Kedarkantha lies at an elevation of 3,800m, providing the ideal opportunity for those beginning their climb of the Himalayas to trek. Considered one of Uttarakhand's most breathtaking routes, this trek covers over 20km in five days - offering easy and comfortable trekking conditions for novice hikers who are just embarking on their quest to the summit.
Kedarkantha's popularity stems solely from its breathtaking views that include snow-covered trails and dense oak and pine forests, beautiful camping areas, an amazing sunrise at the summit - making this an accessible yet visually breathtaking destination for hikers to visit.
Dehradun to Sankri – A Scenic Drive Through the Himalayas
Kedarkantha adventure starts from its initial stages when you journey to its base camp at Sankri. Although the journey spans 197 kilometers from Dehradun, its scenic routes will keep your attention and capture it throughout.
Curving roads that traverse mountain ranges are marked by steep curves and breathtaking panoramas of valley floors, punctuated by rapid-flowing streams from mountainous regions that help raise elevation levels, while Doon valley gradually fades away into stunning views of Mussoorie - known as "The Queen of Hills" perched in the distance mountains.
Within 15km lies the world-famous Kempty Falls, an astonishing scene where an immense stream of water cascades from 40 feet in the air to the valley below, drawing tourists. We continue our journey as Yamuna River flows alongside our road providing a serene background.
Arriving at Purola will bring wide canyons and thick Blue Pine forests. The winding roads wind their way through dense forest providing stunning driving journey. Our lunch stop will be shortly after we reach Purola.
About an hour from Purola, the roads follow Tons River which connects directly with Yamuna River and make for an exciting journey as its sparkling waters can be glimpsed closely under day light due to being at exactly the same height as river itself. Additionally, 22 kms pass over Govind National Park which boasts abundant animal and plant species as well as its scenic natural surroundings.
Sankri is nestled smack dab in the Himalayas and serves as an idyllic base camp for exploring Kedarkantha trekking trail, offering incredible views of Swargarohini Mountain.
Juda-Ka-Talab camp
Kedarkantha offers more than stunning summit views during your trek: it also offers a tranquil high-altitude lake that serves as an idyllic camping site, Juda-ka-Taal is an oasis that will provide unforgettable camping adventures! At an altitude of 2700 metres, Juda-ka-Taal promises an enjoyable camping adventure experience.
Lakes change throughout the seasons. Winter often finds them frozen over, reaching temperatures between -7 and 16 degrees. Camping areas become magical winter scenes as snow-dusted branches of trees stretch across them while shimmering ice covers frozen lakes that shimmer silver shimmer on snow-covered grounds.
Winter begins to ease as soon as February passes, revealing lush meadows and vibrant wildflowers which had been hidden under blankets of snow. Finally, in late April the scene transforms - unveiling lush meadows and colorful wildflowers which had previously been concealed under layers of snow.
Summer arrives and camp sites transform into beautiful oasis, providing a stark contrast to their winter-time settings. Dense forests with their flourishing plants replace snow-covered terrain while Juda Lake, now radiant in green hue, lies serenely within this lovely clearing taking full advantage of all that sunshine.
Legend holds that Lord Shiva traveled to Juda Ka Taal for meditation and created a body of water by plucking one strand from his wig and throwing it onto the floor.
People living there claim that in the past there were two separate bodies of water at this location which eventually joined to form what we now refer to as Lake Dhooper and thus earned its current name.
Magical Forest Glades with Mesmerizing Views – Nature at Its Best
Kedarkantha hike is popular with trekkers due to its picturesque trails that wind through dense forests, beginning at Sankri and stretching further afield. From there the landscape changes as the sun's beams create breathtaking light effects in different spots; climb uphill for just short of an hour and you arrive at a peaceful area perfect for afternoon breaks and gazing upon stunning mountainous panoramas; wide trails are lined by peaceful babbling streams creating a fairy-tale-like environment that almost seems dreamlike!
Winter brings with it an abundance of white snow that turns lush forests green again, providing visitors with a breathtaking experience. Meadows and rolling hills that were previously vibrant green now lie under an amazing blanket of white. Hikes through forests will take visitors through glades filled with wildlife; witness striking contrasts of colours, marvel at incredible plant and animal life as you trek your journey.
Base camp
Kedarkantha Base Camp trek involves an ascent that is more strenuous than previous treks, traversing ancient Oak forests with more dense patches as you follow the trail. Once within these dense areas, however, more vibrant displays of pink and red Rhododendron flowers adorning every inch of trail can be found along your journey.
As flowers start blooming midwinter to early spring, if you want to see trails at their vibrant best it may be worth making your plans to travel in February.
The summit climb
Just down a spiraling trail through lush oak forest lies an incredible peak that stands out - Kedarkantha Summit! An idyllic clearing within its rust-hued forests provides incredible views of snow-capped mountains such as Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and Kalanag, as well as Bandarpoonch Lake and Bandarpoonch Summit from Bandarpoonch base Camp which serves as shelter from cold, harsh elements; when night falls it gleams with elegant yet ethereal light creating an unforgettable experience that leaves visitors breathless!
Kedarkantha Trekking offers one of the most unique mountaineering experiences available today with its ascent to the summit, providing an authentic mountaineering trek during early morning hours when weather conditions are most ideal and skies remain dim - trekkers take to their paths illuminated with headlamps as first light appears and begin their trek along this mountainous terrain. These features combine to make Kedarkantha an excellent starting point for people new to summit climbing.
Once dawn arrives, the results are truly astounding: an astonishing panoramic view from the summit featuring jaw-dropping mountain peaks such as Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch Swargarohini and Har Ki Dun that reach for the sky!
Listen closely as the first light beams penetrate snow-capped peaks with an ethereal glow; it is an unforgettable image. At the peak is a rectangular formation of rock with the Trishul (trident) pointed skyward as a temple to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; legend has it that he wanted to meditate there, but was interrupted by a bull in the valley below forcing him to shift his contemplations over to Kedarnath, a town within Uttarakhand.
At an altitude of 3800m there's an overwhelming feeling of strength between nature and humanity that exceeds any expectation. Soak in its beauty while the warm rays from the sun give respite from harsh and icy winds.
