The Looong Weekend
hello@thelooongweekend.comKEDARKANTHA TREK
Uttarakhand · 5 Days / 4 Nights · Easy to Moderate
Starting from
₹6,599
Easy to Moderate
Difficulty
5 Days / 4 Nights
Duration
12,500 ft (3,810 m)
Max Altitude
Uttarakhand (Uttarkashi District)
Region
Upcoming Departures
There are currently no scheduled departures for this adventure.
About the Trek
Kedarkantha is a very popular 5-day winter trek in Uttarakhand's Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The route leads to Kedarkantha Peak at 12,500 ft, offering breathtaking views of the Shivalik and Garhwal Himalayas.
The trail is adorned with frost-covered pine forests and open meadows, culminating in stunning sunrise views from the summit. Starting from the village of Sankri, Kedarkantha is an excellent choice for first-timers looking for a moderate snow trek with a genuine summit experience.
Highest Altitude
12,500 ft (3,810 m)
12,500 ft (3,810 m) — Summit
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Uttarakhand
Region
Uttarakhand (Uttarkashi District)
Best Season
November – March
Every Trek Tells a Story
The Itinerary
Drive Dehradun to Sankri
Early morning departure from Dehradun toward Sankri via Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Purola, and Mori. An 8–9 hour scenic drive through the Tons River valley. Overnight in Sankri village guesthouse.
Trek Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
Begin trekking through dense oak and pine forests dusted with snow. Reach Juda Ka Talab — a frozen high-altitude lake — by afternoon. Camp lakeside and experience the magic of the Himalayan night sky.
Trek Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base
A steady climb through snow-covered meadows and pine forests to Kedarkantha Base Camp. The campsite offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Acclimatize and prepare gear for the early morning summit push.
Summit Kedarkantha Peak; Descend to Sankri
Wake at 4:00 AM for the summit push. Reach Kedarkantha Peak (12,500 ft) in 2.5–3 hours for a breathtaking sunrise over Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, and Black Peak. Descend all the way back to Sankri. Celebratory dinner and certificate ceremony.
Drive Sankri to Dehradun or Haridwar
Morning drive back to Dehradun or Haridwar. Trip concludes here. Trek leader bids farewell.
Inclusions, Exclusions & Gear
Camping and guesthouse accommodation throughout the trek
All trek meals — vegetarian breakfast through dinner on trek days
All permits and entry fees (Govind Wildlife Sanctuary)
Expert trek leader, guides, cook, and support staff
Porters or mules for communal gear
Medical kit, oxygen support, and first-aid on trail
Trek completion certificate
Am I Ready for This?
Difficulty
Moderate. Suitable for fit beginners with some hiking background. The pass crossing requires effort — plan and train ahead of time.
Age Range
Generally 12 to 55 years. Children must be with a guardian. Confirm any exceptions directly with the team before booking.
Fitness Prep
Run or cycle 4 to 5 km, three times a week for 4 weeks. Practice 15+ km day hikes with a loaded backpack on varied terrain.
Glacial River Crossings
Two stream crossings (Rani Nala, Hampta Nala) can be tricky in early summer. Use trekking poles and always follow your guide — the current is deceptively strong.
Fast-Changing Weather
Conditions near the pass change rapidly. Windproof layers are non-negotiable even on warm valley days. Always be layered up before the final push to the summit.
No Mobile Network
Expect no signal on trail. Download offline maps before leaving Manali, carry emergency contact numbers written down, and inform someone about your route.
No Permits Required
No special trekking permit needed. Carry government-issued photo ID (Aadhar or passport) — mandatory at Manali to Lahaul check-points on the highway.
Common Questions
Yes. Kedarkantha is highly recommended for first-time trekkers. The gradual ascent, well-defined trails, and manageable daily distances make it very accessible for those with basic fitness.
On summit day (pre-dawn), temperatures can drop to -15°C to -20°C at the peak. Adequate layering — thermals, fleece, down jacket, and windproof shell — is absolutely essential.
November to March for the full snow experience. December and January offer the deepest snow. The trek is also open September–November for clear skies and autumn colors.
Sankri is approximately 200 km from Dehradun. You can take a shared cab from Mussoorie or a private vehicle from Dehradun. The journey takes 8–9 hours through the scenic Tons River valley.
No prior experience is needed, but you should be comfortable walking 6–8 km daily with a light daypack. Regular cardio exercise (walking, jogging, cycling) for 4–6 weeks before the trek is recommended.
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