The Kedarkantha Trek is a captivating journey through the serene landscapes of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek offers an enchanting blend of lush meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks. Starting from the charming village of Sankri, the trek meanders through picturesque trails adorned with pine forests, sparkling streams, and panoramic mountain vistas.
The highlight of the trek is the summit of Kedarkantha, standing at an altitude of 3,810 meters (12,500 feet), which offers awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Himalayan ranges, including the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and the Yamunotri peaks. The trek provides a perfect balance of adventure and natural beauty, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced trekkers. With its diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas, the Kedarkantha Trek promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
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BOOK NOW Book NowThe Kedarkantha Trek is a year-round destination, each season offering its unique allure. Winter (December to March) is the most sought-after time, when the trail is blanketed in pristine snow, creating a classic Himalayan wonderland. With temperatures dropping to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), trekkers can enjoy clear skies and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, though it requires preparation for the cold.
Summer (April to June) provides a pleasant alternative, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) and the snow melting to reveal lush green meadows and vibrant wildflowers, offering a beautiful contrast against the snow-capped peaks. Monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rains, making the trails slippery and challenging. They are generally avoided due to the risk of landslides and poor conditions.
However, autumn (October to November) is another fantastic time to trek, with crisp, clear weather and daytime temperatures ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), providing unobstructed views of the Himalayan ranges and dry trails. Each season offers its own distinct experience, making Kedarkantha a versatile and appealing trek throughout the year.
Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) is well-connected to major cities across India.
From Delhi: The Shatabdi Express and Nanda Devi Express offer frequent services.
From Mumbai: The Dehradun Express connects Mumbai to Dehradun.
From Kolkata: The Doon Express operates from Kolkata to Dehradun.
Dehradun is well-connected by road, with several state-run and private buses operating from major cities.
From Delhi: Buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate include Volvo, deluxe, and semi-deluxe options. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
From Chandigarh: Regular bus services take about 5-6 hours.
From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Frequent buses make the 1.5-2 hour journey.
Buses typically arrive at Dehradun’s ISBT. From there, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take local buses to reach your desired location within the city.
Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is located about 30 kilometers from Dehradun city center.
Connecting Flights: There are regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
From Delhi: Several daily flights by airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India.
From Mumbai: Direct flights available.
From Bangalore: Direct and connecting flights available.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use airport shuttle services to reach Dehradun. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
Waterproof gloves | Not required |
Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | Not required |
Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Micro spikes | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
Mobile Connectivity: Network and connectivity are sparse on the Kedarkantha Trek. However, there are a few spots where you can expect a good network for communication, especially closer to base camps.
ATM Availability: The last ATM en route to the base camp is in Mori, where there is an SBI bank with an ATM. However, this ATM often runs out of cash. In such cases, you can visit an SBI-authorized cash withdrawal center (located on the first floor, two buildings to the right of SBI) where you can swipe your card to withdraw cash. Alternatively, Purola has three ATMs (SBI, ICICI, and Axis Bank) where you can withdraw cash.
Electricity: Sankri, Gaichawan Gaon, and Kotgaon are the last points where you’ll find electricity. However, power can be very intermittent, especially during winter and late summer, and can be unavailable for most of the day, particularly when the monsoon begins.
Charging and Power: We strongly recommend bringing extra batteries for your cameras and a power bank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh or more to ensure you can charge your devices throughout the trek.
Cash: It’s advisable to carry enough cash with you before heading out, as the ATMs may not always be reliable. Plan to withdraw cash from Purola if you need additional funds for transport, rental gear, and personal expenses.
Weather: Expect cold conditions with temperatures dropping below freezing at night, especially in winter. Be sure to bring proper winter clothing and gear to stay warm and comfortable.
The best time to trek Kedarkantha is from December to March for snow and winter experiences, and April to June for milder weather and lush greenery.
The trek typically takes 6 to 7 days, including travel to and from the base camp, and the trek itself.
The Kedarkantha Trek is considered moderate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
The maximum altitude of the trek is 3,810 meters (12,500 feet) at the summit of Kedarkantha.
Weather varies by season: winter (cold and snowy), summer (pleasant and mild), monsoon (rainy and slippery), and autumn (crisp and clear).
Temperatures range from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F), depending on the season
Accommodation is provided in tents and occasionally in guesthouses at base camps and during stops.
Essential gear includes warm clothing, waterproof layers, sturdy trekking boots
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Regular exercise and some prior trekking experience will be helpful.