About Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha is the most popular winter summit trek in India, a 3,810 m peak in Uttarkashi district providing extraordinary 360° views of the Garhwal Himalaya — Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri peak groups simultaneously. In winter (December–April), the trail through Juda Ka Talab lake is blanketed in deep snow, creating one of the most visually spectacular accessible summit experiences in India. Completable in a 4–6 day weekend-plus trip from Delhi.
Places to See
• Kedarkantha Summit (3,810 m, 360° panorama — 13 major Himalayan peaks visible simultaneously)
• Juda Ka Talab (high-altitude lake, perfect snow bowl in winter)
• Dense Forest Trail (oak and rhododendron, winter snowscape)
• Sankri Village (1,950 m, excellent traditional homestays — the best cultural start to any Uttarakhand trek)
• Winter Snowfield (December–March — the definitive reason to do this trek)
Best Time
December–April (winter — deep snow, crystal-clear skies, the primary season). May–June (wildflowers, no snow, good views). September–October (post-monsoon, moderate). Winter version (December–March) is the most popular and memorable.
How to Reach
By Road: Dehradun → Purola → Mori → Sankri (204 km, ~7 hrs). Regular buses from Dehradun to Purola; shared jeeps from Purola to Sankri.
Things to Do
• Summit Kedarkantha (360° panorama)
• Camp at Juda Ka Talab (snow-covered lake in winter)
• Walk through the winter snowfield
• Photography of 13 Himalayan peaks from the summit
• Homestay in Sankri village
Tips This is the definitive Indian winter summit trek — do it December–February for the full snow experience. Hire a certified local guide from Sankri (₹700–900/day). Carry microspike traction devices and a -10°C sleeping bag in winter. Sankri homestays are excellent — far superior to commercial camps. Suitable for first-time trekkers with basic fitness.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kedarkantha depends on the experience you seek.
