Kedarkantha Trek – A Complete Guide
Planning the Kedarkantha Trek? Here's a complete guide on itinerary, best time, difficulty, cost, and tips to make your Himalayan trek unforgettable.
Why Kedarkantha Trek is So Popular
Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter and beginner-friendly treks.This trek is a perfect blend of challenges and accessibility—ideal for first-time trekkers, solo adventurers, and groups alike.
Close your eyes and just Imagine walking on snowy paths, through thick pine forests, with amazing views of snow-covered mountains all around, and watching the main highlight — Sunrise from the top looks like golden light spreads across the Himalayas, creating a view you’ll always remember. A 360-degree panoramic view of towering Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana from the summit. The best time to see the snow is from January to March and October to December.
Kedarkantha Trek Duration and Trail Highlights
Kedarkantha trek spans from minimum 3 days to maximum 7 days, The way to our destination is full of beautiful views and exciting experiences. On the way, you will go through:
Magical pine and oak forests
Idyllic Himalayan villages with traditional wooden homes
Open areas covered with snow, which are great places to set up camp.
Wide grassy fields where you can enjoy amazing views of the mountains.
And during the winter months, from December to April, the trail transforms into a magical winter wonderland, attracting trekkers from across the country who want to experience snow without extreme altitudes.
Who is This Trek Ideal For?
The Kedarkantha Trek is perfect for Beginners looking for their first high-altitude trek, Solo travelers wanting a peaceful Himalayan escape and also an enjoyable trek for Groups of friends or family seeking an adventure together. With moderate difficulty and well-marked trails, it strikes a great balance between being accessible and exciting, making it one of the best treks for anyone eager to explore the Himalayas .
Kedarkantha Trek Overview
Before you pack your bags, here’s a quick overview:
Trek Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
Max Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 meters)
Starting Point: Delhi, Dehradun, Sankri (a village in Uttarakhand)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: Jan to Mar, Oct to Dec
Total Trek Distance: Approximately 24 km round trip
This trek is ideal for beginners but offers enough challenge and reward for expert trekkers too.
Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary (Day-wise)
Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun
Total drive: 250 km, altitude:1,427 ft
Depart from Delhi in an AC Sleeper / Semi Sleeper Volvo and reach Dehradun in the morning around 5-6AM.
Day 2: Dehradun to Sankri
Altitude: 6,400 ft, Total Drive: 200 km
Arrive at Dehradun and start their journey from Dehradun to Sankri Village early in the morning by road. It takes us approximately 10 - 11 hours of an delightful drive. On our way we witness the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and if you’re lucky, you even get to see some of the sanctuary’s precious animals! After an exciting drive through the alpine landscape, we reach and check into our Home Stay at Sankri Village. We will spend some time enjoying and having dinner in the evening in the village. Now the trek leader will give us a briefing for the next day.
Day 3: Sankri to Juda ka Talab
Altitude: 9,100 ft, Trek: 4 km
Today marks your first day of the trekking. After having breakfast, we leave Sankri village and begin the uphill walk to Juda-ka-Talab. We’ll cover about 4 km today. The climb is a bit steep because the lake is located at 9,100 feet. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views and might spot animals like hares and langoors. The scenery makes every step worth it! When we reach Juda-ka-Talab, you’ll be amazed by the peaceful lake under the clear blue sky. You can take your time to enjoy the nature and surroundings. Lunch will be served, and later we’ll have some fun group activities to keep everyone’s energy and mood high.
Day 4: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Altitude: 11,250 ft, Trek: 4 km
The excitement grows as we begin our trek to Kedarkantha Trek base camp. After breakfast, we start the 4 km hike. The trail has a few steep parts but is easy to follow, passing small lakes, oak forests, wide meadows, and signs of remote mountain life. As we get closer to the base camp, we’ll see stunning views of the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Ranglana, and Kala Nag peaks. Lunch will be served at the base camp. In the evening, we’ll enjoy group games or a short acclimatization walk to get used to the area. Afterward, relax with some snacks and soup. Dinner will be served early since tomorrow’s trek starts before sunrise. Be sure to wear enough warm layers—temperatures at base camp can drop very low at night.
Day 5: Basecamp to Summit and Back to Juda Ka Talab
Altitude: 12,500 ft, Trek: 12 km
Today, we will climb to the Kedarkantha peak and then return to the Juda ka Talab campsite. We will start very early, around 2 or 3 am, so we can watch the beautiful sunrise from the peak. After breakfast, we will walk through oak forests. The trail is mostly easy but gets a bit harder near the top. At the summit, you’ll see a small holy shrine made of rocks and enjoy stunning views of 13 Himalayan peaks shining in the sunlight. We’ll take a short break here to enjoy the moment. Then, we head down, passing frozen streams, wildlife, and lovely scenery. We stop for lunch at the base camp and share stories about the trek. After lunch, we continue down to Juda ka Talab, where we set up our tents, light a campfire, have dinner, and spend the night...
Day 6: Returning to Sankri and Back to Dehradun
Altitude: 6,400 ft, Total Drive: 200 km, Trek: 4 km
Today, as we leave Juda ka Talab and come back to Sankri, the trek feels gentle and peaceful. It’s hard to believe the adventure is coming to an end, but we carry so many beautiful memories with us. Walking through the quiet oak and maple forests one last time, we soak in the magic of nature all around. After reaching Sankri, we begin our drive back to Dehradun—a long road filled with smiles, stories, and the quiet joy of completing this incredible journey. By evening, we’re back in Dehradun, hearts full and spirits refreshed.
Day 7: Return from Dehradun to Delhi.
Altitude: 1,427 ft, Total Drive: 250 km
At night, we begin our journey back to Delhi, carrying unforgettable memories with us.
Best Time to Do Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha trek is beautiful all year round, but the best time is from December to April—especially if you want to experience snow.
✅ December – January:
This is the peak winter season. The trail is fully covered in thick snow, creating a stunning winter wonderland. You’ll see snow-laden trees, frozen lakes, and white landscapes everywhere. It’s perfect for those who want a classic snow trek and don’t mind the cold. Temperatures can drop very low, especially at night.
✅ February – March:
During these months, there’s still plenty of snow, but it’s not as crowded as December and January. The weather starts to get a little warmer during the day, but nights are still cold. The snow starts to get patchy in some lower areas, but higher up it’s still beautiful. Ideal if you want snow with fewer trekkers around.
✅ April:
By April, the snow begins to melt, especially in the lower stretches. You’ll see lush greenery and blooming rhododendron flowers along the trail, adding color to the landscape. This is a great time if you want to experience both the last patches of snow and the start of spring beauty.
⚠️ Avoid trekking from July to September (monsoon season).
Heavy rains during these months make the trails slippery and risky. Landslides and trail washouts are common, so it’s best to skip trekking in this period for safety reasons.
Difficulty Level and Fitness Required during Kedarkantha trek
Good news: the Kedarkantha Trek is beginner-friendly! Still, basic fitness you should maintain before the trek:
Preparation tips:
Cardio: Jogging or brisk walking 30 minutes daily
Strength: Leg and core exercises
Acclimatization: Spend a day in Sankri if you're new to high altitudes
Safety Tips for the Trek:
Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can lead to altitude sickness. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it whenever possible.
Layering Up: Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Wear layers to keep comfortable, and always carry a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat, especially at higher altitudes.
Listen to Your Body: If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and rest. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to exhaustion or even injury.
Walk Slowly: Take it slow and steady, especially on the steep sections. It’s better to take breaks and walk at your own pace than rush and risk an injury.
Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support to avoid slips and blisters.
Sun Protection: The sun is stronger at higher altitudes, so wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
Guides and Porters: If you’re new to trekking, it’s a good idea to hire a guide and/or porter who knows the trail and can provide support during the journey.
Essential Things to Carry while Kedarkantha trek
Backpack (50–60 liters)
Trekking shoes (waterproof)
Warm layers: thermals, fleece, padded jacket
Gloves, beanie, woolen socks
Trekking poles, gaiters
Headlamp, sunscreen, personal meds
Warm clothes (5–6 layers)
5–6 pairs of socks
1 Pair Warm Cap
Raincoat or Poncho
Water Bottle (thermal water for the snow trek)
Snacks like dry fruits, energy bars, candies, etc.
Power bank or charger
Sunscreen, lip guard, or moisturizer
Torch
One valid ID proof
Tips for a Safe and Memorable Kedarkantha Trek
Acclimatization: Don't rush; listen to your body.
Hydrate well: Dehydration hits faster in the cold.
Local guide: Their expertise is priceless in tricky conditions.
To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatize properly and stay hydrated. Layering your clothes will help you manage the cold, and always stay with your group and follow your guide's instructions. Respect nature and follow Leave No Trace principles.
How to Book Kedarkantha Trek
How to Book Kedarkantha Trek with Trekyaari
Ready to explore the breathtaking Kedarkantha peak? Booking your trek with Trekyaari is quick, easy, and reliable
✅ Step 1: Choose Your Trek Package & Date
We offer flexible departure dates and convenient packages based on your starting point:
From Sankri: ₹6,500 per person
From Dehradun: ₹7,500 per person
From Delhi: ₹9,999 per person
✅ Step 2: Fill the Booking Form
Click the “Book Now” button and fill out a quick form with your details (name, contact info, trek date, number of trekkers).
✅ Step 3: Confirm Your Slot
Once we get your details, our team will contact you to confirm availability and answer any questions you have.
✅ Step 4: Secure Your Spot
Pay a small advance to lock your booking. We’ll send a confirmation email with trek details, packing list, and important instructions.
✅ Step 5: Get Trek-Ready!
Prepare for your adventure with our fitness tips and packing advice. Our team will stay in touch to guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
The Kedarkantha Trek is a perfect blend of adventure and beauty, making it a must-do for 2025. Whether you’re a beginner seeking your first Himalayan experience or a seasoned trekker chasing snowy peaks, Kedarkantha delivers every single time.
Ready to trek? Book your Kedarkantha Trek with us today!