KEDARKANTHA TREK

India’s Most Popular Winter Trek: The Kedarkantha Trek

Situated at the foot of the Tonnes River Valley’s mountains, Kedarkantha is a breathtaking location that provides visitors with an exhilarating hiking experience. Snow-covered Kedarkantha Peak, located in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, provides an amazing perspective of the surrounding area throughout the winter. You get the chance to explore the Govind National Park’s abundant flora and animals by trekking Kedarkantha. Although the days are slightly warmer, the nights are typically below freezing at an elevation of 3800 metres, providing breathtaking views and weather at the summit. The hike is made even more amazing by the vista, the weather, and the abundance of campsites, woodland pathways, and ridge hiking obstacles.

The hike passes through the Govind National Park and ends at the top of a mountain, providing a 360-degree view of the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges, as well as peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana. For those looking for an exhilarating experience combined with high altitude and snow-covered scenery, the walk is a sight. If you want to enjoy a journey and contemplate reaching a mountain, the Kedarkantha journey is among your finest possibilities. In terms of winter trekking and an exhilarating summit experience, this is among the top treks in India. One of the Himalayas’ most alluring, daring, and spectacular summits is the Kedarkantha Trek. For both novices and winter enthusiasts, this is one of the most well-known treks. Additionally, you may access this journey all year round. In addition to being a trip with snow in mind, it also has a 12,500-foot peak. from your 360-degree vantage point over everyone.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Kotgaon (1,920 m) – 8 h drive

Day 2: Kotgaon/Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,774 m) – 2-3 h trek

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3,429 m) – 2-3 h trek

Day 4: Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha Summit (3,810 m) and back to Kotgaon (1,920 m)

Day 5: Kotgaon (1,920 m) to Dehradun – 8 h drive

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Kotgaon/Sankri

Altitude: 6,455 ft (1,920 m)
Distance: 190 km
Time: 8-9 hrs (Drive)

TIt’s a lovely eight-hour trip from Dehradun to Kotgaon/Sankri on the first day of travel. Kedarkantha is one of the most well-known and well-liked winter trekking routes in the Himalaya. There are 220 kilometres to travel in total. Travel through the fragrant forests of pine. One of the most tranquil and relaxing travel experiences is taking a mountain drive. Additionally, the route will pass through picturesque locations like Naitwar and Mussourie. View the breathtaking scenery from your car’s window. The freshwater nearby changes colour from milky to blue-green and back again. You’ll definitely get a hint of the excitement and adventure ahead from this voyage. Pass between the Yamuna and Tonnes Rivers that are pouring The Govind Pashu Vihar National Park includes Sankri Village, which is well-known for its uncommon plant and animal species. There are no similar types in any other area. Sankri village is made up of little settlements in a beautiful environment. The hamlet has abundant natural resources. Watch the kids having a good time as they play. While you are visiting, take in the stunning sunset. Spend the night sleeping in your camp. While travelling, stop at few local Dhabas to sample some Himalayan cuisine. Another name for Sankri Village is a trekking centre that links eleven trek locations.

Day 2: Kotgaon/Sankri to Juda ka Talab

The campground at Juda ka Talab is reached after a 4-kilometer trip on the second day. It is located 9,100 feet above sea level. The hiking way winds through thick stands of pine and maple trees on a steep slope. Feel the essence of the forest’s leaves shielding you from above as you stroll. This is when the real journey begins. Gaze down at the freshwater stream as you cross wooden bridges. To get to Juda ka Talab, cross a couple more streams through a high, thick oak woodland. You may see Himalayan Langoor, birds, and other animals along the route. Juda ka Talab is a frozen lake with a little, charming island where your tent will be located. It is safe to drink lake water as it is rather fresh.

There are lovely, verdant fields on the island where you may pitch a tent. It is made up of many mounds. These are natural diamonds of great value. This area is visually stunning with thick pine, oak, deodar, and birch trees. It’s difficult for seepage to occur through these dense trees. Feel the pine forest’s shadows pursuing you. Gaze upon Talab’s magnificence directly before you. It is the centrepiece of the Kedarkantha Trek. Take a stroll by the lake and investigate the amazing campground. Stay here and watch the brilliant stars overhead while you sleep. Wintertime, when the lake is frozen, is the ideal time to visit.

There is a mythical tale associated with Juda ka Talab. According to legend, Lord Shiva used to contemplate Kedarkantha. Additionally, a droplet of Lord Shiva’s hair was used to construct the Talab. This lake is revered as holy by Hindus. The lake view is breathtaking and lovely, as if it has cast a spell. This perspective defies words.

Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base

You will walk for three hours today to get to 11,250 feet in elevation. The track progressively rises until the additional trail is completely apparent. Walk over the vibrant green meadows where the early morning light streams in. A sunrise this lovely is not often seen. Seize these captivating moments to treasure in the future. Upon reaching the hard ascent, you will be greeted by pine and oak trees. A view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks may also be seen from this walk. On the verdant meadows, keep an eye out for shepherds who reside in little cottages. Love the breathtaking scenery of this place.

View the intriguing arc-shaped mountains of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ragala while arriving at Kedarkantha Base. These peaks are all a part of the Himalayas of Garhwal. These magnificent peaks will leave you speechless. What magnificence of sight. These peaks appear to be affixed to the blue sky when seen attentively. This area is completely covered with snow throughout the winter. The view of the snow is stunning. Such miracles are only possible by mother nature. Enjoy the evening and stargazing after you get at the Base. This location is ideal for taking nighttime photos. Make a wish when you see a shooting star in the clear sky.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha peak and Back to Kotgaon

The hardest day of them all, requiring a seven-hour walk to reach the summit of Kedarkantha. In addition, it was the longest day of the week. This is a very straightforward and pleasant trek that primarily travels through the peak portions of the oak woodland in the brilliant morning light. Kedarnath mountain approaches you as you near the end of the forest. It is located at a height of 12,500. As you move forward, feel the leaves crunch underfoot. The sound of glacial streams flowing along the sandy trail route persists.

The difficult climb begins here as the top approaches. Take caution when traversing large boulders. Before you reach the pinnacle, there will be a great deal of suspense. The breathtaking view of the powerful Himalayas from the summit is the best part. The scene is satisfying following a difficult travel. This location has a legendary past, which makes it feel very sacred and special. Discover inner tranquilly following arduous hiking.

Once you’ve rested well, you may begin your descent in the direction of the camp. You will traverse frozen streams, bridges, and thick woodlands on the downhill trail. Due to the dirt and mud on the trail, pay close attention to it. After enjoying a delicious hot lunch at the base camp, begin your descent towards Juda Ka Talab. After arriving in Juda Ka Talab, you may recover and have tea before heading to the kotgaon to reexplore the hamlet and spend the evening celebrating your summit achievement.

Day 5: Kotgaon to Dehradun – 2-3 h trek+ 8 h drive

After a blissful day of cool temperatures and sunshine the next morning, have breakfast and begin your final day of hiking. You’ll be reminded of the trek experience when you see fresh faces rising and their excitement for the adventure on their expressions. After taking some breathtaking pictures, continue your adventure below. It is your final day in the breathtaking Uttarakhand Himalayas, so celebrate your achievement by throwing a party.The pleasant journey comes to an end when you eventually go towards Dehradun from Sankri village. The memorable moments and photos you have of this place will always be with you. Take another look at the Himalayas and treasure those views till your next trekking adventure.

How to prepare yourself for Kedarkantha Trek

Although the Kedarkantha walk is not an exceptionally difficult walk, you must mentally and physically prepare yourself to complete the challenging terrain of this unique adventure. In just three days, you will have to go about 9–10 kilometres at a height of 5100 feet to a maximum of 12,500 feet. Prepare for this trip in order to make it enjoyable, stress-free, and less demanding on your body.

Cardiovascular stamina:

Gaining the stamina to run 8–10 kilometres in an hour is necessary. It takes time to build stamina. You must begin working out at least one month before the walk begins. The ideal way to increase your stamina is to sprint, but jogging can help you stay energised on the longer routes. Jogging is also a great place to start if you’re just beginning to stick to a fitness routine. To keep your regimen interesting and help your body get more adapted, you may incorporate swimming and cycling.

Strength:

Training your body and mind to deal with the uneven and erratic terrain of mountain trails is another aspect of physical growth. These deviations require you to walk with your rucksack on your shoulders, which might lead to aches and pains in your muscles. The best way to avoid it is to consistently work out and strengthen your legs. Squats may help build the muscles in your lower legs and back, so start completing 2-3 sets of 8–10 repetitions on a daily basis. Another thing you can do to include strength training into your regular routine is to go upstairs and downstairs on foot.

Flexibility:

The extra topping on your pizza when it comes to your body-training plan is flexibility. In addition to relieving muscular tension, it facilitates easy body opening, allowing you to move quickly and navigate even the most difficult terrain. Daily muscular stretching can help to promote flexibility. This will assist you in dropping additional body fat, making you lighter and better able to enjoy this Kedarkantha Trek diversion.