Picture yourself atop a mountain, surrounded on all sides by miles of white sparkling snow that shimmers in the light entering the wide space where dawn is coloring the sky with orange and pink. The frigid wind bites into your flesh; the only sound you can hear besides the beat of your own heart is complete silence. Enter the Kedarkantha Trek, that epitomizes this feeling perfectly like straight out of the heart of the Himalayas. But this trek will take your breath away in more ways than one, whether you are an old hand at treks or a complete greenhorn.
This meticulous Kedarkantha trek guide unravels everything you need to know about the trek — when is the best time to visit, the day wise itinerary & insider tips that will help leverage your adventure experience.
The best time to visit the Kedarkantha Trek is during the winter months from December to April. This period offers a magical experience with snow-covered trails, serene campsites, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. For those who prefer lush greenery and blooming flora, April to June is also an excellent choice. The Kedarkantha Trek, located in Uttarakhand, is known for its moderate difficulty, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. It features picturesque landscapes, dense pine forests, and a rewarding summit at 12,500 feet. Whether you’re seeking a snowy winter adventure or a refreshing summer escape, Kedarkantha promises a memorable trekking experience in 2024-2025.
Quick Guide to Kedarkantha Trek
- Region: Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India
- Max trek altitude: 12,500 feet (3,800 meters)
- Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
- Duration of trek: 6 days (from Dehradun)
- Distance covered: 20 km total
- Trek cost: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per person (varies by season and group size)
- Starting point: Sankri village
- End point: Sankri village
- Base camp: Juda ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Average temperature: -5°C to 15°C depending on the month
- Nearest railway station: Dehradun Railway Station (220 km away)
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Last ATM: Purola (on the way to Sankri)
Kedarkantha Trek: Where the Mountains Touch Your Soul
The mountains have a certain kind of magic to them. They remind you that, no matter how small you are, your heart is still beating. Kedarkantha trek is also one of them. Located within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha stands at an altitude of 12,500 feet and presents a view of several snow-covered summits including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
I was both humbled and in awe stepping foot on that trail for the first time. The majestic pine trees, with their branches hanging low to the ground covered in snow, the fact you can see the peaks of mountains to the horizon; like nature opened up a quiet welcoming hand. The Kedarkantha trek from Delhi is an adventure on its own and the journey that takes you closer to yourself.
Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek (2024-2025)
When is Kedarkantha trek best time to begin this journey? Apparently this trio of mountains and forests are at their best during the winter months — December to April best time for Kedarkantha trek being the most auspicious Fourth thought: Kedarkantha trek is perhaps uncompromisingly a wonderful hoorah trail in these months. Imagine walking through a winter tapestry, where each foot leaves behind an untouched new world. It becomes a white paradise all over the region and combined with the stillness of the mountains, it brings calm to your mind.
Kedarkantha in December to February
Kedarkantha weather in December- For those who love snow, Kedarkantha snowfall can come across it during December to February. Kedarkantha peak temperature in December at its night level can go up to -5°C, however days are somewhat acceptable at 5-10°C. January is even colder as Kedarkantha temperature in January can drop down to -10°C and same the Kedarkanth trek temperature become yet the otherworldly, frozen excellence compensates for it and its time to snowfall in Kedarkantha. Kedarkantha temperature in February ranging between -7°C to 5°C. The daytime temperature in February hovers around 2°C to 5°C, offering relatively comfortable trekking conditions under the winter sun. It is Kedarkantha trek snow time creating a magical landscape, but the cold remains noticeable, especially at higher altitudes. January and February is the best time to visit Kedarkantha for snowfall.
Kedarkantha in March to April
Kedarkantha trek weather in March: If you are someone who does not desire to have the snow all around and want at least a little warmer environment, then Kedarkantha in March is simply perfect. The snow melts, with some stubborn nogoodniks left over for the after party. Temperatures drop from -3°C to 12°C by the month of March and April making it easy for first-time trekkers.
Kedarkantha summit temperature– During Winter (December to February) Daytime temperature will be Around -2°C to 2°C, with strong winds that can make it feel colder. In Spring (March to April) Daytime temperature will be Warmer, ranging from 5°C to 10°C, but snow may still be present. During Summer (May to June) Daytime Temperature will be Comfortable ranging from 10°C to 15°C, making it a popular time for trekkers.
6 Days Itinerary in Short from Dehradun
Before diving into the details, here’s a snapshot of what your six-day journey will look like:
- Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (6,400 feet) – 220 km drive (8-10 hours)
- Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab (9,100 feet) – 4 km trek (4 hours)
- Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 feet) – 4 km trek (3 hours)
- Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 feet) and back to Base Camp – 6 km trek (6-7 hours)
- Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Sankri – 8 km trek (5 hours)
- Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun – 220 km drive (8-10 hours)
6 Days Itinerary in Detail from Dehradun
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Altitude:6,400 feet) – 220 km drive (8-10 hours)
The adventure starts from Dehradun — the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. Distance from Dehradun to Sankri is 220 km and it takes 8-10 hours’ Drive. As you leave for Sankri the city is slowly disappearing, and the landscape is changing around you – rivers are twirling in your vicinity, tall woods appearing on horizon and eventually a refreshing mountain air fills up every hair of your skin. You are likely to reach Sankri (altitude: 6400 feet) by late evening. And here is where the adventure truly starts.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab (Altitude: 9,100 feet) – 4 km trek (4 hours)
Sankri to Juda ka Talab is an easy 4 km hike, but it is like entering a snow globe. Juda ka talab temperature can vary according to season but mostly below to Kedarkantha temperature. We ascended to 9,100 feet and the tall oak and pine trees appeared like sentinels ushering us into one of the most peaceful sites on our trek -Juda ka Talab. The lake that would become half-frozen in winter reflects the forest sides, and it is just cold enough to feel Juda ka Talab weather but not too brutal as to send shivers down our spine. This is where you will camp and spend the night watching the stars beneath a Himalayan sky for the first time, The Kedarkantha night sky is something that cannot be forgotten in life.
Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (Altitude:11,250 feet) – 4 km trek (3 hours)
Day 3- Trek from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp, Altitude: 11,250 feet. This is the only Kedarkantha trek distance where we walk no more than 4 km but find snow along the trail and a beautiful landscape unlike any other day! This is how beautiful the day seemed, covered with white blanket of pine trees snow also shining open meadows in winter sunlight and far sighted negligible Kedarkantha peak. Since the Kedarkantha base camp weather can take a harsher turn, going into the single degree in negative, it becomes crucial to pack and dress accordingly.
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and Back (Altitude: 12,500 feet) 6 km trek (6-7 hours)
The day you have been waiting for. We launched our summit bid in the early hours, 4 am, with nothing but the snow under our feet being pushed by ascending legs and traced by headlamps. The final leg of the summit is very steep, but when you get to the summit at 12,500 ft, you understand what it feels like to be on top of the world. The Kedarkantha trek difficulty level slightly increase on Day 4 with the high ascent but the breathtaking vistas from the top will make you feel accomplished. These 6 kms were well worth the view of snow peaks that greeted us, before our ascent back to base camp.
Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Sankri (Altitude: 6400 feet) 8 km trek (5 hours)
It’s a downhill trek of around 8 km and takes about 5 hrs to reach Sankri. And a time to ponder the adventure we have had, admire the snow-laden trees from afar and bid farewell to mountains.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun 220 km drive (8-10 hours)
Post a comfortable night in Sankri, we drove back to Dehradun on the same beautiful roads. This time the journey feels like it is different — a rewarding and fulfilling experience. In a nutshell, you will enter Dehradun with a heart-full of memories and stories.
Things to Carry for Kedarkantha Trek
Packing right is crucial for any trek, especially a winter one like Kedarkantha. Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
- Government Phot ID Card (Aadhar car/ Driving License) : In Original and Photocopy both require.
- For foreign tourist, Passport and Visa is must.
- Physical Fitness certification.
- Warm Layers: Thermals, fleece jackets, and waterproof outerwear.
- Trekking Shoes: Ensure they are waterproof and have good ankle support, Track Pants.
- Backpack: A sturdy backpack (50-60 liters) with rain cover.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and trekking poles.
- Medicine Kit: Carry altitude sickness medicine (like Diamox), pain relievers, and basic first aid, Hand sanitizer, Anti-Bacterial Powder.
- Flash Light
How to Reach Dehradun
By Train
Dehradun is well connected by rail. Some popular trains include:
- Nanda Devi Express (Delhi to Dehradun)
- Dehradun Express (Mumbai to Dehradun)
- Upasana Express (Howrah to Dehradun)
By Road from Delhi
Dehradun to Kedarkantha distance is about 200 km and from Delhi to Kedrakantha distance is around 455 km. You can take a direct bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate or drive yourself, enjoying the scenic road journey.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, with regular flights from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Conclusion: A Journey to Remember
The Kedarkantha trek is not a mere trek, it is an emotional journey. It is about your ability to stretch yourself out, with few mountain breaths and allow the silent vista of Himalayan beauty to calm your inner space. Be it that you are an adventure enthusiast or searching for some solitude to rejuvenate your soul, kedarKantha has something in store for every nature loving wanderer.
The Kedarkantha temperature may frost your fingers, but the experience will warm-up your heart forever.
Now you’re ready for your adventure! Just remember, the mountains will test you, but they will also teach you to listen, to breathe, and most importantly—to be present in the moment.
FAQ
What is the weather in Kedarkantha during December?
Kedarkantha temperature in December ranges from -5°C to 5°C, with heavy snow and cold nights.
Is Kedarkantha trek safe for beginners?
Yes, the Kedarkantha trek difficulty level is moderate and manageable for beginners.
Can I do the Kedarkantha trek solo?
Yes, though it’s safer to join a group or trek with a guide.
What documents do I need for the Kedarkantha trek?
Carry valid ID proof, a medical certificate, and passport-sized photos.
How far is Kedarkantha from Kedarnath?
The Kedarkantha to Kedarnath distance is approximately 250 km by road.
What is the best time for Kedarkantha trek?
December to April is the best time, with snow-covered trails during the winter.
What is the distance from Dehradun to Sankri?
The Dehradun to Sankri distance is 220 km, taking around 8-10 hours by road.
What is the average Kedarkantha trek temperature?
During winter, temperatures range from -10°C to 10°C.
Can I visit Kedarkantha in March?
Yes, Kedarkantha in March is ideal for those who prefer slightly warmer weather and less snow.
Is there snowfall in Dehradun?
Dehradun itself doesn’t experience snowfall, but you can witness Dehradun snowfall time in nearby regions.
What is the Kedarkantha base camp weather like?
It’s cold, especially at night, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
How is the night sky at Kedarkantha?
The Kedarkantha night sky is a stargazer’s dream, with clear skies full of stars.
How much does the Kedarkantha trek cost?
The trek cost ranges from ₹7,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the season and group size.
What’s the distance from Sankri to Kedarkantha summit?
The trek covers around 6 km from the base camp to the summit and back.
Can I visit Kedarnath in December?
No, Kedarnath temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
