Destination
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha The Trek is a popular winter trek located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayas. This trek is known for its breathtaking views, stunning snow-covered landscapes, and relatively moderate difficulty level, making it a favourite among both seasoned trekkers and beginners.
The trek is in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The altitude of the Kedarkantha trek summit is 3,810 meters (12,500 feet). It typically takes 6-7 days to summit the Kedarkantha peak. The best time for the Kedarkantha trek is December to April.
The name “Kedarkantha” is derived from “Kedar,” which is a reference to Lord Shiva, and “Kantha,” meaning “throat” or “neck.” According to the legend, the peak is believed to be where Lord Shiva’s throat rested.
The legend is rooted in Hindu mythology, which states that during Samudra Manthan, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (amrita). This churning caused various divine substances and beings to emerge from the sea, including the poison (halahala) that threatened to destroy the universe. Lord Shiva consumed it to save the cosmos from this deadly poison. The highly potent poison turned Shiva’s throat blue. After consuming the poison, Lord Shiva held it in his throat, which is said to have made his throat swell. The legend describes that after consuming the poison, Lord Shiva rested at Kedarkantha Peak, and the peak represents the place where his throat was positioned during this crucial act. Thus, the peak is considered sacred and is associated with Lord Shiva’s divine presence.
Kedarkantha Trekking Experience
• Difficulty Level: Moderate. The trek involves steep ascents and descents, but it is manageable with essential fitness and prior trekking experience.
• Scenery: The trek features diverse landscapes, from dense forests and frozen lakes to panoramic mountain views and open meadows.
• Wildlife: You may encounter Himalayan wildlife like the Himalayan Monal and, occasionally, other high-altitude species.
• Weather: Expect cold temperatures, especially from December to February. Snow is common, and temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Kedarkantha Trek
Dehradun to Sankri
• Starting Point: Sankri, a small village in Uttarkashi district.
• Distance from Dehradun: Approximately 200 km, which takes about 7-8 hours by road.
• Highlights: Drive through scenic roads and acclimatize to the altitude. Sankri is a charming village with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.
Sankri to Juda Ka Talab/ Hargaun
• Distance: 4-5 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Highlights: A gradual ascent through pine forests, leading to a serene alpine lake called Juda Ka Talab. The lake is often frozen in winter, surrounded by snow-clad terrain.
Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
• Distance: 4-5 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Highlights: This is a steeper ascent through dense forests, opening up to a clearing at the base camp. The base camp offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.
Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and Return to Juda Ka Talab/ Hargaun
• Distance: 8-9 km (round trip)
• Duration: 7-8 hours
• Highlights: Early morning ascent to the summit. The summit offers panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Return to the Juda ka taal or Kot village for an overnight stay.
Juda ka taal/ Hargaun village to Sankri and back to Dehradun
• Distance: 4-5 km
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Highlights: Descend back to Sankri, retracing the route. Enjoy the scenic beauty along the way and celebrate the successful completion of the trek. After a quick freshen up travel back to Dehradun.