Kedarkantha Trek 4N/5D

Sankri to Juda Ka Taal (9000 FT, 5 Kms trek)

On this day, begin your trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Taal. Your trek leaders will provide you with spikes and gaiters before you start and give you a demonstration of how to wear them. You will cover a total of 5 km of distance today. The trail starts in a beautiful pine forest, just a short 10 minutes walk away from the village. The gradient of the trail is easy, ascending all the way to Juda Ka Tal campsite. You will make your ascent gradually, walking at a steady pace in a zigzag manner. It’s hard to come across wildlife on this trek during winters, but as you walk along the pine trees, keep an eye out for woodpeckers. They are quite common in this region. Mid-way the forest clears up to a large meadow, where you’ll see two small tea huts that serve omelets, Maggie, and hot beverages. You can have your packed lunch here. The campsite is just an hour away from this point, and as you gain altitude, you’ll start seeing the beautiful Himalayan ranges in the background. The most prominent peaks that you’ll see throughout the trek is Swargarohini, try to spot it along the way. By early afternoon you’ll be at the first campsite of Kedarkantha trek. Camp overnight at Juda Ka Taal.

Kedarkantha Base Camp – Kedarkantha (12,500 FT) – Hargaon (8,450 FT, 6 Kms trek)

Today is the big day, the summit day. You will start your Kedarkantha summit attempt before the break of dawn so have your head torches ready. You walk as a team in a zigzag manner on the snow slopes and an hour and a half later, you will come across two small huts that offer refreshments on the way back from the summit. Kedarkantha altitude is 12500ft. From here, it takes you about two and a half hours to reach the summit. The trail starts to get steeper from here on and sometimes you will find yourself in knee-deep snow. As the sun rises, you’ll see a dramatic show of colors in the sky and the transformation leaves you speechless. Try to make it to the summit before the sunrise and admire the 360-degree views of the majestic Himalayas surrounding you. The most prominent peaks visible from the top are Swargarohini, Black Peak and Bandarpoonch peaks. You will also see Gangotri, Yamunotri, Har Ki Dun, and Rupin mountain ranges from the top. It tends to get quite windy on the top, so keep moving to keep your body warm. The descent from the top is initially as steep as the ascent, so be careful with the first 1 km. The Himalayas continue to sparkle in the background on your way back and it’s the perfect opportunity to take some memorable pictures. You will also get a chance to glissade along the way. You can stop at the tea hut on your way for some light refreshments and make your way back to the base camp for a warm meal. You’ll head to Hargaon campsite after lunch, which takes about an hour and a half from the base camp. Camp overnight at Hargaon.