Travel World Planet

Kedarkantha Trek 2024

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DETAILS

The region is situated in the serenity of the beautiful and stunning Garhwal Himalayas, Trekkers eagerly look forward to undertaking Kedarkantha trek as it provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty and spend time in the lap of nature. Besides, region’s scenic natural beauty is complemented with the charming hamlets, lush and green meadows, and breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The meandering trail to the 12,000 ft tall summit passes through the Govind National Park that gives a beautiful view of the Himalayan flora and fauna.

The sight of the peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag (black peak) and Ranglana and the highlight of the trek where the sunsets against the backdrop of the majestic and imposing snow-capped mountains are sure to fascinate everyone!. Kedarkantha trek ranks as one of the most beautiful and sought-after treks in the world. The “Juda-Ka-Talab” surrounded and covered by huge pine trees is a feast for the eyes.



THE TREK:

The exquisite journey of the charming peaks of the Kedarkantha starts from Dehradun. From Dehradun, it takes a long drive to Sankri situated at an altitude of 6,400 ft and takes approximately around 10 hrs to reach. The route passes thru Mussoorie. Though the route is remote the delightful sights on the way is sure to interest travelers. During this trail, trekkers come across majestic views of snowcapped mountains, lush green meadows, a variety of flora and fauna, maple trees,  and frozen ponds!. Amazing surroundings of every campsite enveloped in pine trees appeal to one’s aesthetic senses. The trek is one of the least expensive and can be enjoyed with pleasure and comfort.  The Kedarkantha trek is usually undertaken in winter

TREK HIGHLIGHTS:

KEY FACTS ABOUT TREK:

ITINERARY:

Day 1- Dehradun – Sankri – 210 Km – 8 Hrs

Dehradun – Sankri – 210 Km – 8 Hrs- Drive thru  Garhwal, Mussoorie, Barkot, Sankri, Govind National Park on curved roads which give the most beautiful sights of mountain peaks. Travelers finally arrive at Sankri 13 km inside of the Govind National Park, camping in this charming village. Travelers can take a stroll in the evening in preparation for the Kedarkantha trek from the next day onwards!

Day 2- Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 Ft) –4 Kms– 4 Hrs

Get to see the view of remote lakes, pine and oak trees, ponds and the Himalayan beauty. After a healthy breakfast and warm up exercise for acclimatizing to the weather conditions, the trekking starts from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab. The trekkers first go thru Sor, which is an extension of Sankri.  Thereafter, the road takes a wide curve and climbs sharply. The path moving along the stream leads to Kedarkantha. This unique sight truly mesmerizes everyone. The trail is wide and one can hear the sounds of running streams all through which may not be in view for long. This isolated lake amidst the beautiful snow-capped mountains is the perfect camping spot that reverberates the natural kaleidoscope with minute changes in light. Himalayan Langurs, boars, martens and hares can be spotted in this region. Stay for the night by a pond that resounds the beautiful wonder of pine and oak trees.



Day 3- Juda ka Talaab to Kedarkantha Base – (11,250 Ft) – 4 Kms – 3 Hrs

The day starts after breakfast. The stretch passes thru dense forests of pine and oak trees, steep ridges, green pastures, wild fauna and flora, surging meadows and the snowcapped mountains.  Travelers also get to see shepherd huts in open meadows. This exotic stretches of natural beauty and surroundings leave unforgettable marks of charming memories in the trekker’s mind.  Just ahead of Kedarkantha Base fascinating views a curved range of snow-capped mountains – ie. Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana stand majestically. Finally, arrive at the open beauty of the meadows at the base camp, and set up the tents and stay for the night.  The nights are usually very cold and hence good woolen clothing is a must.

Day 4- Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Summit and descend to Hargaon (12,250 Ft) –6 Kms – 7 Hrs

This is full of ascending and descending trek through the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges in which trekkers first ascend to the mountain peak of 12,000 Ft and then descend to 9,000 Ft. A full breakfast should be taken as this will be a long day. Like the previous trails, the trekkers need to again cover a few portions of oak forest – however, the trek is easier and faster. At the end, the climb to the top will be a little difficult and strenuous especially for the first time trekkers. The climb is steep but offers some stunning views of the Himalayas. At the top of the peak, there are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesh. Have lunch against the majestic backdrop of the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges. Take a break and descent to Hargaon to halt for the night.   Enjoy the natural wonder and campfire.

Day 5- Trek from Hargaon back to Sankri (6,400 Ft) 6 Kms – 4 Hrs

After watching the sunrise and having breakfast, travelers prepare to go to Sankri, enjoy the beauty of the meadows and the beautiful Har Ki Dun Valley with the vast flora and fauna.  If travelers have still some energy left, they can indulge in some local village site seeing to collect some local items as a souvenir. While, not many products are available one can always buy small handmade goods, wooden toys and wooden home décor items for friends and families.Retire for the day.

Day 6- Drive from Sankri to Dehradun – 210 Km – 8Hrs

Travelers carry pleasant memories of the trekking as they travel back to Sankri.  As travelers travel on the same path from Sankri- Dehradun, the excitement at the start of the journey gradually subsides and is replaced with a rewind of thrilling experiences of the Kedarkantha trek.



INCLUSIONS

Accommodation:

Accommodation is available at Sankri and there are limited options due to the peak season. Here are some recommended hotels in Sankri where travelers can stay while visiting Kedarkantha. Some of the recommended hotels are:

Meal:

Usually, only vegetarian meals are provided for the entire duration of the trek. In addition, breakfast, tea/ coffee, and light snacks are also given. Some of the meals provided are:

Activities:

Some of the activities done during the Kedarkantha Trek are:

Other Inclusions:

Besides accommodation and food other inclusions of the Kedarkantha trek are:




TRANSPORTATION

Travelers can reach the place by a combination of the following modes – ie:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport. This is well connected to many cities in India. Travelers can take either government buses or private taxis to Sankri which is at a distance of around 210 Kms with a travel time of around 8 Hours.

By Train: There is an overnight train from Delhi- Dehradun – ie. Nanda Devi Express with a journey time of around 6 Hours. Besides, Dehradun which is the nearest railhead is very well connected to many cities.

By Bus / Road: Dehradun is well connected to Kedarkantha and all northern cities due to good motorable roads. Bus services are available in plenty from Delhi- Dehradun. Travelers can choose sleeper, semi- deluxe, deluxe, AC Volvo buses as well. In addition to that Dehradun is well connected with Delhi by buses on daily buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. By bus, it takes approximately 10 hours for reaching Sankri and most the buses directly ply early in the morning to Kedarkantha. (Via- Dehradun).

THINGS TO CARRY

Some essentials to carry while heading out for a trek to KEDARKANTHA are:




HOW TO REACH

Travelers can reach Kedarkantha via Sankri since this the starting point from Uttarakhand. Dehradun to Sankri is around 220 km and this route pass through Mussoorie, Naugaon, Purola, Mori, Netwar and then Sankri in Govind Pashu National Park. To reach Kedarkantha there are two alternatives, one can go through Sankri by shared jeeps or public buses. Two direct buses run from Dehradun to Kedarkantha via Sankri leave early in the morning sometime around 5- 7 am which leave from nearby to the railway station. The journey takes 10-11 hours. In the alternative, travelers can travel by bus from Dehradun to Purola which is at a distance of around 145 Kms with a travel time of around 5 Hours. Even taxis / shared jeeps are available till Purola. Travelers can reach Kedarkantha by buses/taxis which is at a distance of around 20 Kms with a travel time of around 1 Hr.

ADVISORY

Due to adverse climatic conditions, travelers should exercise adequate pre-caution before embarking on this trip. Besides, their usual medicines, medications to handle respiratory problems, acute mountain sickness medicines should be carried in consultation with the family physician. A pre-trip medical checkup will be beneficial to decide on which medicines to carry. It is best to carry an extra reserve of the medication to handle any adversities.

Some of the other important medicines/accessories suggested to be carried are:

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