Winter weather peaks, beautiful green grasslands, perfectly clear flows, tall pine trees, and the sun bathing your trail in a golden glow define the Kedarkantha trek. That’s how it feels like magic.
While most people think of trekking as a summer activity, the number of people interested in winter trekking, or snow trekking as some prefer to call it, is steadily increasing. The Kedarkantha trek has emerged as a clear favourite among adventure seekers when it comes to winter treks. There are numerous reasons for this, and the first sentence of this article only scratches the surface. But first, a little history on this stunning Himalayan region:
Kedarkantha’s story
It is situated within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand’s Western Garhwal region.
This trekking trail, which begins at a height of 3,810 metres (12,500 feet), covers a total distance of 20 kilometres.
The best months to visit are November to February, with the last snowfall occurring as late as April.
Dehradun, the nearest major city, is about 220 kilometres from Sankri, the trek’s starting point. Dehradun also has the closest railway station, which is located in the city’s centre, and Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 22 kilometres south of Dehradun.
Meanwhile you can also think for Trek in Himachal for some extra adventure.
Kedarkantha Camping
Every night, you can tuck into one of the breathtaking clearings for some well-deserved rest. The majority of the clearings are strategically placed to provide you with stunning vantage points from which to take in the surrounding scenery. The forests are dense, with a dizzying array of different trees, making it difficult to keep your gaze on the path ahead.
The trek to Kedarkantha
The Kedarkantha trek begins in Sankri, a charming little town nestled in the foothills at an elevation of 6,400 feet. The first major stop is at Jadu Ka Talab, which is around 9,100 feet above sea level and takes about 5 hours to walk from Sankri. This first stretch gives a taste of the stunning scenery that awaits trekkers further on. It features the famous Kedarkantha pine forests and maple trees, as well as beautiful meadows and streams that line the trail. The first campsite on this trek is Jadu Ka Talab, where you can spend the night and rest up for the next day’s stretch.
The journey back to the ground begins after reaching the summit, with Horegaon Camp as the first stop. It is another attractive campsite that can be used as a night-stop. The next day, you can return to Sankri via the dense pine forests that captured your heart when you first started this trek.
What makes the Kedarkantha Trek unique?
What should I do first?
1.First and foremost, it is a moderately easy hike that is nevertheless one of the most beautiful. For most trekkers, especially beginners, it simply provides a great return on investment (in terms of effort and skill required).
2.During this trek, you will encounter a total of 13 peaks. That’s a huge number, especially when they’re all covered in snow and provide spectacular views of the sun reflecting off them. Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch are just a few of the stunning Himalayan peaks you’ll encounter on this trek.
3.It is more accessible because it is not far from Dehradun, which has excellent road, rail, and air connectivity. Plus, the drive from Dehradun to Sankri is an adventure in and of itself, guaranteed to keep you glued to your window seat the entire way.
4.The number of wide and open clearings available on the Kedarkantha trek is quite uncommon and not found on most other treks, making it quite special and unique. As a result, the campsites on this trek are said to be among the most beautiful. These clearings are home to Jadu Ka Talab, Kedarkantha base, and other campsites, all nestled among the peaks of snow and sunlight.
5.Throughout the trail, there are charming little villages with friendly residents. You can learn a lot about the Garhwal folk culture and the way of life of the people who live in the Himalayas.
Kedarkantha Trekking Tips
If one decides to embark on this incredible journey, there are a few things to keep in mind (cough cough, you totally should). The total number of days required for this trek to and from Dehradun should be around 6, but you can always customize the itinerary to suit your needs.
While the hike is not particularly difficult or difficult, being physically fit is always a plus. When you reach the peak, the altitude rises significantly, so be prepared. Carrying enough water is always a good idea, and it’s a good trekking habit.
After Sankri, mobile network reception is unlikely, but with the mesmerizing views and natural beauty all around you, all you’ll need in your phone is that incredible camera to snap dozens of photos for your Instagram feed and Snapchat stories!
