Kedarkantha Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Kedarkantha Trek is a top pick for winter treks in the Indian Himalayas. It sits in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. This trek goes up to 12,500 feet and mixes fun, beauty, and local ways, perfect for new or pro trekkers. The path cuts through thick pine and oak woods, small, cute towns, snow meadows, and grand views of the mountains, for a full mountain feel. One big thing about this trek is the top climb, where trekkers see great views of big mountains like Swargarohini and others. The snowy paths in winter look like something from a fairy tale, best seen from December to April. Trekkers often see bright sunrises over the snow and clear night skies, good for looking at stars. The trek starts from the small town of Sankri, 10 hours by road from Dehradun. The way then goes by camps like Juda Ka Talab, giving unique and calm scenes. On the way, trekkers see local life, old wooden homes, and the kind welcome of mountain folk. Kedarkantha is a top spot for winter snow trekking in India, with clear paths and a good setup. It's great for a first big climb or just to be in the snow, giving an unforgettable trip to the heart of the Garhwal mountains. With its lovely views, easy paths, and high top, it's clear why this trek is loved by those who seek fun.

History of Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek, in the grand Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is known for its sights but also has a rich blend of culture, stories, and history. The name means "Throat of Lord Shiva," tied to old tales, mainly about Lord Shiva and the epic Mahabharata. As per local stories, Shiva once thought of making the Kedarnath temple here. After the big war in the Mahabharata, the heroes wanted to say sorry for their deeds and meet Shiva. To hide, Shiva turned into a bull and went around the Garhwal mountains. It's said he rested at Kedarkantha, then went away and showed up again in Kedarnath, where the temple stands now. At the top, a rock shape looks like a trident, Shiva's sign, thought to be left by him. Another tale talks about a local god, Someshwar Devta, loved in the area. He is said to have ruled here long ago and helped folks in tough times. Some think Kedarkantha was part of his holy path, so many local rites and fests honour him, more so during the trek time. Long ago, the area around Kedarkantha was also on old holy paths.

The Garhwal area was a spiritual spot for ages, and the way to Kedarkantha was used by wise men seeking quiet for deep thoughts and finding their spirit. The full woods and quiet meadows made it a good spot for them. Sankri, where the trek starts, and close places like Kotgaon and Purola, keep the area's past alive. These towns are home to the Jaunsari group, a local mountain community with its ways, wooden homes, and old arts, showing their love for nature and gods. In more recent times, the Kedarkantha Trek became known in the early 2000s when trekking and nature trips picked up in Uttarakhand. People looking for new trails and lovely spots soon made this trek well-known for its easy reach, good views, and snowy paths. Today, it’s one of India’s loved winter treks, pulling trekkers from near and far. So, the history of the Kedarkantha Trek is a rich mix of tales, ways, spirit, and fun, still drawing those who want both an adventure and a touch of the timeless and sacred ways of the Himalayas.

Nearby Places Around Kedarkantha Trek

• Sankri Village: Sankri is the start spot for the Kedarkantha Trek and sits up high in the hills at about 6,400 feet. It's ringed by pine woods and tall mountains. Sankri shows great sights and a peek into the daily life of the Jaunsari tribe. The town has some homes to stay in and shops, making it a good base to kick off treks. It's also the launch point for other treks like Har Ki Dun and Bali Pass.

• Juda Ka Talab: Close to Sankri, Juda Ka Talab is a quiet lake up high and a loved camping place. It's said that the lake came from drops that fell from Lord Shiva's hair, calling it holy. In winter, the lake turns to ice, crafting a dreamy view with snow-draped pine trees around.

• Har Ki Dun Valley: Near Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun is a top trekking spot known as the "Valley of Gods." It boasts snowy peaks and tall fields and brings grand sights of Swargarohini, the mythical path to heaven. It suits those wanting a calm and clean hill valley.

• Taluka Village: Taluka is a small town near Sankri, known for its old wooden homes and deep culture. It's the first stop often for treks like Har Ki Dun and Osla. Sitting in thick woods and close to a fast river, Taluka is a quiet resting place showing mountain life.

• Osla Village: Osla lies deep in the hills on the Har Ki Dun path and is famous for its fine spot and the old Duryodhana temple. Stories say that the town folks love Duryodhana from the Mahabharata here. The town is full of tales, traditions, and wooden homes, adding to its rich culture.

• Ruinsara Tal: Ruinsara Tal is up high near Har Ki Dun. This clean lake is ringed by tall plants and snowy mountains. It's known to carry myths and is a top spot for trekkers who enjoy quiet places and wide hill sights.

• Purola: Purola is a small town on the way to Sankri from Dehradun. It opens the way to the deeper parts of Uttarkashi and gives basic needs, markets, and nice sights. Many stop here for a break or night’s rest before going deeper into the hills.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek

• Winter (December to February): This is the top-loved and dreamy time for the Kedarkantha Trek. During these months, the whole path is under snow, making it like a fairy-tale winter place. The snow-draped pine woods, ice lakes, and broad views from the peak make it a trip to recall. December and January are best for new snow, while February has warmer days and fewer folks. Winter also brings clear night skies, great for star watching.

• Spring (March to April): Spring is great for those who like a mix of snow and fresh sights. By March, the snow melts at lower spots, showing green fields and bright flowers. But high spots still keep snow, showing the best of both - nice air and mixed sights. Fewer folks come here compared to the peak cold time, making it a quiet time for walks.

• Summer (May to June): Summer brings warm air, clear paths, and leafy green sights. While the snow is mostly gone, the path still shows good sights of the nearby high mountains. This time is great for new walkers and those who shun the cold. Clear air and open paths make it easy to see and enjoy the place's life and greenery.

• Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the best time to head to Kedarkantha for those who want clear air, nice days, and less crowding. The time after the rains makes the land look fresh, with gold leaves and crisp air. The sight is great now, giving wide views from the peak. It’s a less busy option than the full wintertime.

How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek

• By Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kedarkantha, about 220 km from Sankri, the main base. The airport has flights from big towns like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From Dehradun, you can grab a cab or ride in a shared cab to reach Sankri, and this takes about 10 hours by road. It's smart to reach Dehradun a day early to ensure smooth travel.

• By Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station is the closest stop, with trains from Delhi, including Nanda Devi Express and Dehradun Express. Once there, you can find a private cab or a shared jeep to Sankri. The trip from Dehradun to Sankri is packed with nice sights and takes about 9-10 hours, passing towns like Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori.

• By Road (Drive to Sankri Village): Sankri is reached by road and is about 200-220 km from Dehradun. You can get to Sankri by booking a private cab or getting shared buses/jeeps that often run from Dehradun, mostly from the Mussoorie Bus Stand or Dehradun ISBT. The drive goes through beautiful hill towns and woods, offering a nice ride. It's wise to leave in the morning to reach Sankri before it gets dark, as the hill roads are narrow with many turns.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Kedarkantha Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.