Kedarkantha trek route map with altitude gain, and season wise route guide.

Kedarkantha trek Route Map

The thing which builds interest in people for doing the trek is a route map and knowing route maps help trekkers to prepare themselves better. Kedarkantha trek is called the “Queen of Winter treks” and is one of the most beginner friendly Himalayan treks in India. But even though the trail is well marked, it’s important to understand the Kedarkantha trek itinerary, day-wise route, campsites, and the base village before you start packing your bags.

Let’s know why trekkers should always check in the route map before planning any trek:
The Kedarkantha trek difficulty is not high, but without knowing about the local campsites, checkpoints, first time trekkers will definitely get confused in which forests are we.

• By knowing the kedarkantha trek route map it will help you to know about the distance and the steepy sections on the trails. By that you can prepare your body physically accordingly. 

• Route knowledge helps in preparing for food, water, snacks, and gives an estimate of expenses. 

• The trails look similar to the trek so route maps help to avoid confusion.

• Knowing the route map of the trek helps you to look through the hidden gems.

• Helps in understanding acclimatization points, about altitude gains and all. 

Kedarkantha trek Route Map - Day by Day

Day1: Dehradun to Sankri

Sankri is known as the base village of the kedarkantha trek and the distance between the Dehradun to Sankri is 190km by road which takes almost 7-8 hours depending on the traffic and the road condition. Sankri is at 6,400ft in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. 

Route used from Dehradun to Sankri - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Purola - Mori - Netwar - Sankri
All the trekkers would meet at the meeting point at Dehradun  around 6-7AM in the morning and our drive starts from Dehradun in a cozy Volvo/bus/cab according to the number of trekkers. 

The drive climbs gradually from Dehradun into the Mussoorie hills and after passing the Kempty Falls the route winds through Deodar and Pine forests. After that we will stop for tea, snacks, and breakfast. Past Purola the scenery gets greener and tons of river flows alongside the road.
Also, Mori and Netwar are the last big villages before Sankri.

Road Condition:

The Kedarkantha trek distance day 1 drive looks short, but mountain roads are winding, narrow, a lot of turns and also small bridges which make this distance long and this drive take about 8 to 9 hours. 

Arrival at Sankri:

Sankri is the base village of Kedarkantha trek route map. It is a small but lively village with many heartwarming people. At Sankri all the trekkers have to register with Govind Pahu Vihar National Park authorities to start their trek and for that you have to have your personal ID cards like Adhaar card, PAN card.  At Sankri trekkers would be provided a stay in a luxurious wooden cottage with pumping hot authentic meals. 

Day2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Officially today is the first day of trekking. After having a good delicious breakfast we will start our trek with a gentle climb. Sometimes the trails take us to dense and thick forests of oak and pine. The trails are filled with small water streams where we can refill our water bottles and.

Arrival at Juda Ka Talab:

After about 3-4 hours of trekking you will be at your campsite, Juda Ka Talab- A High altitude lake surrounded by huge mountain peaks and thick forests. In winter the lake gets completely frozen that a person can even walk on it and in summer the lake acts like a mirror to show reflection of surroundings.  At night we can spend our night stargazing, snow fighting, and camping with a bonfire. 

Myth and story:

The locals and our ancestors believed that years ago Lord shiva meditated here for several years before heading to Kedarnath. Once a drop of water from the hair of Lord Shiva fell down here which formed this lake and that’s why it is considered sacred. 

Night Stay:

Night stay is at Campsite with a bonfire in alpine/ dome tents. 

Day3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

The trail climbs gradually, moving from dense forests to more open meadows. You’ll see snow patches in winter and soft grassy slopes in summer. As you move higher, the first glimpses of Himalayan ranges appear. After 3-4 hours of trek expansive views of Swargrohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch then understand that we will be at Kedarkantha Base camp. 

Arrival at Base Camp:

The Kedarkantha Base camp is located in a wide clearing. The Base camp is windy and colder than the Juda Ka Talab campsite. Also at night our trek leader would give us a brief about the summit day. 

Night Stay:

Tent stay at Kedarkantha Base Camp

Day4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit and Back to Hargaon 

This is the most thrilling day of the Kedarkantha trek route map. The climb begins from early morning around 2-3AM in the morning so that we can reach the summit before sunrise. 

The summit:

The trail is steep, winding through snow-covered slopes. You’ll be trekking under a starlit sky, and as dawn breaks, golden rays paint the mountains. 360° views of Himalayan peaks — Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Gangotri, Yamunotri ranges, and even Kinner Kailash on a clear day. From the summit we will experience a once in a lifetime sunrise experience at 12,500ft.

Descent to Hargaon:

After spending some time at the summit, you’ll descend back to base camp, have brunch, and continue down to Hargaon. The trail passes through forests and wide meadows, making it easier on the knees.

Night Stay:

Stay at Hargaon

Day5: Hargaon to Sankri

The final stretch of trekking is a relaxed descent with 6km of trek. The trails pass through thick oak and pine forests and the friendly locals start getting involved with you guys. The closer we are heading towards Sankri the more lively the surrounding feels.  After reaching Sankri the warm water shower bath and the bed feels so cozy and delicious food makes your trek’s end completely satisfied. 

Day6: Sankri to Dehradun

Retrace the same route back to Sankri to Dehradun the same drive of 190 km. Avoid rush and spend the night exploring Dehradun or Mussoorie. 

Kedarkantha trek Distance and Altitude gain

Kedarkantha trek route on different Seasons

Kedarkantha trek is available for all the seasons. Except for the monsoon season, due to rain the risk of landslides increases a lot and the trails get so slippery. The same route feels different in all the seasons. 

Winter Season: 

Trails:  In winter the snow starts falling at the Sankri and Kedarkantha trek and the trails get completely covered in snow. Also due to snow the trails require gears like gaiters, crampons and microspikes to trek in the snow. The pine and oak trees are completely covered in snow. 

Campsites: The campsites Juda Ka Talab and Base Camp are fully snow covered. Juda Ka Talab lake gets completely frozen during the winter season. 

Highlights:  Snow laden trees, frozen Juda Ka Talab, and the sunrise from the summit. 

Best For: Beginners or trekkers who want to experience their first snow. 

Spring Season: 

Trails: The snow begins to melt and lush green meadows start revealing and the forests which were covered in snow now start blooming. 

Campsites: Juda Ka Talab which was frozen in winter is now a clear blue lake. 

Highlights: Clear himalayan peaks and colorful rhododendrons. 

Best For: trekkers who prefer to trek in moderate and less cold nights. 

Autumn Season: 

Trails:  Clear and dry trails with little snow on the upper trails. The forests turn golden and orange with fallen leaves. 

Campsites: The skies are crystal clear and provide the best mountain views. The meadows are green in color. 

Highlights: clear skies and no haze - mist

Best For: Photographers and trekkers who want stable weather and want great visibility. 

Common Mistakes trekkers make on the route 

• Most of the trekkers make the mistake of waking late in the morning on the summit day. Due to that they miss the most eye catchy sunrise, which is the main highlight of the whole trek. So start your summit day early from 3-4AM in the morning. 

• First time trekkers over pack their stuff due to over excitement which makes the steep climb harder. 

• Not drinking water is also a common mistake trekkers make. Even if you are not thirsty, drink enough water to avoid symptoms of Mountain sickness. 

• Regular shoes slip during trekking. Therefore, trekking shoes are necessary. If you dont have trekking shoes, rent them up.