Nature’s Beauty & Silent Grandeur of Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha is a realm of untouched serenity—where snow-laden trails glisten under the winter sun, frozen pines stand like silent sentinels, and the crisp mountain air carries whispers of the wild. The trek unveils breathtaking sights: the mirror-like Juda Ka Talab reflecting snowy peaks, the vast meadows of Hargaon, and the 360° summit view of Himalayan giants like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. As night falls, the sky blazes with stars, and the silence is broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot. Every step here feels like walking through a dream—pure, peaceful, and profoundly beautiful. ❄️🏔️✨
Introduction
The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India, offering breathtaking snow-covered trails, stunning summit views, and a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand, this trek is ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything from starting point (Delhi), route details, stay options (budget to luxury), food, travel costs, trekking companies, and essential tips.
Quick Facts – Kedarkantha Trek
- Altitude: 12,500 ft
- Trek Distance: 20-25 km (round trip)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: December to March (for snow) & April-May (spring)
- Base Camp: Sankri Village
- Nearest Airport/Railway: Dehradun
- Starting Point: Delhi
How to Reach Kedarkantha from Delhi?
Option 1: By Road (Most Common)
- Delhi → Dehradun (6-7 hrs by bus/train)
- Dehradun → Sankri (8-10 hrs by shared taxi/bus)
Budget Travel (Cheapest Option)
- Delhi to Dehradun:
- Bus (Uttarakhand Transport): ₹500-800 (overnight)
- Train (Nanda Devi Express): ₹300-600 (sleeper)
- Dehradun to Sankri:
- Shared Jeep/Taxi: ₹800-1,200 per person
- Govt Bus to Purola → Local Taxi to Sankri: ₹600-800
Luxury Travel (Private Cab)
- Delhi to Dehradun (Cab): ₹5,000-7,000 (one way)
- Dehradun to Sankri (Private SUV): ₹6,000-8,000 (one way)
Option 2: By Flight (Fastest but Expensive)
- Delhi → Dehradun (1 hr flight, ₹2,500-4,000)
- Dehradun → Sankri (Cab ₹6,000-8,000)
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Delhi → Dehradun → Sankri (Overnight Journey)
- Travel: Overnight bus/train to Dehradun, then cab to Sankri.
- Stay: Guesthouse/Homestay (₹500-1,500 per night)
- Food: Local dhaba meals (₹200-400 per meal)
Day 1: Sankri → Juda Ka Talab (4-5 hrs trek)
- Trek Distance: 4 km
- Altitude Gain: 6,400 ft → 9,100 ft
- Stay: Tents/Camps (₹1,000-2,500 per person)
- Food: Basic veg meals (dal, rice, roti) included in trek packages
Day 2: Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp (3-4 hrs trek)
- Trek Distance: 3.5 km
- Altitude Gain: 9,100 ft → 11,250 ft
- Stay: Tents with sleeping bags (included in package)
- Food: Hot soup, maggi, dinner
Day 3: Summit Day (Kedarkantha Peak → Back to Base Camp)
- Trek Distance: 6 km (round trip)
- Summit Altitude: 12,500 ft
- Time: Start at 3 AM for sunrise views
- Descend: Return to base camp, then to Sankri (optional)
Day 4: Base Camp → Sankri → Dehradun → Delhi
- Trek Back to Sankri: 4-5 hrs
- Travel to Dehradun: Shared cab (₹800-1,200)
- Return to Delhi: Overnight bus/train
Cost Breakdown (Budget, Luxury, Backpacking)
1. Budget Trek (₹6,000-8,000 per person)
- Trek Package: ₹3,500-5,000 (includes guide, tents, meals)
- Travel (Delhi-Sankri-Delhi): ₹2,500-3,500 (bus + shared cabs)
- Stay in Sankri: ₹500-1,000 (guesthouse)
2. Luxury Trek (₹15,000-25,000 per person)
- Premium Trek Package: ₹10,000-15,000 (better tents, food, safety)
- Private Cab (Delhi-Sankri-Delhi): ₹12,000-15,000
- Stay: Premium homestay/resort in Sankri (₹2,000-4,000/night)
3. Backpacking (₹4,000-6,000 per person)
- Self-arranged trek (no package):
- Guide/Porter: ₹1,500/day
- Tent Rental: ₹500-1,000/day
- Food: Carry dry snacks, cook at campsite
Best Trekking Companies for Kedarkantha
- Indiahikes (₹6,500-8,500) – Most reliable
- TrekTheHimalayas (₹6,000-7,500) – Good safety
- Bikat Adventures (₹7,000-9,000) – Premium experience
- YHAI (Youth Hostels) (₹4,500-6,000) – Budget-friendly
Where to Stay in Sankri?
Budget Options (₹500-1,500)
- GMVN Guesthouse (govt-run, basic)
- Homestays (Mountain Homestay, Himalayan Trout House)
Luxury Options (₹2,000-4,000)
- The Apple Orchard Resort (best views)
- Camp Exotica (luxury tents)
Food Options on the Trek
- Included in Packages: Basic veg meals (dal, rice, roti, maggi)
- Luxury Treks: Better meals (pasta, soups, desserts)
- Self-cooking: Carry ready-to-eat meals (MTR, nuts, chocolates)
Essential Packing List
✅ Winter Wear (Thermals, Jacket, Gloves)
✅ Trekking Shoes (Waterproof, ankle support)
✅ Backpack (40-50L)
✅ Sleeping Bag (-10°C rating)
✅ Headlamp, Trek Pole, Sunglasses
Final Tips
✔ Book in advance (Dec-Feb slots fill quickly)
✔ Carry cash (no ATMs in Sankri)
✔ Acclimatize properly to avoid AMS
✔ Check weather before summit day
Conclusion
Kedarkantha is a perfect winter trek with stunning landscapes and an achievable summit. Whether you choose a budget, luxury, or backpacking option, proper planning ensures a safe and memorable experience.
Ready to trek? Book your adventure now! ❄️🏔️