6 days
Specific Tour
30 people
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Kedarkantha is a mountain peak in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It reaches the sky gracefully at an altitude of 12,500 ft. The climb to the peak of Kedarkantha starts from a small village called Sankri. There are a total of 13 peaks in the Himalayan range visible from the Kedarkantha peak. It is pretty popular due to the trail’s easy accessibility throughout the year. It is considered easy to moderately difficult, making it suitable for all those people with an edge for adventure and wanting to start their journey in the trekking world. In summer, the Kedarkantha trek takes climbers through green meadows and pine and oak forests. In winter, the heavy snowfall received in the area makes it a beautiful winter trek.
Kedarkantha Trek starts from Sankri Village in Uttarkashi District (Uttarakhand). It is a 6 days trek including travel from Dehradun. The total Kedarkantha Trek distance is 44km from Sankri Village.
Kedarkantha is an easy to moderate-level trek and good for first-timers too. You need to be physically and mentally prepared for the trek and should stick to a proper fitness routine before coming on the trek. Read more – Fitness preparation for Himalayan trek.
Kedarkantha Trek is best done between April to Mid-June and October to Mid-November.
The temperature at Sankri basecamp in the daytime is pleasant between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius and at night it goes down to 0 to -5 Degree Celsius. During the trek, the day temperature will be 5 to 10 degrees and at night it goes down up to -10 degrees
At Sankri trekkers will have to share the room on a triple and quad basis. The dormitory will also be there. During the trek, you will be provided with 3 person tent on a twin-sharing basis and 4 person tent on a triple-sharing basis. Female trekkers will share a room/tent with female trekkers only. Solo female trekkers will be provided with separate tents.
Meals start from day 1 dinner to day 6 dinner. On Day 7 early departure after tea. During the trek, you will be provided healthy hot meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, hot soup, and dinner with daily desserts. Hot drinking water will be provided daily at the campsite.
The lowest altitude will be 6,400 ft at Sankri and the highest at 11,700 ft at Kedarkantha Summit.
Route Via Dehradun:
The nearest best railway station is Dehradun. From there 9-10hr journey takes us to Sankri via Dehradun, Nainbagh, Naugaon, Purola and Mori Naitwar. Dehradun to Sankri distance is around 187km and the distance from Delhi to Sankri via Dehradun is approx 453km.
Departure: Points:
We have fixed departures from Dehradun. The pickup point will be near Dehradun railway station.
Fixed Departures in 2023:
April – 15, 30
By Train: The nearest best railway station is Dehradun. You can board Ddn Nzm Ac Express (2205), Nanda Devi Express or Dehradun Express from Delhi. People usually prefer trains over flights because it is more economical. Take a bus or cab to reach Rishikesh.
By Bus: There are regular buses from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh, Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate ). You can easily rely on government buses as they are also safe.
By Flight: Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport – Dehradun. You can take a bus or local cab to reach Dehradun/Rishikesh. It just takes 30-40 min to reach Rishikesh from Dehradun Airport.
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.
Arrive early at Dehradun railway station (6:30 am) and drive to Sankri which will take approximately 9 to 10 hours. The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is a beautiful one. The route passes through Mussoorie- the “Queen of the Hills” and many mesmerizing views and drive goes along hugging the mountainside and you see the forests and valleys of Garhwal below you. Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges.
Having an early start after a healthy breakfast, we will head straight towards Juda Ka Talab which is based at an altitude of 9100 feet. It’s a 4km trekking journey and the approximate time for reaching the same is around 5 hours. 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. It’s an exquisite vision and a pictorial view that leaves all mesmerized. The trail is wide and one can hear the sounds of running streams all through but may not be in view till much further. The scenario however changes a lot in the summer months when the luscious meadows remain verdant green with hilly flowers of a unique kind. Crossing a 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.
The intoxicating journey continues the day when the trekkers are destined to trek towards Kedarkantha base which lies at an altitude of 11, 250 feet. The distance from Jadu Ka Talab to this destination is about 4kms and at a moderate speed, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the place. After having the morning breakfast set out for the next journey where the trail is somewhat straightforward and quite visible. 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. Just before reaching the Kedarkantha Base, one can enjoy the fascinating views of an arc-shaped range of snow-capped mountains comprising Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana standing out proudly showcasing their beauty. After reaching the base, set up the tent in a preferred selected place which is open and one can enjoy a clear view of the night sky. However, it is advisable to be based in a close group rather than in a much-scattered way in the dark. However, at such a height it is possible to have cold waves so proper woollens should be carried for protection. Overnight sleep in the tent.
The fourth day of the trek is destined to conquer the Kedarnath Peak. Today the trekkers need to hike an elevation from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet. The schedule of the day includes hiking to Kedarkantha peak and then again descending back till Hargaon camp which is based at 8900 feet. The day begins early with a filling breakfast and enjoying the sunrise from the Kedarkantha meadows which is simply amazing, pure and divine. One can bask in the first rays of the morning sun and gain as much energy possible for the day ahead. On this route, the trekkers need to again cover a few portions of the 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. The arresting 360 view of the snow-clad peaks of Uttarakhand is intoxicating and beyond words to be penned down. After reaching the camp take a break for lunch and refreshments. Once relaxed, set out for descending furthermore to Hargaon camp. This time again, it’s a journey back through dense oak forests, pine and maple trees, shepherd huts and frozen streams. . On reaching the campsites set the tent and mark the end of another delightful day with dinner and overnight sleep at the tent.
Today the schedule is marked for descending further to Sankri which descends from 8900 feet to 6400 feet. The time for descending this approximately 6 km long trail takes about 4 hours or more at a moderate speed. After having breakfast, pack the backpack to descend furthermore through a more clearly marked well-paved pathway, laden with small stones. 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 the water here for the rest of the track. Descending furthermore through the dense forests one can see the first signs of habitation and by evening one can reach Sankri. The last 2500 feet are filled with dense pine forests. On reaching the base, get back to the hotel and freshen up and get settled for the day. For dinner, one can enjoy nearby local dhabas, serving local food or one can enjoy delicious North Indian and Western cuisine at the hotel premises. Overnight stay at the homestay.
The journey concludes with the 10-hour drive from Sankri to Dehradun. Breakfast and Lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges. Reaching time at Dehradun station will be 6 pm, suitable for an overnight journey to Delhi.
Our campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day’s trek, two liters of water should be enough. You will find water sources on the trek to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day’s trek.
The guest house at Sankri will have concrete toilets. During the trek, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. This is the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild. Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.
Alcohol is dangerous in extreme cold, especially at high altitudes. Contrary to what people believe, alcohol does not make you warmer. Instead, it opens your pores, making your body colder. Moreover, it dehydrates you very quickly. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely prohibited on all Nomad Adventures treks. Anyone found with alcohol is quickly removed from the trek. Smoking, similarly, is not allowed on Nomad Adventures treks.
No, but there are shops on the base camp from where you can rent shoes, jackets and trek poles, headlights etc.
You don’t need special snowshoes. A good waterproof trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek. When there is snow, we provide micro spikes and gaiters.
A trekking pole gives you stability and balance and helps reduce fatigue.
The minimum age limit is 6 years to 60 years. However, minors aged between 6 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. But one needs to be mentally and physically fit.
Kedarkantha is an easy trek but requires trekkers to be physically fit. The minimum age eligibility is 6 years. As a parent or guardian, if you feel that your child can adapt to the conditions of the mountains and would be able to walk every day as required, then certainly, yes!. Please follow the fitness regime before coming on the trek.
The last electricity charging point would be in Sankri. You’ll get only the Bsnl/Airtel network over there. However, come prepared for the possibility of power cuts at Sankri. It is good to carry your power banks and extra batteries for your camera.
All high-altitude treks come with their share of risks. We pay utmost importance to the safety of trekkers. While we do our bit to ensure a trekker is safe, we also expect any trekker who is enrolling with us to know what could go wrong, and if it does, how to tackle it.
Since you will be starting and returning to the guest house at Sankri, it is possible for you to leave some luggage behind, if required. However, make sure you do not leave any valuables. Nomad Adventures is not responsible for loss or damage to any belongings.
No, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of myths about Diamox.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to inform us in advance so that the necessary arrangements are made. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. If you decide on the spot then the charges are higher than the usual.
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