Kedarkantha Trek is a moderate winter trek located inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The trek begins from Sankri village (around 6,400 ft), a small Himalayan settlement surrounded by pine forests and traditional wooden houses, and gradually climbs through dense Pine, Oak, and Rhododendron forests, opening into snow-covered clearings and meadows. Key highlights of the route include the beautiful frozen lake of Juda Ka Talab, the wide meadows of Kedarkantha Base Camp, and the final ridge that leads to the 12,500 ft summit, from where trekkers get a panoramic sunrise view of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Because the trail remains accessible even in peak winter, Kedarkantha is ideal for first-time Himalayan trekkers as well as experienced hikers looking for a short, snow-filled adventure.
Kedarkantha is one of the most popular winter treks in India, known for its reliable snow, easy-to-moderate trail, and grand summit views of the upper Garhwal Himalayas. Starting from Sankri village in Uttarkashi, the trail passes through dense forests, frozen lakes, and open meadows before reaching the 12,500 ft Kedarkantha summit.
Morning pickup from Dehradun (around 6:00 AM) and drive to Sankri, a scenic Himalayan village in Uttarkashi (approx. 8–10 hours drive).
Check-in at homestay/guest house, evening briefing about the trek, rental gear check, and acclimatization walk in the village.
Overnight stay in Sankri.
After breakfast, start the trek from Sankri towards Juda Ka Talab through dense pine and oak forest.
Reach Juda Ka Talab campsite by afternoon; enjoy the frozen lake in winter and surrounding snow-covered forest.
Evening tea, dinner, and night stay in tents near Juda Ka Talab.
Gradual ascent from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp through mixed forest and open clearings with first clear views of surrounding peaks.
Reach base camp by afternoon; relax, explore the meadow, and prepare for the early morning summit push.
Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Kedarkantha Base Camp under a starry sky.
Early morning (around 3:00–4:00 AM) start for Kedarkantha summit with headlamps, climbing via a steady ridge.
Reach the 12,500 ft summit for a spectacular sunrise with views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and other Himalayan ranges, spend time for photos and darshan at the summit shrine.
Descend back to base camp for breakfast, then continue down to Hargaon / directly to Sankri (as per your plan).
Overnight stay in camp at Hargaon or homestay in Sankri.
After breakfast, drive back from Sankri to Dehradun (8–10 hours), marking the end of the Kedarkantha trek.
Evening drop at Dehradun (around 7:00–8:30 PM), suitable for onward bus/train journeys.
Write Your Review