One of the best treks in India Kedarkantha is a fun winter trek that takes the seriousness out of trekking. It is almost like going on a 5-day active vacation. The trek is recommended for all adventure souls who like snow and high mountains, irrespective of the prior experience. Beginners are more than welcome. Kedarkantha Trek starts from Sankri in Uttarakhand which is one of the best trekking places in India. The highlights of Kedarkantha trek are the beautiful campsites, snow-covered pine forests, 360-degree view of the mountains and the chance to stand on top of one of the easiest trekkable peaks in the Himalayas. The total Kedarkantha trek distance is 23 Kms. The height of the Kedarkantha peak is 12,500 ft. You will get to see Godly peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch during Kedarkantha and come back absolutely thrilled and refreshed. The best time to do Kedarkantha Trek(for snow) is December to February. On this page, you will find all the essential information like - Kedarkantha Trek Temperature, Weather, Route Map, Photos, Videos, and Reviews. Scroll to the end to read Kedarkantha trek blogs.
Why Bikat?
Learning Experience: We do not just focus on completing the trek butalso help you develop basic trekking skills like:
Packing a rucksack
Morning Yoga & Evening stretching
How to pitch and dismantle a camping tent and properly use a sleeping bag
Ascend and Descend on a mountain trail
How to ensure camp safety and hygiene
Identify trail signs and signals
Loyalty Programs: Join Bikat community and enjoy benefits of our vouchers and referral programs.
Personalized attention: We have small batch size (max. 15) and we maintain a healthy ratio of 8:1 (Participants: Leader) on all our batches to enable individual focus and monitoring.
Best Expedition Leaders: Our leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders. Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Safety norms: We have mapped every region with an emergency evacuation plan and safety protocols maintaining a zero accident record so far. We carry an extensive first-aid kit including oxygen cylinders and high altitude medicines.
Safety equipment: Our trek leaders carry UIAA certified rescue equipment like static rope, ice ax, harness, carabiners, jumar, pulley, short and long slings.
Itinerary
Show detailed itinerary
1Day 1 Dehradun to Sankri - 198 km Drive
We will assemble early morning (7 AM) in Dehradun and drive towards Sankri. Overnight in guest house/hotel in Sankri. Sankri is a small village in Uttarakhand located at a distance of 180 km from Dehradun. When it comes to trekking In India Sankri is quite a popular trailhead as a lot of treks starts from here like - Har Ki Dun, Bali pass, Borasu Pass, Ruinsara Tal, Bharadsar lake. If you reach early - go for some bird watching. See more images and videos
2Day 2 Sankri to Juda Ka Taal (9000 FT, 5 Kms trek)
On this day, begin your trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Taal. Your trek leaders will provide you with spikes and gaiters before you start and give you a demonstration of how to wear them. You will cover a total of 5 km of distance today. The trail starts in a beautiful pine forest, just a short 10 minutes walk away from the village. The gradient of the trail is easy, ascending all the way to Juda Ka Tal campsite. You will make your ascent gradually, walking at a steady pace in a zigzag manner. It’s hard to come across wildlife on this trek during winters, but as you walk along the pine trees, keep an eye out for woodpeckers. They are quite common in this region. Mid-way the forest clears up to a large meadow, where you’ll see two small tea huts that serve omelets, Maggie, and hot beverages. You can have your packed lunch here. The campsite is just an hour away from this point, and as you gain altitude, you’ll start seeing the beautiful Himalayan ranges in the background. The most prominent peaks that you’ll see throughout the trek is Swargarohini, try to spot it along the way. By early afternoon you’ll be at the first campsite of Kedarkantha trek. Camp overnight at Juda Ka Taal.See more images and videos
3Day 3 Juda ka Taal to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,200 FT, 4 Kms trek)
You first stop today would be Juda Ka Tal, a lake surrounded by pine forests, that freezes during winters. You can easily walk on the ice sheet on the lake or try gliding on it and it is an absolutely thrilling experience. The gradient of the trail today is a bit steeper than yesterdays. You continue to walk in a pine forest which opens up to a beautiful meadow an hour later. Sometimes your trek leaders take up the opportunity to teach you ascending and descending techniques on the snow slopes here. It should take you about 2-3 hours to reach your next campsite, which is absolutely stunning. At night, the snow-clad mountain peaks shine brightly as the moon, and you will clearly see Kedarkantha Peak from your campsite. After an early dinner, try to get a good night’s sleep as you will be waking up at 2 AM for breakfast and will start your summit attempt around 3 AM in the morning. Pack your daypack with the necessary items like waterproof gloves, water bottle, snacks, and your camera before you sleep. You can leave your backpacks inside your tent and collect them after returning from the Kedarkantha summit. Camp overnight at Kedarkantha base camp.See more images and videos
Today is the big day, the summit day. You will start your Kedarkantha summit attempt before the break of dawn so have your head torches ready. You walk as a team in a zigzag manner on the snow slopes and an hour and a half later, you will come across two small huts that offer refreshments on the way back from the summit. Kedarkantha altitude is 12500ft. From here, it takes you about two and a half hours to reach the summit. The trail starts to get steeper from here on and sometimes you will find yourself in knee-deep snow. As the sun rises, you’ll see a dramatic show of colors in the sky and the transformation leaves you speechless. Try to make it to the summit before the sunrise and admire the 360-degree views of the majestic Himalayas surrounding you. The most prominent peaks visible from the top are Swargarohini, Black Peak and Bandarpoonch peaks. You will also see Gangotri, Yamunotri, Har Ki Dun, and Rupin mountain ranges from the top. It tends to get quite windy on the top, so keep moving to keep your body warm. The descent from the top is initially as steep as the ascent, so be careful with the first 1 km. The Himalayas continue to sparkle in the background on your way back and it’s the perfect opportunity to take some memorable pictures. You will also get a chance to glissade along the way. You can stop at the tea hut on your way for some light refreshments and make your way back to the base camp for a warm meal. You’ll head to Hargaon campsite after lunch, which takes about an hour and a half from the base camp. Camp overnight at Hargaon.See more images and videos
5Day 5 Hargaon to Sankri to Dehradun - 6 km Trek, 198 km Drive
Today is your last day on the Kedarkantha trek, and it is also the most laid back as the distance is short. Wake up early morning to catch the sunrise at your last super gorgeous campsite and make your back to Sankri. You’ll walk in a pine forest throughout the way and will get an aerial view of the neighbouring villages. It should take you about 2 to 3 hours to reach Sankri. After a short break at Sankri, we leave for Dehradun.See more images and videos
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
Kedarkantha trek is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For the novice, it is a great start to enter into the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first-timers. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a good physical stamina and read extensively. Any experienced trekker would love to go on Kedarkantha trek for the love of its views and trekking.
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
This trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. A basic knowledge of how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will help.
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
1. How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
2. How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
1. Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
2. Hold your breath for 20 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The starting point of Kedarkantha Trek is a 10-minute walk from Sankri. Sankri is a small village in Uttarakhand which is a base camp for Uttrakhand treks. It is 180 km from Dehradun. There are public buses and shared jeeps running between Dehradun and Sankri. You can also take a shared taxi that will cost you around INR 600. Dehradun is easily accessible through road, rail, and air transport. By Road: There are no direct buses to Sankri from Delhi. There You can take overnight UKRTC buses and Volvos available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, Delhi to Dehradun. The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is about 247 km. You can also hire a taxi or outstation cab from Delhi to Dehradun. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Sankri is 187 km away in Dehradun. There are a number of trains running between Delhi and Dehradun like Dehradun Express, Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi Express. It is advisable to make your train bookings a month in advance. By Air: The nearest airport from Sankri is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun which is 213 km away from Sankri. You can reach Dehradun from New Delhi by flight.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
There are a number of places to visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties. Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts. Visit the holy Tapkeshwar temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed have one of the oldest Shivling. Enjoy the splash at much-touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
There is no mobile reception after Sankri.
Eligibility: Experience required
Since it Kedarkantha is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although one is required to have mental preparedness and stamina before he begins the trek. Running is recommended.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit for Kedarkantha trek is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians.
If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
Kedarkantha Trek best time is in the months of December to March.
Accommodation type: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
When you arrive in Dehradun you will be transferred to Sankri, your stay will be made at local guest house or homestay in Sankri. The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email few days prior the trek.
On trekking days, all the trekkers will be accommodated in twin or triple sharing tents. Along with this, there will be also be a toilet tent and a dining tent installed at every campsite as we roll.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks.
Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.
If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable.
There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants.
There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item.
Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food.
The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
In winters, during the day, the temperature will range from 10-15 degrees Celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -8 degrees Celsius. The higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
On Kedarkantha trek you can expect snows from December to March. It is difficult to expect snow during summers or monsoons.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack.
In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek.
We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
It is not mandatory but it is more convenient with the pole. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Dehradun has a sufficiently large market. However, do not leave anything for last minute buying as there will be no time for shopping because of immediate transportation to Sankri. Sankri is a very small village and it would be difficult to find anything major there. Minor toiletries are available.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
The pickup will be from Outside ISBT, Dehradun at 7:00 AM to Sankri (the base village of the trek) and the drop on the last day will be at the same place in Dehradun by/before 10:00 PM.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Dehradun late in the evening. Make sure your bookings from this point to your respective destinations are late in the night, post 22:00 Hrs or early in the morning on the next day.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?
It is mandatory to carry ID Proof for the trek.
(Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried along)
About the Trek: Why should I go for this trek?
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha trek is a great option for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. The USP of Kedarkantha trek is that one gets a complete experience of a summit trek. Apart from the great experience the trail offers some of the prettiest campsites and also offers a 360-degree view of the peaks all around it. Kedarkantha - the most famous winter trek in India is rightly known as the snow paradise.
Bikat adventures had everything organized perfectly. Their trek leaders are well qualified, and the organization of the whole trek, from the pickup point to the dropoff, was excellent. The food provided was amazing during the trek, and the whole group was very well taken care of. The group size was also very decent, and I loved the whole experience.
Terms & Conditions
What's Included
Meals during the trek
Dinner on arrival day in Sankri
Forest Permits/Camping Charges (only if availing transportation through Bikat Adventures). Included only upto amount charged for Indian Nationals
Tents, Sleeping bags, mats
Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
Trek guide, cook, helpers, porters & mules for carrying common luggage
Services of a Certified Trek Leader
What's not Included
Meals during road journeys
Carriage of Personal Bags during the trek
Any kind of Insurance
Any expense of personal nature
Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date - 5% deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure - 50% deduction
Less than 15 days of departure - No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date - No deduction
Cencellations within 5 days prior to departure - No Refund
*Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers. *Please note that this is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy
