Trek to Kedarkantha Peak (Basic Package)
The Kedarkantha Summit Trek is one of the most sought-after winter treks in India, known for its snow-covered landscapes and scenic campsites. Perfect for first-timers, the trek offers an introduction to the Himalayan trekking experience with a rewarding snow-laden summit. The journey takes you through forests of pine and oak, scenic trails, and picturesque campsites, with the summit offering breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak.
Ideal for Beginners
Kedarkantha’s easy trail allows novice trekkers to summit a peak while enjoying panoramic Himalayan vistas. Unlike other Himalayan treks, Kedarkantha provides a thrilling summit climb in a manageable environment, making it perfect for beginners.
Stunning Campsites
The Juda Ka Talab campsite, surrounded by snow-capped forests, is one of the most beautiful highlights of this trek. Each campsite along the route offers dramatic landscapes, while the base camp sunset will leave you in awe.
Breathtaking Views from the Summit
The summit provides unobstructed views of Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Har Ki Dun. On a clear day, trekkers can catch a glimpse of the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges along with the Kinnaur peaks of Himachal Pradesh.
Mythology and Local Legends
This trek is steeped in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated at Kedarkantha before moving to Kedarnath. Juda Ka Talab is said to have formed from droplets that fell from Shiva’s hair, while Swargarohini Peak is considered the stairway to heaven, the path Yudhishthira is believed to have taken.
Note: This is a basic package trek. This trek is completely operated by our partners. The service quality may differ from our premium treks. If you wish to book our premium trek, click here.
Click here to check out a photoblog on our trek to Kedarkantha Peak.
Location
Highlights
- 2 nights stay at a resort in Sankri
- 3N camping stay along the trail of Kedarkantha
- The majestic view of Swargarohini, Kinner Kailash, Yumnotri, Gangotri, and other Himalayan ranges is a divine pleasure. Kedarkantha gives a 360-degree view of Himalayan ranges.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (1,920 m), 187 km drive in 8 hours
- Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,774 m), 4 km trek in 3 to 4 hours
- Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3,429 m), 4 km in 3 hours
- Day 4: Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha Summit (3,810 m) and back to Hargaon (2,713 m), 8 km in 5-6 hours
- Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri, 4 km trek in 2 to 3 hours
- Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun, 187 km drive in 7 to 8 hours
Kedarkantha Trek Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (1,920 m)
- Travel Distance: 187 km
- Travel Duration: 7-8 hours
Start early from Dehradun Railway Station between 5:30 to 7:00 AM. The scenic drive takes you through Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori, with beautiful pine forests and views of the Tons River. Arrive at Sankri, a charming village and base camp for Kedarkantha, by evening.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,774 m)
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
The trail starts with a gradual ascent through dense pine and maple forests. The terrain opens to the serene Juda Ka Talab, a high-altitude lake surrounded by oak trees and snow-covered meadows. Stay overnight in tents by the lake.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3,429 m)
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Trek Duration: 3 hours
The trek from Juda Ka Talab continues uphill through lush forests, gradually giving way to clearings with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Reach Kedarkantha Base Camp, offering panoramic views of Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch.
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit (3,810 m) and back to Hargaon (2,713 m)
- Trek Distance: 8 km
- Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
The summit day starts early to catch the sunrise. The final push involves a steep ascent, but the 360-degree view from the summit makes it worth the effort. Descend to Hargaon, a peaceful campsite nestled among pine trees.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri (1,920 m)
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Trek Duration: 2-3 hours
Enjoy a gradual downhill trek through forests, returning to Sankri. Relive the adventure over a warm meal and rest at a homestay.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun
- Travel Distance: 187 km
- Travel Duration: 7-8 hours
After breakfast, depart from Sankri to Dehradun. The journey concludes by late afternoon, with fond memories of the trek.
Risk and Liability
We will endeavour to make your program smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, the entire course of trekking depends on the ranges of the mighty mountains, physical health, and environmental conditions. Therefore, TrekNomads shall not be responsible for any changes in the itineraries due to unavoidable circumstances and natural disasters such as landslides, road blockages, floods, snowing, cancellations of flights and delays, any type of sickness including altitude sickness.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste that is created during the trek.
- Trekking is best enjoyed when you’ve worn comfortable clothes. Try and avoid wearing Jeans, bright colours and heavy apparel as much as possible.
- A lighter backpack always helps you have a better trek, try and carry just as much as needed.
- Always be in sight of your trek lead, if you feel the need to stop for any reason at all, please keep the trek lead informed.
- If you do come across any reptiles, animals or even insects during the trek, please keep your calm and let it patiently pass by. Any kind of noise and panic will scare them as well.
- Do not venture out into the forest/waterfalls on your own as it may be dangerous.
- Trekking is a good adventure, having said that, it is our primary responsibility to take good care of ourselves and be compassionate towards fellow trekkers
- If, at any point, during the trek, you feel uneasy or unwell, please inform the trek lead immediately
- Tune in to the sounds of nature while on a trek and avoid carrying speakers or playing music during the course of the trek
- To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, we avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol, and other intoxicants during the course of the trek
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Guest house on triple/quad/penta sharing and twin-sharing tents for camping.
- Meals: Nutritious vegetarian meals (with eggs) provided from dinner on Day 1 to tea/coffee on Day 5.
- Water: Access to safe mountain or tap water during the trek.
- Support Staff: Trek leader (mountaineering certified), high-altitude chef, local guides, and base camp manager.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, liners, mattresses, utensils, 3-person tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, and camping stools.
- Climbing Gear: Ropes, helmets, ice axes, harnesses, gaiters, crampons (if required), and walkie-talkies.
- First Aid: Medical kit, oxygen cylinder, BP monitor, stretcher, oximeter, and stethoscope.
- Porters & Mules: For carrying equipment, rations, and vegetables.
- Cloakroom Facility: Available at the base camp for extra luggage.
- Permits & Entry Fees: All necessary permits are included for Indian nationals.
- Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and return
Exclusions
- Meals and accommodation that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bus or airfare to/from the trek start and end points.
- Personal medical expenses; carry personal medications.
- Personal services like laundry, phone calls, liquor, or mineral water.
- Still/video camera fees where applicable.
- Entrance fees at monuments, monasteries, museums, or temples.
- Porter/mule charges for personal baggage (₹400/day per bag online; ₹2,500at base camp). The bag limit is 10 kg.
- Emergency evacuation charges.
- Services not listed in inclusions.
- Personal, medical, or evacuation costs due to delays, landslides, or unforeseen events.
Treknical Details
Other Details:
- Trek Gradient: Easy-Moderate
- Trek Distance: 25+ Km
- Assembling Point: Sankri Village
- Travel Distance: 200+ Km
- Best Months to trek: January, February, March, April, May, June, From Mid September, October, November, December
Trek Gradient
Moderate
Type of Trek
Himalayan Treks