A Winter Wonderland Adventure – My Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi Experience

Some adventures stay with you forever — and for me, the Kedarkantha Trek was one of them. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through snow-covered pine forests, camping under a blanket of stars, and waking up to Himalayan peaks glowing at sunrise, Kedarkantha is your perfect escape. Starting from Delhi, this trek is one of the most beginner-friendly yet breathtaking journeys in Uttarakhand.

Let me take you through my experience — from planning the trip to reaching the summit — and share some useful tips if you’re planning your own Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi.

The Journey Begins – Reaching Kedarkantha from Delhi

The adventure kicked off late one evening as our group left Delhi in a tempo traveller, bound for Sankri, the small village that serves as the base camp for the trek. It’s about 430 km from Delhi, taking around 10–11 hours by road.

If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus or train to Dehradun, then hire a shared cab or local vehicle to Sankri (around 7–8 hours from Dehradun). The route — Delhi → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Purola → Sankri — is a visual treat, with winding mountain roads, pine-scented air, and tiny Himalayan hamlets along the way.

I’d recommend starting at night so you can reach Sankri by noon the next day, rest, and explore the peaceful village before the trek begins.

Trek Overview – A Snow Paradise for Every Trekker

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most famous winter treks in India, located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarkashi district. It stands at an altitude of about 12,500 ft (3,800 m) and is ideal for beginners.

What makes it special? The perfect balance between adventure and beauty. The trail offers dense forests, frozen lakes, wooden huts, and 360° views of snow-clad peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch.

The trek is moderate in difficulty, typically spread across 4–5 days, depending on your pace and weather. It’s best suited for anyone with basic fitness and a love for the outdoors.

My 5-Day Kedarkantha Trek Itinerary

Here’s how our journey unfolded:

Day 1 – Delhi to Sankri (Base Camp)

We left Delhi at night and reached Sankri by afternoon the next day. The fresh mountain air instantly lifted everyone’s mood. After a hearty meal and briefing by our trek leader, we rented gear and rested early for the trek ahead.

Day 2 – Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)

The first trekking day! The trail started gently through oak and pine forests. Juda Ka Talab, our campsite, was straight out of a fairytale — a frozen lake surrounded by tall trees. We spent the evening sipping soup around a bonfire, sharing stories under a starry sky.

Day 3 – Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft)

The climb got steeper, and the snow thicker. The views opened up, with glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks. By evening, the entire campsite was blanketed in white snow, glowing under the moonlight.

Day 4 – Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) and back to Hargaon

The summit day started at 3 AM. With headlamps on, we began our ascent in freezing cold. Reaching the top just as the first light hit the peaks was pure magic — a golden glow spreading over the white mountains. It was one of those “wow” moments you never forget.

Day 5 – Hargaon to Sankri, then drive back to Dehradun/Delhi

We descended back through forests, bidding goodbye to the mountains. From Sankri, we started our long but happy drive back to Delhi — tired, sore, but absolutely content.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha

While Kedarkantha is accessible most of the year, it’s most famous as a winter trek (December to April). That’s when the snow-covered landscapes look like something out of a postcard.

If you prefer fewer crowds and mild weather, March to April is ideal — the snow starts melting, and rhododendrons bloom along the trail. For those who want a full white wonderland experience, December to February is the best.

Avoid the monsoon months (July–September), as the trails become slippery and risky.

Budget and Trekking Essentials

The total cost of the Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi depends on your choice of tour operator and gear rentals. On average, a 5-day package costs ₹6,000–₹9,000, including transport from Dehradun, meals, camping, and guides.

If you’re traveling independently, budget around ₹10,000–₹12,000 total, including transport, stay, and gear.

Essentials to carry:

Waterproof trekking shoes

Warm jackets and thermals

Gloves, woolen cap, and sunglasses

Trekking poles and gaiters

Personal medicines and snacks

Pro tip: Pack light but don’t compromise on winter clothing — temperatures can dip below -5°C at night.

Tips for First-Time Trekkers

Stay hydrated even in the cold; dehydration can sneak up in high altitudes.

Acclimatize properly — take it slow, especially at higher camps.

Carry cash, as ATMs are unavailable after Mori.

Avoid single-use plastic, and bring back your waste.

Book your trek early, as winter batches fill fast, especially around Christmas and New Year.

And most importantly, soak in every moment — the laughter at campfires, the crunch of snow under your boots, and the stillness of sunrise at the summit.

Final Thoughts – The Magic of Kedarkantha

When I stood on the Kedarkantha summit, watching the sun rise over the Himalayas, all I could think was how worth it every step had been. The cold, the early mornings, the climbs — everything faded in front of that view.

If you’re based in Delhi and craving an adventure that combines mountain beauty, snow, and serenity, Kedarkantha should be on top of your list. It’s challenging enough to feel accomplished but easy enough for first-time trekkers.

Whether you go solo, with friends, or through an organized group, this trek will give you memories that stay long after the snow melts.