About the Plan:
The Kedarkantha Trek is a quintessential high-altitude winter trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha Trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the snow-covered landscapes of the Himalayas and a great experience of trekking in Uttarakhand. The easy endurance of the trail makes it one of the Best Treks for Beginners in Uttarakhand and also for seasoned trekkers. The spellbinding views from the summit make the 12,500 ft climb totally worth it.
The trek also consists of some of the most beautiful campsites, in the vicinity of pine covers and amidst the snow. You can witness stunning sunrises and sunsets from your campsites and bask in the tranquillity of nature. The view from the summit is unlike anything
Timeline:
15th February,2025:
Reporting at HOWRAH STATION 7:30pm sharp
Departure from Howrah on Doon Express.
17th February,2025
Travel Distance – 210 Km 8 – 9 Hours journey
Altitude – Sankri 6,400 ft
Night Stay – Hotel
As we arrive in Dehardun railway station, we’ll be received
by a representative and drive to Sankri via Mussorrie. Lunch will be had along the way.
The drive is a delightful one as the path takes you along the Yamuna, exquisite Tons
river and pine forests. Once you reach Sankri that is steeped in natural beauty, check
into the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a stroll in the charming village and warm up for
the Kedarkantha trek to come ahead. Overnight can be spent in the hotel
18th February,2025
Trek Distance: – 4 km 4 -5 Hours Trek
Altitude: – 9,100 ft.
Trek gradient: – Moderate
Night Stay: – Camp
Today, the warm morning is waiting eagerly for you to get up. Enjoy the tranquility of
the mountains. There is no connection and nothing materialistic will distract you. The
only thing you need is peace.
The trek begins at Sankri up to Juda ka Talab which is 4 kilometers away. After a short
walk from the main market , you can see Swargarohini peaks (I II, III, I) that will
captivate you. Juda Ka Talab is today’s popular destination for many hikers. The lake is
situated within a clearing of trees. It’s 100m long and its wideness is 36 meters. The
lake is clean and mirrors the surrounding. You can camp among pine trees and relax in
the evening.
Take a cup of tea or coffee along with snacks, soup and wander around the surrounding
area. Dinner will be served after which you can rest for the night.
19th February,2025
Trek Distance: – 4 km 3 Hours Trek
Altitude: – 11,250 ft.
Trek gradient: – Moderate
Night Stay: – Camp
Enjoy the glorious sunrise after a refreshing breakfast you will start the trek to the
Kedarkantha base situated at an elevation of 11,250 feet.
Begin the trek, make an ascent, walk through the forest densely and then an open meadow
will greet you. Stop and take in the stunning panoramas of the Himalayas. Continue on
through the pine forests until you reach your camp site from where Kedarkantha peak is
awe-inspiring. enjoy the amazing views afterwards. have a delicious lunch
20th February,2025
Trek Distance: – 9 km 7 to 8 Hours Trek
Altitude: – 12,500 ft.
Trek gradient: – Moderate
Night Stay: – Camp
We will start with the trek to the Kedarkantha Peak, situated at an elevation of 12,500
feet. This is today’s most important morning of the trek so make sure you are ready by
4:30 am to catch the sunrise from the Kedarkantha summit. There is nothing more
thrilling than watching the sun rise from the summit as the views are stunning. Everyone
who sees it is amazed.
The descent is sure to be enjoyable, so sliding down, with assistance from your
instructors. The slope is two kilometers long. It is going be a memorable experience.
Lunch on the way, take a break for a while and then head towards the campsite today.
Hargaon is a gorgeous large meadow. Spend your time here, and then retire to sleep for
the night.
21th February,2025
Trek Distance: – 4 km 3 to 4 Hours Trek
Altitude: – 6500 ft.
Trek gradient: – Moderate
Night Stay: – Hotel
This morning, enjoy breakfast in the last campsite of this trek. As you begin your trek,
and descend down from Hargaon to Sankri you will pass by several viewpoints, and then
ahead will be the orchards of apples.
Then, you will reach the base camp Sankri and your next stop will be in a hotel. You can
also purchase some local foods from here and bring many memories with you.
22nd February 2025
Travel Distance – 210 Km
Duration: 8 – 9 Hours journey
On the last day of our wonderful trip, today we will head back to Dehradun with so many
beautiful memories. Tata Sumo or other similar vehicles will be arranged for you at
Sankri to drive you back to Dehradun. Check out from the hotel by 7:00 AM so that we can
begin the journey to Dehradun early. We have to cover a distance of 220 km and it will
take about 10 hrs so the earlier we start the better.
We will again return through NH 123, enjoying the scenic beauty. Cherish nature around
with picturesque vistas stretching far and wide. We will reach Dehradun by 5:00 - 6:00
pm so make your further bookings accordingly.
At night we will board Upasana Express at 9:45pm from Dehradoon station
23rd February,2025
We will reach Howrah Station at 3:15am.
Why Kedarkantha Trek Is A Must-Do Trek?
Kedarkantha is a special and highly popular winter trek in Uttarakhand. With a 6-day trek journey, the Kedarkantha trek is famous for its beautiful sunrise and the view of massive peaks from here, such as Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, etc. Along the way, you’ll pass by the famous Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful lake connected to Mahadev. The trek’s beauty is further enhanced by the local dhabas and tea spots. You might even catch the soothing sound of a local playing the flute at a small dhaba.
Must Know Highlights of the Kedarkantha Trek
Sankri: Sankri is the charming base camp for the Kedarkantha trek, located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The village, with its serene surroundings and traditional wooden and local houses, serves as the starting point for your adventure and many other famous treks like Har Ki Dun, Phulara Ridge etc. The friendly local atmosphere and the stunning views of the surrounding peaks set the perfect tone for the trek ahead.
Juda Ka Talab: Juda Ka Talab is a beautiful high-altitude lake that greets you on your first night of the trek. Surrounded by sprawling fields and dense forests, it looks particularly enchanting in winter when it is often frozen. The lake holds a local legend about Lord Shiva and his sacred hair, adding a mystical touch to its beauty. It is said that here Lord Shiva once removed a lock of his hair and cast it into the area, which created the pond and since then it has been famous among locals and tourists alike.
Kedarkantha Peak: The Kedarkantha Peak trek is the crowning glory of the trek. As you ascend to the summit, you’re rewarded with the views of the majestic Himalayan ranges. The summit is adorned with a small temple as well, and surrounding peaks and valleys, which makes the challenging climb entirely worth it. When you reach the top, you will witness the most beautiful sunrise. The sky is covered with an orange-red colour, casting a warm ethereal glow over the snow-capped peaks and valleys below.
Himalayan Peaks: The trek provides spectacular views of some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks. From the summit, you can see the prominent Swargarohini Peak, the legendary Bandarpoonch, and the towering Black Peak. The distant Gangotri range also graces the horizon, adding to the trek's allure.
Swargarohini Peak: The peak, denoted as the "Gateway to Heaven," is deeply rooted in local mythology and is believed to be the path that the Pandavas took to reach heaven according to the Mahabharata. From Kedarkantha, the Swargarohini Peak dominates the skyline.
Bandarpunch Peak: Legend has it that when Ravana set Hanuman's tail ablaze in Lanka, Hanuman flew to this mountain to extinguish the fire. Thus, this peak is imbued with a sense of divine significance.
Black Peak (Kalanag): As the highest point in the Bandarpoonch range, Black Peak commands breathtaking views. From its heights, you can also see the distant Gangotri and other majestic Himalayan ranges.