Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi – Your Complete Guide to the Most Magical Winter Trek in India

If there’s one Himalayan trek that perfectly captures the magic of snow, pine forests, and starry nights, it’s the Kedarkantha Trek. Tucked away in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha is often called the “Queen of Winter Treks” — and rightly so. Every step of this journey feels like walking through a snow globe, from the charming villages and frozen lakes to the sweeping Himalayan vistas at the summit.

For travelers starting from Delhi, Kedarkantha is one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in North India, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. Whether you’re chasing your first snow adventure or just want to escape city chaos, this trek delivers a breathtaking blend of adventure, serenity, and Himalayan charm.

Why Kedarkantha Trek Should Be on Your Bucket List

Standing tall at 12,500 feet (3,800 meters), the Kedarkantha summit offers a panoramic view of snow-clad peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Har ki Dun Valley. The trek is around 20 km long, typically spread over 4 to 6 days, and is moderately challenging — ideal for those who want a taste of Himalayan trekking without the extremes of altitude sickness or technical climbing.

What makes Kedarkantha truly special is its ever-changing landscape. You begin your journey through dense pine and oak forests, walk across snowy meadows, and finally reach a windswept summit where the rising sun paints the peaks in gold. Every campsite, from Juda Ka Talab to the Kedarkantha Base, feels like a postcard come to life.

How to Reach Kedarkantha from Delhi

One of the best parts about this trek is how easily accessible it is from Delhi. Here’s a quick travel route to get you there:

1. Delhi to Dehradun (By Bus, Train, or Flight):

• Overnight Volvo buses leave from ISBT Kashmere Gate and take around 6–7 hours to reach Dehradun.
• You can also take an early morning Shatabdi Express or a short flight (1 hour).

1. Dehradun to Sankri (Base Village):

• From Dehradun, the drive to Sankri is about 200 km (7–8 hours) through beautiful hill towns like Mussorie, Naugaon, Purola, and Mori.
• You can hire a private cab (₹4,000–₹5,000) or join a group transfer organized by your trekking company.

Sankri, a quaint little village at 6,400 ft, is where your adventure begins. It’s a peaceful base with a few homestays and local cafés — the perfect place to acclimatize before hitting the trail.

The Trek Itinerary – Step Into a Snow Wonderland

Here’s a classic 5-day Kedarkantha Trek itinerary from Sankri that most trekkers follow:

Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (6,400 ft)

Start early from Dehradun and enjoy the scenic drive. You’ll pass through pine forests, mountain rivers, and charming Garhwali villages. Spend the night at Sankri in a homestay or campsite.

Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,000 ft)

The trek begins! It’s a moderate 4 km hike (4–5 hours) through dense forests and snow-covered trails. The Juda Ka Talab campsite, with its partially frozen lake and pine trees, looks like something out of a fairy tale.

Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,250 ft)

A short but steep climb of 4 km. As you ascend, the views open up dramatically — peaks glistening in the distance, and the crisp mountain air filling your lungs. Spend the evening watching the sunset and stargazing.

Day 4: Summit Day – Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft) and back to Hargaon Camp

This is the most exciting day! You start around 3 AM to catch the sunrise from the summit. The final ascent is steep but rewarding — when the first rays of light hit the Himalayan peaks, it’s pure magic. After spending some time at the top, descend to Hargaon for the night.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri and Drive Back to Dehradun

A gentle 6 km downhill walk brings you back to Sankri. From there, most trekkers head back to Dehradun or stay overnight to explore nearby villages.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek

The beauty of Kedarkantha lies in the fact that it’s a year-round trek, but each season has its own personality.

• Winter (December to February): This is the most popular time for the trek. Expect heavy snow, frozen lakes, and magical white landscapes — the ultimate winter wonderland.
• Spring (March to April): The snow begins to melt, revealing vibrant meadows and wildflowers. Ideal for photography and milder weather.
• Autumn (October to November): Crisp skies, golden forests, and pleasant temperatures. Perfect for those who want clear summit views without extreme cold.

Avoid the monsoon season (July–September), as the trails become slippery and prone to landslides.

Nearby Attractions to Explore

If you have a day or two to spare after your trek, there’s plenty to explore around the Sankri region:

• Har Ki Dun Valley: A stunning trek from Sankri that takes you deeper into Govind National Park.
• Ruinsara Tal: A serene glacial lake surrounded by meadows and pine forests.
• Mori and Netwar: Beautiful riverside hamlets perfect for short nature walks.
• Yamunotri Temple: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, a few hours’ drive away.

You can also spend an extra day in Mussoorie or Dehradun on your way back to unwind with some good food and mountain views.

Travel Tips, Budget & Safety

The Kedarkantha Trek is beginner-friendly, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical tips:

• Fitness: Walk 4–5 km daily and do basic cardio a few weeks before the trek to build stamina.
• Permits: Trekkers need a Govind National Park permit, usually arranged by your trek organizer.
• Packing Essentials: Warm layers, a down jacket, waterproof gloves, trekking shoes, gaiters, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves.
• Weather: Temperatures can drop to -10°C in winter, so pack accordingly.
• Safety: Always trek with a certified guide or an experienced trekking company. Carry a first-aid kit and stay hydrated.
• Budget: A 5–6 day Kedarkantha trek from Delhi typically costs around ₹7,000–₹12,000, including transport, accommodation, meals, and permits.

If you’re traveling independently, budget around ₹2,000 for transport (Delhi–Dehradun–Sankri) and ₹1,000–₹2,000 per day for food and lodging.

Why Kedarkantha is More Than Just a Trek

What makes Kedarkantha special isn’t just the summit — it’s the journey. It’s about watching the sunrise over Swargarohini, sharing stories with fellow trekkers by the campfire, or sipping tea while snowflakes fall quietly around you.

This trek doesn’t demand extreme fitness or experience — just an open heart and a love for the mountains. It’s ideal for solo travelers, groups of friends, or even first-timers looking to fall in love with the Himalayas.

The Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi is more than just a weekend escape; it’s a soul-refreshing journey into nature’s quiet grandeur. So, when winter calls again, pack your backpack, lace up your boots, and head north — the mountains are waiting to remind you what peace truly feels like.