KEDARKANTHA TREK

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“A Snowy Paradise in the Heart of Uttarakhand”

Basecamp

Sankri

Duration

5 Days

Max. Altitude

12,500 ft.

Distance

20 Kms

Grade

Easy

Pickup/Drop

Dehradun

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular and scenic winter treks in India, located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. Known for its snow-covered trails, dense pine forests, and 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks, this trek is perfect for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
Starting from the picturesque village of Sankri, the trek climbs up to an altitude of 12,500 feet, offering breathtaking views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and the upper ranges of the Garhwal Himalayas. The trail passes through charming forest clearings, frozen lakes like Juda Ka Talab, and vast alpine meadows, especially stunning in the winter months.
This easy to moderate trek is best undertaken between December and April, making it the ideal choice for those looking for a beginner-friendly snow trek in the Himalayas. With a manageable itinerary of 4–5 days, Kedarkantha offers a full Himalayan experience without requiring high-altitude trekking expertise.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a group traveler, or someone planning your first Himalayan trek, Kedarkantha promises panoramic summit views, serene landscapes, and a taste of authentic mountain life—making it one of the best winter treks in India.This route is ideal for safe and timely return, especially if you’re catching an evening train or flight from Dehradun. You’ll reach Dehradun by late afternoon or early evening, marking the official end of your Har Ki Dun trekking adventure.

Location: Sankri village, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 meters)
Trek Distance: Approx. 20 km round trip
Duration: 4N/5D (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Best Time to Visit: December to April (for snow); Sept–Nov for clear skies
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners
Trail Highlights: Pine forests, Juda Ka Talab (frozen lake), snowy meadows, summit views
Major Peaks Visible: Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and others
Ideal For: First-time trekkers, families, solo travelers, nature photographers
Budget-Friendly: Short duration & accessible route make it cost-effective
Starting Point: Sankri (210 km from Dehradun)

Kedarkantha Trek Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun To Sankri (Base Village)

Distance: ~200 km
Time: 8–9 hours
Altitude Gain: 640 m (Dehradun – 640 m) → 1,950 m (Sankri)
Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Nainbagh → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri

Day 2: Sankri To Juda Ka Talab

Distance: ~4 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude Gain: 1,950 m → 2,700 m
Route: Sankri → Dense pine & oak forest trail → Juda Ka Talab campsite

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab To Kedarkantha Base Camp

Distance: ~3.5 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,700 m → 3,430 m
Route: Juda Ka Talab → Gradual ascent through forest & clearings → Kedarkantha Base

Day 4: Base Camp To Kedarkantha Summit → Descend To Juda Ka Talab

Distance: ~6 km (3 km ascent + 3 km descent)
Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 3,430 m → 3,800 m (Summit) → 2,700 m (Juda Ka Talab)
Route: Base Camp → Kedarkantha Summit → Return via summit ridge → Juda Ka Talab campsite

Day 5: Juda Ka Talab To Sankri → Drive To Dehradun

Distance (Trek): ~4 km | Drive: ~200 km
Time: 2–3 hours (trek) + 8–9 hours (drive)
Altitude Loss: 2,700 m → 1,950 m (Sankri) → 640 m (Dehradun)
Route: Juda Ka Talab → Sankri → Netwar → Purola → Mussoorie → Dehradun

Kedarkantha Trek Detailed Itinerary

Distance: 210 km
Time: 8–10 hours
Altitude Gain: 640 m (Dehradun) → 1,950 m (Sankri)
Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Nainbagh → Damta → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri

The journey kicks off from Dehradun Railway Station early morning. As you exit the city, you ascend towards Mussoorie via Rajpur Road and enjoy glimpses of the Doon Valley. Past Mussoorie, the route passes through Nainbagh, a key junction connecting Yamunotri and Purola.
From Damta to Purola, the air gets cooler and the hills steeper. Here you enter the Jaunsar-Bawar tribal belt, famous for its traditional wood-carved houses. Post Purola, mobile networks vanish, offering an offline escape.
You then descend to the Tons River, crossing Mori, a popular rafting destination. Just ahead lies Netwar, home to the ancient Pokhu Devta temple, and the entry point to the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. The final climb through pine-clad ridges brings you to Sankri, a picturesque village that serves as the base camp for Kedarkantha trek. Wooden houses, local dhabas, and views of snow-peaked mountains set the mood for the trek.

Distance: 4 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Altitude Gain: 1,950 m → 2,700 m
Route: Sankri → Sor → Kedarkantha Trail Gate → Dense Oak Forest → Juda Ka Talab

You begin your trek from Sankri village after breakfast. The initial walk passes through Sor village, a small hamlet with traditional Himachali homes. After 15 minutes, you reach the trail gate of Kedarkantha Trek, marked with a forest checkpoint and a wooden arch.
The trek then climbs steadily through dense pine, maple, and oak forests. The sound of birds, whistling air, and occasional sightings of langurs or barking deer enrich the experience. Depending on the season, you’ll cross small wooden bridges over snow-fed streams.
Midway, there’s a small clearing near a shepherd’s hut—an ideal spot for rest and water refill. As you gain height, the forest thickens, and the temperature drops.
Suddenly, the trees open up to reveal the ethereal Juda Ka Talab — a glacial lake that freezes in winter. Surrounded by centuries-old pine trees, the lake has a deep legend: it’s believed that Lord Shiva once opened his hair locks (Juda) here, creating the twin lakes — one visible and one underground. The area also has a clearing for camping, ideal for star-gazing and night photography.

Distance: 3.5 km
Time: 3–4 hours
Altitude Gain: 2,700 m → 3,430 m
Route: Juda Ka Talab → Switchback Trail through Oak Trees → Open Meadow Ridge → Kedarkantha Base Camp

This day’s trek is a gradual ascent through varying forest zones. Leaving Juda Ka Talab, the trail narrows and rises into a thicket of old oak trees, where sunlight barely touches the floor.
As you move higher, the tree line thins out, and suddenly you find yourself walking on a snow-covered ridge flanked by open meadows. This area offers the first clear views of Swargarohini, Kalanag (Black Peak), Bandarpoonch, and Ranglana.
One notable point is a flat snow meadow near Hargaon, which is sometimes used as an emergency campsite. Eventually, you reach the Kedarkantha Base Camp, located in a wide snow-covered meadow with a clear view of the Kedarkantha Summit.
Evening light bathes the area in gold, and the sunset here is unforgettable. Expect cold winds, deep snow (in winter), and millions of stars lighting up the sky.

Distance: 6 km (3 km ascent + 3 km descent)
Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude Gain: 3,430 m → 3,810 m (summit) → 2,700 m
Route: Base Camp → Western Ridge Trail → Kedarkantha Peak → Eastern Descent → Juda Ka Talab

You begin your summit attempt around 3:00–4:00 AM, equipped with headlamps and gaiters. The early climb follows a zigzag trail up a snow ridge, climbing slowly but steadily. The terrain alternates between forest patches and open snow fields.
As the sun begins to rise behind you, the summit comes into view—a pyramid-shaped snow mound marked by a Trishul, cairns, and a stone temple of Lord Shiva.
At 3,810 meters, Kedarkantha Summit offers a 360° panoramic view of peaks such as:
—- Swargarohini I, II, III
—- Bandarpoonc
—- Kalanag (Black Peak)
—- Rupin and Supin Valleys
—- Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges

After celebrating with photos and high-fives, you begin the descent. Instead of retracing the same route, some trekkers prefer glissading (sliding down snow patches) for a thrilling return. You reach Juda Ka Talab by early afternoon for your final night in the mountains.

Distance: 4 km trek + 210 km drive
Time: 2–3 hours trek + 8–10 hours drive
Route: Juda Ka Talab → Forest Descent via Sor → Sankri → Netwar → Purola → Dehradun

The final day of your trek starts with a gradual descent through the same oak and pine forests that greeted you earlier. Morning light cuts through the misty forest, creating a magical descent toward Sankri.
After reaching Sankri and collecting your gear, a shared or private vehicle awaits to take you back to Dehradun. The route remains the same — Purola, Nainbagh, and Mussoorie — but now your heart is full of memories.

Kedarkantha Trek Package Cost Includes

Transportation

Dehradun to Sankri and return in shared private vehicle (Tempo Traveller/Bolero)
Pick-up and drop points: Dehradun Railway Station/ISBT

Accommodation

Day 1 (Sankri): Stay in homestay/guesthouse (twin/triple sharing)
Day 2 to 4 (Juda Ka Talab & Base Camp): Alpine tents (2/3 person sharing)
High-quality sleeping bags, foam mattresses, and snowproof tents provided

Meals (Veg & Nutritious)

All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner + Hot Soup
Tea/Coffee served twice daily
Simple, hygienic, and energy-rich food (dal, rice, roti, vegetables, khichdi, pasta, upma, poha)

Trekking Equipment

Waterproof alpine tents
-10°C sleeping bags
Thick foam sleeping mats
Gaiters and crampons (during snow season)
Trekking poles and headlamps (limited on request)

Experienced Trek Team

Certified Trek Leader (Wilderness First Aid trained)
Experienced local guides with terrain knowledge
Trained support staff and porter for common gear

Safety & First Aid

Oximeter, basic first-aid kit, and altitude sickness protocols
Oxygen cylinder available (emergency only)
Backup plan for emergency evacuation (extra cost if needed)

Permit & Forest Fees

Entry fee for Govind Pashu Vihar National Park
All applicable local forest permits, camping charges, and taxes

Kedarkantha Trek Package Cost Excludes

Travel from your home city to Dehradun and back
Meals during transit between Dehradun and Sankri (Day 1 & Day 5)
Personal trekking gear (shoes, jackets, gloves, headlamps, ponchos, etc.)
Backpack offloading/mule charges (₹300–₹500 per day)
Tips and gratuities for trek leaders, guides, and staff
Bottled water, snacks, energy bars, and personal medicines
Hot water buckets and mobile charging at Sankri (if available)
Any extra stay or hotel in Dehradun before or after the trek
Travel or trek insurance (not included in package)
Emergency evacuation, medical costs, or ambulance service
Any expenses due to natural calamities, roadblocks, or bad weather
Anything not mentioned under the “Inclusions” section

Kedarkantha Trek Package Cost

Sankri To Sankri

₹ 5,500/- PP

₹ 3,999/- PP

Dehradun To Dehradun

₹ 8,500/- PP

₹ 5,999/- PP

Delhi To Delhi