What is the best time for Kedarkantha trek?

Kedarkantha trekking can be done most of the year, but the best time is between November to April when the roads are submerged under a blanket of snow and the snow-covered alpines look beautiful! June to September are months to be avoided for trekking because it rains very heavily and walking gets difficult.

What is the temperature during Kedarkantha Trek?

Generally, the recommended period to go on the Kedarkantha trek is between December to April. In these months day temperature is 8°C and night temperature is -5°C to 3°C.

What is the Kedarkantha trek height?

The Kedarkantha trek height is about 3,810 meters, which is approximately 12,500 ft. high. The trek is a perfect 20 KM long trail where you can witness the beguiling beauties of the Himalayas and feast the eyes with snow-covered pathways. The route is arched with the alpine thickets and the wide array of fauna and fauna are a plus to its beauty. As the trek height is quite high it gets cold as soon as the altitude increases and the oxygen supply also drops. If you are planning a visit to this high altitude make sure that you are not suffering from any breathing problems!

What will be the Kedarkantha trek route?

Day 1 - Drive from Dehradun - Sankri (7-8 hours for 186 KM) Day 2 - Trek from Sankri - Juda-ka-Talab (3-4 hours for 4 KM) Day 3 - Trek from Juda-ka-Talab - Kedarkantha Base (3 hours for 4 KM) Day 4 - Trek from Kedarkantha base - Kedarkantha peak; descend to Juda-Ka-Talab (6 KM) Day 5 - Trek from Juda-Ka-Talab - Sankri (6 KM) Day 6 - Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun (7-8 hours for 186 KM)

How long is Kedarkantha winter trek?

In terms of distance, the trek from Sankri to Kedarkantha is 20 KM long. In terms of days, the trek is four days long, which includes two and a half days to ascend and one and a half days to descend. An additional day prior and after the trek is reserved for travelling to and from Dehradun. The entire trek is 6 days long.

How much distance will we cover each day on the Kedarkantha trekking tour?

Day 1 - Drive from Dehradun to Sankri - 186 KM Day 2 - Trek from Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab - 4 KM Day 3 - Trek from Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base - 4 KM Day 4 - Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Peak and back to Juda-ka-Talab - 6 KM Day 5 - Trek from Juda-Ka-Talab to Sankri - 6 KM Day 6 - Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun - 186 KM

Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Q: How difficult is the Kedarkantha trek?

The Kedarkantha Trek is an easy one and that is the reason it is opted by a number of beginners. To make your first trekking expedition a memorable one this trek always a great choice. The best time for this trek is in the winter season is from November to April as the terrains are all snow-covered and the views of the Garhwal Himalayas will melt your heart away. The trek is about 20 km long and you need 4 active days to complete this trek, so make sure that you keep yourself hydrated and carry enough warm clothes.

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Quick Facts

Max Altitude

12,500 ft (3,810 m)

Highest point you will reach on this trek.

Trek Duration

4 Night / 5 Days

Total days including arrival and return.

Trekking Distance

23km (Approx.)

Total walking distance across all days.

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

Suitable for beginners with basic fitness.

Start / End Point

Sankri, Uttarakhand

Where the trek begins and ends.

Nearest Airport

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Closest airport to the base camp.

Best Season

October to April

Months with the best weather and trail conditions.

Accommodation

A night in hotel room & during trek in dome styled tent

Where you will stay during the trip.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner

All meals are included during the trek.

Permits Required

Forest Department & Trekking permit

We arrange the permits for you.

Temperature

Day: 8°C to 15°C / Night: -5°C to -10°C

Carry warm layers, nights get very cold.

Snow

Dec – Feb (high chances)

Months when snowfall is most likely.

Overview

Trek Itinerary

Trek Cost Inclusions

Things to carry

How to reach

FAQs

Trek Map

Trek fitness

Overview

Trek Itinerary

Trek Cost Inclusions

Things to carry

How to reach

FAQs

Trek Map

Trek fitness

Kedarkantha Trek Package 2026 | Best Winter Trek in India — Complete Guide, Cost & Itinerary

Kedarkantha lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, and the pretty village of Sankri is where the trek begins. The summit stands at roughly 12,500 ft, which can sound daunting, but the route is quite approachable. The terrain stays varied without turning technical, and the camps sit in sheltered, cosy clearings rather than on exposed, windy ridges.

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Best Time for Kedarkantha, Month by Month

Month	Snow	Crowd	Temperature	Best for
Mid-Nov to end of Nov	First snowfall begins	Low	-2°C to 15°C	Photographers and anyone who likes quiet trails
December	Thick snow cover	Very high	-5°C to 10°C	First-time snow trekkers and holiday groups
January	Deepest snow of the season	High	-10°C to 8°C	Experienced winter trekkers
February	Firm, well-packed snow	Moderate	-8°C to 12°C	Best value: good snow with smaller crowds
March	Snow starts to melt	Low to moderate	-2°C to 18°C	Those who enjoy the turn into spring
April to mid-April	Patchy snow near the top	Low	2°C to 22°C	Anyone who missed the winter window

Pro TipWant deep snow, thinner crowds and a lower price in one trip? Aim for late February or early March. Most sections still have snow up to the knee, and the summit is far less crowded than in peak weeks.

Best Season, Altitude and Trek Length

Altitude: The summit is at 12,500 ft, while the trek starts from Sankri at 6,400 ft.
Peak snow season: December to March. Expect cold nights, bright clear mornings and icy patches that need careful steps.
Wildflower season: March to April, with blooms, mild temperatures and clearer trails.
Usual duration: 5 to 6 days, counting the scenic drive from Dehradun.

Winter feels festive and calm at the same time, as if the mountains have put on their whitest clothes. Spring feels more generous and bright, with hearty meals, relaxed walks and forests full of pink and red blossoms.

Kedarkantha Trek Route at a Glance

Stage	Distance	Altitude change	Terrain	Difficulty
Dehradun to Sankri (by road)	220 km	Reaches 6,400 ft	Winding mountain road	Easy (vehicle)
Sankri to Juda Ka Talab	5 km	+2,700 ft	Forest trail with a steady climb	Easy to moderate
Juda Ka Talab to Base Camp	6 km	+2,150 ft	Snowy trail with a few steep stretches	Moderate
Base Camp to Summit	3.5 km	+1,250 ft	Steep snow climb, then a ridge walk	Moderate to hard
Summit to Hargaon Camp	5.5 km	-3,500 ft	Snowy descent, then forest trail	Moderate
Hargaon to Sankri	4 km	-2,900 ft	Gentle forest descent	Easy

What the Trail Looks Like

Forest stretches: Corridors of oak and pine filled with birdsong, enough to make even a city-weary trekker pause and listen.
Juda Ka Talab: A quiet alpine lake that freezes into a mirror in winter and glimmers softly in the in-between seasons.
Open meadows: Wide valleys of fresh snow or green grass, with Bandarpunch, Swargarohini and Black Peak rising behind them.
Summit ridge: The climb starts in the dark, zigzagging up by headlamp, and slowly turns golden as the sun rises, with 360-degree views all around.

Sankri, the Village That Sets the Tone

Sankri is more than a starting point; it shapes the mood of the whole journey. You will see traditional wood-and-stone houses, warm Garhwali smiles and the kind of hospitality that stays with you long after the trek. Expect simple, well-cooked food, chats around crackling fires and a quiet that clears a screen-tired mind.

If you have some spare time, stroll through the local shops for roasted peanuts or a cup of jaggery chai.

Kedarkantha Trek Highlights

Kedarkantha is a trek blushing with beauty, giving photographers a perfect opportunity to capture the snow falling from the pine trees that looks like magic dust
The ‘I rule the world’ pose at the top of Kedarkantha Summit will make a wonderful profile pic and with stunning views in the backdrop, it will make your friends jealous too!
Experience the lovely campsites, where every site is unique in its own way and does not match the beauty with any other campsites in the journey
Get a chance to camp around frozen Juda ka Talab where was once a place for meditation of Lord Shiva
Experience walking in the middle of the night in, the head torches lighting the way and watching the sunrise from the top of a mountain before you reach Summit

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Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Day 1Dehradun to Sankri

Drive: about 186 km, 7 to 8 hours. The trip begins in Dehradun, where our team meets you and drives you towards the mountains. The road follows the Tons River and runs through pine forests and small hill villages. You reach Sankri by evening, complete the check-in at the guest house and rest for the night before the trek begins.

Transfer: Dehradun to Sankri

Pickup is arranged at Dehradun Railway Station or the bus stand. The ride is in a Bolero Camper, Tempo Traveller or a similar vehicle.

Day 2Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

Trek: about 4 km, 3 to 4 hours. After breakfast you check out and set off on foot from Sankri. The path crosses a few suspension bridges and passes small hamlets before it reaches Juda Ka Talab, a lake linked in local belief with Lord Shiva. Tents are pitched a short walk from the water, and you spend the night there.

Kedarkantha Trek Day 2 - Juda Ka Talab lake

Activity: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab

You meet your trek leader and the rest of the group, then start with a gentle climb through the forest. The route runs past meadows and small streams, and you may spot colourful birds along the way. Most groups reach the lake by late afternoon.

Day 3Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Trek: about 4 km, around 3 hours. Leave the lake campsite after breakfast and climb towards Base Camp on a trail of snow and green patches. Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana come into view, so keep your camera handy. Dinner and the night are in tents at Base Camp.

Kedarkantha Trek Day 3 - climb towards Base Camp

Activity: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Base Camp

The climb is steep in places, so a slow and steady pace works best, with your guide close by. The trail goes through dense forest, and in winter you will find snow on the way. The views of the surrounding peaks and valleys open up as you gain height.

Day 4Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Juda Ka Talab

Trek: about 6 km, summit climb starts around 2:00 AM. This is the main day of the trek. You set out in the dark, climb to the summit for sunrise and 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges, then come down to Base Camp and continue to Juda Ka Talab for the night.

Activity: Summit climb and descent

Headlamps light the way on the early start, and the first stretch is steep. Snow and ice call for careful footing, and trekking poles help. As the sun rises, the peaks around you light up. Spend some time at the top, then head down with your guide, because icy slopes can make the descent as tricky as the climb.

Day 5Juda Ka Talab to Sankri and drive to Dehradun

Trek: about 4 km, 2 to 3 hours, then drive to Dehradun. After breakfast you break camp and walk down to Sankri by the same trail. From Sankri, our team drives you back to Dehradun, where the trek ends.

Activity: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Sankri

Follow your guide down the route you came up by. Take care on the steep or icy sections, and enjoy the forest sounds on the way down.

Transfer: Sankri to Dehradun

A Bolero Camper, Tempo Traveller or a similar vehicle takes you from Sankri back to Dehradun.

Kedarkantha Trek FAQs

FAQs

What is special about the Kedarkantha Trek?

Kedarkantha is one of the most loved winter treks in Uttarakhand. In a short 5-day trip you walk through pine and oak forests, camp beside the Juda Ka Talab lake, and climb to a summit of about 12,500 feet for sunrise and 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges.

How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?

The trek is rated easy to moderate. Most days involve 3 to 4 hours of walking on well-marked trails. The summit day is the toughest, as the climb starts around 2:00 AM in the cold and the final stretch can be steep and icy. With basic fitness and a steady pace, most trekkers complete it comfortably.

What is the best time to do the Kedarkantha Trek?

Winter, from December to March, is the most popular season because the trail and summit are covered in snow. From April to June and again from September to November, the trek is snow-free or has light snow, with green meadows and clear mountain views.

Is this trek suitable for beginners, and how should I prepare?

Yes, Kedarkantha is a good first Himalayan trek. We recommend starting 3 to 4 weeks before the trek with regular walking, jogging or stair climbing to build stamina, and doing some breathing exercises. Our trek leader and guides stay with the group at every stage.

What happens if weather or a landslide affects the itinerary?

Mountain weather can change quickly. If snowfall, heavy rain or a landslide affects the route or the road, our trek leader may adjust the schedule, change the campsite or turn back for your safety. Delays caused by landslides or severe weather are not covered under the package, so we suggest keeping a spare day in your travel plans.

Which Himalayan peaks can I see from the Kedarkantha Trek?

On clear days you can see Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana from the trail towards Base Camp. From the summit you get a full 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

What should I carry for the Kedarkantha Trek?

Carry warm layers, a down or padded jacket, waterproof outer layer, woollen cap, gloves, thermal inner wear, trekking shoes with good grip, sunglasses, a headlamp, a water bottle and your personal medicines. Tents and sleeping bags are provided by us, so there is no need to bring them.

Will I get mobile network during the trek?

Network is available only in parts of Sankri and is patchy even there. There is no reliable signal on the trail or at the campsites, so please inform your family in advance and download any maps or documents you need before you leave Dehradun.

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As a trekking, adventure, and Uttarakhand Mountaineering Club, we frequently receive inquiries from our trekkers. One of the most common queries is about what to carry or pack for the trek. Sometimes, explaining in detail can be challenging, so we have prepared a comprehensive packing list that will be helpful for all trekkers heading to the Himalayas. When packing, it’s advisable to follow a specific pattern, either starting from head to foot or vice versa. This systematic approach minimizes the chance of forgetting essential items, allowing you to pack methodically.

Backpack:

Ensure your backpack is comfortable, neither too big nor too small. A 60-70 liter backpack should suffice for a week-long trek.
Check for good hip and shoulder support, with easily accessible pockets.

Daypack:
A crucial item for daily use during the trek. Useful for day excursions, shorter hikes, and sightseeing when you won’t be carrying your main backpack.
Footwear:
Trekking shoes with ankle support, preferably waterproof.
Walking/hiking sandals for off-trek use.
Sneakers (optional) for normal days or around the camp.
Pack 3-4 pairs of socks, choosing quick-drying, warm, and comfortable materials.
Clothing:
Hiking/trekking jacket with good layering.
Hiking pants – opt for long nylon blend, light, and quick-drying.
Undergarments as per personal preference.
T-shirts, shorts, and long-sleeve shirts (3-4 each).
Leggings for chilly mornings and evenings.
Thermals (2 pairs) for added warmth.
Buff/balaclava and beanie cap for neck and head protection.
Hiking hat for sun protection.
Gloves (1 pair) for colder days.
Rain Gear:
Raincoat and pants or a rain poncho.
Waterproof covers for your backpack and daypack.
Gadgets and Electronics:
Trekking poles.
Mobile phone, camera, spare batteries, and a power bank.
Lightweight flashlight or headlight.
Waterproof bag for the camera.
Music system/Bluetooth.
Plug/converter for electrical items.
Sunglasses and a 1-liter water bottle.
Journal with a pen and a book for leisure.
Map and guidebook of the region.
Hygiene & Personal Toiletry:
Sunscreen with UV protection.
1 or 2 small quick-drying towels.
Toilet paper/tissues/wet-wipes.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouth freshener.
Deodorant/talcum powder, shampoo, and lip gloss/salve.
Sanitary pads/tampons (for female travelers).
Biodegradable soap, nail clipper, and other personal items.
Personal First Aid Kit and Energy:
Antiseptic towel or water syringe.
Butterfly bandage, cotton, elastic bandages, and sterile gauze pads.
Latex gloves.
Medications for common issues (diarrhea, cold/flu/fever, headache, painkillers, ORS pouches).
Quick pain relief spray (external use).
Personal medicines prescribed by a doctor.
Dimox or similar for high-altitude sickness.
Bug repellent.
Nutria/energy bars and non-alcoholic drinks.

Compulsory Documents to Carry: Original and photocopy of government photo identity card (e.g., Aadhar, Voter ID). These documents are required for submission at the Forest Department before the trek. Without them, trekking will not be permitted.

Important Note:

You can rent certain gear from us, including those provided by “Uttarakhand Mountaineering Club.” Check what you can rent or buy from us and what you need to bring from your hometown to keep your backpack manageable and not too heavy.

Kedarkantha Trek 2025

Kedarkantha Trek, Uttarakhand

Quick Facts

Kedarkantha Trek Package 2026 | Best Winter Trek in India — Complete Guide, Cost & Itinerary