Capturing Legends and Landscapes: Kedarkantha Trek Photography Tips

Some Photography tips and best spots for Kedarkantha trek

There are many beautiful sites in Kedarkantha where you can take pictures, whether you want to post them on instagram or just want to capture memories and to appreciate the beauty of nature. Here are some of the greatest spots along the path to snap photographs and some tips on how to do it like a pro. 

Here’s a bonus point for you all : If you are trekking during snow, then do not wear light colored clothes, wear bright colored clothes to gain focus. Kedrkantha trek along with a summit trek is a beautiful trek through snowy pine trees, and a variety of flora fauna and Himalayan horizons that seem to go on forever. 

Sankri- The village from where all starts

Before you even set foot on trek, Sankri welcomes you with wooden houses, winding paths, and snow capped peaks peeking from behind the rooftops. It’s quiet, slow, and full of old-world mountain charm. If you’re into story telling through photos, this is where your visual journey begins. 

 When to shoot:

• At early morning when the fog rolls in

• During Sunrise/ Sunset when when the sunlight hits the wooden rooftop 

Tips: 

• Click random photos of locals  going about their day - walking with firewood, or just chatting by the tea stalls.

• Capture the traditional Himachali wooden houses with a mountain backdrop. 

  Juda Ka Talab - The Peaceful Lake 

This is one of the calmest spots on the Kedarkantha trek. In winter the lake freezes and the Chin Pine, Deodar Cedar, Horse Chestnut and oak trees around it get covered in snow - it honestly feels like something out of a dream. I remember standing out there one morning and everything was so quiet that I could only hear the snow crunch under my boots. If you are lucky and the water isn’t fully frozen, you might even see the trees reflecting in it - like a mirror.

When to shoot:

•  In the early morning or just after the sunrise when the light is soft. 

Tips:

• Try taking a photo from a low angle - it makes the lake look bigger.

•  Wear something bright like vine or burgundy - it pops in the snow.

• While camping at Juda Ka Talab, grab a shot of your tent with the lake behind it. 

• Stand near the edge of the lake, looking out and don’t pose too much - natural shots feel more real. 

Pine Forest Trail - Straight out of a thrill movie

Honestly the magical part of the whole trek, Walking through the tall pine trees, after fresh snowfall with soft golden sunlight, makes everything around you glowy. 

When to Shoot:

• If it's snowing, mid-morning is the perfect time. The light is bright but soft, and you might catch a few sunbeams through the trees. 

Tips:

•  Ask someone to walk ahead of you - then take a photo from behind. It gives a nice “Lost in forest” shot. 

• Use portrait mode and if you’re on a phone. Focus on the snow covered trees and let everything else blur. 

• Wear something that stands out and take a slow mo reel while walking or spinning. 

Kedarkantha Base Camp

When you reach base camp, just pause and look around - you’ll know you’re somewhere special. Snow covered trees, big open spaces, and huge Himalayan peaks all around you. It is the kind of place where even a simple photo looks amazing. 

At night? The stars come out and the whole place feels unreal. 

When to shoot:

• At Golden hour (during Sunrise and sunset) perfect time for soft lighting. 

• The best time is at late night when the whole sky is filled with shiny stars. 

Tips:

• Take a wide shot that shows both your tent and the mountains in the background. 

• Use a flashlight inside your tent at night - it glows from the inside and looks super cool in pictures. 

• If you have a drone, this is the perfect spot to fly it. From above the tents look colourful. 

• At night, take a shot of your glowing tent under the stars. It’s a simple trick, but people love that kind of peaceful scene.

The Last Ridge Walk

The part of the trek when everything starts feeling like a dream. Everyone is walking on a narrow ridge with deep valleys on both sides and clouds floating below you.

When to shoot: 

• Right when the sun starts to rise — you get golden light and clouds below you.

Tips: 

• Take a wide-angle shot showing the ridge and the person walking ahead — it gives that “tiny human, big world” feeling.

• Use panorama mode to capture the full view — it’s totally worth it.

• Do a short reel where you slowly walk along the ridge while someone films you from behind. Or spin around slowly to show the 360° view — it's dramatic and super shareable.

Kedarkantha Summit – 12,500 Feet of Pure Wow

This is the moment. After the early morning climb, you reach the summit — and suddenly, you’re surrounded by massive Himalayan peaks in every direction. It’s freezing, your legs are tired, but your heart? Full.

You can spot Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and if the weather’s clear, even Trishul in the distance. Every photo here feels like a victory shot.

When to shoot:

• Right at sunrise — the first light hitting the peaks is unforgettable.

Tips:

• Ask someone to click a photo with your arms wide open, back to the camera, mountains in the background — pure “I made it” energy.

• Capture the golden light touching the peaks — keep your exposure low if it's too bright.

• Bring a flag, scarf, or even your trekking pole — adds movement and drama to summit shots.

• Do a transition reel: one from your first day → one at the summit. People love the journey.

  When Kedarkantha trek trails look unique
  
  Best Festivals for Photography in Sankri & Kedarkantha Trek

1. Makar Sankranti (Around January 14th)

What’s special:

• This is the most atmospheric winter festival in Sankri village.

• Locals gather near bonfires, wear traditional woollen attire, and cook festive meals like khichdi and local sweets.

• Kite flying happens during clear skies — a rare sight in snowy villages.

Photo-worthy scenes:

• Elderly villagers in Himachali caps and shawls sitting around bonfires

• Kids running with kites in hand, framed against white mountain backdrops

• Homes decorated with hand-made garlands and subtle festive lighting
  

2. Magh Mela (Late January to Early February)

Magh Mela, a traditional fair-style gathering with folk dances, music, and processions. If you're trekking around this time, Sankri often echoes the festive vibe, especially among returnees.

Photo-worthy scenes:

• Locals dancing in small groups in village squares

• Traditional folk music performances

• Bright-colored shawls and embroidered outfits worn for the festival
  

3. Phool Dei Festival (Mid-March)

This springtime festival, mostly observed in Garhwal regions (which Sankri is part of), is all about welcoming the new season with flowers. Children go door-to-door, placing flowers on thresholds and singing local songs.

What’s special:

• Young girls dressed in traditional outfits with flower baskets

• Homes decorated with wildflowers and green leaves

• You might catch rare moments of spontaneous folk singing around the village

Perfect for candid cultural photos.

4. Diwali (October - November)

Sankri celebrates diwali twice a year, first the traditional Diwali celebrated in the whole country and then again after almost a month and that is known as Bhudi Diwali. 

What’s special:

• Houses and wooden balconies lit up with diyas (oil lamps) and local lanterns

• Minimal light pollution makes for surreal photos — glowing homes with dark skies and stars above

• Occasional local dance gatherings and festive bonfires

Photo-worthy scenes:

• Glowing windows and flickering lamps on wooden homes

• Evening shots of Sankri under a sky full of stars

• Warm smiles, warm colors, and candle-lit corners