Uttarakhand Himalayas · 12,500 ft Summit
Kedarkantha Trek
The most rewarding winter summit in the Himalayas — complete guide for 2024-25
Plan This Trek — Free
Arjun Mehta
Trek Lead & Mountain Photographer
At 12,500 feet above sea level, Kedarkantha offers something rare among Himalayan treks: a genuine summit experience that does not demand mountaineering skills. From December through April, the trail transforms into a snow globe — knee-deep powder through oak forests, camping at meadows blanketed white, and a summit dawn where 13 peaks including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak rise in a 360° panorama. This is the one trek every Indian adventure traveller should do at least once.
Route & Itinerary
The classic Kedarkantha route starts from Sankri village (6,400 ft) in Uttarkashi district. Here is the day-by-day breakdown:
Day-by-Day
- 01Day 0 — Delhi to Dehradun (overnight train or bus, ~6h drive from Dehradun to Sankri)
- 02Day 1 — Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (6,400 ft → 9,100 ft, 4 km, 3-4 hrs)
- 03Day 2 — Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (9,100 ft → 11,250 ft, 4 km, 3-4 hrs)
- 04Day 3 — Summit Day: Base Camp → Kedarkantha Peak → Hargaon Camp (11,250 ft → 12,500 ft → 9,350 ft, 10 km, 7-8 hrs)
- 05Day 4 — Hargaon to Sankri (9,350 ft → 6,400 ft, 5 km, 3-4 hrs)
- 06Day 5 — Buffer day (weather delays or optional exploration)
Snow-laden pine forests on the trail to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)
The Kedarkantha summit at 12,500 ft — 13 Himalayan peaks in one panorama
Best Time to Visit
Each season brings a completely different experience:
- 01December–February: Peak snow season. Trail fully covered, temperatures -10°C to -15°C at night. Most photogenic but requires proper gear.
- 02March–April: Wet snow and clear skies post-snowfall. Spring flowers break through snowpack. Best balance of snow + visibility.
- 03May–June: Green meadows, rhododendrons in bloom. No snow above 10,000 ft. Easier but less dramatic.
- 04October–November: Post-monsoon clarity, minimal trekkers, first dusting of snow in November.
Pro Tip: Summit Timing
Start your summit push at 3:30–4:00 AM from base camp. The last section (slope from 11,800 ft) is steep and takes 90 minutes in snow. Reaching the top by 6:30 AM means you catch the sunrise — the reason everyone comes here. Post 10 AM, clouds often roll in from the valley.
What to Pack
Gear makes or breaks a winter trek. Here is the essential packing list:
Clothing Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layer (thermal top + bottom)
- Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof hardshell jacket + pants
- Wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs minimum)
- Insulated gloves + liner gloves
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Trekking shoes (waterproof, ankle support)
- Gaiters for deep snow
Essentials
- Headlamp with extra batteries (summit starts in dark)
- Trekking poles (mandatory in snow)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (snow reflection is brutal)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Personal first-aid kit including Diamox (altitude sickness)
- Energy bars and dry fruits
- Reusable water bottle + water purification tablets
- Camera or phone with extra battery pack
Camp at Kedarkantha Base (11,250 ft) — the night before summit day
Budget Breakdown
Kedarkantha is one of the most affordable Himalayan treks. Here is what to expect:
- 01Trek operator (all-inclusive from Dehradun): ₹6,000–₹9,000 per person
- 02Delhi–Dehradun train (Shatabdi): ₹700–₹1,200
- 03Dehradun–Sankri shared jeep: ₹600–₹800 per seat
- 04Personal gear rental at Sankri: ₹200–₹500/day
- 05Total trip cost for 6 days: ₹8,000–₹14,000 per person
Altitude Sickness Warning
Although Kedarkantha peaks at only 12,500 ft, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone — especially if you ascend too fast. Carry Diamox (125mg twice daily from Day 1, consult a doctor), stay hydrated, and never ignore persistent headache + nausea. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Permits & Formalities
Kedarkantha falls within the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- 01Forest permit required: ₹150 per person (your trek operator usually handles this)
- 02Register at the Sankri forest checkpoint with ID proof
- 03No drone flying without prior permission from Uttarkashi forest department
- 04Carry Aadhaar / passport for registration
"The first time I stood on the summit of Kedarkantha at 6:47 AM in January, the horizon was on fire. Thirteen peaks, all lit gold. I have trekked in 6 countries. Nothing compares to this sunrise." — Priya Sharma, trekker from Bangalore
Watch Before You Go
Hand-picked searches — click to find the best vlogs on YouTube.
YouTube
Kedarkantha Trek 2024 — Complete Summit Vlog
Kedarkantha trek 2024 complete vlog summit
YouTube
Kedarkantha in January — Snow Conditions & What to Expect
Kedarkantha trek January snow conditions what to expect
YouTube
Kedarkantha Packing List — Gear Essentials
Kedarkantha packing list gear winter trek
On Instagram
Real photos and reels from travellers who've been there.
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