The walk
Kedarkantha is the winter trek people mean when they say they want to walk on snow and still sleep in a proper camp. The trail starts at Sankri, climbs through Juda Ka Talab, and reaches the summit from the base camp on a dark, cold morning.
The height is friendly for a first snow summit, but the morning is not casual. We start early, walk at a pace the whole group can keep, and turn back if the weather sits on the ridge.
Evenings are in tents or a guesthouse in Sankri, with a kitchen that expects cold guests.
You will remember
- Snow from Juda Ka Talab to the summit in peak winter
- Pine and rhododendron forest on the lower days
- A clear-day view of Swargarohini and the Bandarpoonch range
- Camps with a hot dinner, not a tea-shop gamble
- Dehradun transfers included
On this trail
Day by day
01 Day 1 · Dehradun to Sankri
A long, beautiful drive into the Govind region. We stay in Sankri, check kit, and eat dinner together so summit morning is not the first time we talk about layers.
02 Day 2 · Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
A gradual climb through village and forest to the frozen or half-frozen lake. This day is about settling the lungs, not racing.
03 Day 3 · Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base
A shorter walk into the camp below the summit. The afternoon is for rest, an early dinner, and a briefing on the dark start.
04 Day 4 · Summit and back to Sankri
We leave before dawn, follow the ridge to the summit, and walk all the way down to Sankri. It is the long day of the trip. Hot food waits at the bottom.
05 Day 5 · Sankri to Dehradun
Drive back to Dehradun. You are dropped by evening. Do not book a flight that needs you in the city at noon.
Included
- Stay on the nights listed in the itinerary, in guesthouses, homestays or camps
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Trek leader and a local guide
- Permits and forest entry fees for the route
- Transfers that are written into the day-by-day plan
- Group first-aid kit, and an oxygen cylinder on high camps
- Cloakroom support for the main bag on walking days where the trail allows it
Not included
- Travel to and from the meeting point
- Personal clothing, shoes and insurance
- Meals during the drive to the trailhead, unless the day says otherwise
- Tips for the guide and kitchen team
- Emergency evacuation or hospital costs
- GST, if it applies, until we confirm the invoice
- Anything not written in the inclusions
Before you go
One long summit morning of 6 to 8 hours. You should already walk on weekends.
Meet at Dehradun. Ages 12 to 58.
Winter.
What to carry
- Worn-in waterproof trekking shoes with grip
- A warm layer and a jacket for camp
- Rain shell and trekking pants
- Sun cap, woollen cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Gloves and spare socks
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two water bottles, about two litres
- Personal medicines and a small toiletry kit
- Government photo ID
- Daypack, 20 to 30 litres
How to reach
Meet in Dehradun on the morning of day 1. The drive to Sankri takes the rest of the day.
Dehradun has the airport and the railway station. If your train arrives late, tell us before we lock the departure.
If plans change
If we cancel the departure, you can move to another date or receive a refund of what you have paid.
If you cancel 30 days or more before the start, the trek amount is refunded minus a processing fee we state in your confirmation. Between 15 and 29 days, half is retained. Inside 14 days the departure is non-refundable, because the stay, food and guide team are already committed.
The full note also lives on the Cancellations page.
Before you come
Carry a government photo ID. Mention a special diet when you book so the kitchen can buy for it.
Questions on this trek
Is Kedarkantha good for beginners?
It is a fair first snow trek if you are active. The summit day is longer than Chopta. If you want a gentler first trip, start with Chopta and come here next.
How cold does it get?
Base camp nights in January can fall well below freezing. The packing list on this page is the minimum, not a suggestion.
Are crampons provided?
If the trail needs microspikes, we carry them for the group. You still need shoes with a real sole.