Snow Trek to Kedarkantha Peak

The thrilling Kedarkantha Trek begins from Dehradun city. The trekkers will be received warmly from Dehradun at 6:30 am for an onward journey to Sankri.

Sankri is located at a distance of 220kms on the National Highway 123. It’s a long scenic drive providing absolute comfort to the trekkers so that they may enjoy the beauty of the location. The scenic surroundings increase the excitement of reaching the destination and exhilarate the joy of the thrilling tour that remains yet to be experienced. The journey is a bit long and takes about evening to reach the destination. En route, one can enjoy the lunch break at the popular eateries for sumptuous local food and homemade spices.

The last 22 km to Sankri is all the more exciting since it goes through Govind National Park which is
famous for its avid collection of flora typical of this region and not found in any other location of the country. The expected time to reach Sankri is 5 pm.

On reaching the destination one can check-in to the prior booked hotel and our representative can help with the check-in formalities. After freshening up, since the evening is free for leisure, one can enjoy indoors and relax or can set

out to explore the beautiful Sankri village where the local shops sell mostly daily goods and a collection of few dhabas. You can also interact with your fellow trekkers in the meantime.

BSNL network is quite erratic here so getting the phone connection can be a little difficult. One may

have dinner at the hotel itself or head out for a meal at the dhabas for some local flavours and experience the cuisine of the area.

The actual trekking starts from Sankri. Having a fresh start after a healthy breakfast, it’s a journey straight towards Juda Ka Talab which is based at an altitude of 9100 feet. It’s a 4km trekking journey and the approximate time for reaching the same is around 5 hours.

The journey begins by moving out of Sankri village through an extension called Sor. Once the village is crossed the road takes a wide curve and climbs sharply. Moving along the stream, this is the road that moves towards Kedarkantha.

With exotic visions, the trail is wide and one can hear the sounds of gushing streams all through but may not be in view till much further. On the way, we trek through remote villages where women and kids can be found carrying bundles of wooden logs, wooden sticks and dry leaves to utilize them for
household cooking and setting up night lamps.

Boars, martens and hares can also be spotted in this region. The scenario, however, changes a lot in the summer months when the luscious meadows
remain verdant green with hilly owers of a unique kind. Crossing a few streams and continuing through the trail and rising sharp through the dense oaks, one can reach the beautiful pictorial spot of Juda Ka Talab which can never be missed by any trekker due to its sharp contrasting and unique beauty.

Juda Ka Talab is an amazing destination. It is an ideal campsite with a lake on one side and pine & oak forest on the other. This stop is no less than a treat for photography lovers. Stars can be gazed during the night by making the atmosphere all cosy with a bonfire and a hot cup of tea.

After having the breakfast set out for the journey beyond where the trail is somewhat straight forward and quite visible. The distance from Jadu Ka Talab to this destination is about 4km and at a moderate speed, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the place.

The trek is again through dense forests of pine and oak trees and through a steep ridge and much denser areas. In this trail, one will come across many shepherd huts in open meadows which are delightful to see and photograph. While trekking here during winters, one can easily find
the traces of snow at an altitude of 10,400 feet. Here, one can take a long break to reenergize the body and get the enthralling view of the natural extravaganza in the area. Just before reaching the Kedarkantha Base, one can enjoy the fascinating views of the arc-shaped range of snow-capped mountains comprising of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana showcasing their beauty.

After reaching the base, set up the tent at a preferred spot which is open and one can enjoy a clear view of the night sky. However, it is advisable to camp in the vicinity of the group rather than in a scattered way in the dark.

The fourth day of the trek is aimed at summiting Kedarnath Peak. Today, the trekkers elevate from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet. The schedule of the day includes hiking to Kedarkantha peak and descending back till Hargaon camp which is based at 8900 feet.

The total journey is of 6km and takes about 7 hours at a moderate speed. The day begins early with a filling breakfast while enjoying the sunrise from the Kedarkantha meadows which is simply pure and divine.

The way to the top can be made through several trails but it is better to take the main trail as it keeps elevating at an even level. On this route, the trekkers need to again cover a few patches of an oak forest but the journey through this trail is much easier and faster. Climbing through the forest till its end, one should nd the Kedarkantha peak much closer. Towards the end of the trail and close to the top, the trek becomes a little difficult and can be a little strenuous, especially for the first-time trekkers. At the top of the peak, there is a beautiful yet small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Today, time to descend back to Sankri takes about 3 hours or more at a moderate speed. Post breakfast, pack your bags to descend further through a more clearly marked well-paved pathway, laden with small cobblestones. You can ll water here for the rest of the trek. A little further down, the trail comes to a ridge from where one can have a splendid view of Har ki Dun valley.

Descending furthermore through the dense forests, we reach Sankri. The last bit of 2500 feet trek is through a dense pine forest. On reaching the base, it’s time to bid adieu and head back homewards.
The drive to Dehradun is for about 7-8 hours. The scenic ambience and lovely surroundings mark a pleasant and relaxing journey back to Dehradun city.
We reach Dehradun around 8 in the evening. For all those who wish to stay in Dehradun and enjoy the place for a day or more may book a hotel in the city and spend some more time in the valley and
plan their next trip. Others may head homeward for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation in good quality neat and clean (Hotels/Guesthouse/Homestays/ Alpine Tents) on Triple sharing basis(Double sharing option also available at an extra cost of Rs. 1200/- per person)

*Note: As Outdoor Monks promote holistic tourism in the remote villages, so wherever possible we provide accommodation in villager’s homes to empower them. Homestays are usually in small houses with a capacity of 2-4 rooms only, hence sharing basis while your stay would not be applicable*

All Meals, starting with evening snacks on Day 01 to breakfast on Day 07. Meals will be simple, nourishing, hot, fresh and vegetarian, mostly including a variety of Indian and local Pahaadi cuisines wherever possible

Morning & Evening refreshments during the Trek and at stays/camping

A team of Qualified and Professional Trip Leader/ Guide(s), cook and other hospitable helping staff to enjoy the trek

Professional mountain guides/ trip leaders with certification from Nehru Institute of mountaineering or similar institution, for the group to ensure high safety, personal attention and passing the right information & facts which are necessary to appreciate a trek. All our guides are professionally trained to handle school groups and FIT’s and have many years of relevant experience in guiding treks.

Camping equipment provided during the trek

Good quality all-weather trekking tents (Spacious ‘A’ Shaped & Dome Shaped Tents)

Fresh and clean Sleeping bags

Camping Mattresses 

Kitchen Tent

Mess Tent

Toilet tents with portable toilet seats 

First aid kit (our Trip Leaders/ Guides are certified in handling first aid situations)

Forest Entry Fee for Govind Pashu Vihar Sanctuary

Neat and clean Tempo Traveller/ Bolero for the tour with experienced driver especially for hilly terrains

Transport from Dehradun to Dehradun

Parking fees and other tolls and taxes wherever payable

5% GST/ VAT on the Package Cost

Cost for Airfare 

Breakfast and Lunch on Day 01 & Lunch on Day 05

Travel expenses to reach and return from Dehradun 

Porter/Mules to carry personal luggage weighing not more than 8-10kgs per participant for the entire trek (if not opted for) is chargeable at Rs. 2000/- per bag for the entire trek

Additional accommodation, food, and Transport expenses if the tour gets delayed due to weather, health or any other reason

Expenses for evacuation and rescue operations due to natural calamity, mishaps, injury, or any health problem

Extra cost incurred due to any unforeseen occurrence landslides, roadblocks, weather, expenses incurred on an account of sickness, etc.

Cost for supplementary service, optional Tours, Up-gradation Charges, and camera charges.

Cost for service provided on a personal request

Bottled Water, Soft Drinks, Laundry Charges, Room Service, incidentals or any other expense of personal nature

Tips for guides and helping staff 

Personal and Medical Insurance 

Cost for any other service not mentioned in the ‘cost inclusions’ above