Kedarkantha Trek stands as India's most popular winter trekking destination, located in the pristine Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This spectacular Himalayan trek offers adventure enthusiasts breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and panoramic mountain views, making it the perfect winter trek in India for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Why Choose Kedarkantha Trek?
Nestled in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kedarkantha Trek provides an unmatched winter trekking experience with stunning views of Swargarohini Peak, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch Peak. This easy to moderate trek serves as an ideal introduction to Himalayan trekking while offering the thrill of reaching a 12,500 feet summit.
Kedarkantha Trek Quick Facts
- Trek Distance: 20 kilometers
- Maximum Altitude: 12,500 feet (3,810 meters)
- Trek Duration: 4 nights, 5 days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Best Season: November to April
- Starting Point: Sankari Village, Uttarkashi
- Temperature Range: Day (8°C to 15°C), Night (-5°C to 3°C)
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (198 km)
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Kedarkantha Trek Route & Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankari Village (6,500 ft)
Begin your Uttarakhand trekking adventure with a scenic 8-hour drive from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankari Village via Mussoorie. The journey covers 198 km through beautiful pine forests alongside the Yamuna River.
Day 2: Sankari to Juda-ka-Talab (9,100 ft) - 4 km
Trek through dense Himalayan forests filled with maple and pine trees. Reach the iconic Juda-ka-Talab, a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks - one of the most photographed camping sites in winter trekking India.
Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,200 ft) - 2.5 km
Ascend through beautiful meadows and steeper ridges to reach the Kedarkantha base camp. Experience the changing landscape as you gain altitude in this Uttarakhand adventure trek.
Day 4: Summit Day - Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft) & Descent to Hargaon
Conquer the Kedarkantha summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of Uttarakhand peaks and Himachal Pradesh ranges. Witness the legendary stone arrangement with a Trishul marking the summit before descending to Hargaon campsite.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankari & Return to Dehradun
Complete your Kedarkantha trekking experience with a descent to Sankari Village, receive your completion certificate, and drive back to Dehradun.
Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek
Peak Winter Season (December - April): Experience the magical winter wonderland with heavy snowfall and pristine white landscapes. This period offers the classic snow trek experience that Kedarkantha is famous for.
Post-Monsoon Season (September - November): Enjoy clear mountain views, lush green meadows, and pleasant weather conditions ideal for Himalayan photography.
Kedarkantha Trek Highlights
Spectacular Mountain Views
Witness panoramic vistas of famous peaks including Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and distant ranges of Himachal Pradesh.
Juda-ka-Talab Frozen Lake
Camp beside this picturesque frozen lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude camping sites in the Indian Himalayas.
Rich Himalayan Flora
Trek through diverse ecosystems featuring deodar forests, rhododendron groves, and alpine meadows.
Cultural Experience
Explore traditional Garhwali villages and learn about local mountain culture and the legendary significance of Kedarkantha (Lord Shiva's throat).
Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty & Requirements
Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required with basic cardiovascular endurance Technical Skills: No technical climbing experience needed Age Group: Suitable for ages 10-60 years Equipment: Winter trekking gear essential including insulated clothing, trekking shoes, and sleeping bags
How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek
By Train:
Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railhead, well-connected to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun offers flights from Delhi and other major cities.
By Road:
Regular buses and taxis available from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Dehradun.
Kedarkantha Trek Booking & Packages
Planning your Kedarkantha winter trek 2025? Our expertly crafted Uttarakhand trek packages include professional guides, quality equipment, nutritious meals, and comprehensive safety measures.
Package Inclusions:
- Experienced trek leaders and support staff
- All meals during the trek
- Camping equipment and safety gear
- Forest permits and entry fees
- Transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun
- Trek completion certificate
Book your Kedarkantha Trek adventure today and experience why it's rated as the best winter trek in India. Contact our trekking experts for customized Himalayan adventure packages and early bird discounts.
Last Updated: Sept 2025
