Why Kedarkantha?
Kedarkantha is often called the best winter trek in India, and for good reason. At 12,500 ft, it offers a perfect blend of snow-covered trails, dense forests, and a summit that rewards you with a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal window for the Kedarkantha trek is December to March. This is when the trail is blanketed in snow, the forests look magical, and the summit views are at their clearest.
- December–January: Heavy snowfall, deep snow trails, coldest temperatures (-10 to -15°C at night)
- February–March: Moderate snow, slightly warmer, equally beautiful
Difficulty Level
Kedarkantha is rated Moderate and is perfect for first-time winter trekkers. Here's what to expect:
- Daily walking: 5–8 km
- Altitude gain: 6,400 ft to 12,500 ft over 4 days
- Trail type: Well-marked forest paths, snow fields near summit
- No technical climbing required
What to Pack
Packing right is crucial for a winter trek. Here's our essentials list:
- Trekking shoes with ankle support and good grip
- Thermal layers — merino wool base layers work best
- Down jacket — rated for -10°C at minimum
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Warm gloves, beanie, and neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with UV protection (snow blindness is real)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm
- Head torch with extra batteries
The Trail Day by Day
Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
The journey begins with a scenic 8-hour drive from Dehradun through Mussoorie and Purola. Sankri village sits at 6,400 ft — your base for the trek.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
A beautiful 4 km trek through oak and pine forests brings you to the frozen lake campsite at 9,100 ft.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Base Camp
A shorter day — 3 km to the base camp at 11,250 ft. Rest well for summit day.
Day 4: Summit Day
The early morning push to 12,500 ft. Watch the sunrise paint the Himalayan peaks gold. Descend to Hargaon camp.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri
Descend through a different trail back to Sankri.
Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun
Drive back with stops at scenic viewpoints.
Tips from Our Trek Leaders
- Start hydrating 3-4 days before the trek
- Break in your trekking shoes at least 2 weeks in advance
- Carry a small thermos — hot water is a lifesaver on cold mornings
- Layer up rather than wearing one thick jacket
- Listen to your body — altitude affects everyone differently
