Guide
Kedarkantha Trek Guide
When winter arrives in the Himalayas, Kedarkantha turns into a world of snow-covered forests, frozen trails and white mountain landscapes. The trail takes you through quiet pine and oak forests before opening up to panoramic Himalayan views from the summit. At around 12,500 feet, the summit climb is challenging but achievable for beginners with proper preparation, making Kedarkantha one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand.
Where is Kedarkantha Trek?
Kedarkantha is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek begins from Sankri, a small village in the Himalayas located at around 6,400 feet. From Sankri, the trail passes through villages, dense forests and snow-covered meadows before reaching the summit at approximately 12,500 feet.
How to Reach Sankri village
The trek starts from Sankri village in Uttarakhand.
By Air: Fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, then travel by road to Sankri.
By Train: Take a train to Dehradun Railway Station, then continue by road.
By Road: Buses and shared taxis are available from Dehradun to Sankri. The journey takes around 8–10 hours.
**Kedarkantha Trek Route & Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
Drive around 200–210 km from Dehradun to Sankri, the base village for the trek. The journey takes around 9–10 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. Stay overnight in Sankri.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
The trek begins with a gradual climb through pine and oak forests. After around 4 km, you reach Juda Ka Talab, which is usually frozen and covered in snow during winter. Stay overnight at the campsite.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Continue uphill through dense forests and snowy clearings for around 4 km to reach the Kedarkantha Base Camp. The open campsite offers views of surrounding Himalayan peaks. Stay overnight at the base camp.
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit and Hargaon
Start early, usually before sunrise, for the summit climb. The trail becomes steeper as you ascend to the 12,500-ft Kedarkantha Summit, where you get panoramic Himalayan views. After spending some time at the summit, descend to Hargaon Camp for the night. The complete day's trek is around 6 km and takes roughly 6–7 hours.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri
Descend through snow-covered pine forests towards Sankri. The route is around 6 km and takes approximately 4 hours. Stay overnight in Sankri.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun
Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun, marking the end of the trek.
What to Expect on the Kedarkantha Winter Trail
The Kedarkantha trail transforms into a snowy landscape during winter, with pine and oak forests covered in snow and open clearings offering views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Snow-covered forests: Walk through dense forests where snow blankets the trees and trails.
- Juda Ka Talab: This small lake often freezes during winter, creating a beautiful campsite surrounded by snow-covered trees.
- Snowy campsites: Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp offer scenic camping spots, with temperatures dropping significantly at night.
- Summit climb: The final ascent is steep in sections and can be slippery or icy. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and the Gangotri range, depending on visibility.
Kedarkantha is more than a summit climb; in winter, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. From walking through snow-covered forests to watching the first light from the summit, every part of the trek offers something to remember. With the right preparation, warm layers and a little patience for the mountain weather, Kedarkantha makes for a rewarding winter adventure in the Himalayas.