Pick & Drop
Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Duration
5 Night - 6 Days
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Max Altitude
12,500 Ft
Meals
Stays
Transfers
Activity
Kedarkantha Trek is a beautiful trek in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is located inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the Uttarkashi district. This is one of the most famous winter treks in India and is great for beginners and families. It is also popular with nature lovers, bird watchers, and regular trekkers.
The Kedarkantha trek gives you the chance to climb a high mountain, see amazing 360-degree mountain views, enjoy sunrise, walk through thick forests, visit alpine lakes, learn about Garhwali culture, and see spiritual places.
Most people do this trek in winter, when the whole trail is covered with fresh snow. It feels like walking on stairs to heaven. The trek starts from a small village called Sankri. On the way, you will walk through forests of pine and rhododendron trees, visit the Juda ka Talab lake, cross small rivers, see wide green fields, and finally climb up to the top of Kedarkantha.
After a bit of a tough climb, you will see stunning views of big Himalayan mountains like Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpunch, Ranglana, and the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India, known for its scenic beauty and snow-covered trails. Here are some key highlights that every trekker should know before embarking on this adventure:
1. Sankri: The Starting Point of the Trek
Base Camp – Sankri Village
Trek begins from Sankri, a quaint village located in Mori Tehsil, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by lush green valleys, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains, Sankri lies within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sankri is not only the base camp for Kedarkantha Trek but also for other popular treks such as Har Ki Dun, Bali Pass, Borasu Pass, Phulara Ridge, and Devkyara Bugyal. It is also a launching point for major expeditions like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpunch.
To reach Sankri, travelers can take a scenic 200 km drive from Dehradun. The most commonly used trail to Kedarkantha summit goes via Juda Ka Talab, which is about 10 km. Alternatively, the trek can also start from Gaichwan Gaon near Netwar — a less crowded, steeper route offering a unique experience.
2. Juda Ka Talab: A Frozen Lake Amidst the Pines
The Perfect Midway Camp
Juda Ka Talab is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by dense pine forests. It’s an ideal campsite for trekkers and is located just a 2-minute walk from the lake. During winter, the lake completely freezes, allowing trekkers to walk on its icy surface — a truly magical experience.
The distance from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab is around 4 km, which takes about 3 to 4 hours of trekking. It’s the perfect spot to rest and camp for the night before heading to the base camp.
3. Kedarkantha Base Camp: The Final Stop Before the Summit
Located at an altitude of 11,250 feet (3,429 meters), the Kedarkantha base camp is about 4 km from Juda Ka Talab and typically takes 3-4 hours to reach. This marks the second night of the trek.
From the base camp, the summit lies just 3 km ahead but involves a steep climb with an elevation gain of over 1,200 feet. The trail is challenging and tests a trekker’s endurance, but the stunning views and peaceful surroundings make it worth the effort.
4. Sunrise from Kedarkantha Summit: A View You’ll Never Forget
The sunrise from the summit is often described as surreal and unforgettable. As the first light of day hits the snow-covered peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak, the entire landscape glows in golden hues.
The early morning stillness, crisp mountain air, and panoramic views combine to create a spiritual connection with nature — a moment of pure peace that leaves trekkers speechless.
5. Why Kedarkantha Trek is the Best Winter Trek in India
Kedarkantha Trek is widely considered one of the best winter treks, and for good reason. Snow blankets the entire region, turning it into a picture-perfect winter wonderland. The snow-covered pine trees, frozen lakes, and pristine white trails offer breathtaking views at every turn.
While trekking in winter does come with challenges like slippery paths, being well-equipped with proper winter gear ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Juda Ka Talab, frozen and magical in the winter, becomes a highlight that trekkers remember for years.
6. Cultural Immersion: Discover Local Traditions and Flavors
As you pass through villages like Sankri, Saur, Sidri, Osla, Gangad, and Netwar, you get a glimpse of authentic Garhwali life. Interacting with locals gives you an opportunity to understand their traditions, warm hospitality, and simple lifestyle.
One of the most enjoyable parts of cultural exploration is trying a Garhwali Thali, which includes dishes like Bhang Ki Chutney, Jhangore Ki Kheer, Lesu, Gahat, Kulath, Pahadi Raita, and many more local delicacies that give you a true taste of the Himalayas.
7. Wildlife Encounters on the Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha region is rich in biodiversity. Trekkers often spot birds such as the Himalayan Monal (Uttarakhand’s state bird), Himalayan Woodpecker, Rosefinch, Snow Partridge, and sparrows.
If you’re lucky, you may also come across Himalayan wildlife including Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Langurs, Leopards, and squirrels. However, Himalayan Langurs are the most commonly seen mammals along the trail.
Kedarkantha Trek Climb
Reaching the Kedarkantha Trek at 12,500 feet is both a challenging and fulfilling experience. As you ascend, the stunning Himalayan landscapes unfold around you, making this trek truly unforgettable.
Breathtaking Mountain Views
At the summit, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view of snow-covered peaks such as Swargarohini, Black Peak (Kalanag), Bandarpoonch, and many others. The scenery is so mesmerizing, it’s sure to leave you in awe.
Memorable Campsite Moments
After a day of trekking, unwind at some of the most scenic campsites Kedarkantha has to offer. Sleeping under a starlit sky with majestic Himalayan views all around is an experience every nature lover dreams of.
Peaceful Escape at Juda Ka Talab
Tucked beneath a dense forest canopy, Juda Ka Talab is a tranquil lake that offers a peaceful stop along the trek. Its calm waters and natural beauty provide the perfect setting to relax, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Discover the Rich Culture of Kedarkantha
As you journey through charming Uttarakhand villages, you’ll get a glimpse into the region’s traditional way of life. From colorful festivals to local customs, the trek offers a deep cultural experience that adds richness to your adventure.
Wander Through Untouched Wilderness
The Kedarkantha trail winds through unspoiled forests filled with deodar, pine, oak, and rhododendron trees. Every step immerses you deeper into nature’s raw beauty, far away from the noise of city life.
Birdwatching Paradise in the Himalayas
The forests of Kedarkantha are home to rare birds like the Himalayan Monal, Snow Pigeon, and Koklass Pheasant. Their melodious calls and vibrant colors add a magical touch to your trek, especially for wildlife and bird enthusiasts.
An Adventure of a Lifetime
The Kedarkantha winter trek combines adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a taste of authentic Himalayan culture. It’s the perfect getaway for those seeking excitement, serenity, and a connection with nature.
Sankri – The Starting Point of the Kedarkantha Summit
Sankri is a peaceful little village nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It acts as the base camp for the Trek and welcomes trekkers with its traditional wooden homes and warm local hospitality. Surrounded by nature, this charming hamlet is also the gateway to other popular treks like Har ki Dun, Phulara Ridge, and Bali Pass.
Juda Ka Talab – A Scenic High-Altitude Lake
Juda Ka Talab is a stunning alpine lake you’ll reach on the first night of your trek. Enveloped by thick forests of pine, oak, maple, and rhododendron, the lake turns into a magical frozen wonderland during winter. According to local legend, Lord Shiva once let a strand of his hair fall here, creating the lake—giving the place both a spiritual and mystical charm.
Kedarkantha Base – A Calm Camping Spot for Trekkers
The Kedarkantha Base is a tranquil open meadow where you’ll camp on the third day of the trek. Its peaceful surroundings and fresh mountain air make it a perfect resting point. With no artificial light pollution, this campsite is ideal for stargazing. On a clear night, the sky is filled with dazzling stars—a breathtaking experience for nature lovers.
Kedarkantha Peak – The Crown Jewel of the Trek
Rising to an altitude of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha Peak is the ultimate highlight of the trek. As you climb to the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan ranges. The top features small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. Watching the sunrise from the summit is a surreal experience—the sky painted in hues of orange and red, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered peaks.
Hargaon Base – A Scenic Snow-Covered Campsite
Hargaon Base is a serene camping site surrounded by alpine trees and distant mountain views. In winter, the entire area gets blanketed in snow, turning it into a dreamy winter landscape. Waking up here to the sight of snow-draped mountains is truly unforgettable and marks a peaceful end to your adventure.
Do you want to walk on snowy trails or enjoy green mountains and flowers? The best time to visit Kedarkantha depends on what kind of trek you want. Here’s a simple guide for every season:
Winter Magic (December to April)
Warm Clothes Needed: 3 to 4 warm layers
Temperature: Day: 5°C to 10°C | Night: -5°C to -10°C
Snow:
This is the best time to see snow everywhere. The mountains and trails are covered with white snow — great for snow trekking and winter photos.
Why Choose Winter:
From late December to March, Kedarkantha becomes a snow land. If you love snow, cold air, and a real mountain feel, this is the best time. The views are amazing, and the experience feels magical. It’s a good time for those who want adventure in snow.
Spring – Full of Colors (April)
Warm Clothes Needed: 3 warm layers
Temperature: 0°C to 15°C
Snow:
Some snow is still there on the top, but the lower part of the trek starts to melt.
Why Choose Spring:
In spring, the snow starts to go away, and the trek becomes full of colorful flowers and green grass. It looks very beautiful and peaceful. You can enjoy both snow at the top and flowers at the bottom.
Summer – Green and Easy (May to June)
Warm Clothes Needed: 1 warm layer
Temperature: Day: 10°C to 20°C | Night: 9°C to 12°C
Snow:
By late May, most of the snow is gone. The trail is dry. But sometimes, it may rain — so carry a raincoat or poncho.
Why Choose Summer:
In summer, the trek is full of green meadows and colorful flowers. You can also see butterflies. The weather is nice, and the trail is easy. This time is great for first-time trekkers or people who want to enjoy nature without too much cold.
Monsoon – Not Safe (July to September)
Trekking is Not Advised
Weather:
Heavy rain makes the path slippery and dangerous. You may also see leeches, landslides, and clouds that block the view. It’s not safe to trek during this season.
Autumn – Golden Beauty (October to November)
Warm Clothes Needed: 3 to 4 warm layers
Temperature: Day: 5°C to 15°C | Night: Colder
Snow:
There is no snow during this time.
Why Choose Autumn:
After the rainy season, trees change color and leaves fall. The green meadows turn golden. The sky is clear, and you can see faraway snowy mountains. It feels calm and beautiful — perfect for nature lovers.
The Kedarkantha Trek is widely considered easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, making it one of the best Himalayan treks for beginners. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand what to expect:
Both summer and winter treks are available, allowing you to choose your preferred season for this incredible experience.
How to Prepare for the Kedarkantha Trek
By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenges of the Trek and enjoy the journey with confidence and strength.
Essential Safety Tips for the Trek
When planning your trek to Kedarkantha, your safety should be a top priority. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind:
General Trekking Safety Guidelines
Always trek in groups or stay on marked, well-known trails.
Wear sturdy, comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.
Dress in layers to stay warm and easily adjust to changing temperatures.
Carry enough food and water to stay energized and hydrated.
Respect local customs and cultural traditions while visiting villages or temples.
By keeping these safety tips in mind, you’ll not only protect yourself but also make your Kedarkantha adventure more enjoyable and memorable.
Day 1 - From Rishikesh to Sankri
Altitude: 1920 meters – 6,400 feet
Time Taken: 8-10 hrs.
Distance: 200 kms by road
Highlights: Sankri Village, Pine Forests, Tons River, Breathtaking Scenery
Get ready for an amazing winter adventure to Kedarkantha trek ! Your trip starts from Rishikesh. Make sure you get there before 6 in the morning. At 6:30 am, you’ll begin a long and exciting drive to a village called Sankri.
The drive from Rishikesh (which is near Dehradun) to Sankri is about 236 kilometers. It’s a long drive, about 11 hours, but it’s very beautiful! You’ll be driving on a road called National Highway 507, and you’ll see pretty valleys and thick forests along the way.
About 22 kilometers before you reach Sankri, you’ll start seeing amazing views of the Himalayas and lots of green trees and plants. You’ll also pass by Govind National Park, a special place with unique plants that only grow in that area.
Day 2 -A Mesmerizing Trek to Juda Ka Talab
Altitude: 3430 meters
Distance: 8 kms trek
Time Taken: 7-8 hours
Highlights: Enchanting Villages, Rich Himalayan Flora and Fauna, Graceful Bridges
On the second day, you’ll walk to Juda Ka Talab, which is 9,100 feet high. This walk is about 5 kilometers long and will take around 5 hours, but it might take longer depending on how fast you walk.
Get ready for an exciting adventure! TrekupIndia’s experienced guides will help you walk over ice and slippery mud. The walk starts in a beautiful forest with pine and maple trees. You’ll see animals and grassy areas as you go higher. You’ll also see cute little houses in green fields.
As you go up, you’ll see a big lake on your left. On the right side, there’s a thick forest of pine and oak trees. It’s a very pretty sight. The lake has different temperatures. The water near the shore is warm, but the rest of the lake is cold. In winter, the lake freezes and becomes a sheet of ice.
The lake also has a natural path where people get water. You’ll walk over some bridges, and you might see the Himalayan Langur, a monkey that is usually shy.
You might also see other animals like martens, hares, and boars. Juda Ka Talab is in a dark forest of oak and pine trees, and it’s very beautiful. You’ll have a delicious and warm dinner, and you can enjoy being in nature.
Day 3 - Witness the splendid peaks and captivating Sunrise
Distance: 6 kilometers hike
Time Taken: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 3430 meters – 3800 meters
Highlights: Amazing Sunrise, Views of Many Mountains, Kedarkantha Trek
Get up early to see a beautiful sunrise! It will be an amazing sight.
On the third day, you will start hiking to the bottom of the Kedarkantha mountain. This hike is about 6 kilometers long and will take around 7-8 hours.
You will start from a place called Juda Ka Talab, which is a nice lake surrounded by pine trees.
The hike will get steeper as you go higher. Your guide will help you walk on the snowy parts. Listen carefully to your guide and do what they say.
You will walk through forests of oak and pine trees. After reaching a certain height, you will see some snow and get amazing views.
You will see many beautiful mountains, like Ranglana, Kala Nag, Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch. They will be covered in snow.
At the top, there is a small temple for the gods Parvati, Shiva, and Ganesh.
Enjoy the amazing views and take a break!
Day 4 - The trip Majestic Himalayas and Kedarkantha Trek
Distance: 6-7 kilometers of walking
Time Taken: 4-5 hours
Highlights: Har ki Dun Valley, Pine and Oak Forests, Beautiful Sunrise
Get ready for a fun but tough day as you climb to the top of the amazing Kedarkantha Peak. This hike is about 6 kilometers long and goes uphill from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet. It will take about 7 hours. You need to be very prepared for this steep climb.
On the way up, you’ll see beautiful colors in nature and amazing views of the Rupin mountains. When you reach the top of Kedarkantha, you can see other mountains like Kalanaag, Bandarpooch, Yamunotri, Swargarohini, and Gangotri.
At the top, the amazing views will make you feel many things and you’ll be amazed by how beautiful nature is. After enjoying the views, you’ll walk back down to the camp (either Hargaon Camp or Juda Ka Talab Camp, depending on where we set up camp). You can enjoy the beautiful valleys and nature while spending the night at the camp.
Day 5 - Descending to Sankri and Captivating Views
Distance: 200 kilometers by car or other vehicle
Time Taken: 8 to 10 hours
Altitude: 3430 meters (a bit over 11,000 feet high)
Highlights: Beautiful scenery along the way, visiting Mori Town, seeing the Tons River, amazing views of the Doon Valley from Mussoorie
On the fifth day, we will walk down from our campsite (either Hargaon Camp or Juda Ka Talab Camp) to Sankri. This walk is about 6 kilometers long. We will be going down from a very high altitude (8900 feet) to a lower one (6400 feet). This will take us around 4 hours or even longer if we walk slowly and enjoy the views.
Day 6 - Returning to Rishikesh with Cherished Memories
On the sixth day, you’ll travel back from Sankri to Rishikesh.
You should reach Rishikesh between 7 and 8 in the evening.
As you drive back, think about all the amazing things you saw and did during your trip in the Himalayas.
This version uses shorter sentences, simpler words, and avoids jargon like “expedition.” It also emphasizes the key information in a clear and concise way.
Inclusion
Exclusion
Pick-Up Information
Options to Reach Dehradun
First, you can arrive in Delhi, Dehradun Airport, or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Dehradun is explained below.
1. Take an overnight train from Delhi to Rishikesh.
2. Take a bus to Rishikesh, Nepali Farm from Delhi Kashmiri gate ISBT or Chandigarh Sector 17 Bus stand, then take local transport to the pickup point (Nepali Farm).
Delhi to Rishikesh – 240km | 6hr.
Chandigarh to Rishikesh – 230km | 5hr
The distance from the Rishikesh, Nepali Farm to the Railway Station is 12 km, without traffic, it will take 20 minutes.
( We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Dehradun at least by 05:30 am positively. )
3. Take a flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport), then from the Airport to Nepali farm, Rishikesh Distance is 30km and it will take around 1 hr( if coming by flight then reach one day early).
Drop-Off Information
( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and don’t want to take TUT’s pick-up service, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab from Rishikesh. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
Trek Up Tour offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
Tea / Coffee / Juice
Bread Butter-Jam / Sandwich / Omelette / Aloo Paratha / Mix Veg Poha / Porridge / Chole Bhature / Aloo Poori / Mix Veg Vermicelli
Please Note: This is a Tentative Menu. VibeTheTrek can change/update the menu without any prior notice!
Roti / Paratha / Sabzi / Vegetable Pulao / Jeera Rice / Daal Makhni
Refereshment: Banana / Packed Juice / Biscuit / Chocolate / Dry Fruits
Tea/Coffee, Mix Veg Soup
Bread Pakoda / Maggie / Veg Pakoda
Mattar-Paneer / Rajma-Rice / Roti-Sabzi / Tadka Daal / Aloo-Gobhi / Mix veg Manchurian / Masur Daal
Sweets: Gulab-Jamun / Halwa
Hot Drink: Bournvita
In case you wish to cancel your trek please email us at booking@trekuptour.com or contact us over phone calls or messages.
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