Kedarkantha is a popular winter summit trek in Uttarakhand. It offers snow trails, peaceful forests, and a glowing sunrise from the summit. The difficulty stays manageable for beginners. Also, the Kedarkantha trek route stays safe and well-marked.
This Kedarkantha trek guide explains the full 5-day plan, trail experience, stay details, packing list, and practical tips.
🌍 Trek Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Region | Sankri, Uttarakhand |
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Maximum Altitude | ~12,500 ft |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Pickup / Drop Point | Dehradun |
| Suitable For | First-time trekkers, families, groups, solo travelers |
| Best Months | December to March |
❄️ Why Choose Kedarkantha as Your First Winter Trek?
Kedarkantha gives a true Himalayan trek experience without overwhelming difficulty. The climb stays gradual. Campsites feel peaceful and scenic. Also, the summit view offers a memorable sunrise moment.
Key Reasons to Choose This Trek:
- Simple and beginner-friendly trail
- Cozy forest and lake campsites
- Strong group support and guidance
- Reliable trek safety and clear route
- Snow from December through February
Emotional Experience
The summit sunrise feels powerful. Golden light spreads over the peaks. The moment feels earned, calm, and unforgettable.
🗓️ Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary (Day-by-Day)
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)
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. You immediately start the 220 km scenic drive toward the Himalayas. The journey is long, but every mile offers spectacular views, climbing steadily through the mountains.
Afternoon: Ascending to Sankri
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. Settle into your guesthouse.
Evening: Briefing and Acclimatization
First, take time to relax and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Then, 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. Finally, enjoy a warm dinner before getting an early night’s rest for the trek ahead.
Stay: Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
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, winding through towering pine and maple trees. The atmosphere here feels calm and deep.
Afternoon: Streams and Meadows
Midway, you cross several clear, refreshing streams that cut through the forest. Then, the path opens up dramatically into beautiful, wide meadows. The final short stretch leads directly to the campsite.
Evening: Lakeside Camping
Finally, you reach the stunning campsite at Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft). This tranquil 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.
Stay: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlight: Clear sky and bright stars at night.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Morning: Ridge Walk and Panoramic Views
You leave the lake after breakfast, beginning a shorter, sharper ascent. The 4 km trek to base camp takes only about 2.5 hours. Initially, the trail follows a scenic ridge, where Oak trees provide necessary shade. Look for characteristic shepherd log huts nestled in the meadows as you climb higher.
Afternoon: Peaks Dominate
The landscape opens up dramatically as you gain altitude. Suddenly, massive peaks dominate the horizon. Keep an eye out for the impressive summits of 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. The base camp offers the clearest, most uninterrupted views of the giants. Tonight, focus on resting and preparing your gear for the early-morning summit push tomorrow.
Stay: Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Summit Day & Descent to Juda Ka Talab
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 embark on the final climb to the Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft). This initial ascent is steep but incredibly exciting.
Morning: Peak Views and Base Camp Lunch
First, spend time at the summit, enjoying the unforgettable 360 panoramic views and the magical Himalayan sunrise. Next, you begin the quick descent back to the base camp. You arrive by midday and stop briefly for a well-deserved lunch.
Afternoon/Evening: Descent to Camp
After lunch, you continue the long descent. The trail carries you down through forests and clearings, covering a total of approximately 6 km over about seven hours. Your goal is the beautiful Juda Ka Talab campsite (8,900 ft). Finally, arrive at your tents in the evening, celebrating the successful summit.
Stay: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Final Descent & Departure
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 drop you off at Dehradun station in 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.
⛺ Stay, Meals, and Trek Support
Stay
- 2 Nights Camping
- 2 Nights Guesthouse Stay
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Tea and Snacks
Food stays warm, simple, and suitable for trekking.
Trek Support
- Experienced Trek Leader
- Trained Local Guide
- Equipment for snow (microspikes/gaiters)
- First-aid and oxygen support
❌ What’s Not Included
- Trekking shoes and personal winter clothing
- Snacks and personal drinks
- Optional mule/porter services
- Anything not listed under “Inclusions”
🎒 Packing Checklist
Clothing
- Thermals (top + bottom)
- Fleece jacket
- Warm puffer jacket
- 2–3 pairs of woolen socks
- Waterproof gloves and a woolen cap
- Trekking shoes (with grip)
Gear
- Backpack (30–50L)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Torch/headlamp
- Lip balm + sunscreen
Want to know more about the trek? Visit our website for more trek details and book the same trek by clicking on the button below.
🧭 Trekking Tips for Beginners
- Walk slowly and steadily
- Drink water often
- Wear layers, not one heavy jacket
- Keep your socks dry
- Tell your trek leader if you feel tired or dizzy
- Take summit day slow and steady
📅 Best Time for Kedarkantha
| Month | Snow Condition | Weather Feel |
|---|---|---|
| December | Fresh snow begins | Cold and crisp |
| January | Heavy snow | True winter experience |
| February | Snow remains | Clear skies, easier walking |
| March | Less snow | Warmer and comfortable |
📩 Want Help Choosing the Right Departure Date?
We assist with:
- Budget planning
- Gear guidance
- Travel planning
- Group / solo bookings
Want to join us for the most loved Kedarkantha trek? Want to enquire? Click on the button below to chat with us.
Visit us on our official website www.olixoratravels.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your queries answered here!
Absolutely, yes! Kedarkantha is famously known as the best and most popular beginner-friendly summit trek in the Indian Himalayas.
The typical duration for the core trekking is 4 days/3 nights (Sankri to Sankri). However, the standard package is 5 days/4 nights when you include travel time to and from Dehradun.
The trek is rated Easy to Moderate, making it relatively safe.
Focus on cardiovascular fitness starting at least 3-4 weeks before your trip. Include jogging, cycling, and stair climbing in your routine.
The cost typically ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per person for the 5-day package (Dehradun to Dehradun).
