Kedarkantha Trek

Morning: The Journey Begins (Dehradun to Uttarkashi)

Your adventure officially begins in Dehradun. At 6:30 AM, a comfortable transport (Tata Sumo or similar) picks you up. Immediately, you start the 220 km scenic drive toward the Himalayas. Although the journey is long, nonetheless, every mile offers spectacular views as you climb steadily through the mountains.

Afternoon: Ascending to Sankri

Eventually, the vehicle continues its ascent through winding roads, passing through small towns and stunning valleys. Finally, by approximately 5:00 PM, you arrive at Sankri (6,400 ft), the charming base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. Subsequently, settle into your guesthouse upon arrival.

Evening: Briefing and Acclimatization

First, take time to relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Following this, meet your trek leader for a crucial evening briefing. They will review the next day's route, discuss essential safety protocols, and answer all your questions. Ultimately, enjoy a warm dinner before getting an early night's rest for the trek ahead.

Morning: Forest Ascent

You begin the trek immediately after breakfast, leaving Sankri (6,400 ft) behind. The trail quickly ascends, climbing about 4 km over the next five hours. Initially, you enter dense forests. You wind through towering pine and maple trees. Consequently, the atmosphere here feels calm and deep.

Afternoon: Streams and Meadows

Midway through the hike, you cross several clear, refreshing streams cutting through the forest. Soon after, the path opens up dramatically into beautiful, wide meadows. From there, the final short stretch leads directly to the stunning lakeside campsite.

Evening: Lakeside Camping

Finally, you reach the tranquil campsite at Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft). This high-altitude lake is ringed by forests, often freezing solid in winter. Now, settle into your tents, enjoy dinner, and absorb the peaceful atmosphere before resting under the clear Himalayan stars.

Morning: Ridge Walk and Panoramic Views

You leave the lake after breakfast, beginning a shorter, sharper ascent. Crucially, the 4 km trek to base camp takes only about 2.5 hours. To begin with, the trail follows a scenic ridge, where Oak trees provide necessary shade. Furthermore, keep an eye out for characteristic shepherd log huts nestled in the meadows as you climb higher.

Afternoon: Peaks Dominate

As you ascend higher, the landscape opens up dramatically. In an instant, massive peaks dominate the horizon. You can observe impressive summits such as Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana. Eventually, you reach the wide-open Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft).

Evening: Summit Preparation

Finally, settle into your tents at this breathtaking high-altitude location. Since the base camp offers the clearest, most uninterrupted views of the giants, you must focus on resting and preparing your gear for the early-morning summit push tomorrow.

Predawn: The Summit Push

You begin the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek well before dawn. Starting from Base Camp (11,250 ft), you immediately embark on the final climb to the Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft). Though this initial ascent is steep, it is simultaneously incredibly exciting.

Morning: Peak Views and Base Camp Lunch

First and foremost, spend time at the summit, enjoying the unforgettable 360 panoramic views and the magical Himalayan sunrise. Subsequently, you begin the quick descent back to the base camp. You arrive by midday, where you stop briefly for a well-deserved lunch.

Afternoon/Evening: Descent to Camp

Following the meal, you continue the long descent. The path then carries you down through forests and clearings, covering a total of approximately 6 km over about seven hours. Ultimately, your goal is the beautiful Juda Ka Talab campsite (8,900 ft). Finally, arrive at your tents in the evening, celebrating the successful summit.

Morning: Forest Trek to Sankri

Your journey concludes with a final beautiful descent. You trek from Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft), navigating down through the stunning elevations and lush forests. The final 6 km is quick, taking only about four hours. You arrive back at the base village of Sankri (6,400 ft).

Afternoon: Scenic Drive Begins

Next, board your comfortable return transport (Tempo Traveler, Tata Sumo, or similar). The long, scenic 190 km drive back to Dehradun begins. Enjoy one last look at the spectacular mountains you just climbed.

Evening: Arrival and Farewell

The drive takes approximately eight hours. Finally, we will drop you off at Dehradun station by the evening. Your incredible Kedarkantha Summit Adventure officially concludes here.

NOTE

On Day 5, you will reach Dehradun between 06:00 PM and 07:00 PM. Therefore, plan your onward journey accordingly. We recommend booking your travel back to your hometown any time after 08:00 PM.