Kedarkantha Trek

India's Most Loved & Popular Winter Trek

Trek Difficulty
Easy
Trek Duration
5-6 Days
Highest Altitude
12,500 feet
Group Size
10 Person
Trek Distance
20 Km
Basecamp
Gaichwan Gaon/Devra, Uttarakhand
Best Time
Janโ€“Apr, Octโ€“Dec
Pickup Point
Dehradun

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek is a beautiful hiking trail in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, and is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of the Uttarkashi district. This trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India and is suitable for beginners and families. The trail is also well-known among nature lovers, birdwatchers, and professional trekkers. The trail to Kedarkantha offers the experience of a tough climb to a peak, 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, beautiful sunrise views, exploring dense forests, alpine lakes, Garhwali cultures, spiritual places and much more.

At the top of Kedarkantha peak you will see a small temporary temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Locals believe that at the Kedarkantha there was the old Kedarnath temple, although there is no concrete evidence about it. This route cannot be accessed without proper backpacking preparation. There are some rough terrains, climbing heights, unavailability of food and water, danger from wild animals living in dense forests, possibility of getting lost, uncertainty of weather and some difficult parts of the route. Trekking preparation is important so that all these types of factors can be dealt with as much as possible.

Why is Kedarkantha a Must-Do Trek ?

Kedarkantha is one of the famous treks of winter, there are some highlights of the trek that a trekker should know. Many of the highlights are mentioned below:

Base Camp
  • Also known as the queen of winter treks, is a blend of experiences that combines the beauty of the Himalayas and its challenges.
  • The trek begins from a beautiful village, Sankri or Gainchwan Gaon. There you can experience the local village life.
  • You can witness the beauty of Juda ka Talab, which is more enchanting during the winters when it is frozen. It also has a mythological story attached to it that adds a mystical touch to your journey.
  • The Kedarkantha summit has noteworthy views, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Himalayan range. And spot peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, and Draupadi ka Danda 2.
  • You also get a beautiful view of Har Ki Doon Valley, Rupin Valley, Gangotri, and Yamunotri mountain ranges.
  • The trekking trail in Kedarkantha trek features a variety of terrain with beautiful views throughout the trek, but is not difficult like many other treks, making it a beginner-friendly trek.
  • The trek enters a no-network coverage area after Sankri, allowing you to disconnect from technology and fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
  • It is the perfect place that gives you an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without distractions.

The Majestic and Pristine Beauty

Also known as the queen of winter treks, is a popular high-altitude winter trek in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Kedarkantha trek is a perfect escape to explore the snow-covered landscape of the Himalayas and is a wonderful place to experience snow trekking.The Kedarkantha trek has easy endurance trails and spellbinding views, making the climb worthy. You can also witness mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views during the trek.

Kedarkantha Trek

Trek Itinerary

1
Dehradun to Sankri/Gainchwan Gaon
Day 1

Drive: 180โ€“200 km ยท 6โ€“7 hrs ยท Pickup from Prince Chowk, Dehradun. Enjoy a scenic drive through Mussoorie/Juddo foothills, pine forests and Himalayan valleys before reaching Gaichwan Gaon.

  • Distance: 180โ€“200 Km
  • Duration: 6โ€“7 Hours
  • Altitude: 5,600 Ft
  • Night Stay: Homestay / Camps
2
Gainchwan Gaon to Julota
Day 2

Trek through dense oak and pine forests. Experience beautiful mountain views and open meadows while ascending towards Julota campsite.

  • Trek Distance: 7 Km
  • Duration: 6โ€“7 Hours
  • Altitude Gain: 5600 โ†’ 8950 Ft
  • Night Stay: Camps
3
Julota to Lower Pukhrola
Day 3

Gradual ascent through alpine meadows and ridgelines. Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views and peaceful camping surroundings.

  • Trek Distance: 4 Km
  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Altitude: 10,800 Ft
  • Night Stay: Camps
4
Summit Kedarkantha & Return Julota
Day 4

Start before sunrise and trek to Kedarkantha Summit. Witness breathtaking 360ยฐ Himalayan views before descending back to Julota campsite.

  • Trek Distance: 10 Km
  • Duration: 7โ€“8 Hours
  • Summit Height: 12,500 Ft
  • Night Stay: Camps
5
Julota to Gainchwan Gaon
Day 5

Descend through forest trails and beautiful mountain villages. Enjoy a relaxed walk back to Gaichwan Gaon.

  • Trek Distance: 7 Km
  • Easy Descent
  • Village Experience
  • Night Stay: Homestay
6
Gainchwan Gaon to Dehradun
Day 6

Drive back to Dehradun with unforgettable memories of the Kedarkantha Trek and the Garhwal Himalayas.

  • Distance: 180โ€“200 Km
  • Duration: 6โ€“7 Hours
  • Drop: ISBT / Railway Station

What's Included

  • Accommodation in Homestay / Camps during the trek
  • All Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks & Dinner)
  • Experienced Trek Leader & Local Guide
  • Forest Permits & Camping Charges
  • Tents, Sleeping Bags & Sleeping Mats
  • First Aid & Basic Medical Assistance
  • Support Staff & Trek Management
  • Luggage Storage Facility at Base Camp

What's Excluded

  • Transportation to Dehradun and Return Journey
  • Personal Expenses (Laundry, Phone Calls, Tips, etc.)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Porter / Mule Charges
  • Personal Trekking Equipment
  • Mineral Water Bottles & Personal Snacks
  • Emergency Evacuation Charges
  • Any Cost Arising Due to Weather, Road Blockage, Landslide or Natural Calamities
  • Anything Not Mentioned Under "Included"

How To Reach

Pickup Point: Dehradun

Dehradun serves as the starting point for the Kedarkantha Trek. Participants are required to reach Dehradun on their own. Our trek team will coordinate the pickup from Prince Chowk, Dehradun.

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, located approximately 30 km from the city center. Taxis and cabs are easily available.

By Train

Dehradun Railway Station is well connected to Delhi, Haridwar, Chandigarh and other major Indian cities.

By Road

Regular Volvo and Government buses operate from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Chandigarh to Dehradun.

Drive Distance: Dehradun to Gaichwan Gaon/Sankri approximately 180-200 Km (6-7 Hours).

Location & Route Map

Things To Carry

  • Trekking Shoes
  • Warm Jacket
  • Thermal Wear
  • Woolen Cap
  • Hand Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+
  • Water Bottle
  • Personal Medicines
  • Head Torch
  • Power Bank
  • Extra Socks

Trek Fee

โ‚น7500 | $80

Optional Addition
  • Offloading beg charges for kedarkantha trek - โ‚น2000
  • Single tent occupancy charges - โ‚น1500

What Trekkers Say

Real stories from our trekkers โ€” sharing their unforgettable journeys and experiences with Trekaura.

This trek was amazing. They taught me natural ways to deal with climate and wildlife. Our leader is an expert in wild life.

Had a wonderful experience with Trekaura. Hospitality, food and travelling was all top notch. Highly recommended!

Beautiful but tough trek. Guides were helpful and always there. Food was fresh and hot. Amazing experience overall.

Beautiful but tough trek. Guides were helpful and always there. Food was fresh and hot. Amazing experience overall.

โ‚น7500
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