Kedarkantha Trek | Plan The Unplanned

 Plan The Unplanned in association with IWasThere brings you one of the finest Himalayan Winter treks out there suitable for those looking to attempt their first Himalayan trek as well as the more experienced trekkers looking for a quick Himalayan getaway.

If you have been longing for a high altitude Himalayan trek through the snowfields and gaze at the mighty peaks kissing the sky, then this surely is the thing for you! There are very few treks in the Indian Himalayas which boasts of being an easy summit trek.

Summit climbs are generally arduous and need technical mountaineering skills as well as require a lot of preparation. But Kedarkantha, definitely, is one of those rare summit treks which can be done by beginners and even during peak winters. Very few treks can be done during the winters and this is what makes the Kedarkantha trek very enticing. The whole landscape is magical with snow falling over numerous pine trees which makes Kedarkantha one of the most sought after treks in the Indian Himalayas.

Trekkers can enjoy the Snowy campsites and also fresh snowfall during the winters. And the feeling of summiting a peak is unparalleled which also makes it very adventurous.


TYPE
High Altitude Trekking

GRADE
Easy Moderate ( Difficulty Level is subjective )

TREK DISTANCE
25 KMS ( Average 5 KMS/day)

REGION
Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand

TREK START POINT
Lohajung

TREK DURATION
6 days

MAX ALTITUDE
12200 Ft

STAY
1. Camping in tents on all the days during the trek on twin/triple sharing basis.
2. Accommodation at Dehradun



MEALS
1. All meals since arrival at Sankri till the dinner on Day 5.

2. During the trek Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks and Dinner will be provided. Tea will be a part of breakfast and evening snacks.

3. The food will be vegetarian and eggs may be provided.

4. Personal expenses like Soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc. not included.

5. Any meals not mentioned above, not included

TRANSPORT
1. Transport: Non AC coach from Dehradun to Sankri on Day 1 and back on Day 6.
2. Airfare/Train tickets not included

OTHER INCLUSIONS
1. An experienced Trek Leader
2. Professional and experienced local trekking guides
3. Rentry fee to the park
4. Environment levy fees
5. Any other permits that may be required

OTHER EXCLUSIONS
1. Food during the transit from Dehradun to Sankri and back is not part of the itinerary to give our trekkers an opportunity to indulge in some local cuisine. Feel free to stop at many of the Himalayan Dhabas on Day 1 and Day 6.
2. Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
3. Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
4. Trekking equipment like trekking bag, shoe, trekking pole etc.
5 Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, bad weather, etc.
Travel insurance

LUGGAGE
1. We expect our trekkers to carry their own bag, however, if someone wishes to load their trek bag on a mule or take the assistance of a porter and carry only the day backpack, an additional charge of Rs 1200 for the entire duration of the trek is applicable.
2. Part offloading of the backpack is not allowed. One bag per trekker is accepted for offloading and the bag can not weigh more than 10 Kgs.
3. We do not accept trolleys, suitcases, duffle bags or travel bags for offloading and only trek bags are accepted.

MEDICAL DECLARATION

Trekkers need to deposit a medical declaration form duly signed by a Doctor before the start of the trek. Trekkers failing to get the medical form will not be allowed on the trek.

HOW TO REACH DEHRADUN
One can easily reach Dehradun from Delhi by bus or train, that run overnight and offer comfortable travel experience. The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is approx 280 km, which can be covered in 5 to 6 hours. You can check out the IRCTC Website to know more about the trains or RedBus to find out the best options! Please note that you need to reach Dehradun before 6 AM on Day 1, or you can reach the previous night, as per convenience. It would be more convenient to reach a day prior.

Day 1 Get started: Dehradun to Sankri

Distance : 220 KMs
Time : 8 to 10 hrs
Altitude : 6,400 feet

The journey to reach the base camp of any trek is certainly one of the highlights of trekking in the Indian Himalaya and Kedarkantha is no exception  The journey commences from Dehradun and the trekkers will be received at 6 AM on Day 1 of the trek. The trekkers are advised to reach a day before or by 6 AM on Day 1 for the onward journey to the quaint village of Sankri which is the base camp of this exotic trek. Sankri is about 220 KMs from Dehradun on NH 123 and it is an exhilarating drive. 

Mountain drives are long and that is the reason to start early in the day. Expect to arrive at Sankri only in the evenings as the roads are winding and chances of any roadblocks are high. The ride will give you a sense of adventure and thrill that you are about to experience in the coming days. The drive takes you into the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in the last leg as the village is set inside the National Park. The National Park is famous for its diverse collection of flora and fauna which are typical of this region and not found in any other location of the country. Reach the village in the evenings and check into a homestay or guest house. Roam around in the village of Sankri and enjoy the view of your first Sunset of this tour. Food en route to Sankri is not part of the standard itinerary so feel free to stop over at any Himalayan Dhaba to savor local cuisine.

Day 2 Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab

Distance : 4 KMs
Time : 5 Hrs
Altitude : 9,100 feet

Wake up early on your first day at the mountains to start the trek towards our first campsite of Juda Ka Talab which is based at an altitude of 9100 feet. Its a 4km walk and we will be reaching the campsite for hot lunch. The trail climbs steeply between the dense jungle with a thick carpet of Maple and Pine leaves under every step. The trail also passes through a lot of bridges which are very picturesque, especially when it is covered in snow. The trail is wide and one can hear the sound of running streams all through but out of visibility. On the trail, the trekkers will be crossing few streams while ascending sharply through a dense oak forest. In about 5 hours, the walk comes to an end at the beautiful pictorial Juda Ka Talab which is the highlight and campsite for todays stay.

Juda Ka Talab is a frozen lake with a small island in the middle, thick pine and oak forest in the background and an alpine meadow to camp on. This set up makes this Lake one of the perfect locations to spend the evening and set up our camps. After lunch, one can take a nature walk around the lake and explore the campsite before it gets dark. On a clear night, it will be a good idea to come out of your tents and look out for some shooting stars, just make sure you are well layered as the evenings will get very cold.

Day 3 Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base

Distance : 4 KMs
Time : 3 Hrs
Altitude: 11,250 feet

The walk continues today where we head towards Kedarkantha base which is at an altitude of 11,250 feet. It is a 4kms walk from Juda Ka Talab to the Basecamp which will be covered in 3-4hrs. We hit the trail after breakfast and the trail today comprises of gradual ascends throughout and the further trail is quite visible. Most of the walk is through the dense forests of pine and oak trees and through steep climbs. Along the way watch out for many shepherd huts in open meadows as the trail continues to the Basecamp. In the middle, one can take a long break to re-energize the body and get the enthralling view of natural extravaganza of the area. While one is about to arrive at Kedarkantha Base, the fascinating views of an arc-shaped range of mountains comprising of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana are visible. After reaching the base, we relish the hot lunch served at the camp. The evening sky is equally beautiful with glowing stars and shining planets. As the night grows it is time again to star gaze and spot a few shooting stars and some night photography.

Overnight sleep at the tent.

Day 4 Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak; descend to Hargaon camp

Distance : 6 KMs
Time : 7 Hrs
Altitude : 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet to 8,900 feet

Today is the most important and the toughest day of the trek as we head to conquer the Kedarnath Peak. Being the Summit Day, the day will start earlier than usual and mostly before the first rays of Sun hits the sky. Also, this will be longer than other days as we descend all the way to Hargaon campsite located at an altitude of 8,900 ft. The trail to the summit is through portions of the oak forest but the journey through this trail is much easier and faster. Climbing through the forest till its end, one can find the Kedarkantha peak much closer. As the summit gets closer it gets strenuous just before the peak and the trekkers start climbing the boulders above the treeline. This section is very adventurous and thrilling with a lot of suspense before reaching the peak. However, trekkers can soak into the amazement of having made it to the top with 360 degrees of Himalayan Ranges at their disposal. One can relax at the top for some time and enjoy the magical beauty of nature and then descend towards base camp. We break for lunch at the base camp and rest for a while post which we set out to descend further to Hargaon camp. The walk back is again through dense oak forests, pine and maple trees, shepherd huts and frozen streams. On reaching the campsite, cherish the feeling of completing the summit and relax for the evening and make merry at the end of another delightful day with dinner and overnight sleep at the tent.

Day 5 Hargaon camp to Sankri

Distance : 6 KMs
Time : 4 Hrs
Altitude : 6,400 feet

Last day of the walk where we descend further today all the way back to Sankri which is at 6,400 feet. The path all the way is well marked through dense pine forest and small streams flowing by slow and steady. While we descend the valley opens up and one can see the splendid view of Har Ki Dun in all its glory. We also walk through a lot of Apple Orchards on the way and walk with the view of the valley instead of jungle trails.

On reaching the base, get back to the hotel and freshen up and get settled for the day. As it is the last day of the trek, one can again get out exploring the village to collect souvenirs. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6 Sankri to Dehradun

Distance: 220 km drive, approx 10 hours
You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle

The vehicle will arrive early in the morning. It is always advisable to start early in the mountains. Bid adieu to the village of Sankri but not before making a promise to come back again. The journey is through the same route and expect to arrive at Dehradun by 6 PM. We would recommend any onward bookings to be done post  8 PM.

So, are you excited for this adventure? Join us as we set out to explore the trails of Kedarkantha and soak ourselves in the Himalayan mysticism.

• We take a lot of pride in providing the best safety standards to its trekkers while trekking along with supporting sustainable tourism.
• Experienced Trek Leaders will be leading the group with a full-fledged first aid kit along with an oxygen cylinder. The Trek Leaders will also be carrying medication pertaining to high altitudes.

304 total visits