Kedarkantha Trek

Most Popular Winter trek in the Uttarakhand

UttarakhandRegion
5 DaysDuration
12,500 ftMaximum Altitude
20 KMTrekking Distance
Easy to ModerateGrade
DehradunPickup

Snow Trails to a 12,500 ft Summit

Kedarkantha is often called the Queen of Winter Treks, and it is easy to see why. The trail climbs through pine and oak forests, passes a lake campsite that freezes over in winter, and ends on a summit with a 360° view of the Himalayas.

With short trekking days and a gradual climb, it is one of the best first Himalayan treks for beginners, and a favourite with experienced trekkers who love snow.

Winter snow trekJuda Ka Talab lake360° summit viewsBeginner friendly
Kedarkantha trek with The Northern Monk
360° Summit ViewsSwargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak
Juda Ka TalabA lake campsite that freezes in winter
Snow TrailsPine and oak forests, deep winter snow
Easy to ModerateAbout 20 km, beginner friendly

Itinerary

Short Itinerary
  • Day 1Dehradun → Sankri (~220 km drive, 9–10 hrs)
  • Day 2Sankri → Juda Ka Talab (4 km trek, 4–5 hrs)
  • Day 3Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp (3 km trek, 3–4 hrs)
  • Day 4Base Camp → Kedarkantha Summit → Hargaon (9 km trek, 6–7 hrs)
  • Day 5Hargaon → Sankri (6 km trek) → Dehradun (~220 km drive)
DAY 1Dehradun to Sankri
~220 km9–10 hrsSankri 6,400 ft

Meet your group in Dehradun in the morning and set off for Sankri, the base village of the trek. The road runs through Mussoorie, pine forests, river valleys and small mountain villages. You reach Sankri by evening, settle into your stay and attend the trek briefing.

💡 Tip: Keep a light bag handy for the drive. Network is limited beyond Sankri, so message home before the trek begins.
Overnight Stay: Guesthouse/Homestay in Sankri
Meals: Dinner Included
DAY 2Sankri → Juda Ka Talab
Trek 4 km4–5 hrsUp to ~9,100 ft

The trek starts with a steady walk through dense pine and oak forest. After a few hours you reach Juda Ka Talab, a calm high-altitude lake that often freezes in winter. Set up camp beside the water and enjoy one of the prettiest campsites on the route.

Overnight Stay: Camp at Juda Ka Talab
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 3Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp
Trek 3 km3–4 hrsUp to ~11,250 ft

A short day with a good gain in height. The trees thin out and big mountain views open up, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak. The Kedarkantha Base campsite sits right below the peak, and the clear night sky here is perfect for stargazing.

Overnight Stay: Camp at Kedarkantha Base
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4Summit Day: Kedarkantha Peak → Hargaon
Trek 9 km6–7 hrsSummit 12,500 ft

The big day. Start around 3:00 AM so you reach the summit for sunrise. From the top you get a 360° panorama of the Himalayas, including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and the Rupin ranges. After photos and a well-earned rest, descend to Hargaon campsite for the night.

💡 Tip: Carry a headlamp and keep your warmest layers, gloves and snacks within easy reach for the summit climb.
Overnight Stay: Camp at Hargaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 5Hargaon → Sankri → Dehradun
Trek 6 km3–4 hrsDrive ~220 km, 9–10 hrs

Walk down to Sankri, taking care on slippery sections of the trail. From Sankri, drive back to Dehradun. You arrive late in the evening with a full set of Himalayan memories.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Know Before You Go

Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun
  • Experienced trek guide and support staff
  • Basic first aid and assistance during the journey

What's Excluded

  • Personal expenses
  • Entry fees at monuments or attractions
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Safety & Emergency Protocols
  • Experienced trek leaders and local guides
  • Basic first aid kit carried by the team
  • Regular weather and route monitoring
  • Proper acclimatization and rest stops
  • Assistance for medical emergencies if required
  • Emergency contact coordination with local authorities
Essential Gear Checklist
  • Waterproof trekking shoes
  • Thermals and fleece layers
  • Padded or down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket or poncho
  • Gloves, woolen cap and warm socks
  • Backpack (40L or more)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Headlamp and power bank
  • Personal medications and toiletries
  • Trekking pole (optional but helpful)

Best Time to Visit

Best timeDec – FebPeak winter

Deep snow and the busiest trails. Nights can drop to around -10°C.

Best timeMar – AprLate winter

Snow with fewer trekkers and calmer trails.

Oct–Nov, May–JunGreenery season

Clear skies and green forests, with little or no snow.

Jul – SepMonsoon

Heavy rain and slippery trails. Best avoided.

Getting There

Pickup

Dehradun in the morning on Day 1, then a drive to Sankri (~220 km, 9–10 hrs).

Base Village

Sankri (6,400 ft) is where the trek begins and ends.

Drop

Dehradun by late evening on Day 5 after a 9–10 hr drive.

Fitness & Preparation

  • Easy to moderate, and beginner friendly. Basic fitness is enough. No earlier trekking experience is needed.
  • Prepare for the cold. In peak winter, night temperatures can fall to around -10°C, so good layers matter most.
  • Build stamina. Walk or jog 30–40 minutes regularly for about 30 days before the trek.
  • Train for an early start. Summit day begins around 3:00 AM and takes 6–7 hours.
  • Plan for no network. There is no signal on the trail and no charging at campsites, so carry a power bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Kedarkantha a difficult trek?
It is graded easy to moderate. The main challenge is the cold, as nights in peak winter can drop to around -10°C, so warm layers and good gear are important.
Q2. What is the best time to do the Kedarkantha trek?
December to April is best for snow. October–November and May–June are better for green forests and clear skies. December and January are the busiest months, while February and March are calmer.
Q3. Can a beginner do the Kedarkantha trek?
Yes. You need basic fitness, an open mind for cold conditions and proper winter gear. No earlier trekking experience is required.
Q4. Will my mobile work on the trek?
There is no network on the trail, and campsites have no charging points. Use your phone mainly for photos and carry a power bank.
Q5. Is Kedarkantha safe in December?
Yes. December is one of the most popular months for this trek, and it can be done safely with the right gear and an experienced team.

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Why Trek With The Northern Monk

Safety first

First aid kit, weather and route monitoring, and proper acclimatization.

Experienced guides

Trek leaders and local guides who know the Kedarkantha trail well.

All-inclusive plan

Stay, meals, transport from Dehradun and trek staff covered.

Transparent pricing

GST included. No hidden charges. Free rescheduling 30+ days before.

Policies & Terms

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by Traveler

  • Within 24 hours of booking — No cancellation fees | 100% refund
  • Between 24 hours – 7 days of booking — 40% cancellation fee | 60% refund
  • More than 7 days after booking — 70% cancellation fee | 30% refund
  • Within 14 days of trek start date — 100% cancellation fee | No refund

Cancellation by The Northern Monk

  • In case of natural disasters, government restrictions, or other unavoidable circumstances — 100% refund or rescheduling option provided.

Dropout During Trip

  • If a traveler exits the trip due to health, fitness, or personal reasons — No refund will be issued.
  • All return travel or any additional costs incurred during early departure must be borne by the traveler.

Refund Terms

  • All refunds are processed within 7–10 business days.
  • Refunds are credited to the original payment method used at the time of booking.
  • Bookings made via vouchers are not eligible for cash refunds — the voucher will be reissued and remain valid for 1 year from the original booking date.
Note: All refund timelines are subject to bank processing times.
Booking & Confirmation Policy
  • Your booking is confirmed only after full payment is received.
  • A confirmation email will be sent to you within 24 hours of successful payment.
  • Your trek voucher will be shared 3–5 days before the trek start date.
  • A minimum of 6 participants is required for a trek to be operational.
  • If the minimum participant count is not met, The Northern Monk reserves the right to cancel the trek and a full refund will be provided.
Note: Please carry a printed or digital copy of your trek voucher on the day of the trek.
Payment Terms
  • A 50% advance payment is required to block your seat.
  • The remaining balance must be paid at least 15 days before the trek start date.
  • Failure to pay the balance on time may result in automatic cancellation of your booking.
  • We accept the following payment methods: UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, and PhonePe.
  • All prices are inclusive of GST — no hidden charges.
Important: Please keep your payment receipts saved for future reference.
Reschedule Policy
  • 30+ days before the trek — Free rescheduling to any available batch.
  • 15–29 days before the trek — Rescheduling available at a fee of ₹2,000.
  • 7–14 days before the trek — Rescheduling available at a fee of ₹3,000.
  • Less than 7 days before the trek — Rescheduling is not permitted.
  • A maximum of 1 reschedule is allowed per booking.
  • All rescheduling is subject to availability in the requested batch.
Note: All rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing via email or through the sales team over a call.

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