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Kedarkantha Trek

The Quintessential Himalayan Winter Trek

Trek Overview

  • Trek Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
  • Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
  • 🏔️ Max Altitude: 12,500 ft (Kedarkantha Summit)
  • Trek Distance: 20–22 Km
  • 🌤️ Best Time: November to April (Best Winter Snow Trek)
  • 🗺️ Region: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
  • 📍 Start Point: Sankri
  • 🏁 End Point: Sankri
  • 🧥 Cloakroom Facility: Available

INR 10,500

* Sankri to Sankri

Addons (Optional)

    • Transportation – INR 3,000 (* Dehradun/Rishikesh to Dehradun/Rishikesh)
    • Offloading-Bags – INR 1,800 (* Maximum weight 9kg/bag)

Terms & Conditions | Inclusions & Exclusions | Cancellation & Refunds

Registration Dates November 2025

08 Nov - 13 Nov Loading…

Registration Dates December 2025

Registration Dates January 2026

Registration Dates February 2026

Registration Dates March 2026

Registration Dates April 2026

Kedarkantha Trek, often hailed as the "Queen of Winter Treks," is a mesmerizing Himalayan journey offering pristine snow trails, dense pine and oak forests, and sweeping alpine meadows. Nestled inside the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand, the trail takes trekkers through serene valleys, high-altitude lakes, and charming mountain hamlets steeped in Garhwali traditions. At 12,500 ft, the summit provides a 360° panorama of Himalayan giants like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. This trek blends manageable difficulty with breathtaking winter landscapes, cultural encounters, and encounters with rare Himalayan flora and fauna, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers seeking an authentic Himalayan experience.

Highlights

✅ Summit climb with 360° views of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak

✅ A true snow trek — trails and meadows covered in deep powder during peak winter

✅ Dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

✅ Beautiful campsites like Juda Ka Talab and Hargaon

✅ Rich Garhwali culture with temples, folklore, and warm hospitality

Itinerary

📅 Day 1: Arrival at Sankri (6,400 ft)

• Drive approx. 8–9 hrs from Dehradun (200 km) through Yamuna Valley and Tons River, witnessing cascading waterfalls and terraced farmland.
• Pass small Garhwali villages with stone cottages and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
• Overnight stay in guesthouse at Sankri, a quaint hamlet that serves as the gateway to Kedarkantha.

📅 Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)

• Trek 4 km / 4 hrs, gradual ascent through dense pine, oak, and maple forests.
• Trail passes traditional hamlets where shepherds herd goats and cows.
• Witness winter snow gradually covering the meadows, with birds like Himalayan monal and pheasants visible along the trail.
• Camp beside Juda Ka Talab, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by alpine forests, reflecting snow-capped peaks.

📅 Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,200 ft)

• Trek 4 km / 3–4 hrs through oak and deodar forests, opening into expansive snow meadows.
• Trail offers views of Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch ranges in the distance.
• Ascend gentle ridges with panoramic vistas of winter forests dotted with frost-covered shrubs.
• Camp at Kedarkantha Base Camp with stunning views of towering peaks and frozen streams.

📅 Day 4: Summit Day: Kedarkantha Base → Summit (12,500 ft) → Descend to Hargaon (8,900 ft)

• Early morning 6 km / 7–8 hrs climb to summit, starting pre-dawn to witness sunrise.
• The ascent passes alpine meadows blanketed in snow, with scattered rhododendron and juniper shrubs.
• Reaching the summit rewards trekkers with 360° views of Himalayan giants including Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch.
• Descend via the same route to Hargaon campsite, experiencing changing light on the mountains and glimpses of wildlife like musk deer and Himalayan monal.
• Overnight stay at Hargaon, interacting with locals and learning Garhwali folklore.

📅 Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri

• Trek 6 km / 4 hrs through forested trails, crossing small streams and meadows dotted with wildflowers in season.
• Observe shepherds and local villagers tending to livestock, and small stone-built shrines along the way.
• Return to Sankri, evening free to explore local market, taste Garhwali cuisine, and interact with residents.

📅 Day 6: Departure from Sankri

• Drive back 8–9 hrs to Dehradun through scenic valleys.
• Memories of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and cultural encounters accompany trekkers as the journey concludes.

Map

How to reach

✈️ Air: Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 220 km from Sankri).

🚆 Train: Nearest major railway station: Dehradun (approx. 200 km from Sankri).

🛣️ Road: Regular buses and shared jeeps available from Dehradun to Sankri via Purola and Mori (8–9 hrs).

🗺️ Travel Tip: Arrive in Dehradun a day early to avoid delays and to catch the morning transport to Sankri.

Did you know?

Kedarkantha lies inside Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, home to Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, musk deer, and a variety of pheasants and eagles.
The Kedarkantha summit is marked by a sacred Lord Shiva temple; locals believe the peak is blessed, adding spiritual charm to the trek.
"Kedarkantha" translates to "Throat of Lord Shiva" in Garhwali folklore, symbolizing divine protection of the valley.
Juda Ka Talab is said to have formed when Lord Shiva dropped a droplet of water from his hair, giving it a mystical allure.
Trekkers can spot rare Himalayan flora like rhododendrons, junipers, and medicinal herbs along the trail.
The route was historically used by shepherds moving flocks between alpine meadows, and remnants of traditional stone huts can still be seen.
Birdwatchers often spot Himalayan monal, golden eagles, and woodpeckers in the forests along the trek.
Local Garhwali villages along the route maintain centuries-old traditions, festivals, and architecture, offering a glimpse into Himalayan culture.

Packing list

For a comprehensive packing list, download the PDF below: Download Packing List

FAQs

  • The trek is beginner-friendly but requires a basic level of fitness. It’s perfect for first-time snow trekkers, families, and groups looking for a scenic Himalayan winter adventure.
  • December to April is ideal, with January and February offering the thickest snow cover. Winter conditions provide stunning snow-laden meadows and clear views of peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.
  • Carry insulated jackets, thermal wear, waterproof trekking shoes, gloves, woolen hats, a 30–40L backpack, trekking poles, and sunglasses for snow glare. A full winter packing checklist is in the downloadable PDF.
  • Yes, overnight stays are in well-equipped tents at scenic campsites. Snow camping during winter requires warm sleeping bags, which are provided by trek organizers.
  • Network coverage is limited. You may get signal at Sankri village, but the higher sections, including the summit, are offline. Inform friends and family beforehand.
  • No special permits are required, as the trek lies within Uttarkashi district. Local operators typically handle any minor permissions if needed.
  • The trek transforms into a snow paradise during winter. Trails pass through dense pine and deodar forests blanketed in snow, open meadows turn into perfect skiing slopes, and sunrise views from Kedarkantha summit over the snow-covered Garhwal peaks are unforgettable.
  • Yes, snow-covered trails can be slippery, and cold temperatures can drop below -5°C at night. Proper gear, trekking poles, and guidance from experienced guides ensure a safe experience.

How Our Treks Are More Than Just a Trek

Every journey with us is carefully crafted for a deeply personal mountain experience.

Not Just a Trek — A Journey That Stays With You

Every trail we walk is a carefully chosen path into the heart of the Himalayas — not just to witness their grandeur, but to feel them under your skin and soul. Our treks are designed not as bucket list checkmarks, but as life-affirming journeys. At Planethimalayas, we believe a mountain journey is deeply personal — and that belief runs through everything we do.

Individual Care, Every Step of the Way

We keep our groups small and intimate so we can focus on you — your pace, your concerns, your joy. From pre-trek guidance to trail-side support, our leaders walk with intention, offering safety and attention without intrusion. It’s this deep care that turns strangers into friends and walks into memories.

Built on Genuine Love for the Himalayas

We don’t just operate in the Himalayas — we live and breathe them. From respecting mountain communities to following Leave No Trace ethics, our treks are shaped by humility and care. With Planethimalayas, your trek becomes a way of giving back to the mountains that give us so much.

Why Choose Us

Experience the difference of trekking with genuine mountain experts who truly care.

Trek Leader & Guide

Led by certified mountaineers with wilderness first aid training, ensuring your safety and confidence at every step.

Cook & Support Staff

Our mountain crew comprises local experts who bring unmatched experience, warmth, and deep knowledge of the region.

Small Group Size

We cap our group departures at just 8 trekkers — ensuring individual attention, deeper connections, and better trail discipline.

Safety Standards

From camping to technical gear, we use only certified, high-altitude-tested equipment suited for extreme Himalayan conditions.

24×7 Online Support

We're always available — before, during, or after your trek. Reach out anytime, and you'll always hear back from a real human.

We Care for the Mountains

We strictly follow Leave No Trace ethics. Limited group sizes and mindful practices help protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.