Kedarkantha Summit: Winter Trek Through Himalayan Villages
Kedarkantha Trek
How would you like to witness the first snowfall on a trek in Uttarakhand this winter? Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarkantha is a famous winter trek in Uttarakhand. The place attracts both seasoned and beginner trekkers for its easy-to-moderately ascending trails. In the winter season, from December to March, the whole region gets covered in the ethereal blanket of snow.
Spread across the Govind National Park, Kedarkantha is a 6-day trek through dense pine and rhododendron jungles. During this expedition, you get to stay and sightsee (depending on the availability of the type of accommodation) the scenic Himalayan villages in Sankri, Mori, Hargaon, and Sidri. Witness the mountain life without any luxuries and full of simplicity. Capture the diverse flora and fauna and cherish peaceful moments with nature.
Kedarkantha, in winter, is packed with a frozen lake, snow-clad mountaintops, and mythological legends. So, gear up and get ready to experience the famous winter trek in Uttarakhand, the land of Devas.
About Kedarkantha Trekking
Snuggled at the height of about 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha is one of the most beautiful winter treks in Uttarakhand. Being famous for its easy-to-moderate trekking terrains, the place is quite famous among beginners and expert trekkers alike. The unsurpassed beauty of this place in different seasons leaves every visitor agape. While the spring, autumn, and summer seasons turn the surroundings into eye-pleasing hues of yellow, red, and brown, Kedarkantha turns into a dream-like place in the winter season covered completely in snow.
Along with the amazing panoramic landscapes, you will see the magnificent sights of various famous Himalayan Peaks including Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Swargarohini I, II, III, and IV peaks. Camping near the remotest villages of Uttarkashi amid the pleasurable surroundings gives you a lifetime experience of the Himalayan local lifestyle. You get to stay in clean tents on the lush grounds of the Kedarkantha base camp, Sidri, and Hargaon village. Besides capturing the beautiful moments of surroundings and the starry sky, learn the basics of camping like grounding a tent, starting a fire, etc. Once you arrive at the Kedarkantha Summit, you will be enchanted by the stunning landscapes and snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
Kedarkantha Trek: Highlights
- A scenic drive from Dehradun to Sidri through the dense pine forests with the snow-peaked Himalayas backdrop.
- Place your camp near scenic sites and quaint villages like Sidri, Hargaon, and Sankri.
- Trekking to the Kedarkantha summit situated at an altitude of above 3800 meters.
- Admire the panoramic view of various peaks such as Kinner Kailash and Swargarohini.
- Spend the night at the beautiful campsites in your sanitized tents and watch the mystical Himalayan night sky.
- Try your hands at several snow sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding offered in Kedarkantha base camp.
Details of Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek
When choosing for all-season trekking, the Kedarkantha trek is the best choice to make where you will find less traveled forest terrains and the majestic views of snow-capped Himalayan ranges from the summit.
Why Choose Us For Planning Your Trek?
Our Captain and Founder of Kailash Adventure India, Ankit, has breathed mountain life most of his time. Since his first successful expedition group, he became unstoppable. Hence, we at KAI, a professional trekking company based in Dehradun, always thrive to provide the most immersive trekking and camping experience in the Himalayas.
Now, coming to the eternal question- why choose Kailash Adventure India to plan your trek? Here's Why
Smaller Group Sizes
As a trekker, you want to take in as much of the surroundings as possible without many hindrances. And we respect your concern. At KAI, we believe in- the smaller the size of the group, the better. That’s why we’ve arranged for 7 to 15 people in a group, excluding trek guides and chauffeur. It allows you to enjoy the authentic beauty, culture, landscapes, and flavors of the place like a local.
Certified Trek Guides
You can expect the most experienced trek guides and local support team from Kailash Adventure India. Not only about the place, but you get to explore the unexplored with our NIM and Abvimas certified trek mentors. They are well-known about the region in and around, and with the help of local supporters, there’s no chance you could go under any mishap.
Your Safety is in Our Hands
At KAI, your safety is the most important thing to us. We have hired trained and experienced guides to keep you safe in the field. Not just this, but they are always ready for the unexpected, including climatic conditions. Our experienced medical team keeps notes on your daily oxygen level with pulse readings to keep you under safety checks. We provide you with the same high-quality safety gear that we use before going trekking or other adventure activities to keep all of us safe.
Responsible Traveling
Traveling is not only about reaching the summit and exploring new places; it’s a calling that drives you there. And when you experience such serene unspoiled natural beauties, you would voluntarily want to protect and keep them intact. To achieve this, you must use recyclable or reusable items. And that includes absolutely no use of plastic or use and throw foil wraps. Even if a situation demands, keep an extra bag for collecting litter. Always remember- leave no trace!
No Compromise With Quality of Service
The time you book your trek with us, your travel needs and comfort fall into our expert care. Until you board a flight back to your home after successfully completing the trip, our travel professionals are always there to assist you with all your concerns. From water and food to a comfortable stay in a hotel/homestay/tent, medical supplies, etc., we take care of every minor to crucial detail to ensure you have a flawless travel experience with KAI.
Easy and Secure Booking
We have a user-friendly interface to not leave you confused or misguided by complex designs. It is not only easier for elders to use, but youngsters can also benefit from our easy-to-understand language and interface. Once you’re happy with the details about your preferred tour package, you can securely proceed to book your trip through KAI’s online payment platform.
Our Team is Always At Your Service
Want to make changes to your itinerary or include a thing or two? Our travel professionals are available 24*7 to assist with anything related to planning or booking a trip with us. We help you reschedule your travel dates, answer your travel-related safety queries, provide detailed services we offer during the trip, and much more. Call us at [phone_number] and get your questions and concerns ready to get answered with precision.
Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Summit
In Winter:Kedarkantha is famously known as the Queen of Winter Treks. Hence, it is the best time to plan your trek. From October to March, the temperature at Kedarkantha remains between -2 to 15 C. However, December marks the first snowfall in the region and covers the place in a deep snow blanket, offering thrilling snow activities such as snowboarding, skiing, and so on.
In Monsoon:Kedarkantha receives moderate to heavy rainfall in June and July with the temperature dropping to zero at night. July brings heavy rains here with dark clouds hovering over the mountains. It often causes frequent landslides and road blockages. The terrains become slippery, making it difficult to walk. However, by September, the weather remains cold and pleasant with light rain showers, offering verdant vistas and picturesque landscapes.
In Summer:Kedarkantha remains pretty warm in the summer season with pleasantly cold evenings and nights. Summer begins in April, waving goodbye to snow, and the beginning of the spring season in May and June. The temperature remains between 6 and 20 C with a colder mountain breeze. It is the best time to witness the colorful charms of Kedarkantha flanked with lush greenery, a rushing river, and colorful meadows.
Things to carry
Before heading to the Kedarkantha peak expedition, make sure you have packed all the essential belongings in your bag, including;
- Warm water and windproof jacket, pullover, tees, and track pants.
- Good-quality hiking backpack and shoes (that also work on snow treks).
- Raincoat, poncho, and waterproof bag covers (for precaution).
- Medium-size shoulder bag to keep quick essentials.
- Head torch, extra batteries, and power bank(s).
- Extra pair of socks and necessary thermals.
- Woolen caps, scarves, gloves, and sunglasses.
- Reusable Thermos/Water bottle and lunch box.
- Energy bars and nuts to keep you energized during the trekking expedition.
- Lighter or matches for fire.
- Sunscreen, balm, toiletries, trekking poles, documents, and your medicines.
Kedarkantha Trek Cost
The average cost of the Kedarkantha Trek from Dehradun starts at 6000 per person for 6 days and 5 nights, if booking a package. The cost depends upon the number of people in a group, duration of the trek, meals, stays, quality of service, and experienced trek and tour guides. The Kedarkantha Trek package prices also depend on the starting point of your journey. If you’re looking for a quotation for the Kedarkantha trek from Delhi, it will also include the fare of an AC/semi-sleeper bus from Delhi to Dehradun and vice-versa.
Mythological Legend Behind Kedarkantha Peak
Kedarkantha got its name from a constitution of two words- Kedar and Kantha, which literally translates to the ‘Throat of Lord Shiva.' Also known as Bal-Kedar, the place is associated with a famous mythological legend that goes back to the time of the epic Mahabharata. According to ancient tales, after winning the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas traveled to the Himalayas, as advised by Lord Krishna, to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva, as they had killed their own kin, the Kauravs. However, Lord Shiva didn’t want to meet them and disguised himself as a bull. But Bheem, the third Pandava brother, recognized him and followed him underneath a mountain. Lord hid underground. While rushing to come out, Mahadev let his body be divided into five parts, among which his throat fell on Kedarkantha and hence now is the abode of the throat of Lord Shiva.
Itinerary for Kedarkantha Trek
Embark on a long drive of approximately 220 km from Dehradun to Sidri via the quaint villages of Sankri and Mori. Enjoy the picturesque route dotted with rhododendron and pine trees. During this 7-8 hours journey, you will be treated to the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and the effusive sound of Tons, Yamuna, and Kedarganga Rivers. After reaching your first campsite at Sidri, place your bags in your assigned tents and get refreshed with a hot cup of beverage. Stroll around the nearby places and return before dark. Have a delicious Garhwali dinner and have a sound sleep for the hikes.
After having an early morning breakfast, we will head towards the Hargaon Base Camp today, which is approximately a 4-5 hour trek on the gradually ascending snowy terrain. The trail leads to a ridge where you will see the picturesque views of Har ki Dun Valley in the distance. We will reach the Hargaon campsite by afternoon or early evening. Upon arrival, set your tents and settle down. Have refreshments and treat your eyes to the splendid sights of snow-covered peaks and lush snow-covered jungles.
After a tummy-full breakfast at the Hargaon campsite and start trekking en route to the next base camp. You will cover an ascending terrain adorned with glistening streams, dense rhododendron jungles, and snow-covered meadows from Hargaon to Kedarkantha Base Camp in a minimum of 4-5 hours. Upon reaching the base camp, set your tents and get refreshed. Enjoy the enchanting views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the distance. Indulge in the fun group activities, have dinner, and get sleep.
The day is finally here! Get up around 3 am, have breakfast, and start walking towards the Kedarkantha Peak from the base camp. The snow-covered trails make trekking a bit challenging. But it's all worth it when you get to witness the panoramic views of various Himalayan ranges so close. After an hour of walking across a jungle and a grassland, you start ascending the ridge to the summit covered in knee-deep snow. Spend some time at the peak and capture the jaw-dropping views of the snow-peaked Himalayas of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, and Srikanth. Start down-trek to the Hargaon campsite before night. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at the base camp and a fun time with your fellow travelers. Have a comfortable sleep in your tent.
Wake up to the beautiful sunrise, have breakfast, and get ready to head back towards Sidri. It will take about 4-5 hours to reach the village. Upon reaching Sidri, give rest to your sore muscles and refresh your mind with a steaming hot cup of tea/coffee. Have a mouth-watering dinner at the hotel/homestay/tent in Sidri. Get some sleep in your clean, comfortable beds.
Get up early and do not miss the final day sunrise at Sidri. Pack your belongings and get ready to say bye to the majestic mountain peaks. We will halt at the scenic Juda Ka Talab and Natwar. Soak in the views of the frozen lake amid a lush meadow and have a mid-day meal (if required). Cherish the resonating sound of the chirping of birds and the gushing of the Tons River when trekking down through Sankri, Purola, and Mori villages. You will reach Dehradun by late noon or evening. It is the end point of our Kedarkantha trek route.
Inclusions
- All meals during the trek
- Clean tents and bedding for camping during the trek
- All trekking equipment cosy- sleeping bag, trekking pole, etc
- Forest camping charges, entry fees and permits
- Experience trek leader and mountaineering guide
- Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back
Exclusions
- Pickup and drop facility from airport/railway station
- Any personal expense
- Anything particularly not mentioned in the ‘inclusions.’
Know Before Planning The Kedarkantha Trek
- 1. During the monsoon season, Kedarkantha receives heavy rainfall in July and September. It leads to infrequent landslides.
- 2. Minors up to the age of 10 years will not be allowed on the Kedarkantha winter trek without a legal guardian company.
- 3. Kedarkantha is surrounded by dense forests and snow-covered trails. Hence, it’s advised to get a local/experienced guide and take no chance of going missing in the wild.
- 4. The minimum weight you carry on your shoulder, the easier it is to trek. So, pack only essentials.
- 5. Bring original valid ID proof like an Adhar Card, Driving license, and passport with you before embarking on the Kedarkantha trek.
- 6. Network and internet connectivity are quite low here. Make sure to call or text your family or anyone in particular before entering the area.
- 7. There are no ATMs anywhere near any campsite. Hence, keep good cash in change. Due to low networks, no online payment is accepted either.
- 8. Situated at higher altitudes, Kedarkantha doesn't get much electricity flow all the time. So, pack extra charged batteries and power banks to last the entire trek.
- 9. Camping is a way to get close to nature. So, do not expect any luxury during the trek.
- 10. Along with the food we provide throughout the expedition, pack energy food like energy bars and a trail mix of dry fruits for the trek.
- 11. Be a responsible traveler and avoid littering. Use reusable/recyclable water bottles and boxes to pack stuff.
