Positioned on the humbling Garhwal Himalayas, The Kedarkantha will delight those with a spirit of adventure; It offers you a feeling of walking in heaven and words can’t describe the beauty of this place! Marked as one of the most beautiful and fulfilling treks in India, this hike is a blend of tough terrains, eye-catching snowcapped vistas and rich culture.
Regardless if you are an old hand backpacker or a beginner just looking to soak in the splendor of blooming nature, The Kedarkantha trek is the perfect pick. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the Kedarkanatha trek – from its history and location, when’s best to go and all the standout features that make it one of winter’s most popular treks.
Overview of the Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha is a hiking route in the Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Western Garhwal Region. At a height of 12,500 feet above sea level, needless to say the summit provides spectacular views of numerous snow-capped peaks such as Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch and Kedar Peak (the trek is named after this peak).
One reward that makes the Kedarkantha trek special is it fits everyone’s palate, from novices to experienced hikers. While Kedarkantha is one of the top high-altitude hikes to do in India that doesn’t require prior adventure experience or any training and can be done by a beginner as well. The trek is quite short, lasting 6 to 7 days which makes it quite a perfect break for those of you who’d want something shorter yet remarkable!
Introduction of Kedarkantha Trek History-founded and importance
It is named after the Kedarnath temple in the town of Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kedarkantha summit, of itself, also holds a special connection in the hearts of all religiously inclined believers as it is supposedly where Lord Shiva performed meditation. Treks in the vicinity of Everest can also offer hikers a glimpse of what silence feels like in the Himalayas, as well as spate local culture and history.
In recent years, the Kedarkantha trek has become a popular destination for adventure lovers. As you gain more altitude, the trail opens up to reveal some great camping spots and panoramic views so it really is no wonder why this trek has become a regular in India’s winter season.
Best Time to do Kedarkantha Trek
Picking the perfect season for your Kedarkantha trek is very important to make it a pleasant one. The best time to go is in December through April, when the entire vicinity is blanketed with several feet of snow. The reason the trek is so popular during these months, is because that’ s the best time to go for a winter trek — there’s enough chill in the air for snow but it’s not freezing your ass off cold.
Kedarkantha Trek Pass is truly a Winter wonderland! If you’re the type that loves snow hiking, now is the time for that trail. During these two months, the temperature can fall well below zero so you must be sure to have warm clothing and a good sleeping bag and all other necessary equipment.
The Kedarkantha trek can also be done in the summer season that is from April to June. Although there isn’t much snow during this season, the trail provides a refreshing view of beautiful landscapes and rare thickets of pine forest – It’s a milder, but equally picturesque version to its winter counterpart.
Trekking Route and Difficulty Level
The Kedarkantha trek is arguably the easiest trek for beginners to start with in India. It is a reasonable constant climb without being all that hard, and not long enough to tire you out. The trek is 20 kilometers in all and mostly takes six days.
It has an easy walking trail which originates at Sankri – a small village located at the foot of the trek, and meanders through stunning pine as well as oak forests. The first few miles are gentle, but the altitude catches up with you towards the end. The route is clear and guided by trained professionals, so trekkers find it easy to trek.
Some of the stops along the way include:
Sankri to Juda Ka Talab: This is day 1 of your trek and you will camp at the end beside a small frozen lake. One of the most picturesque spots on the route, with clear views to the neighboring mountains!
Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp: On the second day, you keep walking through the beautiful oak and pine forests by following one of the best jungle corners in this trek and on this day you will have views that are un-matched.
Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft) to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft): And here is the ultimate summit push. The path is steep and tiring, but the payoff at the summit will make all that huffing and puffing worthwhile. Trekkers get a stunning bird’s eye view of the Garhwal Himalayas’ glaciated pinnacles from the peak.
The Thrill of Summit Day
The climb to the summit is the most thrilling part of Kedarkantha trek. The final push to the summit can be a killer, but reaching the top is exhilarating. Finally you get to the top and spread out all below is a view of the entire area. The snow-covered crown of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and seven other Himalayan beasts lurk somewhere in the horizon and below is laid out like a canvas.
At this moment of sadness, all struggles seem worthwhile. Whether you already love trekking and it’s not your first time, or whether you are new to the world of trekking – standing on top of this peak while beholding the magnificent Himalayas – is an experience that will remain with you forever.
Kedarkantha Trek: For the Brave-Hearted Only!
Kedarkantha is a perfect trek for beginners, but you’ll need to do some great packing to make the most of it. Climates can be very cold, particularly in winter: many days experience temperatures below freezing point. Plus the travelling is done by walking long distances on uneven and occasionally slippery terrain so you should be pretty fit to deal with it.
The best way of preparing for the Kedarkantha trek is to start your endurance about a few weeks prior to the trek. If you’re new to hiking, consider incrementally extending the distance of your walk each day and incorporating some uphill walking to simulate hilly terrain. And we’ll also have to develop our mental endurance, because there will be moments when you can hardly continue in the last few hours up the side of a mountain.
It’s also important to attain an understanding of the lay of the land and how your body reacts to altitude. Oh, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water while you’re out there, and pay attention to signs of altitude sickness.” Trust me Kedarkantha trek is well served and In between you get a lotttt of acclimatisation days so Altitude never plays the devil.
What Makes Kedarkantha Trek Special?
Actual Winter Wonderland: The Kedarkantha trek is often called a ‘winter wonderland’ because the entire trail is covered in snow. The frozen glimmering lakes, the white trees and the shimmering peaks are magic that isn’t easy to reproduce.
Camping Under The Stars: In the trek, camping happens at places like Juda Ka Talab and Base camp where you can sleep through one night under an open sky full of stars. And all this with the starry sky overhead and the awful silence of snow-frosted country on every side, which makes you feel as if you were in another world.
Flora and Fauna: Kedarkantha stands in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary surrounded by an abundance of Flora & Fauna. From deodar and pine trees to various kinds of birds like the Himalayan Monal, there are enough opportunities of witnessing nature in its purest form on the trek.
Cultural Discovery: It is an introduction to the lifestyle of the people living in that region. Tiny villages along the route such as Sankri give you a glimpse of what traditional Himalayan life is all about with wooden houses and home-made local food that can be enjoyed on your journey.
Packing Tips for Kedarkantha Trek
Clothes: Layered garments are a must for the Kedarkantha trek. Winter trek and you are good to go with a good down jacket, thermal wear, gloves and woolen socks. In summer you’ll be able to get away with lighter clothes but having a jacket for the cooler nights is essential.
Footwear: You need a good pair of comfortable, water proof trekking boots. The route may have snow and mud, so wear appropriate boots with good traction.
Sleeping Bag: It is a good idea to have at least a 4-season sleeping bag (especially for winter treks when night time temperatures will go below zero).
Backpack – 40-50 litres pack: You will need a big back pack for all your essentials. Make sure it is comfortable and has good support when we go on long hikes there.”
MISCELLANEOUS: Remember to pack your headlamp, water bottle and snacks resources/snacks footwear. Also, if you will be going in the winter, a pair of gaiters to prevent snow from entering your boots is a good investment.
Conclusion
The Kedarkantha trek is an all round the year fantastic walk from the heart of nature with Scenic beauty, & Serenity! It’s unique, and no matter if you’re a novice or seasoned trekker, it is an adventure that cannot be matched. Summit Push is the Kedarkantha trek that takes about 6 days and showcases – this serene spiritual site with its majestic snow covered peaks, lush green forests and picturesque campsites making memories for life. So if you are looking for an adventure which serves a whole lot of beauty, challenges and sense of accomplishment then Kedarkantha trek should just go on your list!
As you come out into the sunlight along the snowline and take a deep breath of ever-so-sweet mountain air, you would realize that this trek is more than just about being challenging and pushing limits- it’s about taking in nature, challenging your boundaries and with luck on hand – the perfect view of Himalayas!
