Kedarkantha Trek the most popular destination for winter trekking in India. This trek is in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state in India. In terms of region-wise, it is in the Garhwal range. The whole route is most picturesque and a feast for the shutterbugs however the main attraction of this trek is Kedarkantha Peak. The peak is perched at the elevation of 12,500ft above from the sea level. The total length of the trek is 20 km and it required 4-5 days to experience the trek. The rail is suitable for all categories of trekkers from beginner to expert.
Sankri Village
The trek route starts from Sankri village which is a small hamlet in Uttarkashi. In and around Sankri there are several trekking routes exist. It is a base camp for them. Sankri is 187 km away from the capital city Dehradun. The most famous trek routes that go from this village are Kedarkantha and Har ki Dun. The drive from Dehradun to Snakri is most amazing. Throughout the route you will experience the rich green forest and rivers like the Yamuna, Tons will flow alongside the route. It will take 7-8 hrs to complete the journey.
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Govind Ballabh Pant National Park
The Kedarkantha trek comes under the area of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park that is a conservative area for endangered Himalayan species like a Himalayan bear, brown bear, snow leopard, golden eagle & many more species. Another name of this park is Govind Pashu Vihar National Park. This park is established in the year 1995 to protect the Himalayan species. This nature reserve is spread in 958 sq km area at the altitude range of 1300 m to 6323 m.
Throughout the trekking, you will have the chance to see the amazing Swargarohini Peak, Kalanag Paek, Bandarpunch & many more. All these peaks are part of Garhwal Himalayas.
How To Reach Sankri
There are many ways to reach Kedarkantha according to various travel companies.
Day 1:Dehardun to Sankri
The distance between Dehradun and Sankri is 187 km so after 7-8 hrs drive you will reach the Sankri village. As you reach there, check-in at the hotel and have some rest. After getting ready explore the culture and village. Enjoy your night by having mouth-watering food prepared by a local cook.
Day 2:Sankri – Juda ka Talab
Get up early in the morning, have breakfast and be ready with all your trekking gears. As you ready then start the trek towards Juda ka Talab. It is a beautiful lake and attracts visitors from its serenity. Locals believe that this lake is formed by the fallen droplets from the Lord Shiva’s hair which makes is sacred. Enjoy the campsite.
Day 3:Juda ka Talab- Kedarkantha Base
After having breakfast at this serene campsite start trek towards Kedarkantha Base. It will take 3hr to reach the base. During the trek, you will experience the views of Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana. As you reach there, enjoy the views from your tent and have quality time with your trip mates. Overnight rest at the camp.
Day 4:Kedarkantha Base- Kedarkantha Peak – Hargaon Camp Site
Wake up with the sunrise and enjoy it. After breakfast trek towards the Kedarkantha Peak. As you reach the summit the magnificent view of surroundings and Himalayan Peaks is yours. Enjoy the view as much as possible and capture the moments in your camera. At the peak, there is a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddes Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. Here you will feel the blessings of Lord Shiva. After spending quality time at summit descend towards Hargaon Campsite. During the route to this small beautiful hamlet, you will pass through the lush green forest and also experience the other Himalayan plants. Reach Hargaon campsite and take rest.
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Day 5:Hargaon – Sankri
In the morning after getting ready, trek towards Sankri. As you reach there, check-in at the hotel and take night rest with dinner.
Day 6: Departure From Sankri
Now, this is the time for goodbye to heaven for your ongoing journey with sweet memories of the trip.
This is all about the Kedarkantha Trekking. One thing you should keep in mind that does not involve in any activity which harms the environment and ecosystem. This the responsible traveling which mother nature expects from us.
“Stay Blessed, Keep Trekking”