low-preview-Kedarkantha Indiahikes Uttarakhand
kedarkantha trek price
kedarkantha trek best time
kedarkantha trek distance
kedarkantha trek package
kedarkantha trek route
kedarkantha trek height
kedarkantha trek from mumbai
kedarkantha trek best time
kedarkantha trek route
kedarkantha trek height
kedarkantha trek indiahikes
kedarkantha trek from delhi
kedarkantha trek from mumbai
kedarkantha trek route map
kedarkantha trek from pune
kedarkantha trek package from delhi
things to carry for kedarkantha trek
thrillophilia kedarkantha trek
yhai kedarkantha trek 2021
sankri to kedarkantha trek distance
yhai kedarkantha trek 2022
kedarkantha trek distance
kedarkantha trekking from ahmedabad
kedarkantha trek best time
kedarkantha trek route
kedarkantha trek price
kedarkantha trek distance
kedarkantha trek package
kedarkantha trek height
Kedarkantha Indiahikes Uttarakhand
kedarkantha trek price
kedarkantha trek best time
kedarkantha trek distance
kedarkantha trek package
kedarkantha trek route
kedarkantha trek height
kedarkantha trek from mumbai
kedarkantha trek best time
kedarkantha trek route
kedarkantha trek height
kedarkantha trek indiahikes
kedarkantha trek from delhi
kedarkantha trek from mumbai
kedarkantha trek route map
kedarkantha trek from pune
kedarkantha trek package from delhi
things to carry for kedarkantha trek
thrillophilia kedarkantha trek
yhai kedarkantha trek 2021
sankri to kedarkantha trek distance
yhai kedarkantha trek 2022
kedarkantha trek distance
kedarkantha trekking from ahmedabad
kedarkantha trek best time
kedarkantha trek route
kedarkantha trek price
kedarkantha trek distance
kedarkantha trek package
kedarkantha trek height

KEDARKANTHA FAMILY TREK

One of the Finest Summit Climbs in Winters

Avoid the crowds of Kedarkantha. Choose a quieter winter trek to Kuari Pass.

Winter crowds are high at Kedarkantha, often spoiling the serenity of the trek. Instead, choose the same snow experience, minus the crowds at Kuari Pass. Click here to read about Kuari Pass.

One of the Finest Summit Climbs in Winters

Kedarkantha (not to be confused with the popular Temple Kedarnath) is a 6-day long trek in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand (6 when including the travel days from Dehradun to the base camp and back). Kedarkantha is easily one of the most popular treks in India — popular amongst seasoned trekkers and beginners alike during the winter season.

There are many reasons why it is a very popular trek to do in the Indian Himalayas.  The most important of them is this — the summit climb.

The summit climb of Kedarkantha is a very rewarding one.  Right from the base camp of the trek, the summit looms large.  As you start your trek in the early hours of the morning and steadily climb up the steep slope of snow, the world opens up around you.

The climb is not easy.  The entire stretch is steadily steep.  As you get closer to the summit, it gets tricky as well.  But the big mountains of the upper Himalayas keep you company until you finally reach the summit.

As you stretch yourself and take in the views of the Himalayas from the summit, you feel a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This is an unparalleled feeling.

Very few treks offer the same adventure, making it popular among beginners for its finest summit climb.

Outside the summit, the trek is also unique for its beautiful clearings.  Very rarely you will find stunning clearings on a trek that makes way for some rest spots and beautiful campsites.  This trek is filled with clearings on all the different routes.  What's more, the clearings are just at the right locations, giving you beautiful vantage points to appreciate the trek and its views.

The third biggest reason this trek is unique is its beautiful forests.  All three routes have beautiful diverse forests that will immerse you.  If you are not careful, you will get lost in them (in a good way).

Ever since Indiahikes explored and opened up Kedarkantha as a winter trek in 2011, many other organisers have followed suit. Having explored and trekked this route for over a decade, we know every nook and corner on the trail. Read more about this Untold story behind the trek that transformed India Trekking

Kedarkantha (not to be confused with the popular Temple Kedarnath) is a 6-day long trek in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand (6 when including the travel days from Dehradun to the base camp and back). Kedarkantha is easily one of the most popular treks in India — popular amongst seasoned trekkers and beginners alike during the winter season.

There are many reasons why it is a very popular trek to do in the Indian Himalayas.  The most important of them is this — the summit climb.

Kedarkantha Videos
low-preview-hqdefaulthqdefault
low-preview-hqdefaulthqdefault
low-preview-hqdefaulthqdefault
low-preview-hqdefaulthqdefault

Kedarkantha in winter.

Picture by: Dhaval jajal

Kedarkantha in Winter

Kedarkantha Trek in Winter

Winter is the most popular season on the Kedarkantha trek. From December to April, Kedarkantha makes for a terrific trek in virgin snow, with pretty campsites and astonishingly wide clearings in the forests. Here's a peek at how the trek looks in winter

low-preview-27c6e98b 40e7 464e 84c4 b038f97696a6 kedarkantha %e2%80%93 bappaditya chandra   and miles to go %281%29 %281%2927c6e98b 40e7 464e 84c4 b038f97696a6 kedarkantha %e2%80%93 bappaditya chandra   and miles to go %281%29 %281%29

Trekking through the pine and oak forest of Kedarkantha. Photo by Bappaditya Chandra

low-preview-94749 kedarkantha hayat amiree trekkers ascending towards pukhrola camp through this beautiful medow surrounded by trees94749 kedarkantha hayat amiree trekkers ascending towards pukhrola camp through this beautiful medow surrounded by trees

Trekkers ascending from the Pukhrola Campsite. Photo by Hayat Amiree

low-preview-0611c087 8395 4362 9dea 251a8c5bcc29 kedarkantha kk anirudh gargi purloa basecamp under heavy snowfall 21st mar 1034hrs 0611c087 8395 4362 9dea 251a8c5bcc29 kedarkantha kk anirudh gargi purloa basecamp under heavy snowfall 21st mar 1034hrs

A snowy Pukhrola Campsite in winter. Picture by Anirudh Gargi

Expert Speak

Lakshmi Selvakumaran, Head of Experience

low-preview-44faada1 ef4e 40ad a8b0 99d085f7c920 intersection 135%402x44faada1 ef4e 40ad a8b0 99d085f7c920 intersection 135%402x

Lakshmi Selvakumaran, Head of Experience

Lakshmi Selvakumaran heads the Experience team at Indiahikes. She handles the Learning and Development and Training functions of Indiahikes. She is keen to make Indiahikes the best learning place for everyone. With her team, she is constantly working toward making trekking a more sustainable sport in India. She is a strong advocate of zero waste and a vegan lifestyle.

Here’s Lakshmi talking about one of the top treks in our country.

What I Like and Don’t Like About the Kedarkantha Trek

What I Like About the Kedarkantha Trek

low-preview-44faada1 ef4e 40ad a8b0 99d085f7c920 intersection 135%402x44faada1 ef4e 40ad a8b0 99d085f7c920 intersection 135%402x

Lakshmi Selvakumaran, Head of Experience

Lakshmi Selvakumaran heads the Experience team at Indiahikes. She handles the Learning and Development and Training functions of Indiahikes. She is keen to make Indiahikes the best learning place for everyone. With her team, she is constantly working toward making trekking a more sustainable sport in India. She is a strong advocate of zero waste and a vegan lifestyle. Here’s Lakshmi talking about one of the top treks in our country.

1. The Drive to the Base Camp

It is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever have to any trek.  The 18 km stretch of the dense pine forest after Purola and the drive through the Mori valley alongside River Tons will stay with you for a long time.  Do not miss to watch out for them.

low-preview-b8bb2c2f 69ee 4266 aea9 63150f202776 kedarkantha sreenath hopeplus indiahikesb8bb2c2f 69ee 4266 aea9 63150f202776 kedarkantha sreenath hopeplus indiahikes

The drive from Purola to Gaichawan Gaon snakes through lovely pine forests. It’s worth the long journey! Picture by Sreenath

2. The Homestays

If you are trekking with Indiahikes, you are in for a treat.  Very rarely will you get to experience how the local people live?  In this trek, you get to see it.  You will be spending both your first night and the last night in homestays in Gaichawan Gaon.

Although they are close to each other, their houses look different, they dress different and their lifestyle is a little different. You will get to experience this up close.

low-preview-2f54a228 1f24 4761 b82a 887d0ca9a441 kedarkantha kk indiahikes jothiranjan march2021  557 1536x10242f54a228 1f24 4761 b82a 887d0ca9a441 kedarkantha kk indiahikes jothiranjan march2021  557 1536x1024

The homestays of Gaichawan Gaon where you'll stay on Day 1 and Day 5 of your trek. Picture by Jothiranjan

3. The Forests

When you are in the forests of Kedarkantha, especially the stretch from Gaichawan Gaon to the summit, you will feel this sense of oneness with your surroundings more strongly.

Many factors bring this about: 

 The forests in this stretch are the least travelled. Apart from the villagers, only our trekkers take this route.  So in a lot of ways, this route has stayed pristine.  If you are not careful, you can get easily lost.

Unlike the other forests, where the forest looks almost manicured and arranged, this stretch of the forest has its wilderness intact.  You will feel it strongly the moment you enter it. 

 The forest is extremely dense and immersive.   The sun plays hide and seek and this makes this stretch all the more magical.  

 It is also diverse.  Along with Deodar, Pine and Oak, you will see more variety of trees and shrubs that you do not see on the other side.

The forest from Gaichawan Gaon to the summit is one of my favourite forests that I have ever trekked in.  The diversity, contrasting colours, and the density – all give a very surreal feel to this section.

I would be most happy to do this trek again and again just for these forests.  However, the other sides of Kedarkantha equally offer some of the most beautiful forests climbs in the Himalayas.

low-preview-764ade7d cf5f 4393 b119 bb75d698f245 kedarkantha kk indiahikes jothiranjan march2021  %28210%29764ade7d cf5f 4393 b119 bb75d698f245 kedarkantha kk indiahikes jothiranjan march2021  %28210%29

You’ll not see golden reflection Oak forests like the Kedarkantha trek on any other trail. Picture by Jothiranjan

4. The Clearings

Kedarkantha has many such clearings on all sides.  No other trek offers such clearings.  I have done almost 11 treks so far and I am yet to find a trek that has such beautiful clearings.

It is one trek in the entire Himalayas, where you have no dearth of campsites.  One of the reasons we have been able to open multiple routes in this trek is because of these clearings.

Other factors make these clearings even more special.  They are:  

 Each of the clearings on this trek is so uniquely different from the other. 

 The views you get from each of the clearings are stunning.  The sunsets from these clearings are absolutely out of the world. 

 The clearings are very well spaced along the route.  So, with the forest and the clearings together, each day’s trek feels complete. You will find a clearing every 2 hours of the trek.  Such is the number and ideal placement of these clearings.

low-preview-27c6e98b 40e7 464e 84c4 b038f97696a6 kedarkantha %e2%80%93 bappaditya chandra   and miles to go %281%29 %281%2927c6e98b 40e7 464e 84c4 b038f97696a6 kedarkantha %e2%80%93 bappaditya chandra   and miles to go %281%29 %281%29

One of the clearings on your way to the Kedarkantha summit. Picture by Bappaditya Chandra

5. Multiple Routes

Being a standalone mountain, this trek is blessed with multiple routes to reach the summit and all of them are unique and beautiful in their way.

This allows everyone to explore this trek in the way we want to – going with the popular route or choosing the quieter trail, adapting the route depending on the weather, etc.  There are plenty of ways to reach the summit.

low-preview-364b591f b33e 47df a6cd 7f0e726e6296 kedarkantha364b591f b33e 47df a6cd 7f0e726e6296 kedarkantha

There are many routes all around the mountain that one can choose as per their choice. Picture by the Indaihikes team

6. The Sunsets

This trek offers some of the most dramatic sunsets and it is precisely so because of the placement of the campsites.  Jalota and Pukhrola both face the western side of the sky and are both wide open to the sky.  This makes the sunsets along this trail absolutely must watch on the trek.

The sunsets I have witnessed have stayed with me until now. All I need to do is close my eyes and remember to be transported back there.

low-preview-1ebdf5ea 4aa9 4bcf a09a 85898ef0ebe2 kedarkantha trek   kk   december 2020   indiahikes   jayanth r   julota campsite   contribution1ebdf5ea 4aa9 4bcf a09a 85898ef0ebe2 kedarkantha trek   kk   december 2020   indiahikes   jayanth r   julota campsite   contribution

Sunset at Jalota campsite is an absolute treat to watch. Picture by Jayanth R

7. The Summit

The trek is famous for its summit and is rightly so.  The first is that this is a proper summit marked by a cairn.  Of all the 12,500 ft treks in the Himalayas, Kedarkantha is one of the two summit treks.  The rest are all mostly passes or high points on a range.

This itself is special.  The second is the route to the summit.  As soon as you clear the tree line, the summit is right in front of you.  So, right from the beginning of the trek, you know where you are trekking to and it creates an instant aspiration.  This builds the challenge of the trek right from the beginning of the summit day.

Deoriatal - Chandrashila which is the other summit trek, doesn’t have such views of the summit until you trek beyond Tungnath.

The third is the slope.  The summit is a steady climb at almost an inclination of 45 to 60 degrees.  In many places, especially in snow, it gets challenging even for experienced trekkers.  This again makes the summit climb a rewarding one.

Fourth, is the views that accompany along.  Although the views are not the most prominent or the highlights of the trek, the upper Himalayas do accompany the entire way up.  This does add a charm to the entire climb giving respite when you take a break.

low-preview-a6ad50bd f5ed 4ec3 b3be 40435627694b kedarkantha   nupur   the spectacular view from the summita6ad50bd f5ed 4ec3 b3be 40435627694b kedarkantha   nupur   the spectacular view from the summit

The view from the Kedarkantha summit is extremely rewarding with the Garhwal Himalayas spreading to the horizon. Picture by Nupur

What I Don't Like About the Kedarkantha Trek

1. The Crowd

I will be very frank here that during the peak winter season, the Sankri route is extremely crowded.  As a person looking for peace, I would not want to do the trek during this time.  But luckily, we do have the alternative routes that we, at Indiahikes, run precisely to give you the exclusiveness you will want while trekking.

We talk about this route in more detail below but just giving you an idea of what you can expect if you want to take the Sankri route normally.

2. The Hydro Project

As I mentioned before, the trip to the base camp is one of the most beautiful ones – especially driving by River Tons from Mori till Naitwar.  However, this charming route has changed dramatically ever since the Hydroelectric project started along this route.  Frankly, I am not a fan of it.  Because of the deforestation that this stretch has seen ever since the project started.

So, there you go. Aside from these, there is hardly anything that I will fault with this trek.  Precisely why, I believe it is one of the most famous treks in the Indian Himalayas today.

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Kedarkantha trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Green Trails

Leaving the mountains better than we find them

At Indiahikes, we focus on bringing in new practices that can reduce our impact on the environment.  This is done through constant R&D.  Once these new practices are implemented we focus on achieving the results consistently on all our treks. You will see this as part of our G6 practices. 

Golden 1: Green Sweep - Clean the trail of visible litter.  We have collected more than 1,00,000 kgs of waste since 2016.

Golden 2: Segregation At Source - Segregate all waste collected so that we do not add all this waste to the landfill.  We have diverted 50% of the waste from landfill through segregation

Golden 3: Food Composting - All our kitchen waste is composted into useful humus for the mountain soil.  All food waste is either eaten by mules or composted at source.

Golden 4: Biotoilets - All our human waste is composted at source through our specially designed dry toilet pits. 

Golden 5: Water efficient dispenser  - We have reduced our waste used per trekker by 70% through specially designed water dispenser systems.

Golden 6: Save energy - We use solar panels for our energy use at our campsites.  We are also in the process of redesigning our stove and menu to reduce the amount of gas used on our treks.

low-preview-9d668a25 1ea8 4ef1 aaf7 1a3a5184cc6e gt poster9d668a25 1ea8 4ef1 aaf7 1a3a5184cc6e gt poster

Our trekkers are a big part of us keeping our promise to leave the mountains better than we found them. 

  • Indiahikes trekkers do not carry anything that can harm the environment - be it wet wipes, or any packaged food on the trek.  In fact they practice a zero waste trek.
  • Indiahikes trekkers do not buy any packaged food in the dhabas on the trek - they do not take part in feeding the demand for packaged food 
  • Indiahikes trekkers clean the trails of waste using the eco bag as part of the Green Sweep Initiattive 
  • Indiaihikes trekkers carry their own backpack on the trek. They do not offload unless absolutely necessary
  • Indiahikes trekkers do not pee/poop near any water source 
  • Indiahikes trekkers do not stray away from the marked trail

Trekkers who sign up with us pledge to follow these practices.  When you sign up with us, you do too.

low-preview-5274e841 f124 495f 9633 930483b707d8 green trails pledge5274e841 f124 495f 9633 930483b707d8 green trails pledge

Everything you do on a trek creates an impact. The trail you trek on, the water you use, the waste you generate, how you poop, how you cook, what you eat — everything has an impact. The higher the impact, the greater the damage to the environment. 

Yet, when done sustainably, trekking is one of the most environment-friendly sports.

When you trek with Indiahikes, you trek to leave the mountains better than we found them.  This is part of our Green Trails promise.

low-preview-hqdefaulthqdefault
low-preview-hqdefaulthqdefault

Why Fitness Matters on Kedarkantha Trek

On Easy-Moderate treks, you’re likely to trek around 5-6 km each day. Expect gradual ascents and descents along the way. The maximum altitude will be about 12,500 ft. There are no technical sections on these treks, but there could be small sections of steep gradients or tricky patches that require you to be surefooted.

Your goal is to comfortably run 5 km within 38 minutes.

Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of registration.

Why Fitness Matters on Kedarkantha Trek

On Easy-Moderate treks, you’re likely to trek around 5-6 km each day. Expect gradual ascents and descents along the way. The maximum altitude will be about 12,500 ft. There are no technical sections on these treks, but there could be small sections of steep gradients or tricky patches that require you to be surefooted.

Your goal is to comfortably run 5 km within 38 minutes.

Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of registration.

Trek Trivia

Things Nobody Tells You About Kedarkantha

Did you know that you'll be trekking inside a wildlife sanctuary on the Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha trek begins in the majestic Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary and National Park. The area is rich and filled with biodiversity. Flora and fauna in the sanctuary are of a Western Himalayan type.

There are three categories of Western Himalayan flora: Broadleaved forests, Subalpine conifer, and Subalpine shrubs and bushes. One of the best things about Kedarkantha is that you get to witness all three kinds.

During the ascent, you'll notice the striking change in flora and fauna. From forests and shrubs to vast meadows, Kedarkantha has it all.

In Kedarkantha, you get breathtaking views of the river Tons and Thamsa. The blue turquoise colour of river Tons can wash away your worries.

Not only this, India's first Snow Leopard project began here. Huge efforts have been made to conserve the Snow Leopards by the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

low-preview-23051 kedarkantha ayushgarg view from the top1 renamed 1747923051 kedarkantha ayushgarg view from the top1 renamed 17479

Did you know the religious significance and culture of Kedarkantha?

Kedarkantha holds great religious significance among the locals. It is believed that the mighty Lord Shiva came here to hide from a demon and stayed there for a while.  The three villages, Sankri, Gaichawan Gaon, and Kotgaon, have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

While 'Kedar' means Lord Shiva, 'Kantha' is translated to be his neck. The locals consider this mountain to be holy and worship Lord Shiva religiously.

Although Kedarkantha is in Uttarakhand, the Kinnaur culture greatly influences the people. They dress up and talk similarly too. Since Kedarkantha is located close to Himachal Pradesh, the culture crosses over and merges with them.

low-preview-91614 feature kedarkantha kk indiahikes jothiranjan march2021  5891614 feature kedarkantha kk indiahikes jothiranjan march2021  58

Do you know about these treks around Kedarkantha?

The region of Govind Pashu Vihar National Park is famous for the start of many of the trekking trails of our country.

However, many are not aware of these treks which are surrounding our famous Kedarkantha. Here is a list of those treks:

low-preview-92378 phulara ridge dharun viswanathan alpine glow from bhoj gadi campsite92378 phulara ridge dharun viswanathan alpine glow from bhoj gadi campsite

FAQs