Pickup & Drop: Dehradun (Pickup: 6–8 AM | Drop: Evening/Night)
Nearest Rail Head: Dehradun (DDN)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun
Accommodation: Camping in Tents (Twin/Triple Sharing) / Guesthouse at Base Camp
Meals: All Meals on the Trek (Vegetarian + Eggs)
Trail Type: Dense Pine and Oak forest trails, snow-covered paths (in winter), and a frozen alpine lake (Juda-ka-Talab).
Best Season: November – March (Winter Wonderland Trek)
About this Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek is a snow-draped Himalayan adventure weaving through pine forests, frozen lakes, and charming campsites. With a summit that offers breathtaking 360° mountain panoramas, it’s the perfect blend of thrill, serenity, and unforgettable beauty.
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of India’s most sought-after winter adventures, often called the “Queen of Winter Treks.”Situated at an altitude of 12,500 ft (3,800 m) inside theGovind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, it offers a rare combination of snow-covered trails, dense forests, frozen lakes, and an unforgettable 360° Himalayan summit view.
Unlike many treks where the excitement is only about reaching the top, Kedarkantha is magical at every stage – starting from the rustic charm of Sankri village, the mystical beauty of Juda Ka Talab, the vast alpine meadows of the base camp, and finally the snow-laden summit where trekkers are rewarded with sweeping views of towering Himalayan peaks.
The History & Mythology of Kedarkantha
Link to Lord Shiva: According to legend, Lord Shiva once meditated here in the Himalayas. Disturbed by villagers and animals, he left for Kedarnath to continue his tapasya. The word “Kedar” refers to Lord Shiva, and“Kantha” means throat – symbolizing where Shiva’s energy once resided.
Pandava Connection: The nearby Swargarohini Peak is believed to be the mythical path the Pandavas took to heaven. Locals believe the region carries this divine aura, and Kedarkantha stands as a guardian of these sacred ranges.
Juda Ka Talab Legend: It is believed that the lake was formed when Lord Shiva opened his hair knot (jata), and a drop of water fell, creating this enchanting high-altitude lake. In winter, it freezes completely, turning into a magical icy mirror.
Because of these beliefs, Kedarkantha is sometimes called the“Little Kedarnath”, where spirituality and adventure beautifully blend together.
Why Kedarkantha is Special
Beginner-Friendly Summit Trek: At 12,500 ft, it’s one of the few Himalayan treks where even first-timers can attempt a true summit climb.
Stunning 360° Viewpoint: From the summit, see Swargarohini (I–IV), Bandarpoonch, Black Peak (Kalanag), Gangotri & Yamunotri ranges, Har ki Dun and Rupin valleys, and even the Dhauladhar range on clear days.
Changing Landscapes: The trail shifts dramatically – from oak & pine forests to snowy clearings, meadows, and ridgelines.
Cultural Experience: Villages like Sankri and Hargaon still preserve traditional wooden architecture and mountain farming lifestyles.
Magical Winters: From December to April, the trail is blanketed in snow, with frozen streams, glittering icicles, and starry skies – creating a true fairytale trek.
A Living Heritage of Adventure & Faith
For locals, Kedarkantha is not just a trekker’s paradise – it’s a sacred mountain carrying stories of gods, saints, and ancient travelers. For trekkers, it’s an accessible adventure that combines raw Himalayan beauty with a touch of myth and spirituality. No wonder it has earned its reputation as“The Crown Jewel of Winter Treks”in India.
Kedarkantha Trek Highlights
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights – A short yet power-packed Himalayan adventure ideal for beginners, professionals, and students.
Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 m) – A beginner-friendly trek leading to a true Himalayan summit.
Trek Distance: ~20 km round trip – spread across 4 trekking days with scenic breaks.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – achievable with basic fitness and simple preparation.
Best Season: December – April – The trail transforms into a snowy wonderland with frozen lakes and starlit skies.
Base Camp: Sankri (6,400 ft) – A picturesque Himalayan village with wooden houses and apple orchards.
Major Viewpoints Along the Trek
1. Sankri Village (6,400 ft)
A postcard-like Himalayan village with wooden homes, apple orchards, and stunning views of Swargarohini. The sunsets here paint the sky in golden hues over the Tons river valley.
2. Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)
An enchanting alpine lake that freezes into a mirror of ice in winter. Local legend says it formed when Lord Shiva untied his hair knot and a drop of water fell here.
3. Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft)
A vast meadow with breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. At night, the sky bursts with countless stars and the Milky Way.
4. Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft)
The crown jewel of the trek – a steep yet rewarding climb leading to a 360° Himalayan panorama. Witness Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and even the distant Dhauladhar range. At sunrise, the peaks glow in fiery shades of gold and pink – a sight etched forever in memory.
Why These Highlights Make Kedarkantha Special
Rare 360° Himalayan views on a beginner-friendly trek.
Constantly changing landscapes – from dense forests to snowy meadows.
Unforgettable golden sunrises and crimson sunsets over the peaks.
Detailed Itinerary
How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek
The starting point of the Kedarkantha trek is Sankri village (6,400 ft) in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. All trekkers must first reach Dehradun, from where we provide a 6:00 AM pickup on Day 1 to drive you to Sankri (200 km, 8–10 hrs).
✈️ By Air – To Dehradun
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) – ~25 km from Dehradun city.
Well connected with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, and other major cities.
From the airport, take a taxi/shared cab (~40 mins) to reach Dehradun city (our pickup point).
🚆 By Train – To Dehradun
Dehradun Railway Station is well connected to many Indian cities:
From Delhi:
Nanda Devi Express (overnight, ~6.5 hrs)
Dehradun Express (overnight, ~8 hrs)
From Mumbai / Pune: Take trains to Delhi/Haridwar, then a connecting train to Dehradun.
From Kolkata / Lucknow / Varanasi: Several long-distance trains run directly to Dehradun.
💡 We recommend overnight trains so you reach Dehradun by early morning, just in time for pickup.
🚌 By Road – To Dehradun
Regular Volvo and state transport buses connect Dehradun with Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate (approx. 6–7 hrs).
Overnight buses are a comfortable option if you prefer road travel.
Buses are also available from Chandigarh, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Jaipur.
🚐 From Dehradun → Sankri (Base Camp)
Pickup Provided by Us:
📍 Location: Dehradun Railway Station / ISBT
⏰ Time: 6:00 AM sharp on Day 1
📍 Drop-off: Same point on the last day (~7–8 PM)
Distance: ~200 km | Duration: 8–10 hrs
Mode: Shared cabs/tempo travellers arranged by our team
The drive is scenic, passing through Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, and Tons River Valley.
What’s Included / Excluded
Transport from/to Dehradun
Tented accommodation on trek
All meals during trek
Certified trek leader & guides
Permits and basic first-aid support
Personal equipment or clothing
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation
Porter/mule for personal luggage
Mobile or camera charging
Anything not mentioned above
💡 Travel Tips for Trekkers
Reach Dehradun a day before the trek to avoid last-minute delays.
Carry cash from Dehradun; last ATM is at Purola (no ATMs in Sankri).
Mobile networks are limited beyond Purola (Jio & BSNL work best in Sankri).
If arriving by flight, book early morning or a day prior, as road travel to Sankri takes a full day.
