Kedarkantha Trek Guide for 2025 – Itinerary, Cost & Difficulty Explained

The Kedarkantha Peak in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas is renowned as one of the popular winter trekking sites in India. Standing 12500 feet tall, this trek attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers with its snow-covered trail, scenic landscapes, and eye-pleasing views of towering peaks like Kalanag, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini.

The main attraction of the Kedarkantha Trek is the snow-covered landscapes. During winter, the entire region transforms into a wonderland with meadows, trees, and mountains drenched in snow. You can also have a unique snow camping experience, adding a fun element to your thrilling adventure. In this Kedarkantha Trek Guide for 2025, we have outlined all you need to know, including the trek’s difficulty, itinerary, best time, and tips.

Kedarkantha Trek Route

The route to the Kedarkantha summit is very well-marked, and it is also known as the centre of attraction in the Himalayas. Trekkers are generally drawn to the open grasslands, trees, and natural beauty that the Himalayas have to offer. People from all around the country visit Kedarkantha to enjoy the beauty of every season.

Despite being a high-altitude trek, the gradual ascent makes this trek easy yet rewarding for the trekkers. Whether you are interested in snow trekking or want to witness the changing weather in kedarkantha, this trek offers a unique year-round experience.

Highlights of Kedarkantha Trek

Landscape Covered in Snow: The Prime highlight of the Kedarkantha trek is the snow-covered landscapes, adding a mystical charm to the overall trek experience, making it a must-do winter trek in the Himalayas.

Reaching the Summit: The summit climb to Kedarkantha, standing 12,500 feet tall, might be challenging, but the rewarding views are worth the effort.

Rewarding Views: The Kedarkantha Summit offers stunning views of the nearby peaks, including Kalanag, Swargarohini, and Bandarpoonch.

Snow Camping: The Kedarkantha Trek offers some of the most beautiful campsites, where you can experience unique snow camping under the sky full of stars.

Uttarakhand’s Local Culture: The trek route passes through traditional villages, where you get a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of people living in these villages.

Beginner-friendly Trek: Being an easy-to-moderate level trek, Kedarkantha Trek is ideal for seasoned and beginner trekkers.

Flora and Fauna: While trekking through dense forests of deodar, rhododendron, and oak, you might spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, musk deer, and bharal.

A Breif Itinerary for Kedarkantha Trek

Day 1: Drive to Base Camp

Start your journey from Dehradun to reach Sankri, the base camp for the Kedarkantha Trek.

The distance between the base and Dehradun is around 190 km, and it would take almost 8 to 9 hours

Today, you will stay at a hotel or a homestay in Sankri.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda ka Talab Trek

Start trekking from Sankri to Juda ka Talab.

This will be a 5 km long trek and the duration will be 4 to 5 hours.

You’ll achieve an elevation of 8,858 feet.

Day 3: Trek from Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp

Start a 3 km long trek to Kedarkantha Base Camp from Juda Ka Talab.

The altitude that has to be achieved today is 10,498 feet, and it will take almost 2 to 3 hours.

Tonight’s stay will be in camps on a sharing basis.

Day 4: Summit Climb

Today, you will trek to Kedarkantha Summit from the Base Camp.

Reach the summit, enjoy the surrounding views and trek back to the base camp for lunch.

This will be an 11 km long trek and you will have to achieve an elevation of 12,500 feet in around 7 to 8 hours, depending on your pace.

After lunch, trek down to Hargaon Camp 3 for a stay on a sharing basis.

Day 5: Trek to Sankri from Hargaon Camp

Start trekking towards Sankri from the Hargaon camp.

This will be a 5 km long trek and you will have to trek for around 4 to 5 hours to reach.

Overnight stay at a homestay or hotel on a shared basis.

Day 6: Back to Dehradun

From Sankri, you can drive back to Dehradun, which is around 190 km away.

The drive duration will be 8 to 9 hours, and from Dehradun, you can head back home with a bag full of unforgettable memories.

Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek

The best part about the Kedarkantha Trek is that it can be done throughout the year, except during the monsoon season. However, the most suitable time for this trek is during winter, from late December to April. Here is a breakdown of what to expect while trekking to Kedarkantha in winters:

Trekking from Late December to January: These are the peak winter months, and trekkers will find the landscapes drenched in fresh powdery snow. This time is great for trekking for those who want to experience snow trekking and witness frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, and white scenery. However, the temperature can be chilling cold, dropping to -5 to 10 degrees Celsius at night.

Trekking from February to March: The snow is still present on the trails and mountains, but snowfall may decrease. The landscapes remain covered in snow, but temperatures are less harsh compared to peak winters. This time is ideal for those who want to experience trekking in snow without facing extreme cold weather.

Trekking From late March to April: The snow starts to melt by late March, but you can still find snow at higher elevations. This is the shoulder season, making it a good option for those who want a mix of mild weather and snow.

Conclusion

The Kedarkantha Trek in 2025 promises a memorable experience to everyone, whether you are looking for a first Himalayan adventure or a thrill seeker willing to witness the winter wonderland. With a moderate difficulty, stunning views, and a well-marked route, this adventure is perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. So, pack well and boot up for a thrilling Himalayan Adventure. Have a safe trek!