Kedarkantha
The most popular winter summit trek in India — a genuine snow-covered summit view achievable by a fit beginner.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Kedarkantha Trek Overview
The most popular winter summit trek in India — a genuine snow-covered summit view achievable by a fit beginner.
Distance, route & access
Distances depend on route variant and may not include road transfers.
Recorded start: Sankri · Estimated trip duration: 6 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Elevation by published trail milestone
Sankri → Juda ka Talab → base camp → Kedarkantha summit → Hargaon → Sankri
These are elevations reported for named stages on one particular route. Connecting lines show milestone order only; the horizontal spacing is not walking distance and changes between stages are not a measured terrain profile.
See altitude for each trail stage
| Milestone | Elevation |
|---|---|
| 1Sankri | 6,400 ft |
| 2Juda ka Talab | 9,100 ft |
| 3Base camp | 11,250 ft |
| 4Kedarkantha summit | 12,500 ft |
| 5Hargaon | 8,900 ft |
| 6Sankri return | 6,400 ft |
Route variant: Sankri → Juda ka Talab → base camp → Kedarkantha summit → Hargaon → Sankri. Published Sankri approach; note that alternative Kedarkantha approaches exist.
A measured GPS distance/elevation profile is not yet available for this route. This graphic is for comparing stage heights, not navigation.
Kedarkantha Trek Planning Guide
Kedarkantha is a easy-moderate trek in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately 20 km over 6 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 12,500 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Kedarkantha
The Panth catalogue currently lists Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 4 planned days, including Sankri to Juda Ka Talab and Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
No advance permit is recorded; local fees or permissions may still apply. The recorded base location is Sankri, and the nearest listed rail connection is Dehradun, then a road journey to Sankri. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A easy-moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Kedarkantha. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Extremely popular in the December-February window — book accommodation in Sankri well ahead and Summit ridge is exposed and can have deep snow; microspikes are close to mandatory. The current packing notes include Microspikes or crampons for the summit day, A -10°C rated sleeping bag — winter nights at Juda Ka Talab are genuinely cold. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Kedarkantha with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Day-by-day itinerary
Climb through pine and oak forest to a small frozen lake campsite.
Open ridge walk with the first views of the summit cone.
Pre-dawn summit push for sunrise, descending to a lower camp the same day.
Descend back to the roadhead.
Safety notes
- Extremely popular in the December-February window — book accommodation in Sankri well ahead
- Summit ridge is exposed and can have deep snow; microspikes are close to mandatory
What to pack
- Microspikes or crampons for the summit day
- A -10°C rated sleeping bag — winter nights at Juda Ka Talab are genuinely cold
Frequently asked questions about Kedarkantha
Where is Kedarkantha located?
Kedarkantha is listed in Garhwal, Uttarakhand, within the Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Kedarkantha trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Easy-Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Kedarkantha?
Panth currently lists Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Kedarkantha?
No advance permit is currently recorded, although local entry fees or rules may still apply.
How long is the Kedarkantha trek?
The catalogue records 6 days and approximately 20 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.