What should you consider before committing to the Kedarkantha Trek?
As the temperature ranges from 15°C to -5°C here, you shouldn't hesitate to pack warm clothes if you are heading on the Kedarkantha trek in December, or any other month.
It is recommended that you bring trekking shoes, slippers, sunscreen lotion, a windcheater, raincoat, UV-protected sunglasses, water bottles, personal medications, a walking stick, a torch, and first aid equipment on your trek.
In the case of the flashlight and the torch, carrying extra batteries will be advantageous since batteries may not work properly due to low temperatures. Kedarkantha Trek
You should carry a proper pack of moisturizer with you to keep your skin healthy when the weather outside is cold and chilly.
It will be convenient to be able to keep extra food and dry foods
Carrying more than 10 kg of luggage or weight will be difficult, so do not exceed this limit
It is highly recommended that you keep an appropriate amount of money with you during the trekking tour in order to avoid running out of money.
Do not set out on such treks if you suffer from breathing problems or you are afraid of heights
You should avoid this trip if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, or legs that have ellipses.
Due to its religious significance, Kedarkantha is believed to be the throat of Lord Shiva. Do not upset the local people's religious sentiments.
Dehydration is one of the reasons for altitude sickness so keep yourself properly hydrated.
Kedarkantha trek
Located in the Western Garhwal region in the state of Uttarakhand, the Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks all around.
This is also one of the few treks where a less experienced trekker can get a winter trek experience in less than a week’s time. Kedarkantha trek package
The trip commences from Dehradun, from where you drive to the small, but pretty village of Sankri. The village is inside Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to diverse species of flora and fauna.
Hiking towards Juda Ka Talab – the highlight of the Kedarkantha trekking tour – come across Saud Village and witness the traditional way of life without modern technologies. Kedarkantha trek height
Juda Ka Talab is a mesmerizing pond, surrounded by lush pastures, and forests of maple, oak, and Morinda spruce trees. The trek route offers a breathtaking view of snowy mountains, peaks, deodar & pine forests, waterfalls, bugyals (high-altitude meadows), wildlife, and rare Himalayan birds. One can view the majestic peaks of Swragarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kala Nag from close range.
For ages, the land has been known for temples and shrines with sacred mythological attachments. Duryodhana, the oldest of the Kauravas, is worshipped here. Kedarkantha trek difficulty
Botanists, bird watchers, photographers, nature lovers, footloose trekkers, and anyone who is interested in exploring and learning in an unusual way will find this trek route to be a paradise.
With the charming and captivating sights of the snow-covered Himalayas, verdant greenery, lush landscapes, myriad species of plants, frozen ponds, and majestic peaks, this trek has all the delightful marvels that a trekker wishes to view and experience during his journey.
Kedarkantha Trek is an ideal destination not only for adventure seekers and trekkers to enjoy thrilling challenges but also for nature lovers to bask in the beauty of undisturbed nature and enjoy blissful moments with exhilarating experiences.
Folk tales of Kedarkantha
At the trek top, there is a stone-sheeted shrine of Lord Shiva, which is bordered by snow-covered mountains all around. On the floor of the shrine, a Trishul is positioned, pointing up to the vast blue sky.
Every once in a while, locals visit the top to pay their respects to the shrine. Below, a small temple contains a statue of Lord Ganesha that is displayed during peak summer.
It is believed that if the summer is dry, laying Ganesha's statue on the ground will bring abundant rain. Lord Shiva and the Bull story According to the Kedarkantha legend, Lord Shiva sat at the summit to meditate but was disturbed by a bull, which was running below.
So he headed to Kedarnath, a town in Uttarakhand, to meditate afterwards. The Pandava legend Another local myth relates to the Pandavas, who went to the Himalayas to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
However, he hid from Bheem and disguised himself as a bull. But Bheem recognized him and rushed after him. So Shiva hid underground. When he rushed out of his hiding place, he let his body parts get divided, and each part fell at a different place.
His throat fell on Kedarkantha, thus earning the peak its name- transliteration- “the throat of Lord Shiva”. The myth resembles the story of Panch Kedar, a set of five Shiva temples- Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar- located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region.
Kedarkantha Peak
According to this legend, the Pandavas, on the advice of Lord Krishna, sought Lord Shiva to pardon them for their sins of killing their kin during the Mahabharata. But, Shiva was angry with them for their conduct and avoided them by taking the form of a bull and leaving for the Garhwal region.
The Pandavas sighted Shiva grazing as a bull in the hills of Guptakashi and tried to grab its tail and legs forcibly. However, the bull disappeared into the ground and later reappeared in the original form of Lord Shiva at five places- the bull’s hump at Kedarnath, legs at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, stomach at Madhyamaheswar and hair at Kalpeshwar. It is believed that the Pandavas built five temples at these places.
Kedarkantha Trek location
Kedarkantha Peak is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, in the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas. This imperial peak lies close to Har ki Dun valley in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
Its elevation is 12,500 ft (3,800 m). Kedarkantha is located within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district. Kedarkantha trek route map
A trek to the peak of Kedarkantha usually starts from Sankri, a small village, and takes four days to complete.
Altitude of Kedarkantha
Trek At a towering height of 3800 meters, Kedarkantha is a majestic peak located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarkantha is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand due to its relative ease of access and gradual inclination.
Trek distance: The overall Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 km, from start to finish. The trek begins from a village by the name of Sankri located at a height of 6,500 ft. From Sankri, trekkers have to climb 6,00 ft uphill and cover a distance of 10 km.
Kedarkantha Trek Best Time
A trek with distinct beauty in every season, Kedarkantha captivates you all year long. Spring and summer boast clear skies and fresh landscapes that treat your senses to the fragrance of blooming flowers.
The glossy green pine forests look inviting and the green landscape allures you with a magical freshness that is simply irresistible.
The fall season offers a unique experience; trekking on a trail bedecked with dried multi-hued leaves is an amazing experience.
However, winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. The snowy trails lined with tall snow-drifted trees, frozen mountain lakes incandescent in the moonlight, and snowy peaks glittering at dawn and dusk in amazing hues of golden and red; the panorama of winter landscape leaves an indelible impression on your mind.
Kedarkantha peak at an elevation of 12,500 feet shimmers beautifully in the winter sun and at night the moonlight casts a magical glow on the lofty mountain.
The panoramic view of the stunning mountain ranges of Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and DhaulaDhar from the Kedarkantha summit looks ethereal in winter.
During winter, Kedarkantha makes an ideal ski destination because of its picturesque slopes covered in snow.
1. Kedarkantha Trek from December to February
The temperature during the day is usually 13-18 degrees.
After the sun sets, the temperature might drop as low as -7 degrees Celsius.
Higher altitude results in a lower (minus) temperature.
Kedarkanta campsites may have chilling winds blowing so make sure you carry enough warm clothes.
2. Kedarkantha Trek March to May
The temperature during the day will be around 16-20 degrees.
During the night, the temperature drops to 3-4 degrees, plus during snowfall, the temperature could drop to zero degrees. We advise our trekkers to take the Kedarkantha trek in winter to enjoy the complete benefits of the trek in the natural environment.
Kedarkantha Trek distance
The overall Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 km, from start to finish. The trek begins from a village by the name of Sankri located at a height of 6,500 ft. From Sankri, trekkers have to climb 6,00 ft uphill. They also have to cover a distance of 10 km.
The weather for the Kedarkantha trek
Kedarkantha Peak is an all-year trek and however, the views you will get to see depend on the weather conditions.
The temperature during the summer months varies from 10 – 20 degrees Celsius. Kedarkantha Trek
During winter, the Kedarkantha trek is covered in heavy snow and you'll get to see stunning views of Himalayan peaks. The sun's reflection on the snow-covered mountains makes the mountains glow. Kedarkanta Trek
The weather becomes extremely cold in winter and the actual temperature dips to -5 degrees in winter. Kedarkantha Trek
Due to wind gusts, the temperature feels like -10 to -15 degrees. Best season to visit: This trek in itself is a beautiful trek, but the experience varies with the changes in the season. Kedarkantha Trek
For people who enjoy hiking in a green environment with comfortable temperatures, summer is the right time to do this trek. But if you are looking for some excitement winter is the time to go. Kedarkantha Trek
Winter in the mountains is an incredible time to visit because of the fresh snow and trees covered in snow.
Things to Carry for Kedarkantha Trek
Backpack 30/60 L
External straps and loops and easy access to compartments.
Water bottle
A reusable water bottle/hydration flask – 1.5-2L.
Energy bars
Nutrient-dense with oats, nuts, seeds, and fruit.
Weather appropriate clothing
Warm and waterproof clothing for winter, windproof and waterproof jackets
Flashlight
A textured grip with rechargeable batteries.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses.
Rain protection
During winter, opt for a windproof & waterproof rain jacket.
Trekking boots
They have a sturdy grip, flexible sole, comfortable ankle support, and a snug fit and are easy to put on and take off.
Extra Pair of Clothing
When the weather changes in the mountains (as it does every few hours), you can take off or put on layers as required.
Towel
Lightweight – cotton/bamboo/linen/microfiber easy to dry.
Personal hygiene kit
Hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton washcloth, toilet paper, a menstrual cup (if necessary), or feminine hygiene products, and a sealable plastic bag to carry them out.
Mini First Aid Kit
First aid for emergency.
Trash Bag
Normal kitchen garbage bags keep the trails you trek beautiful, clean, and free of garbage.
Slippers
With a flexible sole and sturdy grip, water-resistant. Kedarkantha Trek
How to reach Dehradun?
Dehradun by Air/Road
Located around 22 km southeast of Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport, also known as Dehradun Airport, connects the city to almost all major domestic destinations.
The airport also has easy access to the holy towns of Rishikesh (20 km) and Haridwar (30 km).
By road
Dehradun is well-connected by road to other major cities of the country via NH 72.
Regular deluxe and normal buses to the city are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi.
By rail
Dehradun Railway Station connects the city to all major cities of the country such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Vadodara.
From outside the railway station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or hire a private taxi to reach your desired destination.
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