Uttarakhand trek
Kedarkantha Trek
The winter summit most first-timers start with
Kedarkantha is an easy to moderate winter trek in Uttarakhand's Govind Pashu Vihar area, starting from Sankri village and topping out at about 12,500 ft. Plan 6 days from Dehradun, and go between December and April for snow on the trail.
- Max altitude
- About 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
- Duration
- 6 days from Dehradun, 4 on the trail
- Difficulty
- Easy-moderate
- Best time
- December to April, deepest snow in January
- Base
- Sankri village
- Getting there
- Dehradun (rail and Jolly Grant airport), about 9 to 10 hours by road to Sankri
Kedarkantha trek: Sun Rise View from Kedarkantha Summit
Photo 1 of 2
Why people pick Kedarkantha
- A true summit push before sunrise, with a 360 degree ring of Himalayan peaks
- Snow-covered camps in pine and oak forest
- Short daily distances, which is why it suits first winter treks
Route, day by day
The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.
A long mountain drive through Mussoorie and Purola to the roadhead village.
A steady climb through pine forest to the first camp.
Short climb to the camp below the summit ridge, rest and early dinner.
Pre-dawn start for the summit, then the long descent back to a lower camp.
Descend through the forest to the village.
Drive back, usually reaching Dehradun by evening.
Fitness
Comfortable jogging 4 to 5 km without stopping is a sensible baseline. The summit day is the longest.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
- Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
- Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Two water bottles
- Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
- Original photo ID
Kedarkantha questions
Yes, it is one of the most common first winter treks in India because daily distances are short and the trail is well established. You still need basic fitness and proper winter gear.
Take an overnight train or bus, or a flight, to Dehradun, then a road transfer of about 9 to 10 hours to Sankri. Most groups travel Delhi to Dehradun overnight to save a day.
Usually yes on the upper trail from mid December, though the amount varies year to year. January and February typically have the most.
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