Kedarkanth nestled in the Govind National Park of Uttarkashi at a height of 12500ft is one of the best winter treks in the world which attracts innumerable tourists every year. The trail is filled with picturesque scenery, spectacular views of the snow covered Himalayan mountains,serene villages, sweet scent of Pine forests and mythological murmurs. Kedarkanth is believed to be the original site where Kedar (Lord Shiva ) was supposed to reside which eventually shifted to Kedarnath. The effort of trekking through knee deep snow, thrill of walking through the trail at night in torchlight , the triumph of witnessing the sunrise from mountain top ,camping in a divine environment painted white by snow beside frozen lakes—are some of the extraordinary experiences that a traveller can experience in this fantastic trek. Finally, scaling the Kedarkanth Summit at the end of the trek, gasping at a 360 degree view of the stunning surroundings, literally makes you feel on top of the world and quite rightly so...

LOCATION- Kedarkanth is located in Govind National park in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand

BEST TIME TO VISIT- November to April . There is a lot of snowfall during his time. The campsites are covered with snow which makes a unique experience to stay in tents in this fairy-tale like surroundings.

HOW TO REACH- The most common starting point is Dehra Dun. You can reach Dehra Dun by train or by air. 

Nearest Railway station- Dehra Dun

Nearest Airport -Jolly Grant Airport, Dehra Dun

DURATION- 6 Days, 5 nights

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1- DEHRA DUN TO SANKRI VILLAGE( distance-200kms, time-7-8 hours, elevation 1950m)- Arrive at Dehra Dun--- drive for Sankri begins as early as possible-- an approximate 200 kms drive on National highway 123 for about 7-8 hours---along Yamuna and Tons rivers---the drive is immensely enjoyable with lush green views of the Himalayan- paradise---also witness the endemic flora of Govind National Park---reach Sankri---rest for the day. Breakfast and lunch on the way to make up time. Dinner will be served at the campsite in Sankri

DAY 2- SANKRI TO JUDA KA TALAB( distance-4 kms, time-3-4 hours, elevation -2790mts)

trek begins after breakfast---upward climb begins--- on the way we pass through maple-oak forests,lush meadows,hilly hamlets and cross many  high altitude suspension bridges ---come across Himalayan Langaurs,boars,hares that grace the jungles---finally reach the frozen lake—Juda ka Talab—it is believed that here Lord Shiva opened a lock of his hair and a drop of water  which fell from his hair made this huge lake---campsite beside this ethereal pure glass- like delicate frozen lake ----enjoy hot meals watching the starry night chilling beside the cosy camp -fire ---night stay will be in tents.

DAY 3 –JUDA KA TALAB TO KEDARKANTH BASE CAMP (distance-4 kms, time- 5-6 hours, elevation-3450m)---the trek to the base of Kedarkanth begins after a cosy breakfast---the trail is steep,snow covered---hence pay attention to the instructions of the guides regarding skills and tips about crossing snow-slopes---keep your cameras ready---for every frame is a picture worth thousasnd words---the enticing views of the lofty mountain peaks---Banderpuch,Swargarohini, KalaNag, Ranglana will keep you in a trance---the mesmerising beauty of Mother Nature revealing herself in her magnificient best will make the ordinary traveller dizzy and gasping in wonder----we spend the night at our tents in the base camp reminiscing  the day---meals will be served in tents.

DAY 4 KEDARKATH BASE CAMP TO SUMMIT (distance- 6 kms, time- 6-7 hour,  elevation-3800mts)- The judgement day has arrived---the moment we have all been waiting for—the trek begins early in the morning about 2 AM pushing for the summit---the sun rays filtered from the surrounding Yamunotri,Gangotri,Kinnaur Kailash range  will inspire the trekkers to move on---as you reach the top of kedarkanth peak and watch the sunrise you will feel all your fatigue is being washed away---a sense of being and rejuvenation will fill you up---as you feel truly alive---the captivating views of the Nature will make you spellbound--soak in the feeling, the beauty with every atom of yourself---on the peak there is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva—after spending sometime, the descend begins---lunch at Base camp---then further descend towards  campsite at Hargaon---stay in tents—snacks and dinner in campsite.

DAY 5-HARGAON CAMPSITE TO SANKRI(distance-6 kms,time-4-5 hours, elevation-1950m)-after a lip-smacking breakfast the downhill journey begins---another opportunity to experience the beauty of Nature up close---walking on the winding path through birch rhododendron pine forests---glimpses of the snow covered peaks-- listening to myriads of local stories and folklore—the downward trek will be an enjoyable one for sure----reach Sankari village---camp for the night—enjoy the rest of the day sharing stories of your triumphant journey and listening to the experiences of other trekkers.

DAY 6- SANKARI TO DEHRA DUN---time to bid adieu to the lofty Himalayas---after breakfast drive to Dehra Dun---6-7 hour drive—reach Dehra Dun late afternoon---time for homeward journey with wonderful memories Kedarkanth accompanying  you for the rest of your life.

SPECIAL POINTS:

• Snow trails will be encountered in the trek , hence travel gears must be carried accordingly—trekking shoes-waterproof, warm clothes,hiking jackets, pants.
• Basic medicines and first aid kit also must be carried
• Carry standard backpack
• It is very important to carry a day-pack which will actually be taken in the hike
• Carry photo ID proof