A trek to the peak of Kedarkantha usually starts from Sankri, a small village, and takes four days to complete.

There are several myths around Kedarkantha and Juda ka Talab, a high altitude lake.

Kedarkantha unfolds as a captivating 4 to 6 days journey through the pristine wilderness of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand. This all-encompassing experience encompasses the trek itself and the travel days from Dehradun to the base camp and back, totaling six days. Kedarkantha stands as a cherished gem among India’s trekking destinations, holding allure for both seasoned trekkers and novices alike.

The trekkers’ fascination with Kedarkantha finds its epicenter in the exhilarating summit ascent. The summit of Kedarkantha beckons right from the very base camp, dominating the horizon with its majestic presence. As you embark on your trek in the early morning hours, ascending the steep snow-covered slopes, the panorama unfolds before your eyes.

The journey to the summit is by no means a cakewalk; it is a continuous, challenging uphill climb. As you approach the summit, the terrain becomes progressively more demanding. However, the towering peaks of the upper Himalayas stand as your steadfast companions throughout this arduous ascent, serving as a source of inspiration until you finally reach the summit.

As you stretch your limits and gaze upon the Himalayan vistas from the summit, a profound sense of fulfillment and triumph washes over you—an unparalleled sensation that lingers in memory.

What sets this trek apart is its unparalleled adventure, making it particularly enticing for beginners who seek the ultimate summit experience.

Beyond the summit achievement, Kedarkantha boasts a distinctive feature: its enchanting clearings. Scenic clearings along a trek route are a rare find, offering refreshing resting spots and picturesque campsites. This trek is generously endowed with such clearings along its diverse routes, strategically positioned to provide breathtaking vantage points for appreciating the trek and its panoramic vistas.

A third distinctive attribute of this trek lies in its captivating forests. All three routes leading to Kedarkantha traverse through a captivating tapestry of diverse forests that envelop you in their lush embrace. These forests have the power to transport you into a realm of natural wonder—if you’re not cautious, you may find yourself blissfully lost within them, a delightful prospect indeed.

About Kedarkantha Trek:

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate

• Highest Elevation: 12,500 feet

• Trek Duration: 05 Days/ 04 Nights

• Trek Distance: 21 km

• Region: Uttarkashi

• Base Camp: Sankri Village

• Nearest Bus/Railway Station/Airport: Dehradun

THINGS TO CARRY:

Things To Carry

• Backpack (Min 55 Ltrs with rain cover): It is important that you pick a good quality backpack with a comfortable fit and straps that won’t give you shoulder pain. You can check out your nearest Decathlon store for a good trekking backpack.

• Day backpack (20 – 30 Ltrs): When you head towards the summit, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one on the campsite.

• Floaters or Sandals: Although the entire trek requires a good quality shoe, you still need to let your feet breathe to avoid chafing and blisters. When you are at the camp, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.

• Trekking Shoes: A good trekking shoe is one that is comfortable, provides ankle support and has a good grip as well. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead they should be lightweight and sturdy.

• 3 Quick Dry Tees: It’s important that you keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene.

• 2 Track Pants: A good pair of track pants made of polyester will let your skin breathe. They’re lightweight, dry easily and are comfortable to walk around in. You can easily avoid chafing and rashes by investing in a good pair of track pants.

• 3 Pair of Cotton Socks: Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.

• 1 Pair of Woolen Socks: A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.

• 1 Poncho: A poncho is basically an evolved form of a rain coat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from rains.

• 1 Heavy Jacket: It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry a heavy jacket that you can put on over your other clothes.

• 1 Pair of Thermal: Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when going on a high altitude trek.

• Quick-dry towel: A quick dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It’s necessary that it dries quickly because wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.

• Windproof Jacket: As you ascend towards high altitude, you get hit by chilly winds and a windbreaker jacket is designed to resist them. They are lightweight and are made of synthetic fibers.

• Woolen Cap: A woolen cap will help prevent cold when you ascend to high altitude. You can also cover your ears to avoid any pain and discomfort you might face in them when going on high altitudes.

• Gloves: Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands and also provide better grasp on trekking poles.

• Sun Cap: A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day.

• 1 Scarf or Balaclava: Along with sun rays and chilly winds, you also get hit by dirt and grime during treks which is why it’s important to carry a scarf or balaclava so you can cover your face when needed.

• Lip Balm: Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it’s important to keep them moisturized.

• Cold Cream & SunScreen (SPF 40+): In order to avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.

• Antibacterial powder: To avoid rashes that develop from bacterial infestation in your armpits and other parts of your body.

• Water Bottle 1 Lt.: Hydration is extremely important when it comes to trekking. To carry a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.

• Headlamp or torch: You can’t rely on moonlight when you are in the mountains. A torch or even a headlamp with a fresh pair of batteries is always a good idea to bring along.

• Bag for all your Toiletries: A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap etc should be carried in a ziplock bag.

• Personal Basic Medical Kit: A few cuts and bruises are almost inevitable when you are on a trek so carrying a medical kit with bandages, dettol etc is necessary.

• Dark Sunglasses / People who use spectacles (Use Photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses): Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti glare shades depending upon the exposure of the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip on glasses etc.

• Trekking Pole: Trekking pole assists in more than one way. It saves energy while also providing stability and helps you to maintain proper balance.

• Extra Polythene: In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in a polythene. However, make sure that all the plastic that you are carrying into the woods leaves with you. Don’t litter in the mountains.

• Camera: This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all great moments from your trek.. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.