Why Kedarkantha is the Crown Jewel of Winter Treks
The Kedarkantha Winter Trek in Uttarakhand’s Govind Wildlife Sanctuary is a dream for snow lovers. At 12,500 feet, it offers:
- Beginner-Friendly Snow Adventure: Perfect for first-timers with manageable trails and stunning rewards.
- 360° Himalayan Views: Summit Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak from the top.
- Fairy-Tale Campsites: Sleep under starry skies at frozen lakes likeJuda Ka Talab.
- Cultural Immersion: Interact with Gujjar tribes in Sankri village and savor local dishes likeBhatt Ki Churdkani.
Detailed 6-Day Itinerary (With Elevation & Highlights)
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Drive: 200 km, 8–10 hours)
- Base Camp: Sankri Village (6,400 ft) – Gateway to Govind National Park.
- Stay: Cozy homestays with hot meals.
- Tip: Rent trekking gear from local shops here.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (Trek: 4 km, 4–5 hours)
- Elevation Gain: 6,400 ft → 9,100 ft.
- Trail: Gradual climb through oak and pine forests.
- Highlight: Camp beside the frozen Juda Ka Talab lake.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (Trek: 4 km, 4 hours)
- Elevation Gain: 9,100 ft → 11,250 ft.
- Trail: A steeper ascent through snow-blanketed meadows.
- Stay: Tents with sleeping bags (-10°C rated).
Day 4: Summit Day! Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak (3,850 m) & Back to Hargaon
- Start Early: 3 AM hike for sunrise views.
- Summit Climb: 2.5 km steep ascent (2–3 hours).
- Reward: Panoramic views of 13+ Himalayan peaks.
- Descend: Return to Hargaon campsite (8,900 ft).
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri (Trek: 6 km, 4 hours)
- Trail: Gentle descent through forests.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun
- Departure: Shared taxis leave by 7 AM.
Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty: Is It for You?
- Fitness Level: Moderate – Daily 4–6 hours of trekking.
- Challenges:
- Summit Day: Steep 40° incline for 2 km.
- Cold: Temperatures drop to -10°C at night.
- Training Tips:
- Cardio workouts (jogging, cycling) 3 weeks prior.
- Practice with a loaded backpack.
Packing Checklist: Winter Survival Essentials
- Clothing:
- Base Layer: Thermals (merino wool).
- Insulation: Fleece jacket, down-filled parka.
- Outer Layer: Waterproof pants and jacket.
- Accessories: Balaclava, UV sunglasses, waterproof gloves.
- Gear:
- Trekking poles, microspikes (for icy trails).
- Headlamp (300+ lumens), -10°C sleeping bag.
- Health:
- Diamox (for altitude), painkillers, blister tape.
- Hydration bladder (2L capacity).
Kedarkantha Trek Cost Breakdown (2023)
- Budget Trek: ₹8,000–₹10,000
- Includes: Permits, guide, meals, tents.
- Excludes: Gear rental, transport (Dehradun to Sankri: ₹1,500–₹2,000).
- Luxury Option: ₹15,000+
- Includes: Transport from Dehradun, heated tents, private guide.
Safety First: Pro Tips for Winter Trekking
- Layer Up: Avoid cotton – opt for quick-dry fabrics.
- Stay Dry: Use waterproof socks and gaiters.
- Hydrate: Drink 3–4L water daily (dehydration worsens altitude sickness).
- Emergency Contacts:
- Sankri Medical Center: +91-7409888588
- SDRF (State Disaster Response Force): 1070
FAQs: What Every Trekker Asks
Q1. Can I trek solo?
A: Not recommended. Snow hides trail markers – hire a guide (₹1,500/day).
Q2. Are there toilets on the trek?
A: Basic pit toilets at campsites; carry toilet paper and sanitiser.
Q3. What if it snows heavily?
A: Guides carry GPS and axes. Turn back if visibility drops.
Q4. Best photo spots?
A: Summit sunrise, Juda Ka Talab reflections, Sankri village sunsets.
Why Book with Alpine Hikes?
- Zero Waste Policy: Eco-friendly campsites.
- Expert Team: 10+ years guiding Kedarkantha treks.
- Safety Gear: Oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, first-aid trained staff.
Special Offer: Book 12 trekkers and get 1 free! (Valid till Dec 2024-25)
Pingback: Har Ki Dun Trek : A Complete Guide with Itinerary, Best Time, and Insider Tips – alpinehikes.in