas against the starry night sky to your heart’s content.

Kedarkantha Trek Best Time

Kedarkantha is an all-season trek that charms you with a different beauty in each season. Spring and summer have clear skies and fresh landscapes that treat your senses with the scent of blooming flowers. The dazzling green pine forests look enchanting and the lush green landscapes enchant you with a magical freshness that is simply irresistible. The autumn season offers a unique experience; Trekking on the trail laden with dried multicolored leaves is a wonderful experience.

However, winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. Snowy paths are lined with tall snow-capped trees, frozen mountain lakes warm in the moonlight, and snowy peaks glowing in wonderful shades of golden and red at dawn and dusk; The panorama of winter landscape leaves an indelible impression on your mind. Perched at an altitude of 12,500 feet, the Kedarkantha peak glimmers beautifully in the winter sun and the moonlight at night casts a magical glow on the high mountain. The panoramic view of the stunning mountain ranges of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalnag, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Dhauladhar from the Kedarkantha peak looks supernatural in winters.

The beautiful snow-covered slopes also make Kedarkantha a wonderful ski destination during winters.

Kedarkantha Weather Temperature

Trek to Kedarkantha is an all-weather activity. However, you can plan your trip better if you go in the season that suits you best. You might love seeing Kedarkantha in its greenest glory when the meadows, trails and campsites are refreshed with new leaves and blooms. The region receives ample rainfall during the monsoon months and you can see beautiful waterfalls rising in the hills. The black and brown clouds hovering over the mountains create a beautiful sight. However, due to heavy rains during the monsoon months, many landslides can occur.

If you are looking for a snowy rendezvous then you might want to visit Kedarkantha in the winter months. The Kedarkantha trek in December is the beginning of winter when the falling snow transforms the landscape into a winter fairyland. It snows till the last week of April. In winter the temperature varies from -10 to 8 degrees and you may face harsh weather conditions like slippery slopes and strong winds.

Difficulty Level of Kedarkantha Trek

The difficulty level for Kedarkantha trek is easy to moderate. Kedarkantha trek is best done in the winter season which is from mid-December to the end of April. The temperature can drop to -10 degrees during this time as the weather in the Himalayas is highly unpredictable. One has to carry proper clothes for protection from bad weather. Hence, for beginners, Kedarkantha trek in winters can be a bit challenging if not taken care of properly. For the summer months which are from April to June, the temperature ranges from 0 to 20 °C. During these months, the weather is cool, humid and pleasant which makes the trek easier as compared to the winter time.

The difficulty of Kedarkantha trek can be decided based on the season and terrain.

Depending on the season: The best time to trek Kedarkantha is during the winter season as you experience enough snow throughout the trek. From Basecamp, Sankri to the Kedarkantha peak, you can see a thick blanket of snow that adds to the spirit of adventure in search of trekkers. The trail becomes somewhat difficult during winters but with proper gear and fitness, one can easily reach the summit. Good health without pulmonary or cardio-vascular difficulties is essential for trekking to Kedarkantha. The view of peaks like Gangotri, Swargarohini, Yamunotri, Dhauladhar range and many virgin mountain ranges welcomes you for an experience of a lifetime. On the other hand, Kedarkantha trek in summer becomes an easy trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Depending on the terrain: The route for the entire trek is easy, surrounded by thick areas of oak and pine treks. The camp sites are mesmerizing. Whether it’s the snowy winter trails or the brown leaves covering the forest. One has to trek for a maximum of 6-7 kms in a day. With proper physical fitness to track the ups and downs, this distance is easy to trek in summers as the trails are non-slippery as compared to trek in winters.

Is Kedarkantha trek safe?

One of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand Himalayas, Kedarkantha trek can be the best bet for you if you are a beginner. It is a 6 days trek for which you have to trek 4-6 kms every day. Kedarkantha is a safe trek to travel in all seasons except monsoon. Rain is unpredictable and there can be a lot of landslides.

Required fitness for Kedarkantha trek
Trekking Kedarkantha requires some basic preparation. You should be physically fit, have the endurance to walk 6 kms per day and should not have any medical problems. You can prepare for the trek by doing a brisk walk for 30 minutes every day and then increasing your pace every day. This should be done at least 2 weeks before the trek.

Trekking is always fun, it takes you back in time. With the right approach and enough preparation, you can conquer the invincible. The trick is to be well equipped so that you can start your trek with utmost confidence and conviction.