Kedarkantha Trek
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Probably all the treks in the Himalayas are intertwined with some mythology related to innumerable Gods & Goddesses attached to local emotions. Kedarkantha is no exception. Kedar is none other than Lord Shiva who is the most revered God in Uttarakhand mountains whereas Kantha refers to the throat of Shiva. Does this peak look like a throat? Well, that mystery is left to you to reveal.
Arguably Kedarkantha trek is the most popular winter trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India , .which can be done by any age group if the physical condition supports. Knee-deep snow, thick vegetation of evergreen alpines of Govind National Park, lush meadows, whisper of myths and the stunning panorama of the peaks will take any trekker to the cosmic world of fairy tales.The trek offers views of the snow-covered Himalayas, sunrise and sunset views, and the opportunity to see wildlife like Himalayan Languor, boars, hares, and martens.
After an early breakfast, pack your belongings and get ready to start the trek after a short briefing about the day. The ascend to Juda Ka Talab will start from here. Trail through the patches of snow, greens of pines and picturesque tiny hamlets of human habitation will be the treat of your eyes. Gifts of the nature is enthralling. After reaching at Juda Ka Talab, leave your bags in allotted tents. Free your arms from developed fatigue followed by lunch.
Post lunch, explore frozen lake - Juda Ka Talab. Myth has it that the lake was created by the droplets of water fallen from matted hair of Lord Shiva when he was unfolding the same. Offer your respect to this sacred lake in the midst of freezing and calm surroundings. Time for chit- chat, sharing the feelings with your fellow trekkers in tents with a hot beverage. Or get yourself busy with the cooks to exchange culinary skills. Dinner & overnight at tent.
In the morning as soon as your eyelids open, set out from the tent and feel the solemn of nature from the bottom of your heart. Freshen up and get ready for the day after breakfast. This day and following day could be an experience to use micro spikes and gaiters. Trek through the white canvas on the ground, dazzling blues on top, high mountains in front of your eyes, standing ovation of the greens will make your day thrilling to the base camp.
Reach at Base Camp, get rid of the backpacks, appreciate that you are born in this beautiful world woven with wonders. Lunch will be served and rest of the day is free till dinner. Post dinner slip inside the sleeping bag early because next day involves the trek to summit very early in the morning.
Wake up very early in the morning to start the final stretch of this trek for which you have toiled hard. Gear up with tea/coffee, switch on the head lamp and proceed to summit. On the way you may be surprised to see the small shop is open, bearing the harshness of nature, simply to serve you another round of tea. As usual, this trail will be covered with crispy and thick snow bed. Finally the dream which being nurtured for so many days and the calory burning process at hometown for the trek will be awarded at last. After reaching the summit, the panoramic view of other fourteen peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Swargarohini, Ranglana etc. is truly mesmerizing and that will make you spellbound. Soon after that the chanting voice may come out from within - ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ automatically. Feel the omnipresence of Lord Shiva at Kedarkantha. Spend your allotted time here, continue clicking the moments, pay respect to Lord Shiva in the small temple atop Kedarkantha summit and descend to the Juda Ka Talab. Post reaching Juda Ka Talab, the day is yours with lunch, dinner and overnight at tent.
This morning after breakfast, trek down to Sankri via Haragaon. Detouring the trail will break the monotony of availing the same route. Reach Sankri at late afternoon and have lunch. Post lunch say “Adios” to your mates who are constantly trying your trek better and enjoyable followed by departure to Dehradun.
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is located 29 km from the city. You can hire a cab or take a city bus to reach Dehradun.
Dehradun Railway Station is centrally located and well-connected to major cities across India. Alternatively, you can Travel to Haridwar Railway Station, situated 50 km from Dehradun. Regular buses are available from Haridwar to Dehradun.
Dehradun is easily accessible from key cities in North India, thanks to its excellent road connectivity. Both state—run and private buses provide regular service to Dehradun.
The Kedarkantha Trek is graded as easy to moderate. The Kedarkantha location is such that it has gentle inclines and well-marked trails making it suitable for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. The climb to the summit can be a bit challenging due to the steep ascent, but overall, the trek is not too strenuous.
The best time to visit Kedarkantha Trek is during the winter months of December to February and the pre-spring months of March to April. These periods offer abundant snow and clear views, making the trek more magical and scenic.
Kedarkantha is the best winter trek in Uttarakhand and is renowned for the breathtaking views of peaks like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and the Swargarohini group of peaks. The Kedarkantha Trek is also famous for its picturesque campsites like Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base Camp, and Hargaon, which are surrounded by pine forests and offer stunning sunrise and sunset views.
