Kedarkantha Trek 2025
Are you thinking of hiking a snow-covered Himalayan Trek? Want to talk to the sky like a free bird? Kedarkantha Trek is one of the best treks to do in 2025.because it is a very special trek for both beginners and experienced ones. The mountains here will allow you to talk to the open sky. The snow-covered mountains here will give you the feel of heaven. Kedarkantha's peaceful and adventure life will win you over. Now let’s know more about the Kedarkantha Trek 2025
About Kedarkantha Trek 2025
Location: Kedarkantha Trek is located in the Sankri Village, situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, within Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Altitude: 12,500 ft.
Duration: 5 Days
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Villagers believed that Kedarkantha is associated with Lord Shiva, as we can guess from the name itself that the first word Kedar means God Shiva, and the other one Kantha means throat. This shows a great connection between God Shiva and the Kedarkantha. The story says that initially God Shiva meditated here but later moved to Kedarnath.
Kedarkantha is the most beautiful and demanding snow trek for trekkers, because it is an easy to moderate level trek for those who are fit and do physical activities on regular basis. Both beginners and experienced trekkers can do it easily. If you are someone who loves snowy landscapes, then the Kedarkantha Trek in 2025 should be your first choice.
A direct view of high-altitude peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak (Kalanag) covered with snow in winter will be eye-catching. There is a story behind the peak Swargarohini, that it is considered the only way to “swarga”. As the Pandavas of “Mahabharata” give up their kingdom and move to this peak in search of heaven. But only Yudhishthira and his dog had reached heaven.
Kedarkantha is not only famous for its beauty but also for its rich culture, religion, and traditions that people follow here. Kedarkantha Trek including its starting base camp of Sankri Village provides the rich mountain culture of the Garhwal region. The people in Sankri village belong to the Jaunsari tribe. This village gives a glimpse of Himalayan culture. The locals choose mostly agriculture and animal husbandry for earning a livelihood. These people follow the Hindu religion, especially because of the closeness of the Kedarnath Temple. Due to this, the local people here believe in the worship of Lord Shiva.
The weather in Kedarkantha is totally unpredictable. You might be enjoying the snow, and suddenly it might rain heavily, and you will experience clear skies. Sometimes the temperature goes to the lowest around minus 10 degree to minus 15 degree, so it is recommended to keep warm clothes and other essentials with you.
Kedarkantha is the best trek for snow-covered high altitude peaks, sunrise at its top, small wooden houses covered with white snow, rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, and much more beauty.
So, waiting for what? Pack your bags and come to Kedarkantha.
Day-wise Explanation of Kedarkantha Trek for 2025
Delhi to Dehradun:
For the Kedarkantha Trek 2025 , you have to cover the Delhi to Dehradun (250 km) distance, simply by flight or bus, whichever fits you. The journey starts from Dehradun. Let‘s talk about the journey ahead, how adventurous and how challenging it is:
Dehradun to Sankri:
Altitude: 6,400 ft.
On our first day, we cover 200 km drive to reach Sankri Village from Dehradun.
Sankri Village is a small village situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The way to Sankri is beautiful as we are crossing Govind Wildlife Sanctuary with dense oak and pine forests where we can clearly smell the aroma of pine trees. We can also experience the golden sunset time on mountain peaks like Swargarohini, and Kalanag (Black Peak).
Sankri Village is the base camp for several treks like the Kedarkantha Trek , Har Ki Dun Trek, Phulara Ridge Trek, and Bali Pass Trek. These small wooden houses, which get covered with snow in the winter season, look amazing. The people of Sankri village give a glimpse of Himalayan culture. You will experience Garhwali culture in Sankri village and their delicious Garhwali dishes like Mandua Roti, Phaanu, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Kachmauli.
You can spot endangered species here, in the forest of Sankri village - Himalayan Mona L (state bird of Uttarakhand), Snow Leopard (rarely), Black Bear, Musk Deer, and Barking Deer.
Sankri to Juda ka Talab:
Altitude: 9,100 ft.
After breakfast, we start our trekking to Juda Ka Talab, by crossing dense pine and oak trees. Here you may encounter langurs, boars, martens, and hares. It is believed that Lord Shiva opened his hair, and some droplets of water fell here, and a lake was created, named Juda Ka Talab. In the winter season, this lake froze completely.
Juda ka Talab is a good place to visit every season except the monsoon. It remains snow-covered till mid-April. But during summer, Juda Ka Talab transforms itself completely. Snow-covered grassland converts into vibrant green fields. These grasslands become full of life, with different shades of green, making the place look more beautiful and peaceful. This area is situated in Govind National Park, which is famous for leopards, musk deer, and a variety of birds like Koklass Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Yellow-Billed Blue Magpie, etc.
Here, we will be camping near the lake under the twinkling starry night, a perfect place for experiencing a Himalayan, calm, and peaceful life. Imagine that you are sitting near a calm lake, under the shade of the stars, lighting a bonfire; this scene is truly unforgettable. After having some activities and dinner, we go to our camps and sleep.
Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp:
Altitude: 11,250 ft.
As we move up from Juda Ka Talab, we notice alpine meadows and grassy fields take the place of dense forests of oak and pine trees. Along with this, the first rays of the rising sun make the atmosphere even more beautiful. As we go up, the Himalayan peaks Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak are covered in a blanket of snow.
On this trek, we will see trees like pine, oak, rhododendron, and maple. In the spring and autumn seasons, rhododendron flowers bloom here, making the trail colorful and beautiful. Local Himalayan people use this flower to make herbal medicine, juice, or drinks like red juice.
This trek is not so difficult, beginners can also do it easily. Trekking shoes and ankle support become necessary because of slippery paths. Since this place is at an altitude of 11,000 feet, it’s important to stay hydrated and carry some energy-boosting snacks.
This part of the trek is usually a favorite for many trekkers. In winter, the temperature becomes very low, so make sure to carry warm clothes and other essentials.
Basecamp to Summit and Back to Juda Ka Talab:
Our main trek adventure starts from here as we start trekking in the night around 3 AM to reach the Kedarkantha Trek 2025 Summit to experience sunrise. The duration between night and a proper sunrise shows you a number of shades with multiple colors on the high-altitude mountain. This experience is indescribable, but a permanent memory for a trekker. As we move up to the summit from our Kedarkantha Base Camp, we will pass through forests of pine and oak trees. Here, we will see the 13 peaks of the Himalayas, taking a sunbath. It will be a beautiful sight. The climb might be a bit tough, but with some effort, we will manage to reach the top.
When we reach the summit, we will see a small stone temple that locals consider sacred. After spending some time enjoying the beautiful view, we will head towards the Kedarkantha base camp. After taking a break and resting for a while, we will descend toward Juda ka Talab.
On the way back to Juda Ka Talab, we will pass through frozen streams and may experience wild animals like- Himalayan black bear, Tibetan Bear, and Asiatic Black Bear. We will relax and rest through the night, remembering the stunning sight of the trek.
Juda Ka Talab to Sankri:
After enjoying all the beautiful views, it's time to leave Juda Ka talab and head back toward Sankri. The way back will be easier, and the descent will be comfortable for your legs, but you should still be careful because there will be slippery patches. As you go down, you'll pass through a thick forest of deodar and oak trees. These tall trees form a canopy above, and the sunlight filtering through the branches looks very beautiful and peaceful.
Along the way, you’ll notice small villages settled in the mountains. The villagers are busy feeding their cattle in the lush green fields, which gives you a glimpse into their simple village life. Most of the people here are farmers, working in their own fields.
As you continue walking. You’ll reach Sankri, surrounded by mountains and valleys. Sankri will greet you warmly, and here you will eat some food and rest for a while. This is where our trek ends, and the adventure comes to a close.
After all this, we will pack the unforgettable memories into our bags and begin our journey back home. This trek is filled with memories that we will never forget. The beautiful and peaceful views stay etched in our minds forever. The way the locals treat guests makes you feel right at home, like family. Now, we will leave Sankri and head back towards Dehradun, and from there, we will make our way back to our respective homes.
Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek 2025
First, let’s talk about all the seasons in detail so that you get a clear understanding of each one. After that on your preference, comfort level, and trekking goals, we can decide which season will be the most suitable for you:
Winter (December to February):
In winter2025 , the temperature can drop between -5°C to -10°C. The trails are covered in snow, which makes your trekking experience even more adventurous. For those who want to experience an adventurous trek in snow, frozen streams, and stunning views, this is the perfect time. The trails are completely covered in snow, making the path slippery. To navigate safely, you will need gaiters, microspikes, crampons, and trekking poles.
If you capture moments, then the winter trek offers an unmatched opportunity. You’ll get to see snow-covered pine and oak trees, along with snow-capped mountain peaks- a sight that will leave you awestruck. The most beautiful spot is Juda Ka Talab, which freezes in winter, creating a breathtaking view.
Summer (May to June):
During summer, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 18°C during the day and 5°C to 7°C at night. Snow begins to melt, giving way to green grassland and clear skies. This is a great season for first-time trekkers. The trail is surrounded by blooming flowers, and the air fills with their fragrance. The sky is usually clear, and the sunlight that peeks through the mountains looks amazing.
In summer, it's important to stay hydrated. Make sure to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, etc, and wear light clothes to stay comfortable in warmer weather.
Monsoon (July to September):
The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. During these months, the monsoon brings heavy rain, which can make the trails muddy and slippery. For trekkers, this season is not the best as the humidity is high, and the waterlogged paths are common, making the trails tricky to navigate. However, the forest becomes lush with green trees and blooming flowers, creating a beautiful sight.
Autumn (October to November):
Autumn brings cool and crisp temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 12°C during the day, while the nights can become very chilly. The first snowfall often starts on the peaks during this time. The paths are clear, and autumn leaves create a colorful backdrop. This season is perfect for those who want to see the first show in a comfortable and beautiful setting. The nights can get very cold, so you’ll need warm clothes and other essentials. The golden leaves and cool winds make this time of the trek incredibly scenic.
After a little research, it’s clear that winter is the best season for trekking. Most trekkers prefer to visit Kedarkantha during the winter. Let’s see why:
1. Beautiful Snow-Covered Scenery
In winter, everything is covered in snow, creating a breathtaking view. Imagine walking through forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron trees, all blanketed in thick snow. The cold breeze fills your lungs as you walk through this winter wonderland. It’s an unforgettable experience.
2. Juda Ka Talab Freezes
During winter, the lake, Juda Ka Talab, the lake, completely freezes, creating a stunning sight. The frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered trees is a truly amazing view.
3. Perfect for Adventure Lovers
Winter is perfect for those who enjoy adventure. If you like challenges, the winter trek is for you. The snow and cold make the trek more exciting and thrilling.
4. Wildlife Sighting
Winter trekking allows you to see Himalayan wildlife up close. You might spot animals like the Himalayan Monal, musk deer, and more, especially if you're lucky. It’s a great chance to connect with nature.
5. Great for Photography
Winter treks are ideal for photography. The sunrise and sunset over the snow-covered landscape are simply gorgeous. The soft light on the snow-covered mountains makes for perfect photos.
What should you plan before the Kedarkantha Trek 2025?
✔ Improve your physical health.
✔ Improve cardio health by cycling, running, etc.
✔ Try to carry a loaded backpack weighing about 5 to 8 kg of weight.
✔ Work on improving stamina by walking 5 to 10 km.
✔ Daily exercises for a fit body, work on breathing techniques.
✔ Work on mental health, do daily mediation and other activities.
✔ Visit the doctor for a health check-up.
What to pack for Kedarkantha Trek:
✔ Warm clothes like a warmer, fleece jacket, windproof jacket, trekking pants, gaiters, trekking ✔ Socks and gloves, warm cap, trekking boots etc.
✔ Personal items like toilet paper, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, plastic bags, power bank, torch, etc.
✔ Water bottle, tiffin box
✔ Snacks (dry fruits and energy bars, electrolyte drinks)
✔ Valid ID proof