Introduction of Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is a popular winter trekking destination located in the Uttarkashi district, India. This trek leads you through stunning forests, meadows, and landscapes in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas.

The trek begins at Sankri, a small village and popular starting point for many treks in the Garhwal region. It passes through the Govind National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna including pine trees, oaks, and rhododendrons.

As you climb higher, you’ll encounter picturesque campsites like Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base. The summit of Kedarkantha peak offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, and Ranglana.

The best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand is from December to April when the region is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. The trek is moderately challenging, covering approximately 20 km and taking 6-7 days to complete.

The Kedarkantha Trek offers a perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty, attracting both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

History of Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

The local people of Uttarakhand closely tie the rich history of the Kedarkantha Trek to their cultural and religious beliefs.

According to local folklore, the Kedarkantha peak is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in the Hindu religion. The local people hold the mountain in high reverence and consider it to be a sacred site.

Historically, the region served as a trade route between the Kingdoms of Uttarakhand and Tibet, where goods such as wool, salt, and spices were transported across the mountains using the trail.

The Kedarkantha Trek has become increasingly popular as a trekking destination in recent years, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Initially, the trekking route was established by local villagers who used it to graze their livestock during the summer months.

In the 1990s, adventure enthusiasts started exploring the region and began organizing trekking expeditions. The trek gained more popularity over time and is now a well-established trekking destination in Uttarakhand.

The Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand is now a popular destination for trekkers worldwide seeking to experience the Himalayan natural beauty and explore Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage.

Read More : Top 7 Trek Destination in Uttarakhand : Travel tips

Story of Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

The Kedarkantha Trek is filled with many stories and legends that are part of the local folklore of Uttarakhand.

• One such story is about the Kedarkantha peak itself. According to legend, Lord Shiva once used the peak as a resting place during his journey to Kedarnath. The peak derives its name from Lord Shiva, with “Kedar” meaning Lord Shiva and “kantha” meaning neck. Legend has it that Lord Shiva meditated on this peak, resting his neck on it, which is why it is called “Kedarkantha”.
• Another story is about the Juda Ka Talab, a small lake located on the trek route. According to local folklore, a Yaksha (a celestial being) used to live in the lake and protect it from harm. However, one day, a group of shepherds who were passing by the lake started washing their clothes in it, which angered the Yaksha. In his anger, he created a hailstorm that killed all the shepherds. The Yaksha disappeared and nobody saw it again. Today, the locals consider the lake to be sacred and believe that it possesses healing properties.

Many interesting legends and folktales are associated with the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand and the surrounding region, adding to the mystique and charm of the trek. They make it a unique experience for trekkers who come from all over the world to explore the natural and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.

Best time to visit Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

The best time to visit Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is during the winter months, from December to April. During this time, the region is covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. The snow-covered forests, meadows, and peaks make for a breathtakingly beautiful sight. The temperature during the day ranges from 8°C to 15°C, and it can drop down to -5°C at night. The snowfall makes the trek slightly more challenging, but it is worth the effort for the stunning views and the unique experience.

During the monsoon months (July to September), the region experiences heavy rainfall, which makes trekking difficult and unsafe due to the possibility of landslides and flash floods. The trail is slippery and can be dangerous for trekkers. Hence, it is not recommended to visit during this time.

The summer months (May to June) are also a good time to visit the region, but the snow starts melting, and the landscapes are less scenic. The weather is pleasant during the day, but the nights can be cold.

Read More : Nag Tibba Trek Guide Uttarakhand 2023

Gear Used for Photography and Accessories

Kedarkantha Trekking Routes

The Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand has multiple routes that take you through different landscapes, offering a unique trekking experience. Here are the popular routes for the Kedarkantha Trek:

Sankri to Kedarkantha Base

This is the most popular route for the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand. The trek starts in Sankri and passes through the Govind National Park, covering about 12 km. You will pass through dense forests, meadows, and streams before reaching the Kedarkantha Base camp.

Kotgaon to Kedarkantha

This route is less crowded and starts from the village of Kotgaon, located about 15 km from Sankri. The trek takes you through beautiful forests, pastures, and small hamlets before reaching the Kedarkantha summit. The total distance covered is approximately 20 km.

Hargaon to Kedarkantha

This route is slightly more challenging than the other routes, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trek starts from the village of Hargaon, located about 6 km from Sankri. The trail takes you through dense forests and high-altitude meadows, covering a distance of approximately 14 km.

Purola to Kedarkantha

This is the longest route for the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, covering a distance of approximately 45 km. The trek starts from the town of Purola and takes you through the Yamunotri and Gangotri valleys. The trail passes through remote villages, lush forests, and high-altitude meadows before reaching the Kedarkantha summit.

Activity in Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

The Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand offers a range of activities for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here are some popular activities that you can do on the Kedarkantha Trek:

• Trekking: The Kedarkantha Trek is a popular trekking destination, offering stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, dense forests, and high-altitude meadows. The trek takes you through different landscapes, each with its own unique charm.
• Camping: The trek offers plenty of opportunities for camping, with campsites located at various points along the trail. Camping in the wilderness, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a starry sky, is a unique and memorable experience.
• Bird watching: The trek through the Govind National Park offers sightings of various bird species, such as Himalayan monals, snow pigeons, and red-billed choughs. Bird watching is a popular activity in the park, and you can spot these beautiful birds along the trail.
• Photography: The Kedarkantha Trek offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, forests, and meadows, making it a paradise for photographers. You can capture the snow-covered landscapes, mountain sunrises, and starry night skies through your lens, which are some of the highlights of the trek.
• Snow activities: During winter, snow covers the region, offering various activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, building snowmen, snowball fights, and more.

The Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is a great destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, offering a range of activities to enjoy.

Things to do before Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

Before embarking on the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, there are a few things that you should do to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Here are some essential things to do before the Kedarkantha Trek:

• Physical fitness: The Kedarkantha Trek is a moderately challenging trek that involves trekking through high-altitude meadows and dense forests. It is important to be physically fit and healthy before embarking on the trek. Engage in regular exercise, cardio, and strength training to build your endurance and prepare your body for the trek.
• Packing: Ensure that you pack appropriate clothing and gear for the trek. Pack warm and comfortable clothes, waterproof jackets and pants, good quality trekking shoes, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Additionally, carry a good quality backpack, sleeping bag, and a tent or a sleeping mat.
• Acclimatization: The trek takes you to high altitudes, and it is important to acclimatize to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness. Spend a day or two at the base camp to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek.
• Permits: To embark on the Kedarkantha Trek, obtaining permits beforehand is mandatory as the trek passes through the Govind National Park.
• Hiring a guide: First-time trekkers should hire a guide or a trekking company for assistance during the Kedarkantha TrekThey can provide guidance, support, and ensure your safety during the trek.

Read More : Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Uttarakhand 2023

Itinerary of Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

The Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is a popular winter trek in Uttarakhand, India. The trek takes you through the beautiful Govind National Park, offering stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and dense forests. Here is a sample itinerary for the Kedarkantha Trek:

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (220 km drive)

The first day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand involves a scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri. You will drive through Mussoorie and Purola, enjoying the stunning views of the mountains and valleys along the way. Sankri is a small village, which is the starting point of the Kedarkantha Trek.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (4 km trek)

On the second day of the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand, trekkers trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab, a picturesque lake surrounded by pine trees, passing through the Govind National Park, offering stunning mountain and valley views.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km trek)

The third day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand takes you from Juda Ka Talab to the Kedarkantha Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 10,600 feet. The trail passes through dense forests and beautiful meadows, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Hargaon Campsite (6 km trek)

The fourth day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand involves a steep climb to the Kedarkantha Summit, which is located at an altitude of 12,500 feet. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. After spending some time at the summit, you will descend back to the Hargaon Campsite.

Day 5: Hargaon Campsite to Sankri (7 km trek)

The fifth day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand involves a trek from Hargaon Campsite to Sankri, passing through the beautiful village of Saur. You will reach Sankri by afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the village.

Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun (220 km drive)

The last day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand involves a scenic drive back to Dehradun, where you can catch your flight or train back home.

Overall, the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is a beautiful winter trek, offering stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and valleys of Uttarakhand. The trek is moderately challenging and is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Accomodation In Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

During the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, you will be staying in tents at various campsites along the trekking route. Here are the details of the accommodation options available during the trek:

Sankri

On the first and last day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, you will stay in a guesthouse or hotel in Sankri. The accommodation options in Sankri are basic but comfortable, with facilities like hot water and comfortable beds.

Juda ka Talab

On the second day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, you will stay in tents near the beautiful Juda ka Talab. We will equip the tents with sleeping bags and mats, and provide you with access to basic washroom facilities.

Kedarkantha Base Camp

On the third day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, you will stay in tents at the Kedarkantha Base Camp. We will equip the tents with sleeping bags and mats, and provide you with access to basic washroom facilities.

Hargaon Campsite

On the fourth day of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, you will stay in tents at the Hargaon Campsite, which is located at an altitude of 9,500 feet. The tents will be equipped with sleeping bags and mats, and you will have access to basic washroom facilities.

The trekking company or guide will provide tents and meals during the Kedarkantha Trek, with basic facilities at all campsites. You can expect simple but wholesome Indian and local cuisines like roti, dal, rice, and vegetables. It is recommended to carry your own snacks and energy bars as well.

Food Facility

During the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand, you will be provided with meals by the trekking company or guide. The meals will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and tea/coffee. The food will be simple but wholesome, and will include Indian and local cuisines like roti, dal, rice, and vegetables.

In addition to the provided meals, you can also carry your own snacks and energy bars. It is recommended to carry high-energy snacks like nuts, dry fruits, and energy bars to keep yourself energized during the trek.

It is important to note that the water sources along the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand are generally safe to drink, but it is always advisable to carry your own water purification tablets or a water filter to ensure your safety. You can also purchase bottled water in Sankri, but it is not recommended to generate plastic waste in the mountains.

Budget of Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand

The cost of the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand depends on factors like the season, trek duration, group size, and the trekking company or guide. Here is an estimate of the budget for the Kedarkantha Trek:

• Trekking Permits: The trekking permits for Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand cost around INR 200-300 per person, depending on the season.
• Accommodation: The Kedarkantha Trek package includes accommodation costs, which range between INR 8,000-12,000 per person for a 5-6 day trek.
• Food: The cost of food during the trek is also included in the trek package, which usually ranges between INR 2,500-3,500 per person.
• Trekking Guide and Porters: Hiring a trekking guide and porter is optional, but highly recommended, especially for first-time trekkers. The cost of hiring a guide and porter varies between INR 1,000-1,500 per day for a group of 4-5 trekkers.
• Transportation: The Kedarkantha Trek package usually does not cover the cost of transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back, which can range from INR 4,000-6,000 for a taxi or shared cab.
• Miscellaneous: Personal expenses, tips, and equipment rentals (if required) are additional expenses to consider during the Kedarkantha Trek.

The estimated budget for the Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is around INR 15,000-20,000 per person for a 5-6 day trek, not including transportation to and from Dehradun.

How to reach

The starting point for the Kedarkantha Trek is the small village of Sankri, which is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Here are the different ways to reach Sankri:

By Air

The nearest airport to Sankri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Sankri. The distance between Dehradun and Sankri is around 220 km, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours.

By Train

Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Sankri, and it has good connectivity with major cities in India. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Sankri. The distance between Dehradun and Sankri is around 220 km, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours.

By Road

Sankri is well-connected by road, and there are regular buses and shared taxis from Dehradun to Sankri. The distance between Dehradun and Sankri is around 220 km, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours. You can also hire a taxi from Dehradun to reach Sankri, which takes around 7-8 hours.

It is recommended to reach Dehradun a day before the trek and stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the city. The trekking company or guide will arrange for transportation from Dehradun to Sankri on the first day of the trek.

Kedarkantha Trek is famous for

Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand is famous for its stunning views of the Himalayas, picturesque camping sites, and scenic trekking trails. Here are some of the reasons why Kedarkantha Trek is famous:

• Breathtaking views: The Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kalanag, and Gangotri. The view from the Kedarkantha summit is particularly breathtaking and makes for a memorable experience.
• Scenic trails: The trekking trail passes through lush forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, and offers scenic views of valleys and meadows along the way. The trail is also dotted with small streams, waterfalls, and villages, making the trek an immersive experience.
• Camping sites: The trek provides beautiful camping sites, especially at Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha base camp, with breathtaking views of the night sky and surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
• Trekking difficulty: The Kedarkantha Trek is a moderate trek, making it suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trail is well-defined and the ascent is gradual, making the trekking experience enjoyable and not too strenuous.
• Cultural experience: The trek passes through small villages and hamlets, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and culture of the region.

FAQ

Disclaimer

To all of you, I would like to take a special note that all the information in all these articles is a mixture of internet social media and my own experience while photographing. Because the more you read about something, the more you will keep getting information.

These insights can help you appreciate the wonders of nature, and you can deepen your understanding by immersing yourself in its beauty and capturing it through photographs. This can be an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge about the natural world.

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Welcome all to Uttarakhand, come here and see beautiful and fascinating scenes here, you will surely like the culture here.

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