Home Treks UttarakhandKedarkantha Winter Trek | 12,500 ft Summit Ascent

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Kedarkantha Winter Trek | 12,500 ft Summit Ascent

Sankri Range, Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Sankri

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Featured Peak View

Breathtaking 360-degree panorama of snow peaks from Kedarkantha summit

Trekking through fresh winter snow on the ascent to Kedarkantha

Picturesque frozen Juda Ka Talab alpine lake surrounded by pine forests

Trekkers ascending through serene snow-covered pine woods

Celebrations at Kedarkantha summit overlooking Himalayan mountain ranges

Duration5 Days

Max Altitude12,500 ft

DifficultyEasy Trek

Safety StandardsCertified NIM Leaders

Expedition Overview

Witness the grandeur of Uttarakhand Himalayas with the Kedarkantha Winter Trek. Reaching a peak elevation of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha is one of India's most popular snow trek routes, renowned for its pristine alpine campsites like Juda Ka Talab, snow-covered pine tree canopies, and a thrilling 360-degree panorama of giant Himalayan peaks including Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch from the summit ridge. Led by certified Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) search-and-rescue guides, our itineraries are crafted with safety-first standards.

Trek Highlights

Climb to the iconic 12,500 ft Kedarkantha summit for a 360-degree Himalayan view

Camp beside the frozen Juda Ka Talab, a mythical forest-locked alpine lake

Trek through deep powder snow trails enclosed by tall snow-laden pine trees

Led by NIM-certified mountain leaders equipped with oxygen canisters & pulse oximeters

Stay in clean, cozy wooden homestays at Sankri village with authentic Garhwali food

Safety gear included: professional high-grip snow crampons & winter gaiters

Day-by-Day Schedule

Detailed Expedition Itinerary

Dehradun to Sankri Village Base (Drive: 180 km)

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun

Arrive at Dehradun Railway Station by 7:00 AM. Board our comfortable shared transport for a scenic drive along Yamuna and Tons rivers, passing through Mussoorie and Purola. Arrive at our beautiful Sankri wooden lodge, check-in, meet your trek captain for briefing, and enjoy hot local dinner.

Sankri to Juda Ka Talab Campsite (4 km, 4 Hrs)

Day 2: Trek Starts

Wake up early for a crisp morning breakfast. Strap on your daypacks as we head into the Govind National Park pine forests. Trek up a gradual incline, passing local wooden cottages to reach Juda Ka Talab, a gorgeous alpine lake enclosed by pine trees. Camp under the stars in high-altitude tents.

Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (3 km, 3 Hrs)

Day 3: Forest Ascent

A short but scenic trail climbing further above the tree line. Trek through open snow meadows to reach the windy Kedarkantha Base Camp. Gaze at the towering snow-laden summit ahead. In the evening, watch the golden sunset over the Mussoorie and Swargarohini ranges and sleep early for summit day.

Summit Ascent (12,500 ft) & Descend to Hargaon (9 km, 7 Hrs)

Day 4: Summit Day

Summit Push! Start at 3:00 AM under flashlights. Wear your crampons/gaiters as we ascend in sub-zero winds. Reach the peak just in time to watch the sunrise paint the Himalayan ranges in gold. Enjoy hot tea on the summit ridge, photograph the panorama, and descend to price-controlled Hargaon campsite.

Hargaon to Sankri & Drive back to Dehradun (Drive: 180 km)

Day 5: Drive back to Dehradun

Descend from Hargaon back to Sankri village. Celebrate the successful summit with local chai. Board our return cabs from Sankri back to Dehradun railway station, arriving by 8:00 PM for your onward journey.

Reporting Point

Base Camp & Assembly Office Location

📍 Meeting Office

Dehradun Railway Station (Main Gate Exit)

Lakkhi Bagh, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

🏛️ Landmark

Opposite hotel structures at station circle

🛺 Travel Advice

Easily reachable via overnight train from New Delhi (Nanda Devi Express) or direct flights to Jolly Grant Airport.

Interactive Map Coordinates

Sankri Basecamp

Uttarakhand, India

Get Directions on Google Maps

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

✓All accommodation during trek: Sankri guest house & high-altitude camping tents
✓Nutritious veg mountain meals: breakfast, hot lunch, evening tea & soup, dinner
✓NIM-certified senior Trek Captain, local guides, cook, and helper staff
✓All forest permits, entry fees, and national park camping clearances
✓High-grade safety gear: 4-season alpine tents, warm sleeping bags, snow crampons, and gaiters
✓First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, and pulse oximeters

What's Excluded

✕Personal backpack offloading fees (Available for hire at ₹1,200 per backpack)
✕Day 1 breakfast and Day 5 dinner (payable at local highway rest stops)
✕Personal clothing, trekking poles, thermal layers, and winter shoes
✕Emergency evacuation expenses or travel insurance coverage

Trekkers must submit a fitness certificate signed by a doctor 7 days prior.

Minimum age limit is 10 years; children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

The trek captain reserves the right to terminate a participant's trek due to health/AMS issues.

No alcohol or drug usage during the expedition; violators will be sent back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How cold does it get on the Kedarkantha Trek?

During winter (Dec-Feb), day temperatures hover around 8°C to 12°C. At night, temperatures drop dramatically to between -2°C and -10°C at the Base Camp. 4-layer woolens/down jackets are mandatory.

Q: Is there mobile network network coverage on this trek?

Mobile signal (BNSL/Jio) is available only until Sankri village. Once you start trekking past Juda Ka Talab, there is zero network coverage. Inform family in advance.