Kedarkantha Trek
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Uttarakhand · Uttarakhand

Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek 2026: Ultimate Guide to India’s Best Winter Snow Trek Adventure

Difficulty
Trek DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Duration
Trek Duration5 Days / 4 Nights
Altitude
Highest Altitude12,500 feet
Suitable For
Suitable For8 to 60 years
Distance
Total Trek Distance25 kms
Basecamp
BasecampSankri
Accommodation
AccommodationTents/Hotel
Region
RegionUttarakhand
Pickup
Pickup DetailsRailway Station, Dehradun
Dropoff
Dropoff DetailsRailway Station, Dehradun
Cloakroom
CloakroomAvailable
Off Loading
Off LoadingAvailable
📢 We have announced dates for 2026. Please scroll down to find the dates. Register soon as this is one of the fastest treks to fill. Click here to get personal help in planning this trek.

Highlights

  • Ultimate Guide to India’s Best Winter Snow Trek Adventure
  • Reliable snowfall, beginner-friendly trail, and panoramic summit views
  • Beautiful blend of dense pine forests and snow-covered campsites
  • Rewarding summit climb at 12,500 feet
  • Triangle shaped mountain in the Garhwal region

Kedarkantha Trek — Overview

Kedarkantha Trek is among the most popular winter Treks in Uttarakhand, famous for its reliable snowfall, beginner-friendly trail, and panoramic summit views. Situated inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, this winter snow trek is an excellent choice for first-time trekkers seeking a safe and well-s…

Kedarkantha Trek — Complete Guide

Our mission has always been to ensure that no trekker steps into the Himalayas without the right perspective. A trek is not just a checklist of summits; it is a serious commitment to the outdoors. Having the right information is what separates a reckless climb from a soulful journey.

This section serves as your definitive manual for the Kedarkantha Trek. We have distilled years of mountain experience and real-time feedback into this guide to give you a clear, honest picture of the trail.

We provide this depth of information because we want you to be more than just a visitor—we want you to be a prepared, responsible trekker who respects the mountains as much as we do.

Short Itinerary
Trek Summary at a Glance
Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri Basecamp
Drive: 190 km (8–9 hours) | Altitude: 6,309 ft | Pickup: 7:00 AM at Dehradun Railway Station. Drive via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls. Overnight stay at Hotel in Sankri.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
Trek: 5 km (4–5 hours) | Altitude: 8,858 ft | Ascent through dense pine forests. Overnight in lakeside camps (Twin/Triple sharing).
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Trek: 3 km (2–3 hours) | Altitude: 10,498 ft | Short scenic climb offering views of snow-capped peaks. Overnight in base camp tents (Twin/Triple sharing).
Day 4: Summit Day | Base Camp – Peak – Hargaon
Trek: 11 km (7–8 hours) | Peak Altitude: 12,500 ft | Early start at 3:30 AM to catch the sunrise. Descend to Hargaon (8,498 ft) for overnight stay.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri & Return to Dehradun
Trek: 4.5 km (2–3 hours) descent to Sankri. Drive: 190 km (7–8 hours) back to Dehradun. Drop-off at Dehradun Railway Station between 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Detailed Day-wise Itinerary
A Complete Route & Campsite Breakdown

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri Basecamp

  • Drive: 190 km (8–9 hours)
  • Altitude: 6,309 ft
Pickup: 7:00 AM at Dehradun Railway Station. Drive via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls. Overnight stay at Hotel in Sankri.
Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty & Experience
What to Expect: Terrain, Weather & Challenges

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate — Suitable for fit beginners.

You will cover a total distance over 5 trekking days, gaining significant altitude. The terrain includes steep ascents and rocky paths. Weather can change rapidly at altitude — rain, snow, and mist are common. Our Trek Leaders monitor conditions and make safety decisions accordingly.

Altitude: You will reach 12,500 ft. At altitudes above 10,000 ft, the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness are real. Fitness helps, but even experienced trekkers can be affected.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek
Seasonal Weather & Temperature Guide

Best months to visit:

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchApril
How to Reach the Base Camp
Your Detailed Travel & Connectivity Guide

The base camp is accessible by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Nearest railway station is Haridwar; nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. We arrange pickup from Rishikesh.

Packing and Gear List
Your Complete Trekking Checklist
  • Layered woollen clothing (thermal base + mid-layer + rain jacket)
  • Trekking poles
  • Good quality trekking shoes (waterproof)
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal first aid kit and any prescription medicine
  • Water bottle (2L minimum)
  • Light snacks (nuts, dry fruits, energy bars)
Preparation & Fitness Tips
Train. Trek. Triumph: Your Complete Fitness Plan

Start training 6 weeks before the trek. Focus on:

  • Cardio — 45 minutes of jogging/cycling, 5 days a week
  • Stair climbing — builds leg and lung capacity
  • Squats and lunges — strengthen knees for steep descents
  • Weekend hikes — practice with a loaded backpack

Fitness Benchmark: Complete 5 km in under 40 minutes before the trek.

Himalayan Ibex Safety Standards & Expertise
Our Expertise Why We Are India's Trusted Trekking Community

Your safety is our priority. We bring oxygen cylinders, high altitude medical kits, and certified Trek Leaders who are trained as Wilderness First Responders.

What is Included & Excluded in Kedarkantha Trek
What is Covered & NOT Covered in the Package
What is included in the trek fee?

Complete Package from Dehradun To Dehradun, Accommodation: Hotel in Sankri, Tents during the trek (Twin/Triple Sharing), Meals: Nutritious meals during the trek, Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and return, Certified high-altitude guide and support staff, Permits: Forest entry permits, Safety equipment & first aid.

What is not included?

Personal gear and expenses, Meals during transit (Dehradun to Sankri and return), Optional Services: Backpack Offloading charge ₹1600, Single Tent/Hotel Room occupancy on request, extra cost.

Map of Kedarkantha Trek Route
Complete Journey Pickup Point to the Peak

Detailed maps and GPS coordinates will be provided in your pre-trek briefing document.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Your Curiosity, Our Commitment
Is Kedarkantha Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, with proper fitness preparation. The difficulty is rated Easy to Moderate.

Important Booking Notes
How to book and payment information
  • Himalayan Ibex offers both online and offline booking options.
  • Payment: We require a 25% advance payment for booking treks. The remaining amount is to be paid in cash at the basecamp before the trek starts.

The IBEX Spirit of Trekking

Our values on and off the trail

We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind.
We protect the environment
We minimise waste, reuse resources, and pick up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations.
We support each other
We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team.