How to do theKedarkantha trek trek without wasting your money

I see so many people spending 20,000 rupees on the Kedarkantha trek and it honestly makes me sad. You don't need to be rich to see the Himalayas. Most of the money people spend goes into things they don't even need. If you are planning to go in 2026 and want to save your hard-earned cash, listen to these simple things I learned during my trip.

Don't book a private cab from Dehradun

The biggest trap is the private taxi. Drivers at the station will ask for 6,000 or 7,000 rupees to take you to Sankri. Don't do it. Just wake up at 5 AM and catch the local bus from near the Dehradun railway station. It costs less than 500 rupees. Yes, the bus is old and it takes time, but the views are the same and you save thousands before the trek even starts. If you miss the bus, look for a shared Bolero. Never pay for a full car alone.

Stop buying "Trekking Clothes"

You don't need a 5,000 rupee jacket from a big brand. You are going for 4 days, not moving to the Arctic forever. When you reach Sankri village, there are many local shops. You can rent a very warm heavy jacket and good snow shoes for 100 rupees a day. I did the same and it worked perfectly. Just bring your own warm thermals and socks from home for hygiene. Renting gear is the best way to keep your budget low and your bag light.

Pick a team that knows the locals

Going totally alone is hard because of forest permits and finding the right path in the snow. But don't join those super expensive "luxury" groups either. Look for a team like BanBanjara. They work with local guides which keeps the cost down. They are not the cheapest, but they are fair. They take care of your forest fees and food, so you don't get any surprises later. It’s better to pay a little bit to a reliable team than to get stuck alone in the cold without a tent. You can check their site for the basic budget plan.

Eat simple and carry your own snacks

Once you start walking, a simple chocolate bar or a bottle of water will cost double the price. It’s fair because people carry them up on their backs, but for a budget traveler, it adds up. Carry a bag of peanuts, some biscuits, and chocolates from the city. Also, don't buy plastic water bottles. The mountain water from the streams is the cleanest water you will ever drink and it is free. Just keep a reusable bottle with you.

Sleep in homestays

When you stay in Sankri before or after the trek, look for a local homestay. They are much cheaper than the new hotels. You get a warm bed and home-cooked food. Plus, talking to the local family will tell you more about the mountains than any travel blog. It is a much better experience and saves you a lot of money.

A few common questions about the cost

Is 10,000 rupees enough for the whole trip?

Yes, if you travel from Dehradun, 10,000 is more than enough. If you are very careful with the bus and renting gear, you can even finish it in 7,000 or 8,000 rupees.

When is the cheapest time to go?

Avoid the last week of December. Everyone goes there for Christmas and New Year and the prices of everything double. Go in mid-January or February. The snow is better then and everything is cheaper.

Should I carry a lot of cash?

Yes. There are no ATMs in Sankri or on the trek. Take all the cash you need from Dehradun. If you run out of cash, you will be in trouble because nobody takes cards or UPI in the forest.