Nestled in the Western Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the Kedarkantha trek has emerged as a sought-after trekking destination in India. This 20-kilometer trail, resting at an altitude of 3,800 meters, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and thrilling challenges, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned trekkers and adventurous beginners alike.

The Allure of Kedarkantha

The Kedarkantha trek is a true embodiment of the Himalayan grandeur, boasting a diverse array of landscapes that will leave you spellbound. From winding paths through dense oak and pine forests to serene high-altitude lakes and stunning campsites, this trek promises an unforgettable experience with every step.

One of the highlights of the Kedarkantha trek is the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges from the summit. This awe-inspiring sight, coupled with the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering the summit, is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Difficulty Level: A Perfect Balance

Kedarkantha is rated as a level 2 trek on the Bikat Rating Scale, making it an ideal choice for beginners seeking their first summit trek in the Himalayas. While the trek demands a certain level of fitness and trekking skills, it offers a well-balanced combination of beauty and thrill, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

The Bikat Rating Scale

The Bikat Rating Scale is a comprehensive system that evaluates the difficulty level of treks and expeditions, taking into account their geographical and climatic conditions. According to this scale, beginner trekkers who are unsure of their fitness level can start with a level 1 trek, while those seeking a greater challenge can progress to levels 2 or 3. For treks rated 4 and above, prior trekking experience at the previous level is mandatory.

The Trails of Kedarkantha

The Kedarkantha trek is blessed with a diverse array of vegetation, dense forests, lovely meadows, and majestic landscapes throughout the journey. While the gradient becomes steeper each day, the path remains relatively easy to navigate until the summit.

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri

The trek begins from the scenic village of Sankri, situated at an altitude of 1,950 meters in Uttarakhand. On the first day, you’ll embark on a journey from Dehradun to Sankri via a comfortable vehicle, allowing you to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Taal

The second day marks the start of your trekking journey, as you embark on a 4-kilometer hike from Sankri to Juda Ka Taal. This trail is broad and gradually ascends for the first 2-3 hours, allowing you to zigzag through the woods and soak in the natural beauty.

During peak winter months, you may encounter snow shortly after leaving Sankri, in which case your trek leader will provide you with microspikes and gaiters to ensure a safe and comfortable trek.

In the spring, the trail transforms into a vibrant tapestry of emerald green oak forests, carpets of maple and pine leaves, and verdant meadows. The final hour to the Juda Ka Taal campsite involves a series of switchbacks, rising through a sharp incline of dense oaks before opening up to the spectacular campsite.

Day 3: Juda Ka Taal to Kedarkantha Base Camp

The third day’s trek from Juda Ka Taal to the Kedarkantha Base Camp is a 4-kilometer journey that takes approximately 2.5 hours at a moderate pace. The trail becomes comparatively steeper than the previous day, but the landscapes remain equally breathtaking.

The trek begins through oak and pine forests, opening up to ridges at various sections. As you ascend, the trail climbs swiftly over a dusty, uneven terrain, gaining an altitude of about 700 meters. After this challenging stretch, a short walk through auburn oak forests leads you to an extensive clearing with an arc view of the lofty, snow-capped ranges.

Nestled amidst towering woods and gaping views of the snowscape, the pristine white glade at 3,400 meters is the Kedarkantha Base Camp, where you’ll spend the night in preparation for the summit attempt.

Day 4: Summit Day

The day you’ve been waiting for – the summit attempt – is both exhilarating and challenging. You’ll cover a distance of 9 kilometers, taking anywhere between 7-8 hours to reach the summit.

The trek begins at 3 AM, with the trail winding through dense oak forests and a mild ascent for about an hour. As the woods begin to recede, you’ll be greeted by a slope inclined at almost 60 degrees – the final leg to the summit.

During winter months, this section can be particularly strenuous for beginners, as you’ll find yourself navigating through knee-deep snow, pulling through with every step. Strong icy winds and sub-zero temperatures, potentially reaching as low as -7 degrees Celsius, add to the challenges of the ascent.

After a rigorous trek through the snow, the summit rewards you with a feeling of pure bliss and gratification, as you witness the sun’s rays gently brushing over the snow-capped ranges, creating a mesmerizing view that will be etched in your memory forever.

Challenges of the Kedarkantha Trek

While the Kedarkantha trek is considered a beginner’s trail, it does present a few challenges that trekkers should be prepared for.

Challenge 1: Summit Day

As mentioned earlier, the summit day is particularly challenging due to the long trekking distance and duration. Covering 9 kilometers in 7-8 hours can be demanding for those new to trekking, especially when combined with the steep ascent and potential snow conditions.

Challenge 2: Inclement Weather Conditions (Rare)

Although the weather on the Kedarkantha trek is generally calm, it can occasionally turn stormy. This could mean rain, hailstorms, and heavy snowfall, particularly from the Kedarkantha Base Camp onwards.

In such situations, our experienced trek leaders closely monitor the conditions and make necessary adjustments to the itinerary. For example, they might decide to stay back at Juda Ka Taal campsite instead of ascending to the Kedarkantha Base Camp, and push for the summit directly from there once the weather improves.

This scenario could extend the trek duration, as you would need to cover a distance of 7 kilometers one way to the summit instead of the usual 3 kilometers from the Kedarkantha campsite. Additionally, excess snowfall can make navigation more challenging in the upper reaches of the trail.

However, it’s important to note that rough weather conditions are a rare occurrence on the Kedarkantha trek, and the weather is generally amicable.

Fitness Levels Required

While the Kedarkantha trek is relatively easy to navigate after April, when the snow melts away, the trails are covered with a thick blanket of snow throughout the winter months. The last segment until the summit is long and steep, with an inclination of 45 to 60 degrees, which can be challenging to navigate in knee-deep snow.

Although it’s a beginner’s trek, you’ll need good lung capacity and leg strength to complete the journey successfully. If you’re struggling most of the time, you won’t be able to fully enjoy the trek. To ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience, we recommend the following fitness level:

Practice jogging or running three days a week, aiming to cover 5 kilometers in 30-40 minutes. Additionally, incorporate resistance workouts for your legs, such as squats and lunges, and core exercises into your training schedule.

Essential Gear for the Kedarkantha Trek

While we provide most of the necessary equipment for trekking, such as tents, sleeping bags, crampons, and snow boots, there are a few essential items you’ll need to bring from your end to ensure a comfortable hike.

Backpack

A sturdy, lightweight backpack is crucial for carrying your belongings during the trek. When purchasing a backpack, look for features like padded shoulder straps, hip belts, and ventilation systems to ensure comfort and proper weight distribution.

Trekking Shoes

Conventional sports shoes are not suitable for trekking trails. We recommend wearing high-ankle shoes with sturdy soles to provide better support and reduce the risk of injuries. For the Kedarkantha trek, where you’re likely to encounter snow during the winter months, water-resistant shoes are essential to keep your feet dry and warm.

Trekking Pole (Optional)

While not mandatory, trekking poles can be incredibly helpful in taking the stress off your joints, especially during descents, and conserving energy. They provide stability and rhythm on rough terrain, making your trek more comfortable and enjoyable.

Skills Required for the Kedarkantha Trek

At Bikat Adventures, our primary objective is not just to help trekkers complete their treks but also to ensure they acquire valuable trekking skills along the way. To achieve this, we’ve created learning modules paired with different levels on the Bikat Rating Scale, which our experienced trek leaders teach in real-time on the trails.

On the Kedarkantha trek, our trek leaders guide and train the group on how to navigate through snow during ascents and descents before attempting the summit. They’ll instruct you on the proper use of trekking equipment like gaiters, microspikes, and trekking poles, ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

During descents, when the snow becomes slippery, you’ll learn descent techniques such as proper foot placement, pressure application, and more to avoid slipping.

While our capable trek leaders and guides will provide all the assistance you need, we suggest browsing through the following articles to familiarize yourself with the skills that may come in handy on the Kedarkantha trail:

• Ascending and Descending on Trails
• How to Pack Your Rucksack
• Hiking Attire and Layering
• How to Use Microspikes
• How to Use Gaiters

Conclusion

The Kedarkantha trek is a true gem in the Himalayan trekking world, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, thrilling challenges, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or an adventurous beginner, this trek promises to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

By following the guidance provided in this comprehensive article, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on this incredible journey, equipped with the necessary skills, gear, and knowledge to make the most of your Kedarkantha adventure.

So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to conquer the majestic Kedarkantha trek – an experience that will undoubtedly leave you in awe of the Himalayas’ breathtaking grandeur.