Kedarkantha Trek-Best Winter Trek in India

Kedarkantha is one of the best winter treks in India. The spectacular 360-degree view, snow-covered mountains, challenging trails, and chilling wind make this trek even more beautiful and exciting. Plan for the Kedakanta trek this winter season and experience adventure and beauty in the same place.

Price : ₹ 7,500 + 5% GST EXTRA

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

Kedarkantha is a mountain peak of the Himalayan ranges located in the Goving wildlife sanctuary of Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha peak is most famous as a trekking destination. In fact, the Kedarkantha trek is considered as one of the best winter treks in India.

The spectacular view from Kedarkantha summit, snowfall, and knee deep powder snow are some of the reasons which make this destination a dream destination for both regular and seasonal trekkers.

Previously known as a winter trek, it is now also popular in the summer, with a carpet of wild flowers, a beautiful pine forest, wide clearings, and a summit climb making it a top trekking destination even in the summer.

Interesting Facts About Kedarkantha

1) Here the lord Shiva had opened his locked hair and water dripped from his hair became a huge lake that is called Judda ka Talab

2) According to the belief of the local people there, the temple at Kedarkantha submit is 600 years old.

3) Mahadev used to meditate on Kedarkantha mountain, once some hunters were making a lot of noise while hunting a deer, and this was distracting Mahadev, due to this Mahadev cursed them and turned into a stone, Even today, while trekking Kedarkantha, you will see very big stones which are believed to have belonged to those hunters.

Quick Facts Of Kedarnkantha Trek

  • Average temperature: Day (7°C to 15°C) and Night: (-5°C to 7°C)
  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Night
  • Kedarkantha Trek Height: 12,500 Feet(3810 meters)
  • Kedarkantha Trek Distance: 21kms
  • Best time for Kedarkantha Trek: November to March
  • Location: Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
  • Base camp: Sankri
  • Kedarkantha Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate
  • Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun
  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
  • Mobile connectivity: 4G network available from Jio, Airtel and BSNL
kedarkantha trek overview
Quick facts about Kedarkantha trek you must know

Kedarkantha Trek Short Itinerary

  • Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri

    Drive-210kms; Duration -7 to 8 (Hours), Altitude-6500 feet, Stay - Guest House Sankri, Starting Time-7 AM, Meals -Dinner only

    Reach Dehradun before 7 AM. One of our representatives will meet you there and will brief you about the trek. After gerring settled in we will proceed towards Sankri. It will take around 7 to 8 hours to reach Sankri from Dehradun. Checkin at hotel/guest house/home stay and relax for a night

  • Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talaab

    Trek- 4 km; Duration- 5-6 (Hours), Altitude-9100 feet,Difficulty- easy to Moderate, Stay -camp (Gulling), Starting Time-8 AM, Meals -Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, tea and snacks

    For first 2-3 hours the trail is quite ascends. During summer the trail will covered with pine and maple leaves and you will also spot some wildlife and wildflowers. In winters trail covered with snow and Juda ka talab will became frozen lake in winter. Carry at least 1 litter of water and refill at water point.

  • Day 3: Juda ka Talaab to Kedarkantha Base camp

    Trek- 4 km; Duration -5 to 6 (Hours), Altitude-11,250 feet, Difficulty- Moderate, Stay- camp (Kedarkantha base camp), Starting Time-8 AM, Melas – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, tea and snacks

    The trail is marked properly but little steeper than the 1st day, carry enough water and take care of your Skin from harsh sun so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, cap and sunglasses.

  • Day 4: Kedarkantha Base camp to Kedarkantha summit and back to Hargaon

    Trek- 11 km; Duration- 6-7 (Hours), Altitude-10,900 feet,Difficulty- Moderate, Stay -Camp(Hargaon), Starting Time-7 AM, Meals -Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, tea and snacks

    The trail starts with gradual ascent for 1-1.5 hours and get steep for 1 hours and the last 30 min towards peak is little difficult. Carry enough water and now relax, descend trail is easy.

  • Day 5: Hargaon to Sankari and drive to Dehradun

    Trek- 6 km, Drive-210kms; Duration -9 to 10 (Hours), Altitude- 6500 feet, Starting Time-6 AM, Meals -Breakfast only

    The last day of trek is easy, can cover in 1-2 hours, there is a water point, you can fill your water bottle. If time allows explore sankari , buy some handicraft and enjoy the local and delicious food at Dhaba, you will able to know more about the culture of sankari. Your car will wait at 8 A.M and we will drop you Dehradun around 5-7 o clock. Our memorable trip will end here.

Kedarkantha Trek Package

We generally offer fixed departures for the Kedarkantha trek, but if you are travelling in a group of more than four people and have some special needs, you can also take a customised package with your preferred services and dates. We also provide some group discounts, which you can check from the table provided below.

Kedarkantha Trek Group Price

Group

1-4

5-8

9-15

15+

Dehradun to Dehradun

₹ 8,000

₹ 7,800

₹ 7,500

₹ 7,300

Delhi to Delhi

₹ 9,500

₹ 9,300

₹ 9,000

₹ 8,700

* 5% GST EXTRA OF THE ABOVE PRICE

Cost Included And Excluded

  • Transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun in Bolero/ Tempo Traveller
  • Stay will be triple or quad sharing basis in hotels/homestay/tents
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Snacks and Tea
  • First aid medical Kit
  • Tour guide
  • Crampons and Getters
  • Trekking Permits
  • Any personal expenses.
  • Any expenditure arises out of unforeseen natural calamity
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusion.
  • Any mules, horses, or any other medium to carry personal luggage during trekking or a road journey.
  • Any extra food you buy.
  • Any pictures clicked by an outside person.

Kedarkantha Trekking Cost

Located at an altitude of 12,500 feet, the Kedarkantha trek is a trekker's heaven. It is equally popular among first-timers and regular trekkers. Every year, thousands of trekkers visit Kedarkantha to experience the adventure, and hence hundreds of companies organise the Kedarkantha Trek. There will be a huge variation in the Kedarkantha trekking package cost.

The Kedarkantha trekking package cost ranges from Rs 5500 to Rs 12000 depending upon the duration of the trek, inclusions and exclusions, quality of services, and most importantly, the qualification of the guide, etc. 

Let’s categories Kedarkantha trek package price depending upon the starting point

Dehradun to Kedarkantha Trek Cost

At Manchala Mushafir, our regular departure is from Dehradun. You will get this 5 day/4 night Kedarkantha trekking package at a cost of Rs 7,500 per person, from Dehradun to Dehradun. The package will include all meals from the first day's dinner to the last day's breakfast, as well as transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun and lodging in camps/homestays/hotels/guesthouses on a multiple-sharing basis.

Delhi to Kedarkantha Tek cost

A 6 day/5 night Kedarkantha trekking package from New Delhi costs Rs. 9,500 per person. It will include to and fro bus tickets on an A/C Semi-Sleeper bus from New Delhi to Dehradun,all meals from the second day to the last day, and accommodation in hotels, homestays, or camping.A 6 day/5 night Kedarkantha trekking package from New Delhi costs Rs. 7,500 per person. It will include to and fro bus tickets on an A/C Semi-Sleeper bus from New Delhi to Dehradun,in addition to the inclusive package from Dehradun.

Kedarkantha trek cost starting form 4800. Book your kedarkantha trek package with Manchala Mushafir now
Kedarkanth Trek view

Quick guide to navigate through Kedarkantha Trek page

About Kedarkantha Temple

In addition to the trekking, Kedarkantha is widely known for its Shiva temple perched atop the mountain. According to legend, Lord Shiva's five body parts have emerged in five separate locations. They are collectively referred to as the Panch Kedar. One of the five kedar temples, or Pach Kedar, is the Kedarkantha Temple.

The Kedarkantha Temple is surrounded by a lot of legends. Some people think that when a bull started galloping around while Lord Shiva was here to meditate, he left and proceeded to Kedarnath to meditate.

Another tale holds that when the Pandavas arrived in Kedarnath in search of Lord Shiva, the Lord attempted to flee and disguised himself as a bull. He made an effort to flee Kedanath, but Bhima held him from his hump, and five body parts appeared in five different places. At this place, Lord Shiva's neck appeared, and hence this place is widely known as Kedarkantha, meaning the neck of Lord Shiva.

Whatever the case may be, it is undeniable that Kedarkantha is an important pilgrimage site. As a result, Kedarkantha is an ideal destination for both pilgrims and adventure seekers.

kedarkantha trek 2022-2023 images
Posing near Kedakantha Temple

Kedarkantha Trek Detailed Itinerary

Arrive early in the morning at the capital of Uttarakhand and one of the most beautiful places in India (Dehradun) and start our journey towards the base camp set up at Sankari, located at 6,500 ft. During the 210 km drive, you will pass through the most beautiful places like Mossoories, Naitwar, and Mori. It will be a picturesque drive along the Yamuna and Ton rivers with pin trees lining the road.  The river will be sparkling with its full flow, and at some point, the water will be milky white, and at some point, it will be blue and natural green. Also, throughout the drive, you will feel the fragrance of pinewood and the beauty of nature.

After a 9–10-hour breezy ride, we will reach Sankari and check in at your hotel or guest house and drop your luggage. After freshening up, you can spend the evening at the eccentric village of Sankari in your spare time. This small Himalayan village is well known as a trekking hub as it is the base camp for many popular treks like Har ki Dun, Bali Pass, Ruinsara Trek etc. Sankari is also popular among photographers to capture all the natural beauty around them. In the evening, you can watch a beautiful sunset and enjoy some delicious local dishes at Dhaba. At night, you can have dinner with your team at a guest house or hotel and stay overnight there.

After breakfast, we will start the trek to Juda ka Talab, located at 9100 feet above sea level. The hike of 4 km will take up to 5-6 hours to complete. As you start your trek, you will stroll through many villages, and from there, you will walk along a stream, and then the trail is full of  greenery by passing through forests of pine (a tall evergreen tree that has thin shark leaves ), maple (a tree that has leaves with 5 points that produce a very sweet liquid), and sport many wild flowers on your way. You will also pass through lush green meadows. We will cross several high-altitude and adjournment bridges along the way. During the winter, if the trail is covered in snow, you may require some equipment to navigate the path. If you are lucky, you can see wildlife like boars, hares, and Himalayan Langurs.

As you trek uphill, you will be witness to the scenic beauty of Juda Ka Talab, which is covered with an alpine lake on one side and a pine forest on the other side . You will not have words to describe this feeling; only you can feel it. After refreshing yourself, go for a nature walk in the area and click some beautiful pictures. Have breakfast with your follow tracker and sleep overnight in your tent.

Start early with the glorious sunrise and a warm breakfast. You will start your 4 km trek at 8 a.m. from Juda Ka Talab to the base camp, which will be covered in 5 hours. Located at an altitude of 11250 ft. The trail is marked properly, so it is easy to navigate, but it is a little steeper. In the first hours of your trek, you will enter a dense forest of pine (a tall evergreen tree that has thin, sharp leaves) and oak (a type of large tree with hard wood), which soon opens into wonderful meadows that are lined with tiny shepherd’s huts. In the next hours, you will be witness to many Himalayan peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargrohini, Ranglana, Kala Nag, etc. that will leave you speechless. These are well-known peaks for their magnificent views, wonderful creations by mother nature. These are natural jewels which are priceless and will imprint on your mind and soul.

In winter, the trail is covered in snow, and it will take more time to cover and will require crampons and gaiters to navigate the path and to trek easily. Once you reach the campsite, freshen up, rest for a while, take small walks near your camp, have your dinner, and take rest. Tomorrow will be the most important and a little difficult day as you are going to start your trek at 3 A.M.

The wait is over today; we are going to summit Kedarkantha, located at 11250 feet, and cover the 6 km trek in 7-8 hours. Start your day with the shine of sunrise and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then you will start your trek and first be covered with the forest of pink (a tall evergreen tree that has thin sharp leaves) and oak (a type of large tree with hard wood). Leaves are scattered on the ground, your feet are scrunching and you can hear the faint sound of streams flowing through them. Soon the forest opens up and you are very close to the Kedarkantha peak. From here, the trail is steeper and a little more difficult, but the magnificent view from Kedarkantha will convince you that the struggle to reach here is totally worth it. Your eyes will not blink as you see the sun rising from the summit.

There is a little temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesh. You can meditate here for some time, and you will feel something special. Seek the blessing of Lord Shiva, enjoy the view, and capture the movement. p

Begin your descent to Hargaon. The trail is easy and faster now. We will reach Hargaon soon, located at 8900ft. After arriving at the campsite, prepare a delicious meal and retire for the night.

The last day of the trek covers the trail to Sankari, located at 6500ft and 6 km from Hargaon. It will take 2 hours, and the 2km trail is a gradual descent. After breakfast at Sankari, we will head back to Dehradun with so many beautiful memories. You will reach Dehradun around 6-7 o clock.

Now it's time to say bye-bye and get back to the busy routine of life, but whenever you see the picture you captured throughout your journey, You will have happiness and you are not leaving empty-handed; you have a lifetime of memories to remember and new friends to plan the next trip with.

About Juda Ka Talab

If you were planning to visit Kedarkantha trek and have ever read about it, then you must have heard about Juda Ka Talab. The lateral meaning of Juda Ka Talab is a pond formed out of water coming from matted hair. But have you ever thought about how this massive pond formed and where the water came from? As we know, Lord Kedar, or Shiva, visited this place for meditation. As per legends, it is believed that this pond was formed out of water coming from Lord Shiva's matted hair. So the water of this frozen lake is treated equivalent to Ganga Jal as it also appears to be from the same source.

Anyway, whatever may be the truth, this frozen lake "Juda ka Talab" is situated at an altitude of 2700 feet and acts as a camping ground for all those trekking to Kedarkantha. This location is perfect for camping because of the water source and scenic beauty all around.

Here we provide all relevent updated of Kedarkantha trek so that you can choose best Kedarkantha trek package for you at best time
View of Juda Ka Talab

Other Famous Places Near Kedarkantha Trek

If you have done the Kedarkantha trek earlier or have extra time and you want to visit some other places while on the Kedarkantha trek, then here is a list of some famous places near Kedarkantha which you can visit with or without going on the Kedarkantha trek. Manchala Mushafir recommends you keep some spare time and try to explore at least a few of these famous places. Believe it or not, this will be the cherry on your cake.

Har ki dun trek

The Har ki Dun trek, which begins in Sankri village and is only a few kilometres away from the Kedarkantha trek, is another popular trek. Located at an altitude of 11,700 feet, this trek is most famous as a summer trek in the Garhwal Himalaya. This is also known as the "hanging valley" for its cradle-shaped mountains.

Rishikesh for Camping and Rafting

Camping and rafting at Rishikesh is another great option for anyone visiting Kedakantha trek and having some spare time. Rishikesh is a small town located just 45 km from Dehradun and is most famously known as Yoga Nagri. Other than pilgrimage, Rishikesh is also famous for the adventure sports it offers. Some of the adventure sports which you can do in Rishikesh are river rafting, bunjee jumping, gaint swinging, etc. If you have a limited budget, then Camping and rafting at Rishikesh could be the best option.

Kedarnath Yatra

You must have heard of Kedarnath and have dreamt of visiting this place at least once. Kedarnath is both a trekking and a pilgrimage spot, so you can say that it is a perfect place for adventure and pilgrimage at the same time. If you have visited Kedarkantha trek earlier and wish to visit some were else similar to it then you can think of Kedarnath. But keep note that Kedarnath temple remains open only for six months between May to October of November.

Chopta Tungnath Temple

Tunganath is a 1000-year old Shiva temple, the heighest in the world and is the heighest among the Panch Kedars. It is another popular trekking destination in the Rudraprayag district, best known for the Chopta Chandrashila Tunganath Trek, which you can do with or without visiting Kedarkantha.

Nag Tibba Trek

Located at an altitude of 3000 metres above sea level, the Nag Tibba trek is another famous trek near Dehradun which you can visit. On this trek, you will see a variety of beautiful flora and fauna as well as a stunning view of the deep valley around you. This is a short trek, so if you have some spare time on your hand, then you can definitely visit this site.

Dehradun and Haridwar

Dehradun has many tourist destinations that you can't afford to miss. Some of these are Robbers Cave, Rajaji National Park, Fun Valley water park, Haridwar etc. If you have some spare time after completing the Kedarkantha trek, then you should definitely visit some or all of these places. This will make your trip even more interesting and fun.

Kedarkantha Trek Booking

If you want to do the Kedarkantha trek this winter, you can book your Kedarkantha trek package online from Manchala Mushafir for the best services and a stress-free trekking experience. Book your trek now and leave your worries with us. Our experts will make arrangements for all your trekking needs and will ensure the best trekking experience for you. All you need to do is to click on the "book now" button on this page and fill in all the required details carefully. One of our trip experts will contact you soon and will help you finalise your trekking plan.

Kedarkantha Trek Distance

Before starting your trekking adventure, you need to be well aware of the trekking distance of the Kedarkantha trek. The total trekking distance of the Kedarkantha trek is 20 km, which starts from Sankri, the base camp of Kedarkantha. During the winter season, the trails of Kedarkantha will be covered with snow, making it a bit difficult.

So if you are coming on this trek, you need to be mentally and physically robust. Please refer to the tips to be followed before coming on this trek to make it pleasant.

Kedarkantha trek package cost starts from just rs 6000 per person.
Kedarkantha Trek Package Night View

Fitness Tips for Kedarkanta Trek

The Kedarkantha trek is located at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level. Every day, you will walk 5–6 kilometres in 4-5 hours, with a gradual ascent and descent. This is the distance you have to cover on your feet with a backpack on your back. If you come to the Kedarkantha trek unprepared, then you are going to face difficulties like fatigue, shoulder aches, breathing problems, etc.

Here are a few exercises that you need to do for at least 30 days before your departure. This will help you cope with difficulties and successfully summit the trek.

Brisk Walking

The target is to cover 4–5 km in 35–40 minutes, which we have to achieve in 20–25 days. Start with a small distance and keep on increasing it as per your personal capacity. Don't forget to do proper stretching before and after the walk to keep your body safe from cramps.

Pushups

Pushups will strengthen the muscles around your arms and shoulders. This will make it easier for you to carry your backpack on the Kedarkantha trek .So the target of pushups is 3 sets of 10 repetitions. I know it may seem to be too much, but no worry. Proceed according to your personal capacity and gradually increase it. Don't stress yourself too much during preparation and give your body some time to adjust.

Crunches

Lie down on your back, keeping your body straight and your arms behind your head. Now try to get up without removing your hand from your head or lifting your legs from the ground. Try to achieve a target of 3 sets with 10 repetitions each. In the beginning, you may face some difficulty, but don't worry, things will get better with practice. This exercise will help you strengthen your abs.

Squats

During trekking, our legs perform the most, so making them strong is more important than any other part. So let's begin with squats. You have to keep your hands behind your head and do situps. This will help you strengthen your quadriceps. So the target is to perform 3 sets with 10 repetitions each. Even though this is an easy exercise, don't go for too much of it on the first day only. This may generate lactic acid on your legs, resulting in severe pain. So go with a small number and keep on increasing as per your personal capacity.

Lunges

Our next exercise for strengthening your legs is lunges. For lunges, you have to stand straight with your hands on your waist and one leg at least 1.5 to 2 feet ahead of your body . Now keep your body and go down on your legs without bending your body. This will strengthen your hamstrings and keep you fit during the trek. So the target is to do 3 sets with 10-15 repetitions each. Perform this exercise as per your personal capacity and don't forget to keep note of your daily progress. This will help you measure your progress and keep you motivated.

Planks

Planks are another great exercise to strengthen your shoulders and abs. For this, you have to lie down with your face toward the ground and lift your body off the ground with your arms in front of your face and your feet lifting your lower body on your fingers. The target is to perform this task for 60 to 90 seconds. This time may seem very small, but in the beginning, it would be tough to balance yourself for even 30 seconds. But don't get disheartened; you can always improve your performance.

Kedarkantha Trek Height

Kedarkantha is one of the most famous winter treks, located at an altitude of 12,500 feet (3810 meters) above sea level. This trekking heaven is in the Govind wildlife sanctury of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Panch Kedars.

Best time for Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha is one of the few high-altitude Himalayan treks in India that remains accessible for most parts of the year. Except in the rainy season, it remains accessible for almost 9–10 months out of the year. Earlier, it was famous as a winter trek, but now it is also gaining popularity as a summer trek. So here we are going to see Kedarkantha trek weather conditions in a bit of detail so that you can get a clear idea about the location even before visiting there.

Spring

In this region, the spring season will come in the last week of February and will end in March. During this time, you will still find some traces of ice, especially at higher altitudes near the Kedarkantha summit. The weather during this season will be less chilling, but the temperature during the night may fall below zero degrees, so don't forget to pack your warm clothes properly. On your trails to Kedarkantha trek, you will find some rhodedendron and other wildflowers blooming. You will also find many water sources during the spring season.

Summers

The weather in Kedarkantha remains pleasant during the months of April, May, and June, with no snow on the ground, allowing for wide clearings and views of the valley and nearby water source on the trails of the Kedarkantha trek.The carpet of lush green grass, the pleasing smell of wild flowers, and the chirping of birds are enough to make your day.

During these months, the weather remains pleasant with the fewest crowds, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful trekking destination rich in natural beauty.

Autumns

Autumn is also one of the most pleasant seasons to trek in Kedarkantha. During the months of October and November, the temperature in Kedarkantha will remain between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant cool weather for all those trekkers who are not comfortable with extreme cold. From Kedarkantha summit, since this is a post monsoon period, you will get a clear view of mountain peaks all around you.

Winters

The Kedarkantha trek is well known as the best winter trek in India. It is known for its snowfall, knee-deep powder snow, chilling wind and the most beautiful sunrise from the top of Kedarkantha trek. If you can stand the cold and want to experience the mountain summit in its natural state, winter is unquestionably the best time to visit Kedarkantha trek. During the months of December, January, and February, this region receives snowfall on a daily basis. Sometimes the temperature may fall below -5 degrees celcius. But that is the real adventure you are looking for.

Kedarkantha Trek Temperature

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons at Kedarkantha Trek. In this season, temperatures vary a lot. During the day time, the temperature may range between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, but during the night time it may fall below 0 degrees Celsius. So here is the chart of Kedarkantha's temperature during different months, which can help you plan your trip properly.

Kedarkantha temperature in November

November is the beginning of winter in this region. During the day, the temperature at Kedarkantha will range between 5 and 11 degrees Celsius, but at night, it will be somewhere between 2 and -4 degrees Celsius. There will be no snowfall during this month, but there will be plenty of snow around your camping spot and on your trekking route..

Kedarkantha temperature in December

In the month of December, this region receives medium to heavy snowfall, especially during the last fifteen days of the year. During this month, temperatures at Kedarkantha will range between 1 and 5 degrees Celsius during the daytime and will fall between -2 and -7 degrees Celsius during the night time.

Kedarkantha temperature in January

January is also one of the most chilling months in this area, but the intensity of snow fall will decrease after the 1st week of January. In the month of January, temperatures in Kedarkantha will range between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius during the day time and will fall to -4 degrees Celsius during the night time .

Kedarkantha temperature in February

February is a bit of a relaxing month with minimum snowfall but enough snow all around the trek. The snow will start to melt in the last week of February. The temperature at Kedarkantha this month will range between 4 and 10 degrees Celsius during the daytime and will be between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius during the night.

Kedarkantha temperature in March

The weather during the month of March will be very pleasant for those who wish to visit Kedarkantha Trek but are not comfortable with the chilling cold. Kedarkantha's temperature during the day time will be somewhat between 8 and 15 degrees celcius during the day time, while at night it may fall to 2 or 3 degrees celcius.

How to reach Kedarkantha

Kedarkantha is a himalayan peak situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. The last motorable road for the Kedarkantha trek is till Sankri village( a small village in Uttarakhad). Sankri is about 200 km away from the state headquarters at Dehradun. To reach Kedarkantha, you must trek for nearly 10 kilometres from Sankri. Every year, thousands of trek enthusiasts from India and abroad visit this place for trekking and holidays.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun, which is 200 km away from Sankri (the base camp of the Kedarkantha trek). Rishikesh station is well connected with the major destinations in India, and you can reach Rishikesh easily from any part of the country. From here, you need to take a bus or cab to Sankri. There are very few direct buses available on this route for Sankri, and those will be available only till 8 AM.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarkanth is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport). You will get direct flights from all major cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. If you are coming from any other city, then you can take a flight to Dehradun with a break in New Delhi. Or you can fly till Delhi and then book our package from New Delhi to cover the remaining distance by road. New Delhi is about 450 kms away from Sankri (the base camp of the Kedarkantha trek).

By Road: For the Kendarkantha trek, you have to first reach Sankri, the last motorable point for this trek. Sankri is about 200 km away from the state capital, Dehradun. There are numerous bus and taxi options up to Dehradun, but there are very few options from Dehradun to Sankri. If you are planning to reach Dehradun, then it's recommended to check available options of transport before leaving your residence.

Things to pack for Kedarkantha Trek

Clothing

Assume yourself on the top of kedarkantha trek, and there comes a time when you realise you forgot to carry something you really need. Such a situation like this is really sad, and you can't afford to be sad in that position. So to avoid or reduce the probability of disappointment, let's plan how and what to pack in your sack.

  • Shirts: 3/4, Pants: 3
  • The windproof jacket with a hood
  • Warm, Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
  • Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
  • Woollen cap, gloves, socks(2-3 pairs)
  • Comfortable and waterproof Trekking shoes
  • Lightweight slippers
  • Raincoat
  • Nylon Rope and Safety Pin
  • Water bottle
  • Personal Use Utensils
  • Walking stick, Trekking pole
  • Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm
  • Head Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Extra face masks
  • Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)

Documents to Carry

All the passengers need to present the following documents before beginning Kedarkantha Trek

  • A valid Photo ID
  • Biometric registration
  • Medical check-up report done at the time of check-in.
  • Double dose corona vaccine certificate
  • Carry the printed invoice of Manchala Mushafir

Medical Kit

Basically, we take the First Aid box with us, but if you are taking any regular medicines, you must not forget to take those medicines. Along with it, we recommend you to take:

  • Diamox (to prevent AMS)
  • Paracetamol(Feaver)
  • Avil 25mg (allergies)
  • Digene/ Pudin Hara (acidity)
  • Norflox TZ (diarrhea)
  • Combiflam (Pain killer)
  • Avomine (motion sickness)
  • Crocin (fever)
  • Knee Cap
  • Moov spray
  • Betadine
  • Cotton
  • Band-aid
  • Gauze
  • Crepe Bandage

Cutltural Importance of Kedarkantha

Locals here believe that Lord Shiva has meditated here. So, other than at Kedarkantha, you will find Shiva temples at Sankri, Kotgaon, and Gaichwan Gaon. Locals worship this place and treat this mountain as a god. They worship this place, so Manchala Mushafir appeals to all its trekkers to respect their feelings and help them to maintain the purity of this region. We strictly prohibit anyone from disrespecting the sentiments of locals and urge everyone to exercise extreme caution while trekking, especially when taking photographs.

Kedarkanth trek summit and celebration after completing Kedarkantha trek
After Completing Kedarkantha Trek by our last batch

Tips for Kedarkantha Trek

  • If you are coming to Kedarkantha Trek, especially in the winter season, consult your family doctor and get your body properly checked.
  • Strictly follow the exercise routine stated above. It will help you to complete the trek with great ease.
  • Carry a water bottle with you and keep sipping water at regular intervals. It will keep your body hydrated.
  • Always carry energy bars and chocolates with you. This will help you to keep your body energetic during the trek.
  • Keep your I-card and all other important documents in a plastic pouch to protect it from rain. Keep it accessible and produce it whenever you are asked to do so.
  • Don't litter on the trek. Always carry a pouch to collect all the wrappers and plastics in it. Bring all that waste with you and throw it only in dustbin..
  • Never smoke or drink alcohol on a trek. It will decrease your stamina and you will face problems with breathing and fatigue.

Kedarkantha Trek Difficulty

Trek difficulty is decided on many factors, like trails, length of trek, altitude, weather conditions, etc. The Kedarkanth trek is a high-altitude trek with a trekking length of 20 km on one side. During winter, trails are mostly covered with knee-deep snow, and you may face chilling gusty winds and heavy to moderate snowfall during your trek. These factors make this trek a bit challenging, and that's why we keep it in the category of easy to moderate difficulty level .

Why Manchala Mushafir for Kedarkantha Trek

There are millions of companies in the market which offer you the same trek at an even lower price. Then why choose Manchala Mushafir for the Kedarkantha trek? Well, we don't claim to be the best trekking company in India, and honestly speaking, even that doesn't bother us. Our main focus is customer satisfaction and our team of experts is working round the clock to make your trekking experience even better. Here are some of the points which help us to stand out from our competitors and go the extra mile for our customers.

  • Hassle-Free Booking:Manchala Mushafir is a one-stop solution for all your trekking needs. Just book your trek with us and leave all your worries behind. Manchala Mushafir tema will manage everything you are going to need before and during the trek. We ensure a lifetime experience for our customers.
  • Easy Resheduling: The entire team that goes with the trek is highly experienced in their given fields and has been working for over six years to provide you with a memorable trekking experience. To get the best trek, always choose an experienced guide.
  • Experienced Guide: All our trek leaders are mountaineering experts, having formal education in the fields of mountaineering and first aid. So trek worry free. You are trekking with Manchala Mushafir. Your safety is our utmost priority.
  • Freshly Prepared Food: We always serve our trekkers with freshly prepared food. All our food will be prepared on site with minimum oil and authentic local spices.
  • Best Camping Experience: Multiple quality checks are being done before providing it to trekkers for extra comfort and safety. We at Manchala Mushafir always provide the best camping and accessories for your perfect night stay even in adverse climatic conditon on Kedarkantha trek.
  • Booking with 20% of the trek fee: To make it easier for you, we started taking bookings with just 20% of the total trekking fee. The remaining amount you can pay after reaching Dehradun.
  • EMI Available: If you want to trek this winter season but have budget constraints, Then also, you can trek with Manchala Mushafir with its easy EMI system on some debit cards and almost all credit cards. You can contact our customer support for information regarding EMI.
  • Intant Refund:We don't believe in redtapism and made the refund super fast. If you cancel your trip with Manchala Mushafir, we process your refund immediately, and the money usually gets credited to your account within 24 hours.

Kedarkantha Mythology

The lateral meaning of Kedarkantha is' throat of Lord Shiva'. As you can infer from its name, this place holds mythological improtance and something connected to the lord Shiva.

As per old stories and sacred scriptures, the Pandavas visited Kedarnath after the war of Mahabharat to seek Lord Shiva's blessing and release them from the sin of killing their blood relatives. But Lord Shiva was not in the mood to absolve them of their sin, and he attempted to flee Kendarnath. After having disappeared, body parts of Lord Shiva appeared at five different places. The hair of Lord Shiva appeared at Kalpeshwar, the face appeared at Rudranath, the arms appeared in Tunganath, the naval appeared in Madhyamaheshwar and the back of Lord Shiva appeared in Pashupati temple (now in Nepal).

All these five places are famous for Lord Shiva's temple, and together they are known as Panch Kedar.

Kedarkantha trek summit. Manchala Mushafir team after summiting kedarkantha trek with last batch
Amazing view of Kedarkantha after completing Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek Faq

Kedarkantha trek falls in easy to moderate himalayan trek category. The entire trek covers around 10 Kms on one side so can be completed easily with 4 to 5 hours trek a day. However, kedarkantha being the most famous winter trek, is mostly covered in snow during trekking months and going up the kedarkantha peak may get quite challenging if there are wind storms. So, you need a good guide and equipments to keep you safe and also be mentally and physically robust.

A complete Kedarkantha trek package of 5D/4N varies from 6k to 12k per person. The actual cost of kedarkantha trek depends upon your pickup and drop location i.e whether from sankri or dehradun or delhi, number of persons you are sharing your tent with i.e double/triple/quad sharing, your trekking gears, food quality and guide among other things.

Total length of kedarkantha trek is 20 Kms with quite steep slopes at few places and not so steep at others. So, going slowly with 4-5 hrs trek daily, you can easily complete kedarkantha trek in 5 days. If you are physically fit like an athlete and lack time, you can also complete kedarkantha trek in a day or two. However, kedarkantha trek is one of the most beautiful trek and it's the journey through pine woods surrounded with mighty mountains that makes it beautiful. so make sure to utilise this trek as a moment to be amidst nature in it's pristine form and not rush through it to just complete the trek.

Kedarkantha trek is one of the best winter trek for beginners. With easy to moderate gradient, short length of 20 KMs and trekking duration of 5 Days, kedarkantha is best trek for beginners to get exposure to himalayan trek. However, one needs a trained guide and high quality trekking equipments like the one provided at manchala mushafir to avoid any unfavourable circumstances on kedarkantha trek.

Kedarkantha is round the year trek. However, considered as the best winter trek, keadarkantha is trekked mostly during winters from December to march months. kedarkantha trek in December to march months remain blanketed with snow. The morning sunrise from the other side of snow clad mountain makes it picture perfect moment for all trekkers.

If you have very good knowledge of himalayan trek and you are a frequent trekker then certainly you can make it without a guide. But, if you are not so frequent trekker or beginner on kedarkantha trek, it is advisable to go with a well organised group and trained guides. kedarkantha trek in winter is covered with good amount of snow and you may also face storm upside which make it essential to be with an expert guide and have high quality equipments to keep you safe on the trek. Going kedarkantha trek solo without any guide will cost you same or even more in case you are injured during trek or get lost or loose your equipments.

The total length of Kedarkantha trek is around 20 Kms and is easy to moderate trek. If you have an athlete level of physical fitness and can cover 20 Kms of himalayan trek in a day, certainly you can complete kedarkantha trek in one day. However, for beginners and a person with average level of physical fitness, it takes four to five days to complete kedarkantha trek without any complications. Moreover, if you are on kedarkantha trek to enjoy the beautiful scenery and spend some time in the lap of nature, take your time to embrace the scenic trail of kedarkantha trek.

Important things to pack for kedarkantha trek are following:-

A pair of good trekking shoes

4-5 pairs of socks

two to three layers of thermal innerwear

Lip balm

moisturizer with SPF above 25

UV protected sunglasses

raincoat

sun cap

Torch

water bottle

energy bar

Trek pole

Any government issued ID card with your address like aadhaar or passport or driving licence

The Best thing about trekking is that you get to meet new people from completely different place with different cultures and become good friends in very short span of time. Also, you get to spend some time in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of city, relax and get time with your ownself. Apart from these, there are following benefits:-

It reduces stress

Improves you cultural understanding

Boost your heart

weight loss

Imroves mental health