Kedarkantha Trek

Best winter trek in Uttarakhand for first-timers seeking Himalayan snow

Duration

5D / 44N

hike

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

12,500 ft

Total trek

44 km

Best Time

Dec - April

Pickup

Dehradun

Overview

Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand, attracting thousands of trekkers every season with its stunning snow trails, dense pine forests, and jaw-dropping Himalayan views. Located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district, the trek reaches a summit height of 12,500 ft (3,800 m), making it an ideal high-altitude experience for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.

The Kedarkantha Trek distance covers approximately 20 km, typically completed in 4 to 6 days, starting from the base village of Sankri. The trail passes through some of the most scenic campsites in the Indian Himalayas, including Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base, and the breathtaking summit itself.

The best time to do Kedarkantha Trek is between December and April, when the entire route is blanketed in thick snow, offering a true winter trekking experience. The summit rewards trekkers with a 360° panoramic view of iconic peaks including Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, Kedarnath, and the Gangotri range.

The Kedarkantha Trek difficulty level is graded Easy to Moderate, making it one of the best winter treks in India for first-timers. With well-marked trails, manageable altitude gain, and a relatively short itinerary, it serves as a perfect introduction to Himalayan snow trekking.

Sankri, the base camp village, is easily accessible from Dehradun (200 km), making Kedarkantha a highly sought-after winter trek from Delhi for those looking for a rewarding long-weekend mountain escape.

What to Expect

  • Snow-covered pine forests that get more dramatic with every step up the trail
  • A night camp beside the frozen Juda Ka Talab lake under a sky full of stars
  • Gradual, well-marked trails suitable for first-time trekkers
  • Temperatures dropping below zero at higher campsites, especially in December and January
  • A 360° summit view of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, and the Gangotri range
  • Golden sunrise from the top, with light breaking over an endless Himalayan horizon
  • A warm Garhwali welcome at Sankri village before the trail begins

Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri
  • Drive: 200km
  • Duration: 6-7 hrs
  • Arrival Point: Sankri Village (6,400 ft)
Your Kedarkantha trek begins with an early morning departure from Dehradun, heading towards the remote Uttarkashi district through scenic mountain roads. The drive passes through Mussoorie, Barkot, and Mori, offering stunning valley views along the way. Arrive at Sankri by evening, the base camp village for the Kedarkantha trek. Settle into your accommodation, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest up for the trail ahead. Overnight stay at Sankri.
  • Trek Distance: 4 km
  • Trek Duration: 4-5 hrs
  • Altitude: 9,100 ft
The first day on trail takes you through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, gradually climbing towards the iconic Juda Ka Talab campsite. The frozen lake, surrounded by snow-laden trees, is one of the most beautiful sights on the entire Kedarkantha trek. Set up camp as the sun sets over the Himalayan ridgeline, enjoy hot soup and dinner, and sleep under a breathtaking canopy of stars. Overnight stay in tents at Juda Ka Talab.
  • Trek Distance: 4 km
  • Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs
  • Altitude: 11,250 ft
Today the trail opens up from forest cover into wide snow-covered meadows with unobstructed views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The climb is steady and rewarding, with the base camp sitting at the edge of the treeline at 11,250 ft. This is where the real Himalayan experience begins, with cold winds, deep snow underfoot, and a sky that feels closer than ever. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is summit day. Overnight stay in tents at Kedarkantha Base Camp.
  • Trek Distance: 10 km
  • Trek Duration: 7-8 hrs
  • Summit Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,800 m)

Begin the summit push before dawn, trekking through snow and steep switchbacks to reach the Kedarkantha summit at 12,500 ft. At the top, a full 360° panoramic view of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, Kedarnath, and the Gangotri range greets you, one of the finest winter summit views in India. Celebrate the achievement, soak in the moment, then descend all the way back to Sankri for a warm meal and well-earned rest. Overnight stay at Sankri.

  • Drive: 200 km
  • Duration: 7- 8 hrs
  • Drop-off: Dehradun Railway Station
After breakfast, bid farewell to Sankri and begin the drive back to Dehradun. Carry back memories of frozen trails, starlit camps, and a Himalayan summit that will stay with you long after the trek ends. Reach Dehradun by evening with drop-off at the railway station.

Package Details

Included

  • Transport (Dehradun to Dehradun)
  • Acommodation in Alpine camps
  • Sleeping bags & mats
  • All meals during trek
  • Trek leader & support staff
  • Forest permit & entry fees

Excluded

  • Personal trekking gear
  • Meals during transit
  • Porter or mule
  • Any personal expenses

Photos

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to do Kedarkantha Trek?
The best time for Kedarkantha Trek is December to April for a full snow experience. March and April offer clearer skies and slightly warmer temperatures, while December and January give the most dramatic snowfall and frozen trail conditions.
Kedarkantha Trek is graded Easy to Moderate. The trails are well-marked, the altitude gain is gradual, and no prior trekking experience is required. It is one of the most beginner-friendly winter treks in India.
The trek typically takes 4 to 5 days, including the drive from Dehradun to Sankri and back. The actual trekking spans 3 days on trail with a summit attempt on day 4.
The Kedarkantha summit stands at 12,500 ft (3,800 m) above sea level, offering a stunning 360° panoramic view of the Himalayas on a clear day.
Our Kedarkantha Trek package starts at just Rs. 6,499 per person, making it one of the most affordable winter trek experiences in the Himalayas. The package is fully inclusive so you can focus entirely on the trek without worrying about logistics. Our package includes accommodation in dome tents throughout the trek, all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast, an experienced trek leader and support staff, camping equipment including sleeping bags and mats, forest permit and entry fees, and Dehradun pickup and drop.
Sankri is the base village for Kedarkantha Trek, located 200 km from Dehradun. The nearest railhead is Dehradun and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport. From Dehradun, a shared cab or private vehicle takes approximately 7 to 8 hours to reach Sankri. Many trekkers prefer our Kedarkantha Trek package that include transport from Dehradun to make the journey hassle free.

Key items to carry include warm layered clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, trekking shoes with good grip, sunglasses, sunscreen, a personal medical kit, and a sturdy backpack. Avoid heavy luggage as you will be carrying your daypack on the trail.

Yes, Kedarkantha is one of the safest treks in India for solo trekkers. The trail is well-marked, regularly covered by trek operators, and passes through established campsites with support staff present throughout.
Temperatures during Kedarkantha Trek vary by season. In December and January, it can drop to -10°C at higher camps. In March and April, daytime temperatures are around 5°C to 10°C, with cold nights still expected at base camp and the summit.
Absolutely. Kedarkantha is one of the most recommended treks in India for beginners. The gradual ascent, short daily distances, and well-supported trail make it highly accessible for anyone with basic fitness. A few weeks of regular walking or jogging before the trek is all the preparation you need.

Trek Map

Kedarkantha Trek Map

Reviews

Google logo
★★★★★

"Kedarkantha was everything I hoped for and more. The snow-covered trails, the frozen Juda Ka Talab at sunset, and that final push to the summit at 12,500 ft felt surreal. As a first-time trekker, I was nervous going in but the trail is very manageable and the team was incredibly supportive throughout. The sunrise from the top with the entire Himalayan range in front of you is something I will never forget. Absolutely worth every step."

Read more
Vanshaj Sahni
Vanshaj Sahni
7 December 2025 · Google Review
Google logo
★★★★★

"I have done a few treks before but Kedarkantha in January is on another level. Deep snow, freezing nights, and the most stunning views I have ever seen from a summit. The campsite at Kedarkantha Base was magical, waking up to snow all around and peaks glowing in the early morning light. The food was surprisingly good for a winter trek at this altitude. If you are thinking about it, just go. You will not regret it."

Read more
Anjali Pandey
Anjali Pandey
14 February 2026 · Google Review

₹6,499 per person

Ex-Dehradun (pickup & drop included)

Kedarkantha Trek

Similar treks

Tungnath Trek

Tungnath Trek

Rudraprayag • Scenic Route

Starting ₹6,000
Details
Nag Tibba Trek

Nag Tibba Trek

Uttarakhand • Weekend Friendly

Starting ₹1,499
Details

₹6,499 per person

Enquire

₹6,499 per person

Ex-Dehradun (pickup & drop included)

Kedarkantha Trek