Kedarkantha trek is a popular winter trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It takes you through dense pine forests, meadows covered with snow, and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Here’s an ultimate guide with tips and things to know before you go on the Kedarkantha trek:

Kedarkantha trek from Hyderabad or rest of India:

OPTION 01 :

• Take a train from Hyderabad/Your City to Delhi
• Take a AC bus from Delhi to Dehradun (6-7 Hrs Journey).

OPTION 02 :

• Take a Flight from Hyderabad/Your City to Delhi
• Take a AC bus from Delhi to Dehradun (6-7 Hrs Journey).

OPTION 03 :

• Take a direct Flight from Hyderabad/Your City to Dehradun.
• Take a cab from Dehradun Airport to Dehradun ISBT (30 Kms).

Kedarkantha trek height and distance:

The trek starts from Sankri, the basecamp at 6,400 feet, ascending to high altitude 12,500 feet. Kedarkantha Trek is a 25 km long stretch to reach the summit point, trekking through the beautiful trails. Once you get Sankri, you will start witnessing a 360-degree panoramic view.

Altitude/Height:

Kedarkantha Summit: The summit of Kedarkantha is at an altitude of approximately 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) above sea level.

Trekking Distance:

The total trekking distance for the Kedarkantha trek is around 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) to 23 kilometers (14.3 miles), depending on the specific route taken and the starting point.

Trek Itinerary:

The typical itinerary for the Kedarkantha trek spans over 5 to 6 days, including the arrival and departure days.
Day 1: Arrival in Sankri (Base camp) – Acclimatization
Day 2: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab (Trek starts)
Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Hargaon
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri Departure from Sankri

The trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, including dense forests, meadows, and snow-covered trails. The summit day usually involves an early morning start to witness the sunrise from the top of Kedarkantha.

It’s important to note that these details are approximate, and actual distances and altitudes can vary slightly based on the specific route taken and variations in trek itineraries offered by different trek organizers. Always check with your trekking company or guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information before embarking on the trek.

Things to carry for the Kedarkantha trek: a brief of the important things

1) Woollen clothes like sweaters, thermals, pairs of gloves, caps, mufflers, socks:

Heavy and complete three to five clothing layers are minimal during Winters as the weather might get unpredictable. Light woolen is enough for summer trips.

2) Windproof jacket

3) Hiking shoes, Snow boots, sandals or slippers

4) Walking stick or a trekking pole

5) Accessories like sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen lotions, lip balm, headlamp, torch with extra batteries.

6) Toiletries: Sanitizer, tissues, liquid soaps, paste and toothbrush

7) Medicines: Diamox for altitude sickness, essential medicines for headache, stomach upset, and regular medication if you are taking any, band-aids, volini spray, and anything else.

8) Phone chargers or power bank

9) Raincoat, extra shirts/t-shirts, and trekking pants

During Monsoons, please do not forget to carry a raincoat, an umbrella, and an extra pair of clothes.

10) Identity card and photocopies.

11) Water Bottle or insulated water bottle

12) Woollen fleece jackets

13) Few poly bags to keep any wet clothes.

14) Energy bars, biscuits, chocolates, dry fruits to munch, and ORS or Glucose to not drain energy.

15) Camera with extra memory cards, batteries, chargers.

Tips for the trek for first-time trekkers:

» Plan your trek with a trekking company,which is registered and Check their previous events.

» Renting of trekking poles, trekking bags and trekking shoes can be done in Sankri but check the availability during peak season.

» Electricity in Sankri can be an issue as there are frequent power cuts. Charging your phones and cameras or carrying extra batteries is advisable.

» Carry a flask or water bottle so that you can drink warm water throughout your trek.

» Carry an extra pair of woollen socks and a hot water bag if you are susceptible to cold weather.

» Do not carry too many clothes, as you can manage with the fewer pairs for a shorter trip so that the backpack doesn’t become heavy luggage. You have to pick clothes according to the season and avoid unnecessary stuff. But, must carry 3-4 layers which are light to carry.

» Since you’ll be climbing up, the trekking pole must have a balance and body stability. It also saves some of your body energy.

» Carry a suitable trekking backpack to stuff things in the right place, as you have to carry it while trekking.

» No network after Purola (halfway to Sankri) so inform your loved ones and make important call beforehand

» No ATMS after Mori so take out the cash if you need in Dehradun itself.

» Please do not litter because these mountains are sacred and it is very difficult to clean. You must carry a small pouch for all the plastic wrappers and other waste and throw them in designated waste bins.

» Smoking, drinking and drugs should be avoided during the trek or in the hotel in Sankri.

» Take small steps when you begin and gradually increase the pace.

» Keep a water bottle to hydrate yourself and munch the energy bars until the trek finishes. It will be a 25 km long trek through the beautiful trails, amidst pine and oak forests, crossing river streams to witness the stunning view.

» You will trek around 3 AM, so a headlight is essential! Breaking the dawn, you will reach the summit to capture the mesmerizing sunrise at 12,500 feet and behold a 360-degree panoramic view. You will also witness 13 peaks of the Himalayan Range from the summit point.

Mobile connectivity on the trek?

Remember that you are going to the Great Himalayas! The mobile connectivity is good until Mussoorie. Once you reach Sankri, the connectivity fluctuates, and hardly get signal strength after that for BSNL. So, once you reach Sankri, have a word with your family and make any important calls. Once you enter Sankri, the connectivity will be just between you and nature. This place needs your full attention with no signal fluctuation.

ATMs available

Cash is essential while traveling, especially to places like these, where many don’t accept cards, online banking, or other money apps but rather cash for a quick and easy transaction. The last ATM you will see is in Purola. But if you are taking a direct bus, then you better draw your cash from Dehradun. You will not find a single ATM in Sankri and later anywhere in the trek, and things become problematic if you do not have money.