Kedarkantha trek - MY HIKES

Overview: Kedarkantha is such a popular winter trek that it would be apt to entitle it as the Queen of Winter Treks.

Knee-deep snow in winters, mesmerizing view from the top, and the beautiful and easy trails make it

popular among trekkers. The ‘easy on endurance’ trail goes through the thick pine forests of Govind

National Park. The views from the top are worth climbing to an altitude of 12,500 ft. Kedarkantha trek

will give you an inimitable view of the cosmic sky, lush meadows, snow paths, charming villages,

scented pine forest, sky-knocking peaks, tranquil rivers, and some mythological story whispers.

ITINERARY: 

Please assemble @ Dehradun morning 6.30am

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri - 8 hrs of travelling

-> Accommodation: Guest house in Sankri

-> Pickup: Near Dehradun Railway Station

-> Meals: Evening Tea-Snacks & dinner upon arrival in Sankri

A drive of approximately 220 kms from Dehradun to Sankri via Musoorie will offer you some enchanting view of the mountains. A hassle free pick up will be arranged at Dehradun till Sankri. The booking excludes lunch for the day during travel. Lodging and food will be provided further from Sankri.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab - Trek distance 4 kms

-> Altitude: 6400 ft - 9100 ft

-> Camping at Juda Ka Talab

-> Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-Snacks & Dinner, Spl. Sweet Dish

-> Stay: Stay in Tents (Camping)

After having some delicious breakfast you will start your trek form the Sankri entering into the local trailshen dissolving into the forest. The path goes through Saud village gentle climb. Walking trails will be step at times and at times it, levelled grounds with green and dense forests running along with you. At the end of the day, the camps will be put up near Juda Ka Talab which is surrounded by tall pine and oak trees and mountain slopes. After Reaching the campsites by afternoon enjoy the serenity.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp - Trek distance 3 kms

-> Altitude: 9100 ft - 11,250 ft

-> Camping at Kedarkantha base camp

-> Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-Snacks & Dinner, Spl. Sweet Dish

-> Stay: Stay in Tents (Camping)

Enjoy breakfast at Juda Ka Talab & head towards Kedarkantha base. Immerse yourself in the beauty of snow-lined path & patches - that surrounds your way.

In case the weather is harsh, comfort yourself at the safe. The imposing view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag & Ranglana will knock the breath straight out of you. Upon reaching the campsite, mark the end of the day with a wonderful dinner & retire to tents for the night.

Day 4: Base camp to Kedarkantha Summit – Trek distance 6 kms

-> Altitude: 11,250 ft – 12,500 ft, then descend to 8,900 ft

-> Meals: Tea-Breakfast, Lunch, Tea-Snacks & Dinner, Spl. Sweet Dish

-> Stay: Stay in Tents (Camping)

Start early at around 3 am in the morning and proceed to the summit. You will get to feel the welcoming & filtered sunrays from the one the Yamunotri & Gangotri range & other Himalayan peaks. On reaching the summit, feel the sunrise from the summit. After spending some time at the summit and will start descending & walk all the way down to base camp & then to Hargaon or Juda camp.

Day 5: Hargaon / Juda Ka Talab to Sankri drive Dehradun – Trek distance 4 kms

-> Altitude: 8,900 ft – 6,400 ft

-> Meals: Lunch

-> Drive: 8hrs back to Dehradun

Enjoy the delicious breakfast at the base camp. As you descend to Sankri village, listen to some interesting local stories shared by your guide & back to Dehradun.

Inclusions:

-> Transportation : Dehradun – Sankir, Sankri - Dehradun

-> Accommodation (Triple sharing)

-> Guest house in Sankri & Camping tents during the trek

-> Meals: Day 1: Dinner, Day 2 to Day 5 All Meals

-> We provide delicious nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek

-> Camping charges – all trek permits & forest camping charges

-> Trekking equipment – High quality, Tents, sleeping bags, etc..

-> Microspikes, Gaiters etc.. as required

-> Safety equipment – First Aid, Medical kit, Stretchers etc..

-> Professional trek lead, guide & support staff

Exclusions:

-> Food during travelling from Sankri to Dehradun & Dehradun to sankri

-> Trek insurance

-> Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.

-> Food / snacks purchased during travel or trek.

-> Any early return travel costs or accommodation

-> Any personal medical treatment

-> Anything apart from inclusions

Trek Essentials: - Basic Gears:

·        Backpack & rain cover   – (50 – 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps.

·        Day pack & rain cover   – (10 – 20 ltr)

·        Walking stick  - 1 advisable

·        Water bottle - 2 bottles of one litre each

·         Personal medical kit

·        Snacks - Energy bars, Dry fruits, electorls / ors

Personal Utilities:

·        Sunscreen cream, Lip balm, Moisturiser

·        Hand sanitizer  

·        Necessary toiletries & quick dry towel

·        Toilet paper & wipes

Foot gears:

·        Trekking shoes - 1 pair

·        Floaters/ flip flops - 1 pair

·        Cotton socks - 6 pair

·        Woolen socks - 1 pair

·        Gaiters - 1 pair (we will provide)

Head gears:

·        Head torch  - 1 nos (Avoid hand torch)

·        Wollen cap  - 1 nos

·        Balaclava   - 1 nos (optional)

·        Neck gaiters

·        Sunglasses  - dark with side cover

Clothes:

·        T-shirt – 5 full sleeves (Non-cotton)

·        Fleece T-shirt -1 nos

·        Fleece Jacket – 1 nos

·        Waterproof jacket & pant – 1 pair

·        Down feather / hollofil jacket – 1nos

·        Fleece / Woolen gloves - 1 Pair

·        Poncho – 1nos

TREKKING GEARS ARE AVAILABLE ON RENT TOO

KEDARKANTHA TREK OVERVIEWS:

-> Region            : Sankri, Uttarakhand

-> Altitude         : 12,500 ft

-> Trek duration: 5 days / 4 nights

-> Trek distance: 20 Kilometres

-> Trek level      : Easy to moderate

-> Trek start & end point: Sankri village

-> Pick up point: Prince chowk Dehradun

-> Railway station: Dehradun railway

-> Nearest airport: Dehradun airport

-> Last Atm        : At Purola.

-> Best time to visit: Nov to March

Kedarkantha Trek FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1.What is the average temperature of Kedarkantha?

The temperature of Kedarkantha trek in winter remains – 2°C to – 5° C. So it’s usually cold there throughout the year. Hence in order to get yourself not bothered with the temperature all you need is to keep yourself tuned up with the changing temperate. However the trek leads, would let you know about the precautions, but packing woolen cloth accordingly is your responsibility.

2.Why it is called Kedarkantha Trek?                 

The name Kedarkantha means the throat of lord Shiva (Kedar refers to Lord Shiva and Kantha means Throat).

3.Why Kedarkantha Trek is famous?

Kedarkantha offers the gorgeous pine forests and maple trees for which this trek is famous, with stunning meadows and streams lining the trail will surprise you with its beauty.

4.What is the height of Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha height varies with every phase you pass as your approach the Kedarkantha trek, you will acclaim a height of around 12,500 ft.

5.Will you provide us tents and sleeping bags?

Yes, we will provide you the tents and Sleeping bags.

6.What will we do if it rains?

Bring Poncho (Rain cover) for your backpack and your own. We will continue on the trail as planned. In the camp sites you will stay under the camps and play games. All the camps are water proof so you will remain dry.

7.Will backpacks, raincoats and other equipment be available for rent?

No, these are not available for the rent. You need to carry or purchase them before you head for the trekking. Raincoats and backpacks are a few of the most important things you’d need during the trek provided you are trekking in the rainy seasons.

8.What will be the base camp of Kedarkantha Trek?

MYHIKES makes its basecamp at Sankri. This is one of the most beautiful places that leads to you to the pristine areas while letting your relish the vibrancy of nature.

9.How do we reach Sankri?

Our basecamp would be at Sankri.

Post your arrival at Dehradun and you will be travel in a cab from here to Sankri with fellow Trekkers, planning a trip as per the comfort would make your trek easier and you’d not be exhausted before the real thrill.

10.What is the style of accommodation on this trek?

Your accommodation at Sankri in the beginning and the end at the guest houses where you’d be sharing the rooms with the fellow Trekkers. Food and stay cost is include in your trekking package in Guest house. The stay on the other days will be in the tents which will be provided by the MYHIKES. Each tent will be shared by three fellow trekkers however special arrangements can be made on request. A separate tent will be assigned as the toilet room at each campsite. Any additional baggage (without valuables) can be left behind at the Sankri.

11.Can I take take my child along on this trek? What is the age limit?

Yes, you can take your child on Kedarkantha trek, but the age limit is above 10.

12.Who will be with us on the trek?

Certified guides, High altitude porter, Co-guide, cook, Assistant cook, mules, mule’s men.

13.What kind of food is served on the trek? Should we carry any food?

We provide highly nutritious food during the trek in order to keep you away from gastro-intestinal problems. No, it’s generally not advised to carry your own food during the trek.

14.When will there be snow on this trek ?

The best season to see the snow on Kedarkantha trek is the January and February where you can see a lot of snow-clad you can also witness the fresh snowfall at heights if the climate is favorable but if you’re planning to see the snow at large then the Last week of January and first week of February is best.

15.What are the washroom/toilets facilities like on the trek?

There would be a separate tent for the toilet at each campsite. However, there would be no facility to bath during the treks and you need to change the clothes at definite intervals in order to keep up with the hygiene. Maintaining hygiene is extremely necessary during the trek as this may lead to the several fatal problems such as AMS, HAPE and HACE.

16.Why is the trekking pole necessary?

Trekking pole is one of the key component as well as companion during the trek when you’re ascending towards summit. It helps you in balancing through the sloppy treks and slippery streams. Carrying a trekking pole may sound irritating but it’s of major use at the high altitudes.

17.When it gets really cold can I consume alcohol?

No, Alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited during the trek under any circumstances. Dizziness and other issues may arise due to alcohol, which may attract number of fatal outcomes that would not be good for your health and would hinder the trek experience as well.

18.Is there a mobile network on this trek?

Mobile network on this trek will be until Basecamp which is Sankri. After that, there is no network coverage.

19.How do I manage the negative temperatures on the trek? Do I need special jackets?

You need to do at least 3 layers. Wearing fleece with a warmer along with the jacket would do the needful to protect you from the cold.

20.Is it safe to trek?

Yes, we ensure safety of trekker by providing require medicine and regular health checkup. Moreover, we ensure the trekkers at the first point via numerous physical and physiological endurance test.

21.How long do we trek every day?

The distance of each day would vary as per the campsite location, however, there’s a rough figure of 4-6 Km you need to cover each day during the trek.

22.What is the difficulty level of the trek?

Kedarkantha trek is considered as Moderate to difficult trek which can be done by anyone, who is fit to trek.

23.How many Meals in a day?

We provide 6 meals a day. Breakfast, Lunch, dinner, Brunch, evening snacks and supper. The meals will be nutritious in nature and would give you energy for the trek.

24.What is the starting and ending point on the trek?

Your base camp Sankri will be your starting point and ending point will be same.

25.Do I have to bring any trekking gear?

Trekking Shoes, trekking poles, water bottle, sun glasses, poncho, poncho for back packs, Tiffin (Don’t use silver foil).The sloppy ice treks on Kedarkantha trek make it difficult to walk. You can’t risk taking the preparation for physical strength prior to trek for granted as it may cost you losing your best trek experience.

26.How do I book this trek?

You can book this trek via either ways i.e., directly through our websites or you can mail us your queries and dates for the trek. However booking directly through the website will grant you an added advantage of getting all the information about the trek in detail while on mail your knowledge about the trek will be confined to your level of query about the trek. In addition to this, you can also explore other treks of your choice where you’d love to trek later.

27.Do I need special snow shoes on this trek?

Yes, Trekking shoes is must for this trek. The trekking shoes give you the needful grip while climbing or crossing the water streams. However on the snow, we would provide you with detachable spikes which will help you to stiffen your grip on the icy slopes during the trek. You need to return these micro spikes attached to your shoes to the trek leaders at the end of the trek at the base camp or prior to that.

28.What sort of nourishment do you give?

We provide you with the vegetarian food that’s full of nutrition that would fulfil all your energy requirements during the trek. We avoid serving junk during the trek as it may lead to gastro-intestinal issues in the trekkers.

29.Do I have to convey any documents with me?

Yes, please bring these documents.

Parental disclaimer, Medical disclaimer and identity proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID card, driving license etc.)

30.Is there a Doctor going with us on the trek?

No, But certified trek leader will look after your health.

31.Can I leave travelling clothes in basecamp behind and collect them after trek?

Yes, you can but we shall not liable be for any of your costly equipment. However, carrying your belongings along with you sounds wiser as you don’t know what demand may arise during the trek and if you don’t want to drag the additional weight while trekking you may opt either of the one. You can opt for offloading which will be charged accordingly.

32.How many people are there in one group?

A batch or group generally consists of 15-18 people. However, there might be the change in numbers as per the availability and due to other reasons.

33.Is there an option to offload my backpacks?

If you want to offload your backpack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days before the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading of your backpack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual.

34.Is there any acclimatization day on this trek?

No, there is no acclimatization day on this trek.

35.What is the minimum and maximum age limit for this trek?

The minimum age limit for this trek is 8 years old.

However certain implications are considered by our professionals before accepting the trekkers of age above 50 such as their physical strength and stamina coupled up with any medical condition that may become fatal during the course of trek.

35.Is this a good trek for the first timer?

Yes, But you need to be physically fit to trek and have stamina to trek 4-6 Km a day.

36.Do you provide toilets in the tent?

Yes, a separate tent will work as toilet. However you’re advised to maintain the hygiene by using the biodegradable disposable toiletries and keeping the sanitary napkins and other stuffs in separate zipped bags.

37.Is there any arrangements for bathing?

No, due to number of unavoidable circumstances we do not arrange any facilities for bathing.

38.Do we get mobile network on the trek?

It depends on the trek location and your network providers. However, at some treks, it possible to connect to the people while others are left abandoned by the telecom companies.

39.Will you get equipment on the rent?

No, we don’t entertain such facilities. Only the essential gears are provided to the trekkers during the trek by MYHIKES, rest they have to purchase all the needful equipment by their own.

But you can get trekking Shoes and other equipment on rent directly from the marking in Sankri.

40.How do we return after the trek?

Returning to the home with the mystical memories would probably be the best feeling after the trek. Your Trek will end at Sankri in our guest house, to return you will take a cab from Sankri to Dehradun.

41.Will there be water sources on the way? Is it safe to drink?

Water source is natural streams, rivers and water springs in the mountains and it is safe to drink.

42.Do we require a trekking pole?

Yes, trekking pole is necessary for high altitude treks. Trekking poles provide an additional edge while climbing and support you as an aided limb.

43.What number of individuals will share a tent?

A tent will be shared among the maximum of three people, however a number may vary as per demand or the availability of the treks.

44.Is accommodation for men and women different?

Yes, keeping the privacy as the priority we keep the accommodation for both genders separated. Special cases may be taken into the consideration.

45.Would we be able to expect rain during the trek?

Sudden showers are normal, bring a light rain coat or poncho. This will help you to keep you and your belongings dry which is most important at the higher altitudes