Hello adventure enthusiasts, Jenil Vaghani is here!!!
The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular treks in India. If you love trekking, you’ve probably heard about it many times. After watching lots of reels about Kedarkantha, I decided to go there in December 2022.
Route from Surat to Kedarkantha:
I did this trek from Surat, Gujarat, took a train from Surat to Delhi, then a bus from Delhi to Dehradun. Then we took a taxi from Dehradun, which took us to Sankri. Sankri is the village where the trek starts.
Route :
- Dehradun to Sankri (187 km by car).
- Sankari to Juda ka Talab (3.5–4 km).
- Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp (5 km).
- Kedarkantha base camp to Kedarkantha Summit (5km).
The Surat-to-Delhi train costs approximately Rs. 3200 round trip for the 3rd AC. The Delhi-Dehradun bus is about Rs. 900 round-trip for Volvo AC.
Accommodation Options: Cosy Tents or a Spacious Main Tent
For your stay, they provide tents with 3-person sharing. There is also a main tent with a capacity of 10–12 people. If you’re not comfortable in the smaller tent, you can use the main tent instead.
Ultimate Adventure: Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary
- Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri Base Camp
Leave Dehradun early, at 6 AM, and arrive in Sankri by evening. Enjoy the beautiful sunset in this picturesque village. Use this time for last-minute preparations and get a good rest before starting the trek the next day.
- Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
We started our trek from Sankri. After reaching half of the way, me and my friends had some snacks and continued our trek to a scenic 5-kilometre trail from the base camp. This camp leads through lush green meadows and dense pine and oak forests to the stunning Juda Ka Talab campsite. This serene spot features a frozen lake, once two separate lakes that have now merged into one. We also had a bonfire and enjoyed our dinner with heartfelt meals.
- Day 3: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
From Juda Ka Talab, a 4-kilometre trek starts through dense pine forests, eventually revealing breathtaking mountain vistas. This path leads to the Kedarkantha Base Camp, situated at 11,150 feet. Here, you can soak in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana. The majestic Kedarkantha peak is also visible from this point.
- Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak to Hargaon
The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived—Summit Day. With headlamps lighting the way, we begin our ascent towards the summit of Kedarkantha in the pre-dawn hours. This day is very interesting because you start the trek at 2:00 a.m. After 4-5 hours, you reach the summit and see the most beautiful sunrise of your life. It was the best day of my life so far.
- Day 5: Return to Sankri, Dehradun, and Beyond
Finally, we arrive back in Sankri, tired but triumphant, ready to bid farewell to the mountains that have captured our hearts.
Best Viewpoint of Trekking: Hidden Gem
The best viewpoint of the trek is at the base camp of Kedarkantha. I saw the most amazing galaxy view there. And trust me, you’ll witness the best sunrise of your life as the sun rises behind snow-covered mountains. It’s simply breathtaking; words can’t do it justice.
Food Suggestions for the Trip to Kedarkantha Trek:
Apart from Sankri, there are very few tea houses along the trail, offering simple options like Maggi and snacks. If you’re trekking independently, you’ll need to carry your own supplies, including a portable stove and fuel.
The best time to visit to do Kedarkantha:
The Kedarkantha trek is among India’s top winter treks, best enjoyed from January to March. Avoid during monsoons. December to February are the coldest, with thick snow and chances of fresh snowfall. Snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene atmosphere.
Necessary Things to Pack: Gear for Trekking
I’m a trekking enthusiast, so I decided to buy:
- Rucksack 50-70L (with rain cover)
- Thermal
- Fleece
- Gloves
- Poncho/Raincoat
- Trekking Pole
- Head Torch
- Trekking Shoes
- Trek Pant (2-3)
- T-Shirts (2-3)
- Medicines
- Powerbank
- Use layer clothes because the temperature goes down approximately -5 to -10.
Preparing for Your Trek: Tips
- Respect nature, animals, and local communities. Take a plastic bag for your garbage and follow local regulations.
- You don’t need much preparation, but average physical fitness is recommended. The trek is generally easy, though some may consider it medium-level.
- Bring your own oxygen devices and safety gear.
- Check snow conditions beforehand; in December, snow might be late, but expect it in February.
- The total cost is around Rs. 13,000 approx.; opting for general-class train tickets can reduce it. I completed the trek, spending just Rs. 10,000.
A deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. Until next time, Kedarkantha, thank you for the adventure of a lifetime. Wander through a collection of travel fables at https://sowl.in/stories for your wanderlust fix.