Kedarkantha is a popular trekking destination situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. This trek is considered as one of the best winter treks in India due to its stunning snow-covered peak and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri, a small village situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek distance is around 20 km and takes around 4 days to complete. The route passes through dense forests of oak and pine trees, pristine meadows, and beautiful campsites.
The trek offers breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. The summit of Kedarkantha peak is located at an altitude of 12,500 feet, which makes it a moderate trek suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
The best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, when the entire region is covered with a thick blanket of snow. During this time, the temperature drops down to -5 degrees Celsius, making it a challenging yet adventurous trek.
The trek route is well-marked and safe, and the local guides are well-trained and experienced. The trekkers are provided with camping tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary equipment. The campsites are located in beautiful locations, providing a perfect opportunity to witness the sunrise and sunset amidst the Himalayas.
Apart from trekking, the Kedarkantha region also offers various other activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The local villagers are friendly and welcoming, and they offer a glimpse into the rural life of Uttarakhand.
In conclusion, Kedarkantha trek is a must-do for all adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, pristine meadows, and dense forests, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trek is safe and well-organized, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
WE HAVE TWO ITINERARIES FOR THIS TREK.
About the Trek
DETAILED ITINERARY 1 (5D/4N)
DAY 1 – DEHRADUN TO SATARA BEND TO KHEDMI (182 km, 8 hrs drive)
We meet up at Dehradun. After a quick reception we start our journey to Khedmi. The route is all along the hills of Mussoorie and Uttarkashi. The route is also quite scenic. Firstly you pass through the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie and the beautiful Kempty Falls. After this you travel along river Yamuna through thick pine forest. The smell of the pine forest will keep you enchanted throughout the way. Around noon you will reach Kharsari, a small village in Mori, Uttarkashi. From here we proceed towards Satara Bend. From satara Bend it is a small hike to Khedmi which serves as the base camp for our trek.
At Khedmi, after having a nice dinner you retire for the night in a beautiful homestay.
DAY 2 – KHEDMI TO AANDHRI CAMPSITE (7 km trek, 5-6 hrs)
After a beautiful morning at Khedmi we start our trek towards Kedarkantha. Our first stop is the Andhri Campsite. It’s a steep climb to Andhri Campsite. For the whole trek you would be trekking in a ridge so views of the valley are quite spectacular and constant throughout the trek. You will get amazing views of the valley on one side and a thick forest on the other side of the ridge. Oak, Rhododendron, Pine and Deodar trees are a common sight in the jungle.
At night you camp under the clear and star laden sky at Andhri. A hearty meal is served and you retire for the night in your tents.
DAY 3 – AANDHRI TO GAGRASU BASE CAMP (4 km trek, 3-4 hrs)
Enjoy a beautiful morning at Andhri Campsite, have your breakfast and then we leave for Gagrasu. You will be traversing up and down through a major portion of the rocks. As your altitude keeps increasing the views of the valley will also be changing from point to point. After a 2-3 kilometers the forest is left behind and now you will find yourself traversing through a meadow. It’s a totally different feeling while trekking through this meadow. The soft green grass flowing in the direction of the wind will give you and otherworldly experience.
Somewhere between this meadow is our campsite ‘Gagrasu’. We pitch here in the meadow under the open sky, full of stars.
DAY 4 – GAGRASU TO KEDARKANTHA SUMMIT TO AANDHRI CAMPSITE (8 km trek, 5 hrs)
To catch the sunrise from the top, the trek to Kedarkantha summit commences early. Prepare for the journey with warm clothing as you will experience numbingly cold tempratures and icy mountain winds throughout the trek. The initial trail is easy and has a mild ascent that goes through the meadow.
Afterwards, the section which follows is steep with an inclination of 45 to 60 degrees and during winter months the snow can run knee-deep. However, from March onwards, the snow starts to dry and eventually disappears completely by April.
After about 30 minutes, you will encounter switchbacks that lead to the surreal summit of Kedarkantha at the break of dawn. At the top, on can witness a spectacular 360 degree view of the region’s renowned mountain peaks and ranges such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Har ki Doon amongst others. Additionally, one can also have a darshan of a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the summit. The shrine is a square arrangement of rocks with a Trishul pointing towards the sky.
After spending some time at the summit we begin our descent to Andhri Campsite.
DAY 5 – ANDHRI TO SATARA BEND TO DEHRADUN (9 kms trek 7 hrs)
You have an early breakfast at Andhri and then begin your descent to Satara Bend. You follow the same trail while descending. The same forest and same valley looks like a whole new thing when trekking down. Around noon you reach Satara Bend.
After a quick refreshment at the local market we get in our cabs and, back to Dehradun.
D
In the morning we take a small hike back to Satara Bend where the cab will be waiting for you to take you back to Dehradun. We take different stops this time to let the travellers experience a different vibe of the towns different from before.
At evening we reach Dehradun and now it will be time to see you off.
DETAILED ITINERARY 2 – (6D/5N)
DAY 1 – DEHRADUN TO SATARA BEND TO KHEDMI (182 km drive, 8 hrs)
We meet up at Dehradun. After a quick reception we start our journey to Khedmi. The route is all along the hills of Mussoorie and Uttarkashi. The route is also quite scenic. Firstly you pass through the Queen of Hills, Mussoorie and the beautiful Kempty Falls. After this you travel along river Yamuna through thick pine forest. The smell of the pine forest will keep you enchanted throughout the way. Around noon you will reach Kharsari, a small village in Mori, Uttarkashi. From here we proceed towards Satara Bend. From satara Bend it is a small hike to Khedmi which serves as the base camp for our trek.
At Khedmi, after having a nice dinner you retire for the night in a beautiful homestay.
DAY 2 – KHEDMI TO ANDHRI CAMPSITE (7 km trek, 5-6 hrs)
After a beautiful morning at Khedmi we start our trek towards Kedarkantha. Our first stop is the Andhri Campsite. It’s a steep climb to Andhri Campsite. For the whole trek you would be trekking in a ridge so views of the valley are quite spectacular and constant throughout the trek. You will get amazing views of the valley on one side and a thick forest on the other side of the ridge. Oak, Rhododendron, Pine and Deodar trees are a common sight in the jungle.
At night you camp under the clear and star laden sky at Andhri. A hearty meal is served and you retire for the night in your tents.
DAY 3 – ANDHRI TO GAGRASU BASE CAMP (4 km trek, 3-4 hrs)
Enjoy a beautiful morning at Andhri Campsite, have your breakfast and then we leave for Gagrasu. You will be traversing up and down through a major portion of the rocks. As your altitude keeps increasing the views of the valley will also be changing from point to point. After a 2-3 kilometers the forest is left behind and now you will find yourself traversing through a meadow. It’s a totally different feeling while trekking through this meadow. The soft green grass flowing in the direction of the wind will give you and otherworldly experience.
Somewhere between this meadow is our campsite ‘Gagrasu’. We pitch here in the meadow under the open sky, full of stars.
DAY 4 – GAGRASU TO KEDARKANTHA SUMMIT TO GAGRASU (4 km trek, 3 hrs)
To catch the sunrise from the top, the trek to Kedarkantha summit commences early. Prepare for the journey with warm clothing as you will experience numbingly cold tempratures and icy mountain winds throughout the trek. The initial trail is easy and has a mild ascent that goes through the meadow.
Afterwards, the section which follows is steep with an inclination of 45 to 60 degrees and during winter months the snow can run knee-deep. However, from March onwards, the snow starts to dry and eventually disappears completely by April.
After about 30 minutes, you will encounter switchbacks that lead to the surreal summit of Kedarkantha at the break of dawn. At the top, one can witness a spectacular 360 degree view of the region’s renowned mountain peaks and ranges such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Har ki Doon amongst others. Additionally, one can also have a darshan of a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the summit. The shrine is a square arrangement of rocks with a Trishul pointing towards the sky.
After spending some time at the summit we get back to Gagrasu.
DAY 5 – GAGRASU TO KHEDMI (6-7 km trek, 6 hrs)
After your night in the meadow you have your breakfast and then we start our descent to Khedmi. Descending down gives you a new perspective to observe the surroundings. The valley and the forests all seem to be new. The vibe while descending is totally different as you are not that exhausted when you were ascending to the summit.
At Khedmi you will be served with some refreshment. Check in at your homestay. The coziness will just engulf you after being in camps for the last few days. Spend the night around a bonfire, try to spot some constellations above in the sky and then we retire for the night after having our dinner.
DAY 6 – KHEDMI TO DEHRADUN (182 km, 8 hrs drive)
In the morning we take a small hike back to Satara Bend where the cab will be waiting for you to take you back to Dehradun. We take different stops this time to let the travellers experience a different vibe of the towns different from before.
At evening we reach Dehradun and now it will be time to see you off.
INCLUSIONS
1. All meals Ex Dehradun ( Gerenal nutritious meal )
2. Accommodation in camps
3. Forest charges
4. Alpine 4 men tents (Triple sharing), good quality sleeping bags and matteresses, toilet tents, utensils.
5. Team leader, chef and support staff. Porters and mules to carry common luggage.
6. Transport from Dehradun to Pantwari and back to Dehradun.
EXCLUSIONS
1. Meals during road transit i.e. meals during travel between Dehradun to Khedmi and Satara bend to Dehradun.
2.Any kind of medical Insurance.
3.Any personal expenses like extra food, gears etc.
4. Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
5. Carriage of personal luggage during the trek.
TREK USP
