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HomeTreksKedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Dehradun, Uttrakhand

Kedarkantha is an easy trek that is gorgeous in summer and considered one of India's most scenic snow treks. The state of India is also known as Dev Bhoomi (Uttarakhand). Sankari Goan is a resident of the Uttarkashi district. Kedarkantha Mountain is above this village. Its height reach is 12500 ft means 3800 mtr. There is a Wildlife Sanctuary there was converted into Govind Pashu Vihar National Park by the Uttarakhand Government in 1955. It has a starting point. Dehradun City is also known as the City of Love. This journey starts from here. Kempty Falls passes through Mussoorie Pahadon ki Rani means (Queens of Hills) and enters the Sankari Goan. In winter, many tourists come here for trekking—the next step from starting Sankri. Juba ka Talab reaches. There is a lovely pond.

Highlights

Key features and unique experiences

Kedarkantha is an easy trek that is gorgeous in summer and considered one of India's most scenic snow treks.
Kempty Falls passes through Mussoorie Pahadon ki Rani means (Queens of Hills) and enters the Sankari Goan. In winter, many tourists come here for trekking—the next step from starting Sankri.
6 Days
days

Duration

Complete journey time

Perfect length
3,810 m
m

Altitude

Peak elevation

High altitude
Campsite, Tents
nights

Accommodation

Stay arrangement

Comfort stays
Easy

Difficulty

Challenge intensity

Skill required

Detailed Itinerary

Morning: 1. Depart from Dehradun early in the morning (around 6:00 AM) via bus or private vehicle. Direct buses to Sankri are available from the bus station near the railway station, typically departing between 7 AM and 8 AM. Route: 1. The journey will take you through scenic routes, passing through Mussoorie, Mori, and Naitwar. Enjoy views of the Yamuna and Tons rivers along the way. Afternoon: 1. Arrive in Sankri by late afternoon. This quaint village serves as the base for your trek. Check into your accommodation—options range from guesthouses to homestays. Evening: 1. Explore Sankri, enjoy a local meal, and acclimatize to the altitude (6,400 feet). Take a leisurely stroll around the village and prepare for the trek ahead.

Inclusions

All days of the expedition include lodging (from Sankari to Sankri).

On certain days, you will stay in a guesthouse, while on others, you will sleep in tents.

Transportation costs from Dehradun to Sankari and again from Sankari to Dehradun

All meals are provided from breakfast on Day 1 to dinner at Sankari on Day 6. Meals are straightforward, healthy, and vegetarian.

If you need it, we will provide all hiking equipment, such as a sleeping bag, cooking and dining tent, utensils, a mattress, a tent, a toilet tent, and crampons.

First-aid medical equipment, an oxygen cylinder, and a stretcher are all available.

All required forest access fees and permissions.

Your walk will be conducted by educated, experienced professional guides and trek leaders with strong guiding backgrounds, specific nature and trekking expertise, medical certificates, and an enthusiasm for leading people into spectacular terrain.

Exclusions

Personal expenses of any kind are prohibited.

Anything else you want to know, please?

The trek cost does not include meals purchased on the first and last days of the route. Food is served from supper at the base camp on the first day to breakfast on the last day.

Mules or porter fees to transport private luggage (offloading) Bag charges are Rs. 500 per day, per bag. It should be noted that the bag's weight should not exceed 11 kg.

Any type of emergency evacuation fee.

Packing Essentials

1
Footwear & Lower Body
High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken-in; NOT new), lightweight camp shoes or sandals for evenings, warm woollen socks × 4–5 pairs, quick-dry trekking socks × 3 pairs, waterproof gaiters (essential for snow sections on Days 6–7), thermal leggings/base layer bottoms, and convertible trekking trousers × 2 pairs.
2
Upper Body & Insulation
Moisture-wicking base layer T-shirts × 3, fleece jacket or mid-layer (250–300 weight), insulated down jacket (essential; summit night temperatures can drop to -10°C), waterproof and windproof hard-shell jacket (mandatory), warm beanie/woollen hat covering ears, sun hat or peak cap for daytime UV exposure at altitude, buff/neck gaiter × 2, and waterproof insulated gloves × 1 pair (inner + shell combination preferred).
3
Backpacks & Storage
Main rucksack (50–60L) for camp luggage transported by mules, daypack (20–25L) for personal items carried on the trail, rain cover for both bags, and dry bags or ziplock bags for electronics and documents.
4
Navigation & Safety
Headlamp with extra batteries or USB-rechargeable model (critical for summit day pre-dawn start), trekking poles × 2 (collapsible; extremely helpful on descents), microspikes/crampons (check if operator provides; if not, rent in Shimla), and an emergency whistle.
5
Health & Hygiene
Personal first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, blister pads, and pain relievers; Diamox (Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before the trek for AMS prevention; sunscreen SPF 50+; lip balm with SPF; insect repellent; personal toiletries including biodegradable soap, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser; toilet paper with biodegradable bags; personal water bottles (1L + 1L minimum) or a hydration bladder; and water purification tablets or a filter straw.
6
Electronics & Documents
Powerbank (minimum 20,000 mAh — no charging points on trail), camera or GoPro with spare batteries (cold drains batteries fast), original government-issued ID (Aadhaar/Passport — required for permits), and printed copies of trek registration, permits, and emergency contacts.
7
Nutrition
High-energy trail snacks including nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, and dark chocolate; electrolyte sachets or ORS packets (prevent dehydration and cramping); and personal prescription medications with a copy of the prescription.

Safety Considerations

1
Altitude Sickness (AMS, HAPE, HACE)
Above 10,000 ft, the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness is real for everyone — regardless of age or fitness. AMS can progress to the potentially fatal High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) if ignored. Symptoms to watch include persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, fatigue, and shortness of breath at rest. NEVER ascend with AMS symptoms — descend immediately if they worsen. The acclimatisation day at Dandreyash Thatch (Day 4) is mandatory, not optional. Hydrate consistently by drinking 3–4 litres of water daily on the trek. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and sedatives at altitude. Consult a doctor about prophylactic Diamox before the trek. Trek leaders carry oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, and Gamow bags.
2
Summit Day Hazards
Start before dawn (typically 3:00–4:00 am) to avoid afternoon cloud build-up at the pass. The Rupin Gully is a steep snow traverse requiring careful footwork and the use of crampons. Avalanche risk is low in normal seasons but increases after heavy snowfall — always follow the guide's instructions. Weather windows can close rapidly — turn back if your guide advises; no summit is worth a life.
3
Weather & Conditions
Mountain weather changes abruptly; always carry rain gear even on clear mornings. Lightning risk increases on open ridgelines — descend immediately if a storm approaches. River crossings can become dangerous after heavy rain; wait and follow the guide instructions. Snow bridges may be unstable in late spring — cross only as directed by your guide.
4
General Trail Safety
Never trek alone; always stay within your group and visible to guides. Mobile connectivity is lost beyond Sewa village — inform family of itinerary before departure. This trek requires registered operators; solo trekking without a guide is prohibited in the forest zone. Travel and medical insurance covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation is strongly recommended. Carry your medical history and blood group information.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal seasons and weather conditions

1
December – February
Winter Season. Heavy snowfall transforms Kedarkantha into one of India's most scenic snow treks. The trail, forests, meadows, and summit are covered in snow, making this the most popular season for a classic winter trekking experience.
2
March – April
Spring Season. Snow gradually begins to melt, while clear skies, pleasant daytime temperatures, and blooming mountain vegetation create beautiful trekking conditions. A good period for trekkers who want a combination of snow and spring landscapes.
3
May – June
Summer Season. Kedarkantha remains a beautiful and accessible trek with green meadows, clear mountain views, and pleasant daytime weather. The snow is mostly limited to higher sections.
4
July – September
Monsoon Season. Heavy rainfall, slippery trails, landslide risks, and reduced mountain visibility make this period less suitable for the Kedarkantha Trek.
5
October – November
Autumn and Pre-Winter Season. Clear skies, excellent mountain visibility, crisp weather, and gradually increasing snowfall make this a good time to experience Kedarkantha before the peak winter season.

Physical Requirements

1
Physical Requirements
The Rupin Pass Trek demands a genuine baseline of cardiovascular fitness. It is NOT recommended for first-time trekkers with no prior high-altitude experience. Prior experience on at least one trek above 12,000 ft is strongly advised.
2
Fitness Benchmark
You should be able to run/jog 5 km in under 40 minutes comfortably. You should be able to walk continuously for 6–8 hours carrying a daypack. You should have no acute respiratory, cardiac, or blood pressure conditions (consult a doctor). Prior high-altitude trekking experience (above 12,000 ft) is strongly recommended.
3
Weeks 1–2: Build Base
Begin preparation at least 8 weeks before the trek. Brisk walking or light jogging: 30–40 minutes daily. Start with 2 km; build to 5 km by the end of week 2.
4
Weeks 3–4: Build Endurance
Jogging 5 km at a steady pace, 5 days per week. Add stair climbing or hill walking (2–3 sessions/week). Start bodyweight exercises: squats, lunges, planks.
5
Weeks 5–6: Increase Intensity
Run 5 km in under 40 minutes consistently. Weekend-long hikes: 8–10 km with a loaded daypack (5–7 kg). Add uphill walking / stairmill sessions.
6
Weeks 7–8: Trek-Specific Conditioning
Simulate trek days: 2–3 consecutive days of loaded hiking. Include downhill walking to condition knees (critical for Sangla descent). Focus on flexibility and stretching to prevent injuries. Wind down intensity in the final week before departure.

How to Reach

1
By Road from Dehradun
Dehradun is the main gateway for the Kedarkantha Trek. The journey from Dehradun to Sankri is approximately 198-220 kilometers and takes around 8-10 hours by road. The route passes through Mussoorie, Mori, and Naitwar, with scenic views of the Yamuna and Tons rivers.
2
By Bus
Direct buses to Sankri are available from the bus station near the Dehradun railway station. Buses typically depart between 7 AM and 8 AM. It is advisable to confirm the current bus schedule before travelling.
3
By Taxi or Private Vehicle
Private taxis and shared vehicles can be hired from Dehradun to Sankri. Trek operators also commonly arrange shared transportation from Dehradun to Sankri as part of the trek package.
4
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, travel to Dehradun and continue by road to Sankri. The road journey from Dehradun to Sankri takes approximately 8-10 hours.
5
By Train
Dehradun Railway Station is the most convenient railway station for reaching Sankri. From the railway station, take a bus, shared taxi, private cab, or operator-arranged vehicle to Sankri.
6
Sankri to Kedarkantha Trek
Sankri is the base village for the Kedarkantha Trek. From Sankri, the trekking route continues towards Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, and Kedarkantha Peak before descending back to Sankri.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking

Yes. Kedarkantha is considered an easy trek and is suitable for beginners with basic fitness. The trail includes gradual climbs, forest sections, alpine meadows, and a summit climb that requires reasonable endurance.

Kedarkantha Peak reaches approximately 12,500 feet above sea level.

Kedarkantha is generally rated Easy to Moderate. The trek is suitable for beginners, although the summit day involves steep climbs and requires good physical fitness.

December to February is the most popular period for the classic snow trek experience. March to June also offers pleasant trekking conditions, while October and November provide clear skies and excellent mountain views.

The standard itinerary takes around 6 days, including travel from Dehradun to Sankri, the trek to Kedarkantha Peak, the descent to Sankri, and the return journey to Dehradun.

The trek starts from Sankri village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Trekkers generally travel from Dehradun to Sankri by road.

Sankri is approximately 198-220 kilometers from Dehradun and the journey generally takes around 8-10 hours by road, depending on road and weather conditions.

Major attractions include Kedarkantha Peak, Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, Hargaon, Sankri village, dense oak and pine forests, and panoramic views of Himalayan peaks including Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.

Yes. The trek includes camping at locations such as Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, and other designated campsites. Accommodation at Sankri is generally provided in a guesthouse or homestay.

Organised packages generally provide healthy vegetarian meals during the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the package itinerary.

Yes. Organised trek packages generally include an experienced and professional trek leader or guide who assists with navigation, safety, and route management.

Winter trekking requires proper cold-weather clothing and suitable trekking equipment. Depending on the operator, items such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, crampons, camping equipment, and other essential gear may be provided.

Yes. Kedarkantha is also beautiful in summer. The snow gradually melts, revealing green meadows and forest trails, while the weather remains suitable for trekking and mountain views are often excellent.

The minimum recommended age can vary by operator, but children should be physically fit and able to handle several hours of trekking. Parents or guardians should confirm the operator's age policy before booking.

Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back to Dehradun is included when specifically mentioned in the trek package. Organised packages commonly arrange shared transportation for the group.

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Major Attractions

Discover the must-visit places along your journey

8 attractions across 7 categories

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Kedarkantha Peak

Mountain Peak#1

Juda Ka Talab

Alpine Lake#2

Kedarkantha Base Camp

High Altitude Camp#3

Hargaon

Mountain Campsite#4

Sankri Village

Himalayan Village#5

Swargarohini

Mountain Peak#6