Winter Trek to Kedarkantha Summit

Dehra Dun to Sankri, 6400ft - 220km; 10 hours

Kedarkantha Peak winter trek is a fairly challenging trek in Uttarakhand. The weather condition and the dropping temperatures make it a thrilling experience. The minimum temperature drops down to -10 degree C at night. Sankri is the nearest village where the road head ends and from where the trek begins. It takes about 10 hours to reach this village from the city of Dehra Dun. There are small lodges and guest houses at Sankri where you can check in for the night before departing for the trek.

Sankri, 6400ft to Juda ka Talab, 9100ft - 4kms; 4 hours

One can get some of the most prettiest camp sites during the trek. If you go in late December, be prepared for snow fall and a wonderful leisurely walk on the frozen lake during your 2nd day at Juda ka Talab. It takes about 4 hours to hike from Sankri to the first camp site of Juda ka Talab. After an hour's hike from Sankri one starts to experience walking on snow.

Juda ka Talab, 9100ft to Kedarkantha Base Camp, 11250ft - 4km; 2 hours

The next day is relatively shorter of around 2 hours but prettier as one reaches the base camp for this peak. Kedarkantha base camp is at 11,250ft above the sea level. The evenings can be utilised by going on acclimatization walks further up from the camp site.

Kedarkantha Base Camp, 11250ft to Kedarkantha Summit, 12500ft to Hargaon, 8900ft - 6kms; 7 hours

The summit day is challenging and one has to start really early in order to reach the summit before the weather starts getting unpredictable. It takes about 7 hours to reach the summit which stands at 12500ft. The climb is steep but manageable for first timers. The summit offers from spectacular views of the Garhwal Himalayas and some prominent peaks in that range.

The descent takes one to Hargaon, which is the next camp site via the base camp. So one does get the opportunity to reach the base camp, camp for a while, refuel yourself  and then proceed to the next stop. This is the only challenging day in this whole trek. But then its equally rewarding. 

Hargaon, 8900ft to Sankri, 6400ft - 6kms; 4 hours

After spending the night at Hargaon and celebrating the successful summit one heads back to Sankri from where the trek began. It takes about 4 hours to reach Sakri at a comfortable pace.

Overall, its a short and sweet 5 days trek which should definitely be on one's bucket list.