Experiencing the local culture and eating local foods is another attraction on the Kedarkantha trip. The hospitality of the locals is such a rewarding experience that it makes you question their magnanimity.
About Kedarkantha
Standing tall and mighty at 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha is a majestic mountain peak in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is located within the Govind National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Kedarkantha trip offers you an exotic variety of flora and fauna throughout the trip,
Whether hiking snowy winter trails or weaving your way through lush green pine forests, a kedarkantha hike is a hiker's delight.
Kedarkantha, the word itself, conjures up beautiful images in your mind. The image of Lord Shiva sitting on top of a majestic mountain in the Himalayas, spreading his blessings to the world below, is one of the first images to awaken your senses. At an altitude of about 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha Peak is the majestic peak of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Although Kedarkantha Trek is an ideal destination during all seasons, it is one of the most sought after winter treks in India. Hikers marvel at this incredible ride that beckons you with snow until the end of April. Snow-capped peaks surrounded by tall trees offer mesmerizing views from altitudes as low as 10,000 feet.
About Kedarkantha Trek
The walk to this beautiful house starts in Sankri, which is about 210 km from Dehradun. It takes about 10 hours by road from Dehradun to Sankri, and the hike on winding roads takes you against a backdrop of high mountains with bubbling mountain rivers nearby. Along the way, you will pass Mussoorie, Damta, the village of Nine Bhag, Bourola, Harsaadi, and Natwad before reaching the remote village of Sankari. Along the way, you will enjoy the wonderful views of Mussoorie, and the breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers such as Yamuna, Ganga, Kedarganga, Supin and Tons will rejuvenate you with their crystal clear waters.
At an altitude of 6,400 feet, Sankri is a picturesque town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It serves as a base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. The hiking trail from Sankri takes you to Juda ka Talab Lake, the mountain's sacred lake, as you hike through local trails and thick forests.
You will enjoy a magical panorama of incredibly beautiful campsites on your way to Kedarkantha.
Juda Ka Talab, the First Campground, is a scenic campsite located at an altitude of 9,000 feet. Jodha Ka Talib is so captivated by its quiet beauty that you blink twice to feel if the place really exists. A large forest of oaks and tall pines with huge mountains in the background surrounding the glacial lake give the appearance of a protective shield. Jodhaka Talib's climate ranges from -12 to -1 in the winter months, 3 to 12 degrees in the spring and summer months, and -8 to 12 degrees in the fall.
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From Juda ka Talab, walk about 4 km through pine and oak trees to reach the open heights just below Kedarkantha Peak. Once the forest has finished, you come to a wide meadow that is the Kedarkantha base camp. Located at 11,250 feet, Kedarkantha Base Camp is the second camp on the Kedarkantha trekking trail.
From Kedarkantha Base Camp, you can take a challenging 3km hike to reach the top of Kedarkantha located at 12,500 feet. The 360-degree view of the massive mountains stretching from Kedarkantha Peak will blow you away.
It is a perfect journey as it takes you through the beautiful landscape of the Himalayan beauty. Kedarkantha Base Camp for Majestic Summit Trek offers you a magical panorama of open heights, vast grasslands, steep cliffs and towering mountain ranges.
At the top, you can see the mountain peaks at a 360 degree angle; Not only famous peaks such as Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri and DhaulaDhar, but also hundreds of other pristine and unspoiled pristine mountains welcome you with a warm hug. This picture perfect scene is an absolute blessing, each frame looks like a postcard picture; It is a show that accompanies you for life.
Kedarkantha Trek is one of the easiest and most attractive Himalayan trails from Uttarakhand. This all season excursion is one of the best and most comfortable excursions in India. But the beauty of the trip is better in winter.
How to reach Kedarkantha
Sankri is the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. To get to Kedarkantha, you need to get to Sankri from Dehradun. The distance of Sankri from Dehradun is about 200 km and it takes between 8 and 10 hours to travel this mountain pass.
To get to Kedarkantha from Dehradun, you can choose the government bus that starts at 8am from Mussoorie bus stop (just outside Dehradun train station). The bus takes you to Sankri in about 10 hours.
Another alternative to get to Sankri from Dehradun is to take a taxi. Taxis can be taken from the same Mussoorie bus stop and also from Dehradun ISBT. There are several taxis that leave for Sankri from Dehradun in the morning hours. So if you arrive early and board one of them, you can split your taxi fare with your fellow travelers. But if you are a little late, chances are you will not find any traveler traveling to Sankri and you will have to pay the taxi fare yourself.
By Train: Dehradun is well connected with major cities in India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc. by train. From Dehradun to Sankri it takes about 10 hours by road.
By road: Dehradun is well connected with most major cities in India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc. by highway.
By Plane: Arrive in Dehradun from Delhi by plane. Flights are available every day and the flight duration is 55 minutes.
Kedarkantha Trek Length
The Kedarkantha trek is 20 km long which is covered in a period of 6 days. Kedarkantha Trek is a medium to challenging hike that can be done by beginners or beginners if they have a basic level of fitness. The journey from Sankari to Jodhaka Talib takes about 4 km from there and another 4 km journey to Kedarkantha base camp. The next day, you will hike a total of 6 kilometers from the base camp to the top and the top to Hargaon. Upon your return to Sankri, you will go on a 6 km hike from Hargaon.
The legend
Kedarkantha's journey is rooted in legends and that's what makes it even more appealing.
The place got its name from "Kedar Khand", which translates as "Lord Shiva's oath". It is the historical name of this area. Kedarkantha literally translates to Lord Shiva's throat. Legend has it that Lord Shiva once meditated at Kedarkantha and then moved to Kedarnath.
According to Hindu mythology, the Jodhaka Talib owes its origin to the drops of water that fell from Lord Shiva's hair. Synonymous with his name, a lake (Talib) was formed where the water from Lord Shiva's (Godha) cake touched the ground.
One of the sparkling attractions on this journey, the divine Swargarohini Peak, is said to be the stairway to heaven. It is believed that Yudhishitra with his dog reached heaven through this sacred peak.
Kedarkantha Trek in Summer
Kedarkantha is one of the preferred hikes and the summer season also provides an opportunity for adventure seekers to experience this hike with its incredible scenery and thick forest cover of oak and pine trees. The summer months of April, May and June are the period when the temperature ranges from 0 ° C at night to 20 ° C during the day.
Kedarkantha in April - The time when remnants of winter snows can be found along the route of the trek, melting away and revealing the beautiful scenery below. It is the best time for those who want to experience the gentle breeze with the perfect amount of freshness to endure. Wool clothing is recommended if you are planning a trip in April.
Kedarkantha in May - This is the time when you can witness a vast green landscape around you with a variety of sweet flowers. During this month, the hike is easier to do as there are no thick layers of snow or monsoons that make it slippery and difficult to do. The temperature during the month of May usually oscillates between 5 and 15 degrees.
Kedarkantha in June - To experience the many vibrant flowers and freshness of the beautiful Kedarkantha Valley, this is the perfect time for adventure and nature lovers. The chances of rain are slight during this month, but the valley is in its prime for living.
Kedarkantha Trek Best Time
Kedarkantha is a journey for all seasons that captivates you with unique beauty in each season. Spring and summer present clear skies and cool landscapes that delight your senses with the scent of blooming flowers. Bright green pine forests look inviting and attract green landscapes with irresistible magical freshness. The fall season offers a unique experience. Walking along the boardwalk covered in multi-colored dry foliage is an incredible experience.
However, winter is still considered the best time to visit Kedarkantha. Snowy trails lined with tall trees filled with snow, frozen mountain lakes that sparkle in the moonlight, and snowy peaks that glow at dawn and dusk in stunning hues of gold and red, winter landscape panoramas leave an indelible impression on your mind. Kedarkantha Peak at 12,500 feet glows beautifully in the winter sun and at night the moonlight casts a magical glow on the high mountain. The panoramic view of the incredible mountain ranges of Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Gangotri, Yamunotri and DhaulaDhar from the top of Kedarkantha seems ethereal in winter.
The beautiful snowy slopes during the winter season make Kedarkantha an excellent ski destination.
Kedarkantha Weather and Temperature
A trip to Kedarkantha is an activity throughout the season. However, you can better plan your trip if you visit during the season that suits you best. You may like to explore Kedarkantha in its greenest splendor when the meadows, trails, and campgrounds are fresh with new leaves and blooming flowers. The area receives enough rain during the monsoon months and sees beautiful waterfalls gushing out of the hills. The dark gray clouds hovering over the mountains create a beautiful sight. However, heavy rains can cause many landslides during the monsoon months.
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If you are looking for a snowy getaway, you may want to hike Kedarkantha in the winter months. The Kedarkantha hike in December is the beginning of winter when snowfall turns the landscape into a wintry fairyland. Snow remains on the track until the last week of April. Temperatures range from -10 to 8 degrees in winter and you may encounter adverse weather conditions such as slippery slopes and strong winds. Walking through thick snow is also a divine experience offered by the Kedarkantha winter hike.
Summer months from April to June - plus 6 degrees to 20 degrees
Monsoon months from July to August - plus 3 at 16 ° C
Fall months September through November - plus 2 degrees plus 15 degrees
Winter months from December to March: 10 degrees to 8 degrees below zero
Difficulty Level Of Kedarkantha Trek
The Kedarkantha Trek difficulty level is easy to adjust. The Kedarkantha Trek is best done in the winter season from mid-December to the end of April. During this time, the temperature can drop to -10 degrees because the weather in the Himalayas is very unpredictable. You must wear suitable clothing to protect yourself from inclement weather. So for the uninitiated, a winter Kedarkantha hike can be a bit tricky if you don't take care of yourself. For the summer months from April to June, the temperature ranges from 0 to 20 ° C. During these months, the weather is cool, windy and pleasant, which makes walking easier compared to winter.
Kedarkantha Trek difficulty can be determined based on weather and terrain.
Depending on the weather: the best time to do Kedarkantha Trek is in winter as you may experience heavy snowfall throughout the trek. From the base camp, Sankri to the top of Kedarkantha, you come across a thick layer of snow that adds to the adventure hikers seek. The road during the winter becomes somewhat challenging, but with the right equipment and physical condition, you can easily reach the top. Good health is mandatory without pulmonary or cardiovascular difficulties for the Kedarkantha Trek procedure. The sight of peaks such as Gangotri, Swargarohini, Yamunotri, Dhauladhar Range, and many more pristine mountain ranges welcome you for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On the other hand, Kedarkantha Trek in summer becomes an easy hike for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Based on the terrain: The trail throughout the tour is easy, surrounded by a forest of oak and pine trees. The campsites are lovely. Whether it's the snowy winter trails or the crisp brown leaves that cover the forest. You have to walk a maximum distance of 6-7 kilometers per day. With the proper physical condition for walking uphill and downhill, it is easy to get this far in summer because the trails are not slippery compared to winter.
Is Kedarkantha Trek Safe?
The Kedarkantha trek is one of the easiest in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, and it may be your best option if you are a beginner. It is a 6 day trip that requires you to travel 4-6 kilometers every day. Kedarkantha is a safe hike to do in all seasons except the monsoon. Precipitation is unpredictable and there can be many landslides
Fitness Required for Kedarkantha Trek
Some basic preparations are required to do the Kedarkantha trek. You must be in good physical shape, have the stamina to walk 6 km per day and have no medical problems. You can prepare for the trip by taking a brisk walk every day for 30 minutes and then increasing your speed every day. This must be done at least two weeks before the trip.
Travel is always fun, it takes you back in time. With the right attitude and the right preparation, you can conquer the untamed. The trick is to be well equipped so that you can make your trip with the utmost confidence and conviction.
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