Kedarkantha Trek

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

• Day : 1 Drive From Dehradun To Sankri Base Village (198 Kilometers, 8 Hours Drive )

  • The group will assemble at the pickup point at 06:00 AM.
  • We'll drive towards Sankri village which is the base camp for the Kedarkantha Trek.
  • Upon reaching Sankri, we'll check in to our designated homestay. The rest of the day is at leisure and travelers are advised to rest.
  • In the evening, Dinner will be served followed by an overnight stay in Sankri Village.

  Pickup Point - Nearby Dehradun Railway Station. 

  Timing - 6.30 am (Tentative) 

  Drive Distance: 198 kms, 8-9 Hours

  Transport Mode : Tata Sumo / 4×4

  Altitude: 6, 400ft

  Highlight: Govind Pashu Vihar National Park

  The 5-day journey to Kedarkantha is starting from the vibrant town of Dehradun. It is recommended to arrive in the morning by flight, train, or bus as you will be on an 8-hour drive to Sankri. This lovely hamlet in the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand is just a perfect choice to stop overnight. The road to Sankri gives you a chance to become one with the beautiful nature of the Uttarakhand which is full of winding valleys and the harmonious flow of the Yamuna and Tons rivers, which increases the mood for the adventure ahead. This itinerary will involve traveling by a Tata Sumo or a 4x4, so you will feel the rugged terrain as your car rises up the way. The last stage of the journey gives you a particularly exciting view, with lofty snow-covered peaks fast approaching, and the astonishing smell of wood filling the air being the most vibrant. Sankri is mainly venerated because it is situated in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park which has its own type of beauty. On arrival, check in at your home stay which is where you can delight in the local fresh food meticulously prepared. Spend the last few hours with the locals and get some rest before the fun begins. You would like it if you took easy walks around the village, finding some out-of-the-way spots to see the sunset, learning about the local culture, marveling at the unusual umbrella-shaped houses, and spotting the exquisite flora and fauna of the region.

  Note: The only network accessible in Sankri is BSNL, so travelers are advised to take a spare SIM card along or tell their families about the trip beforehand.

  Things you can do at Sankri 

  Govind National Park

  Govind National Park, which is beautifully located in Sankri, is a very popular place among visitors. People come here for its great biodiversity and magnificent views of the western Himalayan region. Here, you can find incredible birds such as the Himalayan Snow Cock, the bearded vultures, and the black eagles. Apart from that, you can also choose to join a guided tour, which will be useful for you to learn more about the local birds and at the same time maximize the chances of you spotting them. Sankri is indeed a paradise for all bird lovers.

  Visit to Meraki Cafe

  Meraki Cafe is an innate part of the Meraki Triangle and the first-of-its-kind art cafe in Sankri. It is a must-stop for the creative types of people who are visitors to this place. The menu has a huge variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to different kinds of coffee and pasta, and is perfect for different tastes. 

  Explore the Local Market

  The bustling and animated market in Sankri is full of the color, sound, and smell of the life of the city. These include handicrafts, textiles, traditional garments, and fresh produce. You can also find local food items such as momos, thukpa, and different kinds of noodles. Spend some time in the market, where you can find some very special souvenirs and keepsakes to take home.

  Bird Watching in Sankri

  Bird watching in Sankri is a common activity that attracts a lot of people because of the rich biodiversity of the area and the beautiful natural scenery. During your visit, you will probably see some migratory birds that are arriving in the Himalayan region at the same time you are there. If by chance you visit Sankri in spring or summer, you might witness birds teaching their young ones how to fly.

  Take a Nature Walk

  A walk in nature in Sankri is a great way of enjoying the natural beauty of the area and at the same time getting some exercise. There are many trails and paths that meander through the hills and wooded areas that surround the area, making it a good starting point for the complete range of treks. From the village, you can take one of the trails on foot and enjoy the stunning mountain views while also observing the local flora and fauna along the way.

• Day : 2 Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Taal (4 Kilometers, 4 Hours Trek)

  • After early morning breakfast, a small briefing session would be conducted by the trek leader where all the necessary details about the rest of the day will be shared.
  • We will start our trekking journey. En route to our campsite, we'd be traversing through lush green forests consisting of pine trees with the Swargrohini Massif in the backdrop beckoning you closer.
  • We will reach Juda Ka Taal after four hours of trekking. Upon reaching our campsite, we will have lunch.
  • The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay at Juda Ka Taal Campsite.

  Trek Distance : 4kms (5  Hours) 

  Altitude : 6400ft-9100ft 

  Highlights : Maple and Pine Forests, Meadows, Frozen Lake.

  Today marks the beginning of your trekking journey, and each step is determined to uplift your soul. Before heading to the outskirts of the village, start your day with a healthy and filling breakfast. After a short hike, you’ll reach Saur, the village extension where the trail is accompanied by a calm stream that flows slowly. You’ll walk with this stream for a while then suddenly you’ll diverge into the dense forest. 

  The journey takes 4-5 kilometers, and it brings you through beautiful maple and pine trees that are along the road with many clearings that show the marvelous views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. One of the perks of this Kedarkantha Trek is the possibility to come across some special kinds of animals such as deer, Himalayan langurs, wild pigs, and different species of birds. Juda Ka Talaab, a camping hotspot that has picturesque views and is a perfect place for camping, is among the must-visit spots during the Kedarkantha Trek. Here, you can have slow-paced walks while being under the spell of the bizarre night sky.

  This alpine lake, tucked away from the pine trees is stunning with the melodramatic backdrop of the snow-capped mountain. In the summertime and during monsoons, the lake reflects blue color and is surrounded by greeneries and wildflowers. However, winter changes it into a silent and goose-frozen white surface with the snow constraint. The camping sites along this Kedarkantha Trek are pure amazement; there will be so much fun your life will never be the same! According to the myth told by the locals, Lord Shiva, of course, was the one who spent here in this area for a while, and by doing so he gave the place a charming atmosphere and incredible beauty. A legend narrates one of his deep meditation sessions; in a moment a strand of his hair fell and created the lake. That is why it has the name “Juda Ka Talab”.

• Day : 3 Juda Ka Taal To Kedarkantha Base Camp (3 Kilometers, 3 Hours Trek)

  • The day will start with morning tea followed by breakfast.
  • The Trek Leader will give you a briefing about the day before we proceed.
  • Afterward, we'll start the trek towards the Kedarkantha Base Camp, which takes about 3-4 hours.
  • Upon reaching and checking into the campsite, we'll have a warm lunch.
  • The rest of the day is at leisure and we'll relax by indulging in activities like snowball fights and other fun games.
  • Lastly, we'll have dinner at the campsite followed by an overnight stay at Kedarkantha Base Camp.

  Trek Distance : 3kms (3 Hours)

  Altitude : 9,100ft – 11,250ft

  Highlights : Breathtaking views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Ranglana and Kala Nag.

  The luxury of waking up with the first light of dawn that splashes into your camp brings you such an immense feeling of bliss and inspires your eager anticipation of the day that lies ahead of you. Start your day with a hot cup of tea and a scrumptious breakfast, all while taking in the wonderful surrounding scenery.

  The journey from Juda Ka Talab to the Base Camp spans a distance of about 3 kilometers and takes an average of 3 hours from the moment you start moving at a normal pace. The hill is a bit steeper than yesterday's walk, but for some, it is still an easy trail to walk. The path is safe and well-marked; even in the peak of winter, it is still possible to pass through it.

  In this portion of the Kedarkantha Trek, you will be walking among lush green pine and oak forests, whose snow-dusted branches will remind you of a picture postcard, and look through the trees to find the stunning Himalayan peaks. The trail is illuminated by the sun, which dances a golden glow across everything. Although the air is fresh, the weather appears to be stunningly mild. You will venture through the woods where you will discover several pastures including small stone huts constructed by locals and some meadows where sheep are pastured during summertime. In winter, the spaces allow for delightful vistas of the mountains and camping sites. As you get closer to the base camp, the edge becomes sharper and the sceneries become clearer until you are overwhelmed by the peaks and their merciless appeal getting ever closer. Sunbeams reflecting off the snow cover transform the entire setting into one that flows like diamonds which draws you into an unbelievably relaxing aura.

  After all the adventures, take a break and enjoy the freshness of the ghastly crisp air which is synonymous with the beauty of the countryside which has settled in your heart and mind. At the campsite, you can have meaningful conversations with your friends, participate in group bonding activities, and gather around a bonfire at night to enjoy the amazing view of the starry sky and the illuminated mountains.

• Day : 4 Trek To Kedarkantha Peak | Back To Juda ka Taal (9 Kilometers, 8 Hours Trek)

  • We will finally begin our trek towards Kedarkantha Peak.
  • We'll get up at 02:00 AM as we'll be needing an early start.
  • Afterwards, the group will trek up to the Kedarkantha Summit.
  • After reaching the summit, we'll enjoy the view from the top and witness the beautiful sunrise from the summit.
  • Shortly afterward, we'll head back to the Kedarkantha Base Camp once again.
  • Upon reaching, Lunch will be served at the campsite.
  • It's the last night at the campsite so we will have a farewell bash.
  • Overnight stay at Juda ka Taal campsite.
  • *Additionally, you get a 360-degree view of the whole Himalayan Region from the Kedarkantha Top. Some of the peaks are Gangotri, Swargarohini, Banderpooch, Kinner Kailash, etc.

  Trek Distance : 9kms (8 Hours) 

  Altitude : 11,250ft – 12,500ft 

  Highlights : Summit Climb and Sunrise from Kedarkantha Peak

  This Kedarkantha Trek itinerary has a certain quality of the summit, where you will never forget the view of the sunrise which will leave you breathless. You will have to rise early in the morning, for this amazing view, to be able to make it to the top. As the day begins to dawn and you wear your gears and start the expedition, the sky is filled with the light of the Milky Way and the shooting stars making a miracle show. Slowly but surely, as you keep trekking, dawn begins to break, and the vibrant colors of pink and purple start to spill over the landscape. The perfect way to convey between night and morning to you is through your remarkable journey, and with every step, the summit gets you closer, surrounding you with peace. In this peaceful instant between night and day, you will breathe a sigh of relief and feel grateful to be alive. Some moments are worth the effort, and as you take in the stunning views, all doubts and questions fade, leaving you with a deep sense of satisfaction.

  When you are on the summit, you will remain still and calm for the sun to rise beyond the horizon. Within just a few moments of Golden Ray beaming through the slopes of Swargarohini Peak, the remaining sky will suddenly darken and the golden orb will appear beyond the rest of the peaks in the background. It is a unique moment to stand at the top of the world and look down at all those towering snowy peaks or witness the first light of another day, new and fresh. You will catch a glimpse of Mt. Bandarpoonch, Mt. Kalanag and the faraway towns such as Jaonli, Gangotri, Draupadi Ka Danda, and Jorkanden.

  This long, quiet experience of waiting is made even steeper by the bonds of little chats and stories you had with the trekkers. Borrowing some courage from each other, you kindle and urge one another to the act of attaining the peak, which makes the ride one of the sweetest kinds of thrill you will ever experience. The best part of this Kedarkantha Trek itinerary is that you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the views and commit them to memory. After the morning light completely shines through, the camp will be the place to stop for the base camp, where the very nourishing and quite interesting lunch will be waiting. The group will follow the trail down to Juda-Ka-Talaab for another night of sky watching under the stars after lunch. To sum it up, the day will probably be the day when you will see the most colors and have the best of the whole trek, and you will be almost at the end of the journey.

• Day : 5 Juda ka Taal To Sankri (4 Kilometers, 4 Hours Trek) | Back To Dehradun (8 Hours Drive)

  • After early morning breakfast, we'll head down towards the Sankri Village from Juda ka Taal.
  • Upon reaching Sankri, we'll stop and freshen up at our designated hotel, and lunch will be provided.
  • Shortly afterward, we'll proceed towards Dehradun. (Reach Dehradun by late evening.)
  • The group will disassemble here and be on their separate ways with a heart full of contentment and a mind full of memories.

  Drop off Timing: 10.00 PM 

  It is recommended to book your return bus after 11.00 PM. 

  Drive Distance : 198kms (8-9Hours) 

  Gazing out at the glistening white landscape from our room in the morning sun, we take in the beautiful scenery for a while before we go for breakfast and start our descent to Sankri Village. For those who rise early, there’s time to explore and discover your own favorite spots, unwinding amidst the snow-covered mountains. The path is less challenging, and it takes about 4 hours to pass the 4-kilometer trail in the oak and pine forests. We are aiming to come in the morning so that we can make it back to Dehradun by evening. After sinking our teeth into some hearty food at Sankri, we will jump back into the vehicles and make our way to Dehradun. As you travel, let the cool breeze tousle your hair and enjoy the breathtaking views that unfold with each curve of the road. The 8-hour trip will be a time to reminisce over the amazing journey and get closer to your new pals.

  Once we reach Dehradun, the group will split up, taking with them unforgettable memories of the adventure. And so, we conclude this carefully worked-out 5-Day Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary!