Kedarkantha Trek Distance: Complete Guide for Trekkers

The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India. Located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, it offers breathtaking views, easy trails, and a thrilling adventure for beginners and seasoned trekkers. If you're planning this trek, one of the first questions you may ask is: What is the Kedarkantha trek distance?

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Kedarkantha trek distance, along with route details, difficulty level, and other important information.

What is the Kedarkantha Trek Distance?

The total Kedarkantha trek distance is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). This distance is covered over 4 to 6 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and your fitness level. The trek starts from Sankri village, which is the base camp, and goes up to the Kedarkantha summit at 12,500 feet (3,800 meters).

Here’s a breakdown of the average trekking distance covered each day:

• Day 1: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab – 4 km
• Day 2: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp – 3.5 km
• Day 3: Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Hargaon – 6 km (round trip)
• Day 4: Hargaon to Sankri – 6.5 km

The Kedarkantha trek covers a total distance of around 20 kilometers and is designed in a circular route, offering new views every day without retracing your steps.

Distance Between Key Locations

1. Sankri to Juda Ka Talab – 4 km

This is the first leg of the trek. The trail takes you through dense pine forests and small streams. The climb is steady but not very steep. It takes around 4–5 hours to reach Juda Ka Talab, a scenic high-altitude lake surrounded by pine trees.

2. Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp – 3.5 km

On the second day, the trek continues to the base camp. The trail becomes steeper and colder as you gain altitude. It takes about 3–4 hours to reach the base camp, which sits at around 11,200 feet.

3. Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit and back to Hargaon – 6 km

This is the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek. You start early in the morning, usually around 3–4 AM, to catch the sunrise at the summit. The climb to the top is steep and can be slippery if there is snow. It takes 3–4 hours to reach the summit and another 2–3 hours to descend to Hargaon.

4. Hargaon to Sankri – 6.5 km

The final stretch is a descent through forests and small meadows. It usually takes 4–5 hours to reach Sankri, depending on pace and weather conditions.

Total Time Taken to Complete Kedarkantha Trek

Most trekking agencies offer a 4-day or 5-day itinerary for Kedarkantha. Some may even stretch it to 6 days to include travel time from Dehradun or other cities. The trekking part alone typically takes 4 days, with each day involving 4–6 hours of trekking.

How Difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?

Although the summit is at 12,500 feet, the Kedarkantha trek is considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is well-marked and not too technical. It is ideal for beginners who want to experience snow trekking and high-altitude camping.

However, winter conditions can be challenging, especially if there's heavy snow. Proper gear, warm clothing, and physical preparation are important.

Best Time to Do the Kedarkantha Trek

The best time to do the Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, when the trail is covered in snow and the views are magical. The clear skies, frozen lakes, and snowy peaks make it a perfect winter trek.

If you prefer less snow and milder conditions, you can also trek in autumn (September to November).

How to Reach Kedarkantha Base – Sankri

Before starting the trek, you need to reach Sankri village, which is the base camp.

• From Dehradun to Sankri: The distance is 200 km, and it takes about 8–10 hours by road.
• You can take a shared taxi, private cab, or a bus from Dehradun.
• Most trekkers stay overnight at Sankri before starting the trek.

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Fitness Level

Even though the trek is considered moderate, it still requires stamina and endurance. Prepare with cardio workouts, walking, or short hikes before the trek.

2. Packing Essentials

• Good trekking shoes with ankle support
• Warm clothes, thermal layers, gloves, and a beanie
• Sleeping bag (if not provided)
• Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
• Water bottle, snacks, and energy bars
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, even in winter!)

3. Acclimatization

Though Kedarkantha isn’t extremely high, some people may experience altitude-related discomfort. Drink water regularly, move at a steady pace, and rest when needed.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 kilometers, covered over 4 days. It’s one of the best treks for beginners looking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas in winter. The trail passes through forests, snowfields, frozen lakes, and finally takes you to a summit with a stunning 360-degree view of snow-capped peaks.

If you’re planning your first trek or looking for a short Himalayan getaway, Kedarkantha is a great choice. With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll come back with memories that last a lifetime.

FAQs about Kedarkantha Trek Distance

Q1. Can the Kedarkantha trek be done in 3 days?

Yes, experienced trekkers can complete it in 3 days, but it requires longer trekking hours and skipping some acclimatization time. For beginners, 4–5 days is safer.

Q2. How far is Kedarkantha summit from base camp?

The summit is about 3 kilometers from the base camp. The round trip to the summit and down to Hargaon is roughly 6 kilometers.

Q3. Is the trek distance suitable for beginners?

Yes. The total distance of 20 km is well-suited for first-time trekkers, especially with proper guidance and breaks.