Kedarkantha Trek in uttarakhand
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Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand

Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand: A Step-by-Step Guide The Kedarkantha trek in Uttarakhand, located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand, is one of the most popular winter treks in India. Its charm lies in the snow-covered trails, breathtaking 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks, and the sense of adventure that culminates in reaching the summit. Suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, this trek offers a perfect blend of challenge and serenity. This detailed itinerary will help you plan your journey efficiently, with travel tips for each day to make the most of the trek. Overview of the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand   Region: Uttarakhand (Govind Pashu Vihar National Park) Duration: 6 days / 5 nights Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Maximum Altitude: 12,500 feet (3,810 meters) Best Time to Visit: December to March (for snow) | April to June (for greenery) Total Trekking Distance: 20-22 km Start Point: Sankri Village Day-Wise Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary   Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Drive 210 km | 8-10 hours) Altitude: Dehradun (2,100 ft) to Sankri (6,400 ft) Route: Dehradun – Mussoorie – Naugaon – Purola – Mori – Sankri Travel Tip: Start your journey early, preferably by 6 AM, as the road journey is long but scenic. The adventure begins with a drive from Dehradun to Sankri, a quaint village that serves as the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. The road winds through beautiful valleys, pine forests, and rivers. En route, you pass through charming towns like Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori. Pro Tip: Carry some snacks and water for the journey since there are limited eateries along the route. At Sankri, acclimatize yourself to the altitude and get some rest. The village offers scenic views of the Himalayan ranges, and you can explore local markets for souvenirs. Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (4-5 hours trek | 4 km) Altitude: 6,400 ft to 9,100 ft Route: Sankri – Trail through Oak and Pine Forests – Juda Ka Talab Travel Tip: Start the trek after breakfast, as it’s a short but steep climb. On the second day, the trek officially begins. The trail takes you through dense pine and oak forests. You’ll encounter gentle streams and snow-covered patches along the way. After about 4-5 hours, you’ll arrive at Juda Ka Talab, a picturesque lake surrounded by forests. In winter, the lake remains frozen, adding a surreal charm to the campsite. Pro Tip: Keep yourself hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. Layer up, as it gets cold at night, especially during winter. Enjoy camping under the stars, with the sound of the wind and the nearby forest keeping you company. Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 hours trek | 4 km) Altitude: 9,100 ft to 11,250 ft Route: Juda Ka Talab – Meadows – Kedarkantha Base Camp Travel Tip: Wear waterproof shoes, especially if trekking in winter, as the trail may have snow. The third day is relatively easy as you trek to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. The trail opens up to vast clearings and alpine meadows. The gradual ascent offers mesmerizing views of snow-covered peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak. By afternoon, you’ll reach the base camp, which is set against a stunning backdrop of pine trees and high-altitude mountains. Pro Tip: Arrive early to enjoy sunset views over the surrounding peaks. The night will be cold, so ensure you have proper insulation and sleeping bags. At the base camp, gather around a bonfire (if permitted) and prepare for the summit day. Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit and back to Base Camp (6-7 hours | 8 km) Altitude: 11,250 ft to 12,500 ft (Summit) and back Route: Base Camp – Kedarkantha Summit – Return to Base Camp Travel Tip: Start the summit push around 2-3 AM to catch the sunrise. This is the most thrilling day of the trek. The summit climb is challenging due to steep ascents and the cold weather, but the effort is worth it. The trail is surrounded by snow-laden pine forests, and as you gain altitude, the sky starts to brighten with the rising sun. From the summit, you’ll witness a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Har Ki Dun Valley. After spending some time at the top, begin the descent back to the base camp. Pro Tip: Carry energy bars or dry fruits to stay energized. Use trekking poles to maintain balance on the steep descent. Day 5: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Sankri via Hargaon (6 hours | 6-7 km) Altitude: 11,250 ft to 6,400 ft Route: Base Camp – Hargaon Village – Sankri Travel Tip: Descend carefully, especially if there is snow, as the trail can get slippery. After breakfast, begin the descent back to Sankri. The route takes you through Hargaon Village, a beautiful hamlet surrounded by meadows. The descent offers an opportunity to enjoy the forests and scenic views once again, with ample chances to spot birds and wildlife. Once back in Sankri, you can relax and enjoy a hot meal at the guesthouse. Pro Tip: Celebrate the successful trek with your fellow trekkers. Explore Sankri village in the evening to interact with locals. Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun (Drive 210 km | 8-10 hours) Route: Sankri – Mori – Purola – Naugaon – Dehradun Travel Tip: Plan your return travel or book transportation in advance. After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the mountains. The return drive to Dehradun will be long but scenic. Arriving in Dehradun by evening marks the end of your memorable journey. You can either stay overnight in Dehradun or catch a late train/flight to your destination. Travel Tips for the Kedarkantha Trek   1.Physical Preparation: Start light cardio exercises a few weeks before the trek. Practice stair climbing or short hikes to improve stamina. 2.Essential Gear: Winter: Layered clothing, waterproof shoes, gloves, thermal wear. Summer: Light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket. Trekking poles and gaiters are helpful in snow conditions. 3.Altitude Acclimatization: Stay hydrated and avoid