Kedarkantha Trek is a popular winter trekking destination in the Uttarakhand region of India. It’s known for its stunning views of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and quaint villages. The trek takes you through Govind National Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The highlight of the trek is the summit climb to Kedarkantha Peak, which stands at an altitude of 3,800 meters, providing panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The trek is of moderate difficulty and can be done by beginners with a good level of fitness. It’s best done between December and April when the snowfall makes the scenery even more magical.
Itinerary for a 7-day Kedarkantha Trek:
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (Drive 210 km/ 10 hours) You’ll meet your trekking group at Dehradun and then travel by road to Sankri, which is the starting point of the trek. The journey takes you through scenic valleys, small towns, and mountain passes.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab (Trek 4 km/ 4 hours) After breakfast, you’ll start your trek to Juda ka Talab, a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. The trail is moderately steep and takes you through dense forests of oak and pine trees.
Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base (Trek 7 km/ 6 hours) After breakfast, you’ll trek towards Kedarkantha Base, which is situated at an altitude of 3,500 meters. The trek takes you through a series of switchbacks, meadows, and streams, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Peak and back (Trek 6 km/ 6 hours) You’ll start early in the morning to climb Kedarkantha Peak, which is the highest point of the trek. The climb is challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and valleys. After spending some time at the summit, you’ll descend back to Kedarkantha Base.
Day 5: Kedarkantha Base to Hargaon (Trek 6 km/ 4 hours) After breakfast, you’ll start your descent towards Hargaon, a small village nestled in the mountains. The trek takes you through dense forests and open meadows, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 6: Hargaon to Sankri (Trek 6 km/ 4 hours) After breakfast, you’ll trek towards Sankri, which is the endpoint of the trek. The trek takes you through forests and small villages, providing a glimpse of the local culture and way of life.
Day 7: Sankri to Dehradun (Drive 210 km/ 10 hours) After breakfast, you’ll depart from Sankri and drive back to Dehradun, where you’ll bid farewell to your fellow trekkers and the trekking team.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors that may affect the safety and comfort of the trekkers.
The cost of the trek can vary depending on the time of trekking, the number of trekkers, and the inclusions/exclusions in the package. However, here’s an estimate of the cost for a 7-day Kedarkantha Trek for one person:
- Trekking Permit Fee: INR 2,500
- Guide Fee: INR 1,000 per day x 7 days = INR 7,000
- Porter Fee: INR 800 per day x 7 days = INR 5,600
- Camping Equipment Rental (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, etc.): INR 2,500
- Food and Accommodation: INR 1,200 per day x 7 days = INR 8,400
- Transportation (Dehradun to Sankri and back): INR 6,000
- Miscellaneous Expenses: INR 2,000
Total Cost: INR 34,200
Note that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the trekking agency and the package you choose. It’s always a good idea to check with the trekking agency for a detailed breakdown of the costs and inclusions/exclusions.