Have you ever imagined walking through dense pine forests, stepping on fresh snow, and waking up to the sight of snow-clad Himalayan peaks? That’s Kedarkantha Trek for you — a magical experience tucked away in the heart of Uttarakhand. This trek has become a favorite among winter trekkers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers for a good reason. So, let’s dive into the full details of this beautiful trail and the surrounding tourist places that make it a must-visit destination! ⛺
🏞️ Where is Kedarkantha Trek Located?
Kedarkantha is a high-altitude mountain trek located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India. The trek starts from Sankri village, which is the base camp and one of the most scenic Himalayan villages you’ll ever visit!
❄️ Why is Kedarkantha Trek So Famous?
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best winter treks in India and is known for:
- Snow-covered trails during December–March ❄️
- Stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak & Bandarpoonch 🏔️
- Frozen lake at Juda Ka Talab
- Beautiful campsites and meadows
- Easy-to-moderate trekking trail – perfect for beginners and solo travelers
🚗 How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek Base Camp (Sankri)?
To start the trek, you need to first reach Sankri, located about 200 km from Dehradun. Here’s how:
✈️ By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- From the airport, you can hire a shared cab or private taxi to Sankri (takes approx. 10 hours)
🚂 By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun
- From Dehradun, book a taxi or take a bus to Sankri
🚌 By Road:
- Daily buses are available from Dehradun to Sankri early in the morning
- Private cabs and shared jeeps are also an option
📅 Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek
The best time for Kedarkantha Trek depends on what kind of scenery you love:
- December to April: ❄️ Best time for snow trekking and winter views
- May to June: 🌿 Enjoy green meadows, spring flowers, and clear skies
- Monsoon (July to September): Not recommended due to slippery trails and landslides
- October to November: 🍂 Best for post-monsoon freshness and cooler weather
🥾 Complete Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary (Day-Wise)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the 4N/5D trekking itinerary 🧭:
📍 Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
- Distance: 200 km
- Time: 10 hours by road
- Stay: Homestay or guesthouse in Sankri
📍 Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
- Trek distance: 4 km
- Altitude: 9,000 ft
- Camp near the frozen lake ❄️
📍 Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Trek distance: 4 km
- Altitude: 11,200 ft
- Enjoy stunning views of snowy valleys and pine forests
📍 Day 4: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Hargaon
- Trek distance: 6 km (Summit) + 4 km descent
- Summit Altitude: 12,500 ft 🌄
- Experience a breathtaking 360-degree Himalayan view
📍 Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri & Drive back to Dehradun
- Trek back to Sankri (4 km)
- Drive to Dehradun by evening
📍 Main Tourist Places Around Kedarkantha Trek
While Kedarkantha itself is the main highlight, the surrounding region is rich in scenic spots and heritage places. Here are the top tourist attractions near Kedarkantha:
🌊 Juda Ka Talab
- A serene lake that freezes during winter
- Great spot for camping and photography 📸
- Surrounded by oak and pine trees
🐾 Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
- Home to Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and monals
- Offers nature trails and eco-tourism opportunities
- Ideal for bird watchers and wildlife lovers
🛕 Someshwar Mahadev Temple
- A sacred Shiva temple in Sankri
- Perfect for a spiritual stopover before the trek
🏘️ Taluka & Osla Villages
- Traditional Garhwali villages with wooden houses and friendly locals
- Osla is famous for the Duryodhana temple and local folklore
- Trekking to Osla adds a cultural experience to your trip
🏞️ Mori and River Tons
- A lesser-known paradise near Sankri
- Enjoy river rafting, picnics, and camping beside the Tons River
🌿 Flora and Fauna You’ll Encounter
The Kedarkantha region is part of the Govind Pashu Vihar Biosphere Reserve, so expect lush biodiversity:
🌲 Flora:
- Oak, Deodar, Pine, Rhododendron, and Spruce trees
- Alpine meadows and wildflowers (especially in summer)
🐿️ Fauna:
- Musk deer, foxes, langurs
- Himalayan Monal (state bird of Uttarakhand)
- Leopards and black bears (rare sightings)
🎒 Things to Carry on Kedarkantha Trek
Packing the right gear is essential. Here’s your trekking checklist:
✅ Clothing:
- Thermal innerwear, fleece, down jacket
- Woolen socks, gloves, and beanie
- Waterproof & windproof outerwear
✅ Trekking Gear:
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Trekking pole
- Backpack (45–60L) with rain cover
- Headlamp or flashlight
✅ Essentials:
- Water bottles, dry fruits, snacks
- Personal medicines, first aid kit
- Sunscreen, lip balm, cold cream
- Sunglasses (for snow glare)
🛌 Accommodation During Kedarkantha Trek
You’ll get to experience village life and wilderness camping throughout your trip.
🏠 In Sankri:
- Homestays and guesthouses with warm food and local hospitality
⛺ On the Trek:
- Trek operators provide tents, sleeping bags, and mats
- Campsites include Juda Ka Talab, Base Camp, Hargaon
🔐 Is Kedarkantha Trek Safe?
Yes, it’s one of the safest treks in Uttarakhand. Still, here are a few safety tips:
🧭 Trek with a certified guide or reputed trek operator
💧 Stay hydrated and acclimatize properly
❄️ Be cautious on icy trails
🧯 Carry your personal first aid kit and prescribed meds
💸 Trek Cost and Packages
The average cost of Kedarkantha Trek packages (from Sankri) ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹10,000, which includes:
- Guide and trek staff
- Tents and sleeping bags
- Meals during the trek
- Forest permits and entry fees
Some premium packages may also include pickup from Dehradun and additional services.
💡 Pro Tips for Kedarkantha Trekkers
✅ Start exercising at least 3 weeks before the trek
✅ Carry cash – no ATMs in Sankri
✅ Don’t depend on mobile signal – it vanishes after Sankri
✅ Respect local customs and don’t litter
🧭 Conclusion
The Kedarkantha Trek isn’t just a trek — it’s a journey into the heart of the Himalayas. From frozen lakes to glowing sunsets, from mountain legends to wildlife sightings — every step brings you closer to nature. 🏔️ Whether you’re looking for a first trek, a photography escape, or a spiritual adventure, Kedarkantha ticks every box!
So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and answer the mountains’ call. Because once you do Kedarkantha, you’ll keep coming back for more. 💙
❓ FAQs: Kedarkantha Trek Tourist Places of Uttarakhand
Q1. What is the total distance of Kedarkantha Trek?
🧭 The total trekking distance is around 20 km round-trip.
Q2. Is Kedarkantha suitable for solo travelers?
Yes! Many solo travelers do this trek, especially with reputed trekking groups.
Q3. Can kids or older adults do this trek?
With proper fitness, kids (above 10) and adults (below 60) can enjoy this trek.
Q4. What is special about Kedarkantha Summit?
You get a 360-degree panoramic view of several Himalayan peaks from the summit!
Q5. Is snowfall guaranteed in winter?
Most likely yes! From December to March, the trail is blanketed with snow.