KEDARKANTHA Summit Trek – UTTARAKHAND

✅ KEDARKANTHA SUMMIT TREK – UTTARAKHAND

Region: Sankri Range, Uttarkashi

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Max Altitude: ~3,800m

Price From: ₹5,500

⭐ Short Overview

Kedarkantha is India’s most popular winter summit trek, known for reliable snow, a beautiful forest approach, and a dramatic sunrise from the peak. Suitable for beginners with decent fitness, it offers high reward for moderate effort.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Moderate (winter conditions raise difficulty slightly)

Trail Type

• Pine & oak forest trails

• Snow-clad slopes (Dec–Apr)

• Ridge walk + steep summit climb

Daily Distance

• 3–6 km per day

Altitude Gain

• Sankri (~1,900m) → Summit (~3,800m)

Fitness Required

• Ability to walk 6–7 km daily

• Good balance on snow

• Early morning summit push tolerance

Who Should Avoid

• People with breathing issues in cold climates

• Those unable to trek in snow or early morning low temperatures

2. Itinerary (Day-wise)

Day 1: Dehradun → Sankri (Drive)

• 7–8 hour scenic drive via Mussoorie & Mori.

• Evening briefing, acclimatization walk.

• Overnight in homestay/guesthouse.

Day 2: Sankri → Juda Ka Talab (Trek)

• Gradual ascent through dense pine forests.

• Juda Ka Talab — semi-frozen/frozen lake in winter.

• Campsite surrounded by snow-laden forests.

• Trek Duration: 4–5 hours.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp

• Gentle ascent to a wide-open camp area with big mountain views.

• Sunset point nearby.

• Rest early for summit push.

• Trek Duration: 3 hours.

Day 4: Summit Day → Sankri → Dehradun

• Start at 2–3 AM for sunrise summit.

• Steep snow climb near final 200–300m.

• 360° views: Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch.

• Descend to Sankri; return to Dehradun by late evening (optional stay recommended).

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tented accommodation (twin/triple sharing)

• Sleeping bags + mats

• All meals on trek

• Certified trek leader + support staff

• Microspikes & gaiters (if required)

• Permits & forest fees

Exclusions

• Transport to/from Sankri

• Personal gear: shoes, jackets, poles

• Porter/mule charges

• Personal expenses

• Anything not listed

4. How to Reach

Nearest Hub: Dehradun

Route:

Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Sankri (base village)

Transport Options

• Shared cabs from Dehradun

• Private taxi

• Local buses to Sankri (less reliable)

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Day 1: Homestay/guesthouse at Sankri

• Day 2–3: Tented campsite

• Washrooms: dry toilets at campsites

Food

• Hot veg meals

• Soup in evening

• Tea throughout the day

• Simple but nutritious food ideal for cold weather

6. Safety & Weather

Safety

• Summit push done early morning for stable snow

• Use of microspikes & gaiters in winter

• Guides monitor AMS symptoms

• No network beyond Sankri

Weather

• Dec–Apr: Snow, sub-zero nights

• May–Jun: Warmer, spring conditions

• Oct–Nov: Clear skies, minimal snow

7. Best Time to Visit

• December–April → Best for snow

• October–November → Clear skies, ideal for first-timers

• Avoid: Monsoon months

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• 3 warm layers + padded jacket

• Gloves (waterproof)

• Thermals

• Headlamp

• 2 water bottles

• Sunglasses (for snow glare)

Optional

• Trekking pole

• Power bank

• Gaiters (if not provided)

9. FAQs

Q. Is Kedarkantha good for beginners?
Yes—moderate difficulty, but snow requires basic fitness.

Q. How cold does it get?
-5°C to -10°C at night in winter.

Q. Do I need microspikes?
Yes, for the summit day (usually provided by operator).

Q. Are washrooms available?
Dry toilets at campsite; no running water.

Q. Is camping allowed at Juda Ka Talab?
Camping is done in designated zones near the lake.

Ready to conquer your first Himalayan summit?