The peak of Kedarkantha has three things: heavenly snow, big white clouds, and a view that will never be forgotten in life. Kedarkantha, which is 12,500 meters above sea level and is considered an easy trek in terms of difficulty, ticks all the boxes for winter trekking. It can be difficult to find a short, quiet, and attractive weekend getaway. There are many treks in the great Himalayas, but only a few are open all year round and only a few of them are easy or short treks.
Famous Himalayan treks include Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Kuari Pass, Hampta Pass, Rupin Pass, Chopta Chandrashila, Bali Pass and many more. However, only Kedar Kantha and Brahmatal are open for trekking during the winter season, while others are closed due to heavy rains. The view from the top of the mountain, along with the memorable journey through the snow, is why anyone would want to take a Kedarnath trek.
Perfect time to visit Kedarkantha Trek?
Due to heavy rain, most of the trips are not available in the winter. Kedarkantha, on the other hand, receives enough snow to allow you to climb up to 12,000 meters, making it the best winter trek. From mid-December to March, snow is possible.
The best time to visit Kedarkantha trek is in the winter months from December to April. Although you can visit it any month of the year, you will see it in winter when it is covered with snow, creating a winter scene. It has beautiful camping spots like Juda to Talab and Har Gaon where you can camp and enjoy the snow.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand is a nature-lover’s paradise, offering trekkers a stunning and memorable trekking experience. Located in the northern part of India, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Himalayan Tahr, the Himalayan Musk Deer, and the Himalayan Monal Pheasant.
For those looking for a unique adventure, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of trekking routes that will take you deep into the mountains and offer you a glimpse of nature at its finest. From novice trekkers to experienced mountaineers, there are trails that can suit everyone’s needs. Whether it’s a short two-day hike or a challenging ten-day adventure, this sanctuary is perfect for those looking to explore the great outdoors and discover the beauty of Uttarakhand.
One of the most popular routes is the Valley of Flowers trek, which leads trekkers through the lush meadows and vibrant wildflowers of the valley. With panoramic views of the Himalayas and the nearby mountain ranges, this route offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Uttarakhand.
Aside from these treks, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary also offers bird watching opportunities and sightseeing excursions to nearby ancient temples. Whether you are an avid explorer or just looking for an adventure, this sanctuary has something for everyone. So if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, come explore the beauty of Uttarakhand with a trek through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary!
The following is an itinerary for a short Kedarkantha trip.
Kedarkantha Trek is a 4-5 day trek of 18 km (6 if you include travel days from Dehradun and back). On the first day, you walk about five kilometers in about four hours. The second day is a short walk of about 2 km over 2 hours. The third day of the trip is the longest, as you walk up the mountain and back to your campsite again. You cover 6 kilometers in 6-7 hours that day. On the last day, you will do about 5 to 6 kilometers in 5 hours.
- First Day – Dehradun to Sankri Base Camp
- Second Day – Sankri and Juda Ka Talab
- Juda to Talab and Kedarkantha camps on day 3
- Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit at Hargaon on Day 4
- Day 5: From Hargaon to Sankri
What to Bring on the Kedarkantha Trek Essential List
- Woolen clothes, such as sweaters, summer clothes, gloves, hats, mufflers, and socks:
- As the weather can be unpredictable in winter, 3-5 full and heavy layers of clothing are recommended. The fleece is perfect for summer hiking.
- Clothing that is windproof
- Boots, snow boots, slippers, or boots
- Cane or walking stick
- UV-protective sunglasses, suntan lotions, lip balm, a lamp, and a flashlight with spare batteries.
- Cleaning products such as tissues, liquid soaps, pastes, and toothbrushes
- Medicines: Diamox for motion sickness, as well as the usual medicines, bandages, injections, and any other medication.
- Charging cable or power source
- Bring raincoats, shirts/t-shirts, and hiking pants. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat, an umbrella, and extra clothes when it rains.
- Identity card and photo
- A water bottle, preferably one that is sealed
- Fur Jackets
- A few polythene wetsuit bags.14) Energy bars, cookies, chocolates, and dried fruits to eat, as well as ORS or glucose to prevent fatigue.
- Extra memory card, camera battery, and charger
Beginner travelers should consider the following tips:
- Rentals of trekking poles, backpacks, and hiking boots can be found in Sankri, but are limited during the high season.
- Electricity can be a problem in Sankri due to frequent power cuts. If you are cold, keep a few woolen socks and a warm water bottle.
- Don’t bring too many clothes, since you can get by with a few pairs for a short trip, preventing the backpack from being a heavy load. You should dress appropriately for the occasion and avoid unnecessary items. However, 3–4 coats should be worn
- Because you’re going to be climbing, the trekking pole needs to be level and stable. It also keeps your body strong.
- When traveling, bring a suitable travel backpack to organize your things.