The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most sought-after and cherished winter treks in India. Situated in the Western Garhwal region of the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, this trek is open for amateur and experienced trekkers alike. This rocky route is steeped in unmatched beauty of scintillating alpine meadows, peaceful villages, and vast stretches of snow-laden paths leading to the summit. All along there is this transcendent view of the majestic mountains. Sitting at a high height of 12,500 ft above sea level, the Kedarkantha trek is an ideal trekking destination where you can soak in the virgin beauty of the rolling landscapes and let go all that bind you in the featureless plains.
The Kedarkantha trek offers idyllic pictorial views of the Himalayan giants draped in sparkling snow. The sunset seen from the peak point is profoundly magical. The snow-capped peaks glimmer with the different shades of the sun, illuminating the snowy landscapes in brilliant red and orange hues. This trek comes complete with verdant landscapes, tranquil green valleys, lush greenery, wooded pine and maple forests, beauteous frozen ponds, rustling streams, and blissful sights of the snow-clad peaks. The beguiling beauty of the falling snow from the pine trees is like a cherry on a cake.
| Table of Content:
#1 Kedarkantha Mountian Peaks #2 Kedarkantha Trel Itinerary: 6 Day Trek Route #3 Best Time to do the Kedarkantha Trek #4 Kedarkantha Weather and Temperature |
Great visulas of the Kedarkantha Winter Trek
#1 Kedarkantha Mountian Peaks
The haunting beauty of the Kedarkantha Peak ushers in a lot of tourists. This trek has a unique specialty; the snow remains available till the end of April, thereby making it the best winter treks of all. This trek blesses the trekkers with some paradisiacal campsites, namely: Juda Ka Talab, Hargoan and Kedarkantha base. They are unique and splendid in their own way. The trek becomes more angelic when you walk over the crunchy dried leaves and feast your eyes on the indescribable beauty of the snow-capped mountain summits. Above all, this trek provides you an opportunity to converse with the friendly village people and enrich yourself with their everyday experience of life in these remote areas of Uttarakhand.
Throughout the trek, you will be constantly mesmerized by the breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain peaks pecking the sky. The views keep your heart brimful with a sense of magic as you meander your way to the summit. The whole trekking experience is worthwhile and refreshing, making it an oft-visited place throughout the year.
#2 Kedarkantha Trel Itinerary: 6 Day Trek Route
The journey commences from Dehradun. You can reach Dehradun either by flight or train. From Dehradun, the drive to Sankri is scenic to the core. You have to drive a distance of 220 km via Mussoorie. The path courses through the Yamuna, the pine forests and the exquisite Tons River. Upon reaching Sankri, you will be immersed in its natural sublime beauty. An overnight stay is recommended, spending some valuable time in the charming Sankri village.
The next day, you have to head towards the impressive campsite, Juda Ka Talab, perched at an elevation of 9100 ft. The trekking distance is approximately 4 km which takes around 5 hours to reach. The journey starts from an extension of Sankri village, Sor. As the village route ends, the trek trails become a bit curvy and steep. On this route, you can sneak-peak resplendent views of the majestic Bandarpoonch Peak. This path crosses through the coniferous cedar and oak forests. Juda Ka Talab is a beautiful lake which is surrounded by frozen oak trees and the mighty Himalayas.
The 3rd day’s journey will be from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base. The journey will take you through some spirit-soaring meadows and oak forests. On the way, you will find the views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Ranglana, and Kala Nag Peaks quite intoxicating. Spending the night at the camp under the starry sky with the imposing peaks is simply other worldly!
The 4th day of this trek takes you to the most awaited Kedarkantha Peak. Here the trekkers have to trek an altitude of 12,500 ft to the Kedarkantha Peak and then again descend back till Hargoan camp based at 8,900 ft. The total trekking distance is 6 km and it takes about 7 hours to reach. Conquering the summit and experiencing the explicit beauty and grandeur of the mountains and its surroundings is simply beyond expression.
The next day’s schedule is marked for descending back to the Sankri village. It will take about 4 hours to reach approximately. The sunrise from the Hargoan campsite through the thick pine forests is a major attraction for this day.
The last day of this bewitching trek is marked by a 9 to 10 hours scenic drive from Sankri village to Dehradun.
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#3 Best Time to do the Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is one of the very few treks which remain accessible throughout the year excepting monsoons. Kedarkantha is rather enjoyable during the winter months (December to February). The onset of fresh snowfall heralds a number of tourists to this place. It creates an exceptionally beautiful picture with the powdery snow-dust covering the grasslands and forests. During the spring season (March and April), the upward climb becomes quite easy and hypnotic with the residual patches of snow on the trees and trek trails. During the summers (May and June), Kedarkantha wears a different look with the forests and meadows going dazzling green all over, not to speak of the sky-high mountain-scapes changing its mood by the hour. Trekking Kedarkantha in different seasons showers the trekkers with gifts that cannot be measured in monetary terms.
#4 Kedarkantha Weather and Temperature
During the winters, it is teeth-chattering cold, especially in the higher regions. During the day, the temperatures oscillate between 8oC to 10oC and at night it plummets own to -5oC.
In the spring time, the temperatures during the day are quite pleasant. It will be around 18oC to 19oC and at night the temperature often falls to 0oC. The weather post sun-down is quite chilly. In the summers, the temperature in the day remains between 20oC to 24oC while at night the temperatures drop down to around 3oC. Woolens and strong winter garments should be a constant companion in all the seasons.
Winter camping tents, woolens and strong winter garments should be a constant companion in all the seasons
If you are a votary of Nature, this trek promises you a whole host of transformative experiences like being in close proximity with sheer cliffs and drops, frost fall, and the ever-changing mystifying colors glittering all around, reminding you all the time the eternal presence of the creator who is present everywhere but seen nowhere.
FAQ
Q: Where is the Kedarkantha trek located?
A: The Kedarkantha trek is situated in the Western Garhwal region of the Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India.
Q: Is the Kedarkantha trek open to both amateur and experienced trekkers?
A: Yes, the Kedarkantha trek is open for both amateur and experienced trekkers.
Q: What are some highlights of the Kedarkantha trek?
A: Some highlights of the Kedarkantha trek include picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, peaceful villages, frozen ponds, and wooded pine and maple forests.
Q: What is the best time to do the Kedarkantha trek?
A: The best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, when the snow remains available, and the weather is clear and dry.
Q: What is the itinerary for the Kedarkantha trek?
A: The Kedarkantha trek itinerary typically takes six days and includes a drive to Sankri, trekking to Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha base, summiting Kedarkantha Peak, and descending back to Sankri.
