Tour overview

Kedarkantha trek is a perfect picturesque trek in the lap of the Himalayas of Garhwal. The overall return trek is around 24 kilometers from Sankri, which is covered in a span of over 4 days. The trek takes you up to the summit of the Kedarkantha peak at 3800 meters. The view from the top offers spectacular panorama the region and other lesser known peaks, valleys and villages of the area. The Dhauladhar range of Himachal, Rupin valley, Har Ki Dun valley and views that goes down to the dense settlement of Purola, are all visible. The snow cover on the surrounding peaks makes all the mountains and sharp points appear like a dominating high peaks.. On the top, you feel like an eagle with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding.

During Summer and Autumn, the trek is beautiful with lush green meadows, forest cover with a gentle waving water of the Juda ka Taalab, but for us, Kedar Kantha is one of the best winter snow trek existing in the entire Himalayas. The entire trek route and surrounding is covered by a thick layer of fresh white snow. The view of a forest covered in snow is very dreamy and a sight which just takes your heart away and keeps you excited throughout. The mountain also offers you the preliminary experience of a Summit Trek. For the summit, you start your trek before dawn to perfectly time your reaching to the summit, to gift yourself a jaw dropping experience of witnessing the magic of a Himalayan Sunrise. The snow just adds to the wonderful experience. We provide gaiters and anti-slip traction crampons to be used for the snow as the most important safety requirements, which further adds to a better experience.

The feeling of seeing the surrounding light up to the dawn from the summit can never be forgotten and becomes a lifelong cherishing moment. This trek gets really cold and temperature drops to as low as -10 degrees adding to the thrill of being on a Himalayan Winter Trek. However, not to worry. The temperature inside the tent isn’t that cold and our equipment perfectly takes care of your comfort.

The wonderful learning experience of interaction with the locals and beautiful, playful children is just a top up. The architecture of the village temples and houses of Saud is unique in itself, and offers a insightful journey for those who want to seek more knowledge on the local way of life and get inspired by them.

Join our awesome Kedarkantha Winter Trek to celebrate Snow, Santa and the magnificent Himalayas!!

Come, lets end this year on a positive note together with Himalayan High, and begin 2018 with a  motivated spirit and cheerful heart!!

Things To Bring On Trek By Each Trekkers
Trekking requires you to be in proper gears for camping, safety and personal protection and hygiene. Below is the list of items which need to be bought by each trekkers.
General Item(s):
3 T Shirts ( dry fit or cotton)
3 Light Weight Hiking Pants
4 Socks ( 2 cotton, 2 woolen)
3 Undergarments
1 Pen knife or multi-tool knife
1 Thin Nylon Ropes for multipurpose use
1 Toilet Paper Roll
1 Small Towel
1 Soap Papers
1 Ruck Sack
1 Small Backpack/nap sack
1 Hiking Shoes, better if water proof
1 Sleeper/ sandals to be used on campsites ( optional )
1 Headlamp with extra batteries
2 Water Bottles
1 Camp Cutlery Set
Rain/Snowfall Protection:
1 Water proof Upper & Lower
1 Poncho
1 Waterproof Sack/Backpack Cover
1 Water proof gloves
Cold Protection:
1 Skin Moisturizer
1 Lip Balm
2 Thermal Inner Wears
1 Woolen Cap
1 Fleece jackets
1 Down Jacket or a good light weight jacket
2 Woolen Gloves
Sun Protection:
Sunscreen SPF 50 above
Sunglasses( UV proof/ Polarizer)
Sun Hat
Scarf
Balaclava /Face mask
Extra Food:
Dry fruit
Candies
Chocolate/Energy Bars
Gatorade/Glucose

Included

  • 6 Days / 5 nights of trek cost Ex. Sankri
  • 2 night in standard hotel in Sankri
  • Accommodation in spacious tents on trek, 2man/ 3man tents
  • Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth
  • All required camping gears with Separate Dining and Kitchen Tents and toilet tents for men and women
  • All meals starting Evening Tea in Sankri on Day 1 till Breakfast on the last day.ƒn
  • 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude plus evening snacks, soup, hot drinks and extra energizers/juice for summit days
  • All other equipment and safety gears required for snow trek like Gaiters, Anti Slip Ice Crampons, etc
  • High Altitude Medical Kit
  • Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, etc
  • All forest entry permits and camping fees
  • Free pass for 1 trek leader from Sankri

Not Included

  • BAGGAGE OFFLOAD: Extra at INR 1200 per trekker
  • Transfers between Dehradun and Sankri
  • Food purchased outside our fixed menu
  • Travel Insurance
  • Anything out of the Inclusions list

Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Getting to base camp – Gaichawan Gaon

Distance: 220 km
Time taken: 10 – 11 hours
The trek begins at Gaichawan Gaon, 8-9 hours drive from Dehradun. The journey takes you past Mori and Purola. You see beautiful valleys and forest cover throughout the journey. At the Naitwar Barrier you need to take permission. A government issued ID is essential for this. After the barrier, take a right side turn to go to Gainchwan Gaon. The road that goes straight, takes you to Sankri. After taking the right turn, take another right turn after in 30 minutes. This takes you to the village Gainchwan Gaon surrounded by Shialdi, Paisar, Guradi, Sunchangaon, Dargangaon and Dewara. The guest house where you will be staying is in Shialdi. Roam around this quiet village and be enchanted by the sound of the Rupin river.

Day 2: Gaichawan Gaon to Julota

Altitude: 5,600 ft (1,707 m) to 8,950 ft (2,728 m)
Time taken: 4.5-5 hours
Trek gradient: Easy. Gradual ascent for 2-2.5 hours followed by a steep ascent.
Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. There’s one water source half way through the trek.
There’s a motorable road all the way to Altwar which is a work in progress. You will have to stick to the villager’s path that goes through apple orchards and farm lands. The Sunchangaon and Dargangaon villages are unique in their culture, in their architecture and lifestyle. Altwar is at a distance of 3 km from Gainchwan Gaon if you come through these villages and 6 km via the motorable road. Indiahikes trekkers trek on the shorter route since a cab up the motorable route takes more time.

Day 3: Julota to Kedarkantha Base (Pukhrola)

Altitude: 8,950 ft (2,728 m) to 11,037 ft (3,364 m)
Time taken: 2 hours
Trek gradient: Easy. ½ km ascent to a meadow followed by ½ km of level walk. Gradual ascent which becomes steep for the last 300 metres to Pukhrola.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. You will find streams along the trail to refill your water bottles.
Today’s trek is quite short but there’s close to 2,000 ft of altitude gain. So remember to keep yourself hydrated well. The trail is steeper and the terrain is undulated and mixed.
Within 400 metres of Julota, you reach a clearing. Pass this clearing and walk for another 400 meres to reach the next clearing. This is called Siunn ka Thatch and it is at an altitude of 9,293 ft.

The trail again goes through a jungle and opens into another clearing called Mowru ka Thatch. Take a short break here to enjoy the serenity of the place. After Mowru ka Thatch, you trek through a tree covered area on steep terrain. The tree cover slowly loses density and you see Rhododendron trees. This is Pukhrola, our new Kedarkantha Base. You can also see the Kedarkantha summit up ahead of you. Take good rest and enjoy the picturesque sunset here.

Day 4: Pukhrola to Kedarkantha peak; descend to Akroti Thach

Altitude: 11,037 ft (3,364 m) to 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to 10,135 ft (3,089 m)
Time taken: 6 – 7 hours
Trek gradient: Easy to moderate. 2 hour steep ascent to reach the summit. Steep decent to Akroti Thach
Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. First water source at Talkhetra, around 2 hours into the descent.
Today you make the final push towards the summit. Start from Pukhrola at 5.00 am.

The route goes on the western ridge of the mountain and it gets very steep at multiple points. Climb in a zig zag way in such places. It takes two hours to reach the summit by this route. On the summit you are surrounded by mountain ranges and valleys. You see the Chansil Pass, Rupin valley, Har ki Dun valley. Swargarohini also comes into view along with Bandarpoonch and Kalanag. Some of the other peaks you see include Jaonli, Gangotri, Draupadi ka Danda and Jorkanden.

After spending some time on the summit, retrace your way to Pukhrola.

A slight deviation from the trail towards Pukhrola takes you on the trail towards Akroti Thach. You are back to the tree line now. Akroti Thach campsite is 2 km from Pukhrola. It will take 2.5-3 hours to complete this stretch.

Day 5: Akroti Thach to Gaichawan Gaon

Altitude: 10,135 ft (3,089 m) to 5,600 ft (1,707 m)
Time taken: 3.5 hours
Trek gradient: Easy. Gradual descent all the way.
Water sources: Carry sufficient water. There is one water source, around 1.5 hours into the trek. After breakfast, start moving towards Gaichawan Gaon. This is 6 km from Akroti Thach. The trail before reaching Akroti Thach and till reaching Altwar is totally untouched and serene. The trail goes through thick Oak and Rhododendron forests. There are few small clearings while on the way down. The trail is not that well-made because not too many trekkers come here.
After 2 hours and 2 km of descend from Akroti Thach, we reach a place called Sada, an opening with beautiful old wooden huts. A view of Kedarkantha peak and few small villages is seen on the side of the valley. The route descends further towards Alwar, which is 1 ½ hr away. While on the way to Altwar, you can see Gaichawan gaon from a small opening in the forest. It takes another 1.5 hours to reach Gainchawan Gaon.

Day 6: Drive-back Day: Drive to Dehradun from Gaichawan Gaon

Distance: 220 km
Time taken: 10 – 11 hours
Start early in the morning, preferably before 7:00 AM since the journey takes at least 10 hours. If you have time to spare at Dehradun, go to Mussoorie or Yamunotri. You can read these trek blogs to know of some trekkers’ experiences on the Kedarkantha trek. You could also watch a video of the Kedarkantha trek here.