Kedarkantha Trek

1. Overview of Kedarkantha Trek

• Location: Uttarakhand, India (Govind Pashu Vihar National Park)
• Region: Garhwal Himalayas
• Altitude: 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level
• Trek Duration: 6 days (including travel)
• Best Time to Visit: December to April (for snow)
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Trek Type: Round trek (summit trek)

2. Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Sankri Village

• Drive to Sankri: The trek begins from Sankri, a charming village in Uttarakhand.
• Overnight Stay: In Sankri (guesthouse or campsite).
• Highlights: Get to know the fellow trekkers and guides, acclimatize to the altitude, and explore the village.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (5 km, 4-5 hours)

• Trail: The trail ascends through dense pine forests and gradually opens up to a beautiful meadow.
• Overnight Stay: Camp near Juda Ka Talab, a scenic lake surrounded by pine trees.
• Highlights: The lake often freezes in winter, creating an ethereal sight.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km, 3-4 hours)

• Trail: The trail becomes steeper as you make your way up to the base of Kedarkantha Peak.
• Overnight Stay: Camp at Kedarkantha Base Camp.
• Highlights: Stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch.

Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit and Back to Hargaon (6 km, 7-8 hours)

• Trail: Early morning summit to Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft). The trek to the summit is steep but rewarding with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
• Summit: Enjoy views of the Gangotri Range, Yamunotri Range, Har Ki Dun, and Ruinsara Lake.
• Return to Hargaon: After spending time at the summit, descend back to Hargaon Camp for overnight stay.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri (5 km, 4-5 hours)

• Trail: Descend back to Sankri from Hargaon.
• Overnight Stay: In Sankri.
• Highlights: Reflect on the trek’s achievements and enjoy the views of the surrounding valleys.

Day 6: Departure

• Return to Dehradun: After breakfast, head back to Dehradun (drive from Sankri).

3. Key Highlights of the Kedarkantha Trek

• Snow-Capped Views: The trek offers stunning winter landscapes, with snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes, and dense pine forests.
• Kedarkantha Peak: The summit at 12,500 feet offers breathtaking panoramic views of surrounding Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak, Rupin Range, and Yamunotri Range.
• Juda Ka Talab: A serene, frozen lake (in winter) surrounded by snow-covered trees.
• Flora and Fauna: Pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, along with the possibility of spotting animals like the Himalayan Monal, musk deer, and Himalayan black bear.

4. Best Time to Trek Kedarkantha

• Winter (December to April): This is the peak season for Kedarkantha Trek, especially for snow lovers. The trek during winter offers the best chances to witness snow-covered landscapes.
• Spring (April to May): You can still catch a glimpse of snow at higher altitudes, but the trail is generally more accessible.

Note: Avoid trekking during the monsoon (July to September) as the trails can become slippery and dangerous.

5. Difficulty Level of the Kedarkantha Trek

• Easy to Moderate: Kedarkantha Trek is suitable for beginners with a moderate fitness level. The route is well-marked and has a gradual ascent with a few steep sections.

• Pre-Trek Preparation:

  • Cardiovascular fitness is essential for this trek.
  • Light-to-moderate physical exercises like walking, jogging, or cycling for 2-3 weeks before the trek will help you prepare.

• Altitude: With an elevation of 12,500 feet at the summit, acclimatization is important. The trek has a gradual ascent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

6. Essential Packing List for Kedarkantha Trek

Clothing:

• Base Layer: Moisture-wicking thermals (top and bottom).
• Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket.
• Outer Layer: Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants.
• Headgear: Woolen cap, balaclava, and sunglasses.
• Gloves: Warm, waterproof gloves.
• Footwear: High ankle trekking boots with good grip (waterproof recommended).
• Socks: Woolen socks (4-5 pairs).
• Sleepwear: Warm layers for the cold nights.

Other Essentials:

• Backpack: A 30-40L trekking bag.
• Water Bottles: At least 2 liters capacity (hydration system recommended).
• Trekking Poles: Especially useful for steep descents and snow-covered sections.
• Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries.
• Sunscreen & Lip Balm: For protection against high-altitude sun exposure.
• First-Aid Kit: Include basic medications, band-aids, antiseptic cream, etc.
• Snacks: Energy bars, chocolates, nuts, and dried fruits.
• Camera/Phone: For capturing the scenic beauty (carry power banks).
• Personal Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes.

7. Fitness and Health Guidelines

• Cardiovascular Fitness: Focus on improving stamina through walking, hiking, and cardio exercises before the trek.
• Acclimatization: To avoid altitude sickness, follow the trek’s itinerary carefully, take rest days as advised, and stay hydrated.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the trek. Carry a reusable water bottle and refuel from streams where safe.
• Diet: Stick to easily digestible foods. On the trek, food will be provided by the operator. Most menus include nutritious meals (rice, daal, vegetables, soup, etc.).
• Medical Kit: Carry personal medication like asthma inhalers or any chronic condition medicine.

8. Guidelines for Kedarkantha Trek

• Follow the Guide’s Instructions: Always follow the trek leader’s instructions for your safety.
• Stay in the Group: Do not wander off alone during the trek. Always stay with your group and guide.
• Respect Nature: Leave no trace of your presence. Don’t litter and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Weather Awareness: Be prepared for cold weather, especially in winter. Temperatures can dip as low as -10°C at night, even in December and January.
• Altitude Sickness: Listen to your body. If you feel unwell, inform the guide immediately.
• Respect Local Culture: Kedarkantha is located in a rural area. Be respectful to the local communities and their customs.
• Safety First: Do not rush. Take your time on challenging ascents and descents, especially in snow-covered sections.
  

  9. Emergency and Evacuation Plan

  • Emergency Support: The trekking company will have a first-aid kit, and guides are trained to handle basic medical emergencies.
  • Evacuation: In case of serious health issues, trekkers may be evacuated via a jeep or helicopter (charges may apply, depending on the situation).