Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi – A Snowy Escape into the Himalayas

If there’s one winter trek that perfectly captures the magic of the Himalayas without demanding years of trekking experience, it’s the Kedarkantha Trek. Just a few hundred kilometres from Delhi, this journey takes you from the chaos of city life to the calm of snow-covered peaks, star-lit skies, and pine forests straight out of a fairytale.

The Kedarkantha trek from Delhi isn’t just about reaching a summit — it’s about slowing down, breathing in mountain air, and rediscovering that quiet thrill of adventure.

The Journey Begins – From Delhi to Sankri

The first leg of your adventure starts in Delhi, the starting point for countless Himalayan journeys. From Delhi, you travel towards Sankri, a quaint mountain village in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand — the base camp for Kedarkantha Trek.

You can reach Sankri in two stages:

Delhi → Dehradun: Take an overnight bus or train (approx. 6–7 hours).

Dehradun → Sankri: A scenic 9–10-hour drive (around 200 km) through winding mountain roads, pine forests, and the shimmering Tons River valley.

As you climb higher, the city fades away, replaced by the crisp scent of pine and the soothing rhythm of the mountains. Most trekkers reach Sankri by evening, where wooden lodges, bonfires, and starry skies set the tone for what’s to come.

The Trek – Into the Land of Snow and Silence

The Kedarkantha Trek is around 20 km long, spread over 4 to 6 days, and is considered perfect for beginners. Standing tall at 12,500 ft, it offers some of the best winter views in the Indian Himalayas.

The trail winds through dense pine and oak forests, meadows dusted with snow, and frozen lakes that shimmer in the morning light. Every turn reveals a new landscape — sometimes golden under the sun, sometimes silver under fresh snow.

At night, campsites like Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Base Camp turn magical. Imagine sitting by a fire, wrapped in a blanket, sipping hot soup, and gazing at thousands of stars — that’s Kedarkantha for you.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha – When the Mountains Turn Magical

The best time for the Kedarkantha trek from Delhi depends on the experience you want:

Winter (December – April): This is the most popular time. The trail transforms into a snow wonderland, ideal for those seeking the iconic Himalayan winter experience.

Spring (April – June): The snow melts away, revealing lush green meadows and blooming rhododendrons.

Autumn (October – November): Clear skies and mild temperatures make for excellent trekking conditions.

Avoid monsoons (July – September): Trails can become slippery and prone to landslides.

If you’re chasing snow, late December to early February is the best window — when the mountain looks straight out of a Christmas postcard.

The Trail & Itinerary – Step by Step to the Summit

Here’s a classic 5-day Kedarkantha trek itinerary from Delhi:

Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun to Sankri (Base Camp)

Leave Delhi by night, reach Dehradun early morning, and continue by jeep or tempo traveler to Sankri (6,400 ft). Spend the night in a homestay, meet fellow trekkers, and prepare for the climb.

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

Your first trekking day! The 4 km trail passes through thick pine forests and tiny wooden huts. You’ll reach Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful lake that freezes in winter — perfect for camping.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,200 ft)

A relatively short trek (3 km) but steep in parts. The campsite offers spectacular views of snow peaks — a teaser for the big day ahead.

Day 4: Summit Day – Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft) and Descend to Hargaon

Start early around 3 AM for the summit climb. As dawn breaks, watch the sunrise over the Himalayas — an unforgettable sight with peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch glowing orange. Descend to Hargaon for the night.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri and Drive Back to Dehradun

Trek back down and celebrate your successful summit. Return to Dehradun by evening, and you can either stay overnight or continue back to Delhi.

Budget Planning & Travel Tips

Trek Cost:

Most organized treks from Dehradun cost between ₹7,000 – ₹10,000, which includes food, guides, camping gear, forest permits, and accommodation.

Independent Trekking:

If you prefer going solo, expect to spend around ₹10,000 – ₹12,000 (including transport, meals, and equipment rentals).

Essentials to Carry:

Layered winter clothing, waterproof jacket, gloves, cap, and thermals.

Trekking shoes with good grip.

Water bottle, energy bars, first-aid kit, and torch.

Power bank and valid ID proof for forest entry.

Pro Tips:

Always keep your backpack light (8–10 kg max).

Stay hydrated, even in cold weather.

Spend a night acclimatizing at Sankri before the trek.

Travel insurance is advisable, especially during winter months.

Nearby Attractions Around Kedarkantha

Once your trek is done, the region around Sankri offers plenty of detours for the explorer in you:

Har Ki Dun Valley: A stunning 2–3 day trek often combined with Kedarkantha.

Mori & Netwar: Peaceful river-side towns along the Tons River.

Dehradun & Mussoorie: Great stopovers for food, shopping, or a relaxed stay before heading back to Delhi.

Purola Village: A charming pit stop for local Himalayan culture and views.

If you have a day to spare, relax in Sankri itself — sip hot chai overlooking snow-covered ridges and let the serenity sink in.

The Magic of Kedarkantha – More Than Just a Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi is more than just a trail — it’s an escape, a reset button for the soul. It’s for those tired of screens, deadlines, and traffic, who just want to breathe again — truly breathe.

Each step on the snowy trail teaches you something: patience, stillness, and the quiet joy of being surrounded by nothing but nature. And when you finally stand at the summit, watching the sunrise over endless peaks, it’s not just the view that takes your breath away — it’s the feeling of having earned it.

So, if you’ve been craving a Himalayan adventure, pack your warmest jacket, leave your phone on airplane mode, and take that night bus from Delhi. The mountains are calling, and Kedarkantha is waiting to write your next travel story.