Kedarkantha Trek 2026

Kedarkantha is a winter mountain trek in Uttarakhand, near the village of Sankri. You drive up from Dehradun, walk through forest and snow, and climb to a summit at about 12,500 ft. On a clear day you get a wide view of the Garhwal peaks. It is one of the most booked snow treks for beginners in India.

Do not mix this up with Kedarnath. Kedarnath is the famous temple. Kedarkantha is a different place, a trek peak near Sankri.

Kedarkantha trek quick facts


Start	Sankri (some groups stay at Kotgaon nearby)
Top	about 12,500 ft
Walking	about 20 km over roughly 4 days
Full trip	usually 5-6 days with the Dehradun drive
Level	Easy to moderate if you are fit
Area	Govind park, Uttarkashi

Best time for Kedarkantha trek

December to March is the season most people want: snow on the trail and at the top. Nights are very cold.

April to May is milder. There may still be snow higher up.

September to November is good for clear views with less snow.

July and August are usually a bad idea: rain, slippery paths, and leeches in the forest.

If you go in peak winter, treat summit day as hard work. The trek is called beginner-friendly, but snow and cold change the feel.

Kedarkantha trek difficulty

You should be able to walk for 4 to 6 hours a day with a small bag. The path is clear. You do not need climbing skills.

What feels hard for many people:

Summit day: early start, a steep last climb, then a long walk down
Cold feet and hands in December-February
The height: you go up a lot in a few days, so go slow if you feel unwell

Walk regularly for a few weeks before you leave. If you have heart, lung, or BP problems, ask your doctor first.

Kedarkantha trek itinerary

Camps change a bit by group (Juda Ka Talab, Hargaon, Kedarkantha base). A common plan looks like this:

Drive Dehradun to Sankri (about 200 km; often 8-11 hours via Purola and Mori)
Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (forest walk; the lake freezes in winter)
Juda Ka Talab to the higher camp near the peak
Summit day, then down to a lower camp
Back to Sankri, then drive to Dehradun

Some groups start from Kotgaon instead of Sankri. Ask your trek company for the exact camps before you lock return tickets.

Kedarkantha trek permit

You need a forest / park permit because the trek is inside a protected area.

Many companies get it at the Sankri check post for you
You can also register online for Govind park visits and collect the print from Purola: swsuttarkashi.com (linked from Uttarakhand Tourism)
Carry a government photo ID for each person

Rules and fees change. Confirm with your company or the forest office before a busy winter weekend. Do not start without a permit.

How to reach Kedarkantha (Sankri)


Flight	Dehradun (Jolly Grant), then road to Sankri the next morning
Train	Dehradun station
Road	Shared taxi, bus, or cab: Dehradun to Purola to Mori to Sankri

Organised groups often pick up early from Dehradun (Prince Chowk or a fixed meeting point). In winter, try to reach Dehradun a night early so a delayed flight does not ruin day one.

From Delhi and other cities: overnight train or bus to Dehradun, then the hill drive. Rishikesh and Haridwar work if you want a night stop. Some road routes also pass near Mussoorie.

Kedarkantha trek cost

Guided trips often cost about Rs 6,000 to 12,000 per person, sometimes more in peak weeks. That usually includes camp, food on the trek, guide, and permit. Ask what is extra: Dehradun pickup, jacket or shoe rent, taxes. Book early for December and January weekends.

What to pack for Kedarkantha

Warm clothes: thermals, fleece, heavy jacket (winter)
Rain jacket, gloves, woollen cap
Trek shoes with grip (already worn in)
Extra grip for snow only if your guide says you need it
Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare is strong)
Torch or headlamp for the summit morning
Your medicines and a small first-aid kit
Water bottle and dry snacks
ID and permit copies

Do not leave plastic or trash on the trail. Bring your waste back down.

Safety tips

New to snow? Go with a proper trek company or a local guide
Bad headache, vomiting, or odd tiredness high up? Go down
If the weather turns bad on summit morning, turn back
Network is weak after Sankri. Tell family when you expect to be back in Dehradun
Roads can close in snow. Keep travel plans a bit flexible

Checklist before you go

Pick dates outside heavy monsoon
Start walking practice
Confirm company, guide, and permit
Pack winter gear for Dec-Mar
Keep one spare night in Dehradun if you can
Do not book a tight evening flight on the return day; drops are often late

FAQ

Is Kedarkantha good for beginners?

Yes, if you are fit and ready for cold and a long summit day. Many first-timers do this trek in winter.

Is Kedarkantha the same as Kedarnath?

No. Kedarnath is the temple yatra. Kedarkantha is the trek near Sankri.

How many days for Kedarkantha trek?

Keep 5-6 days from Dehradun and back for most packages. Walking days are usually about four.

Can I trek Kedarkantha alone?

Only if you already know snow treks and have a valid permit. First-timers are safer in a guided group.

Where should I stay before the trek?

Dehradun the night before pickup is simplest. Sankri also has guesthouses if you reach a day early.

Park info: Uttarakhand Tourism - Govind National Park. Permit site listed there: swsuttarkashi.com.