Why Kedarkantha?
Kedarkantha is widely regarded as the best winter trek in India — and for good reason. At 3,810 metres, the summit offers a perfect 360° panorama of snow-capped Himalayan peaks including Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and Ranglana. The trail passes through pristine pine and oak forests, frozen streams, and snow-blanketed meadows that look like scenes from a fairytale.
The Trek Route
The trek starts from Sankri village (1,920m) in the Tons Valley, accessible by a 10-hour drive from Dehradun via Mussoorie and Purola. From Sankri, the standard route covers:
- Day 1: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (2,700m) — 4 km through dense forest to a frozen lake campsite
- Day 2: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base (3,400m) — 4 km through open meadows with stunning views
- Day 3: Summit day! Base to Kedarkantha Peak (3,810m) and back to Hargaon — 6 km round trip. Start at 3 AM for sunrise at the summit
- Day 4: Hargaon to Sankri — 6 km descent through snow and forest
What to Expect in Winter
December to March brings heavy snowfall. Expect temperatures between -10°C to 5°C at higher camps. The trail is covered in 2–4 feet of snow, and the frozen Juda Ka Talab (lake) is a magical sight. Microspikes or gaiters are essential.
The summit sunrise is the highlight — watching the first golden rays hit the Himalayan peaks while standing on fresh powder snow is genuinely one of the most beautiful moments you'll experience in India.
Fitness & Preparation
Kedarkantha is rated easy to moderate — perfect for first-time Himalayan trekkers. You should be able to walk 6–8 km per day with a daypack. Start cardio training (running, cycling) 4–6 weeks before the trek. Acclimatise in Sankri for a day before starting.
What to Pack
- 4-layer clothing system (thermal base + fleece + down jacket + waterproof shell)
- Insulated trekking boots (waterproof, ankle-support)
- Microspikes or crampons for icy sections
- -15°C rated sleeping bag (provided by our team)
- Sunscreen, lip balm, UV sunglasses (snow glare is intense)
- Headlamp with fresh batteries (for the 3 AM summit push)
Our Kedarkantha Package
We run weekly departures from December to April. All-inclusive at ₹9,999 per person for 6 days — including Delhi pickup, all camping gear, meals, certified trek leaders and forest permits. View the full itinerary.