“The best view comes after the hardest climb” Who would not want to experience the magnificent view of the Himalayan Belt which comes into notice from the summit walking amongst the thick forests snuggled with green meadows? Receiving beyond what you seek is exactly where the beauty of nature lies. Seeking adventures should always be the prior task, nature’s beauty and charm comes handy. Amidst the snowy walkways, glittering alpines, an alluring river flowing throughout the rocky line of attacks, a chunky forest and trekking would be the most surreal experience. Reaching a new world every day defines how picturesque is the Kedarkantha Trek emphasizing tiny bits of bricks onto the readers so as to plan a quick trip for the trek. The snow patches beautifying the pines and the meadows, in this elevation above the ground even in the late April, add up to making this trek a unique one.
LOCATION OF KEDARKANTHA TREK
Kedarkantha return trek being 24 kilometers from Sankri village is located in Uttarkashi district of the north-eastern part of Uttarakhand in the lap of the
The Himalayas based in western Garhwal. The famous Har ki dun valley is situated very close to the trek, with the Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana anticipate your advent at Kedarkantha. Be it the season of winter or spring, the track remains sheltered with fresh snow. The localities being the villagers are friendly and mingle with the tourists in every way possible, making sure they follow their unique culture keeping in view their generosity, their encouragement for the trekkers and the hospitality provided by them to the trekkers after the completion of their magnificent yet a tiring journey.
OVERVIEW OF KEDARKANTHA TREK
Duration: 6 days
Maximum Altitude: 12,500 ft. (3810m) approx.
Region: Uttarakhand
Approx. Trekking distance: 20 kilometers
Starting point: Sankri Village
Finest time to visit: From the month of December all the way till April Temperature Range: Summer: Daytime: 13-18°C and Night time: 0-6°C; Winter Daytime: 8-15°C and Night time: can drop to -7°C
Difficulty grade: Easy to moderate
HOW TO REACH SANKRI VILLAGE?
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun-Jolly Grant Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun-Dehradun Railway Station
- Nearest Bus Station: Dehradun-Dehradun ISBT
From here you can find a local bus or other means of transport such as taxis which will take you to the Sankri village One can take either a flight, train or a bus to reach Dehradun. It takes about 6 hours to reach Uttarkashi from Dehradun by bus or taxi. Sankri Village is situated approximately 180 kilometers from Dehradun, serving as the base camp of the trek which can be easily reached by taking an early morning bus from Uttarkashi that leaves at around 6 am from Mussoorie Bus Stand near Dehradun Railway Station.
KEDARKANTHA TREK ROUTE MAP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT SANKRI
The scenic surroundings amplify the gratification of reaching the destination and exhilarate the happiness of the tour that yet remains to be experienced. The
The journey from Uttarkashi is a little long one and takes about three-fourths of the day to reach. One can take pleasure in the lunch at the popular restaurants having traditional food and homemade spices. Govind National Park on the way to Sankri excites the tourists, being famous for its ardent collection of flowers endemic to the region. The expected hour of reaching Sankri is 5 pm, however, sometimes it might be delayed due to the uncertain weather conditions and worn-off state of roads. On reaching, tourists are welcomed by the villagers and can check in to the prior booked guesthouses. One can have dinner indoors or outdoors depending upon whether they want to enjoy the free leisurely dinner indoors which relaxes and prepares them for trekking the next day or they can set out to discover the village of Sankri, local shops, and Dhabas serving appetizing food.
DAY 2: SANKRI TO JUDA-KA-TALAB
The second day commences with the journey straight from Sankri to Juda-Ka-Talab which is situated at an altitude of 9100 ft, being 4km and the time required is around 5 hours. The beginning of the trek is marked by leaving the village through the extension called Sor. Initially, the first 2-3 days of climbing are moderate; not being strenuous for the beginners and the initial climb would be climbing several bridges through chunky forests. Himalayan Languars, echoes from the streaming waters and a few sights of women and children carrying bundles of wooden logs are to be framed on the way. During the summer, the meadows are found of be lush green with the hilly and a few endemic floras of sole characteristics. Juda-Ka-Talab is the destination which comes in the scrutiny of trekkers and cannot be missed at any circumstances due its jagged complementary and solemn beauty. It provides the trekkers a sight of a giant lake on one side and thick pine forest on the other. During the night, campfire plays an amazing role in enlightening the supper underneath the shining and calm night sky. Trekkers have an overnight sleep in their respective tents arranged.
DAY 3: JUDA-KA-TALAB TO KEDARKANTHA BASE
The third day also pays some relaxed atmosphere to the trekkers, them being destined to trek towards Kedarkantha Base which lies at an altitude of approximately 11,300 ft. The distance from Juda-Ka-Talab till Kedarkantha base is about 4 kilometers and takes about 3 hours to reach the destination. The trail for this particular day is quite confined, straightforward and visible, though it begins from the dense forests amidst the echoes of the streaming water. During the winter treks, one can observe snow in and out the region approximately at an altitude of 10,400 ft. Captivating the beauty of nature, one can mesmerize the outlook of arc-shaped range of snow sheltered mountains compromising of Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana standing out proudly in order to advent the trekkers. Trekkers are to set up tents ones they have reached and need to find the suitable location for their tent from where they observe the beauty of nature preferably being close to the setup group than being scattered away from the crowd. It is suggested to carry proper woolen clothes for such altitudes. Overnight stay is planned at the base.
DAY 4: KEDARKANTHA BASE TO KEDARKANTHA PEAK; DESCEND TO HARGAON
This day is considered to be a strenuous one for the trekkers; they need an ample amount of consideration and encouragement in order to achieve what they dreamt of. The fourth day is destined to conquer the Kedarkantha Peak requires an elevation from 11,300 ft to about 12,500 ft approximately. The trek includes ascending till Kedarkantha Peak and thereby returning back to Hargadon based at approximately 8900 ft, total being 6 kilometers and takes about 7 hours. The way to the peak can be made through various tracks but it is advised to follow the main track as the main track is found to rise at an even level. The journey towards the end of the track and close to the Kedarkantha becomes a little difficult as it advances, however, the view from the top and the mesmerizing atmosphere makes the strain worth it. At the top, there is a small temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, accompanied by a small place of worship of Lord Ganesh too. The bird’s eye’s view from the top, enabling an individual to have a 360° view of the snow capped mountains of Uttarakhand is the vision of beyond words experience. After reaching the camp, take a break for lunch. After being relaxed, setting out to descend in order to read Hargaon will be the task to be taken up. Relishing the beauty of location and enjoying accepted clearings, descend further to the Hargaon campsite. On reaching the campsite, mark the end of another happy day and set up tents to spend the night further.
DAY 5: HARGAON CAMP TO SANKRI VILLAGE
The fifth day being the day for further descending from Hargaon campsite to Sankri village, that is from 8900 ft to 6400 ft. The approximate time required for this journey will be 4 hours and distance to be covered during the 5th day will be around 6 kilometers. This track will have more defined walkways, laden will tiny stones. Further down the track, Har ki Dun valley is viewed from the ridge that comes on the way. By the evening, at a moderate speed, one can reach Sankri. Trekkers have immensely appreciated ones they arrive at Sankri, the enthusiasm shown by the villagers provide a new light in absolute darkness to the trekkers. The villagers also provide the trekkers with hot water tubs so that they can get relaxed and later on shift to the prior booked guest houses for their convenience. Folk song and traditional food is arranged for the trekkers in order to energize them and take them a level ahead in their respective enthusiasm. Overnight stay at the hotel is planned.
DAY 6: SANKRI TO DEHRADUN
6th day is the last day when trekkers need to fly out back to Dehradun. Taxi services will be available in order to drop the trekkers back to the city. The distance takes around 10 hours to reach back to Dehradun which reaches roughly at 7’o clock evening time. The vacationers can be off-boarded either at the railroad station or at the airport according to their prerequisite. For every individual who wishes to remain in Dehradun can book the inn as per the number
of days they want to spend expending a few more flawless days in the middle of excellent Himalayas.
FITNESS
If your BMI is confined within the normal range, you can plan your fitness regime depending on the trek by consulting various doctors and dieticians. If the BMI is not within the confined to the normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime. In case of any chronic illness, consulting a trusted doctor is advised.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS AND MEASURES TO BE TAKEN DURING THE KEDARKANTHA TREK
Few tips for the trek and as follows:
- Stay hydrated always.
- Carry energy providing drinks. Keep eating on a continuous basis.
- Do not carry alcohol with you.
- Ascend the mountains gradually.
- Take ginger water along.
THINGS TO CARRY FOR THE KEDARKANTHA TREK GENERAL ITEMS
- Backpack (Min 60 liters) with Rain Cover
- Trekking Shoes
- 4 Pairs of Full sleeve shirts/T-Shirt and Track Pants
- Water Bottle 1 Lt
- Light towel
- Lip Balm
- Headlamp or torch with fresh pair of batteries
- Personal Toilet Kit and toilet paper
- Personal Medicine Kit
- Small Backpack
- Hand Sanitizer
- Soap Paper
- Walking Stick
SUN PROTECTION
- Sunscreen (SPF 40+)
- Hat
- Scarf
- Dark Sunglasses (U/V protected)
COLD PROTECTION
- Skin Moisturizer
- Lip Balm
- Thermal Inner Wears
- Woollen Cap
- Fleece or Double Fleece Jacket
- Down Jacket
- Woollen Gloves with a pair of thin Inner Gloves
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A good quality camera is advised for Kedarkntha Pass Trek to capture the magnificent views of the surroundings which are for sure memories of a lifetime. Carry a mobile charger and power bank. Batteries tend to lose their charge quickly at higher altitudes.
COST TERMS
INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation.
- Meals while on trek.
- Trek equipment.
- All the permits required.
- Entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretchers and oxygen cylinder.
- TTH staff insurance.
EXCLUSIONS:
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- Any kind of individual expense.
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- Food during transportation.
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- Insurance.
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- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not mentioned under the head.