Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi: A Snow Adventure Every Traveller Must Experience

If there’s one trek that combines adventure, snow, starry skies, and Himalayan charm—all without taking weeks off—it’s the Kedarkantha Trek. Starting from Delhi, this 6-day journey takes you deep into the Uttarakhand Himalayas, where frozen lakes, pine forests, and a 12,500 ft summit wait to welcome you.

I still remember my own Kedarkantha trek vividly: trudging through knee-deep snow, sipping hot chai at a frozen campsite, and watching the first golden light of sunrise touch Swargarohini Peak from the summit. It’s the kind of experience that feels like a dream but stays etched in your heart forever.

If you’re planning the Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi, here’s everything you need to know to make it memorable—how to reach, best time to go, itinerary, budgeting, and tips from my personal journey.

What Makes Kedarkantha Special?

The Kedarkantha trek is often called the “Queen of Winter Treks”, and for good reason. Few treks in India give you such dramatic rewards in such a short span.

• Summit Views: From the top, you get a panoramic sweep of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and even glimpses of Gangotri ranges.
• Snow Trails: Between December and April, the entire landscape transforms into a white wonderland.
• Starry Nights: The campsites—Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base—are perfect for stargazing, with skies so clear you can spot constellations with the naked eye.
• Beginner-Friendly: With gradual ascents and well-marked trails, Kedarkantha is ideal even for first-time trekkers.

It’s not just a trek—it’s a perfect introduction to the Himalayas.

Getting to Kedarkantha from Delhi

Your journey starts in Delhi, but the adventure truly begins when you enter Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region.

• Delhi to Dehradun: Take an overnight bus (8–9 hours), train, or a short 1-hour flight. Overnight Volvo buses are the most popular choice.
• Dehradun to Sankri: Sankri is the base village for Kedarkantha. It’s about a 200 km drive (7–8 hours) via Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori. Shared cabs and jeeps run daily, or you can pre-book a taxi.
• The Trek: From Sankri, the trek spans 20 km over 4–5 days.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling with friends, book a private cab from Dehradun to Sankri—it’s more comfortable and lets you stop for chai and photo breaks along the way.

Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek

One of the reasons Kedarkantha is so popular is because it’s a year-round trek, but the season you choose changes the vibe completely.

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Heavy snow, frozen campsites, picture-perfect scenery. Best for those chasing the classic Himalayan snow trek.
• Spring (Mar–Apr): Melting snow, blooming rhododendrons, and pleasant weather.
• Summer (May–Jun): Clear trails and meadows bursting with greenery.
• Autumn (Oct–Nov): Crisp weather, golden forests, and early snowfall in higher reaches.
• Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Not recommended—slippery trails and landslides make it unsafe.

If you want the snow-filled experience most trekkers talk about, plan your trip between late December and February.

Suggested Itinerary (6 Days from Delhi)

Here’s a simple itinerary I followed that balances acclimatisation, adventure, and rest:

Day 0: Overnight bus/train from Delhi to Dehradun.

Day 1: Drive Dehradun → Sankri (7–8 hrs). Explore the charming base village, try local food. Stay in a guesthouse.

Day 2: Trek to Juda Ka Talab (4 km, 4 hrs). A frozen lake and pine forest setting that feels straight out of Narnia.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base (3 km, 3 hrs). Relax, acclimatise, and enjoy the mountain views.

Day 4: Summit Day! Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft) and descend to Hargaon. (6–7 hrs). The highlight of the trek.

Day 5: Trek back to Sankri, drive to Dehradun. Overnight stay or bus back to Delhi.

Day 6: Reach Delhi in the morning, filled with stories and sore legs you’ll be proud of.

Travel Tips and Essentials

From my own trek, here are some things I wish I had known beforehand:

• Layers are life. Temperatures can drop to –10°C in winter. Carry thermals, fleece jackets, a padded jacket, and waterproof outerwear.
• Good shoes = good trek. Invest in waterproof trekking shoes with ankle support.
• Keep snacks handy. Energy bars, chocolates, and dry fruits are lifesavers on the trail.
• Stay hydrated. Even in snow, dehydration is common. Sip water regularly.
• Carry cash. There are no ATMs after Purola, so withdraw beforehand.
• Respect altitude. Take it slow, especially if you’re trekking above 10,000 ft for the first time.

And one fun tip: carry a thermos flask. Having hot chai at -5°C while sitting in your tent is pure bliss.

Budgeting for Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi

The cost of the trek depends on how you plan it.

• Organised Trek Packages: ₹6,000–₹10,000 per person (includes food, guide, permits, camping gear).
• Travel Costs:
• Delhi–Dehradun bus: ₹800–₹1,200 one way
• Dehradun–Sankri cab: ₹5,000–₹6,000 (shared among 5–6 people)
• Miscellaneous: Snacks, gear rentals (₹1,500–₹2,500 if you don’t own jackets/shoes).

Final Thoughts: Why Kedarkantha Should Be Your First Himalayan Trek

If you’re in Delhi and dreaming of snow-capped peaks, the Kedarkantha trek is the easiest yet most rewarding way to make it happen. It doesn’t demand weeks of leave, extreme fitness, or mountaineering skills—just a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.

Standing at the summit, watching the sunrise over endless Himalayan peaks, I realised why Kedarkantha has such a special place in the hearts of trekkers. It’s a journey that’s challenging but achievable, raw but safe, short yet life-changing.

So, if you’re ready to swap Delhi’s traffic and noise for snowy trails and starry skies, pack your bags—Kedarkantha is waiting.