Marvel Adventure–feel the excitation

KEDARKANTHA TREK ---
THE MOST POPULAR WINTER TREK

Trek Cost :

₹ 8,000 + 5% GST (Dehradun to Dehradun)

ABOUT THIS TREK

Grade : Difficult

Region : Uttarakhand

Altitude : 4800 m

Trek Distance : 38 Km

Trek Days : 6 Days

Best Season : May to June & September to October

Nearest Railway : Dehradun

Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant

Kedarkantha means the the throat of lord shiva. It is believed that lord shiva’s murti is made till the throat by the Pandavas there, that is why the name remains as Kedarkantha. Kedarkantha is very popular winter trek as it is achievable in the peak winter season even after multiple snowfall. This trek consumes only two campsites Juda Ka Talab and Base camp, which makes it a begginer level easy graded trek. But in the winter it is very tricky to climb up and down, we provide mini crampons to trek on the slippery ice route. The cold is another challenge on this trek. As it is winter trek the temperature will be as down as -10 degree. All the campsites will be full of snow. This little things make this trek a bit moderate class. So, prepare yourself before coming, go through a regular fitness routine. This trek falls under the last Grahwal himalayan region near Himachal border. The 12 kms route falls under Govind wildlife sanctuary, full of flora fauna. The base village of this trek is Sankri, in the Har Ki Doon valley. The main attraction of this trek is snow, people come here to enjoy snow at a lower altitude gain in comparision to other trek. But as it is get very popular, in the month of December its get over-crowded. There is a queue from down to the summit each and every day. But on the other hand it is a fairy tail land, the beauty of the trails and campsites are unparalleled. The 360 degree view from the summit is another level of joy. This trek need you to wake up at 2 AM, and start summit push at 3 AM, which is ultimate thriller adventure that attarcts all the boys and girls. Witness the sun rise at the altitude of 12,500 ft from the summit is lifetime achievment. one of the most beautiful sunrise in the Garhwal Himalayas. The mighty Swargarohini, Mt. Black peak, Mt. Bandarpoonch are most prominant mountains visible from the summit. The Har ki Doon valley is seen from the Summit and from the few spots in trails also. The Pine, Deodar, Chinar, Oak & few rhododendron trees on the trail make the route more beautiful. So, to play with the snowman and snow fight with your friends, this is the perfect trek for you. This is the paradise for snow lovers.

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WHY YOU SHOULD DO THIS TREK

Snow & Snow

Witness snow in the mountains is the dream of many trekkers. This trek offers lots of snow and snow. Play in the snow and camp on the snow is the pure Swiss-Alps mountain experience. It seems to be you are on some Europian country. This is the ultimate adventure on snow.

Juda Ka Taal

On the first day of trek we will reach a pristine small mountain lake surrounded by Pine & Oak trees are gift of nature. In the peak winter season the lake get totally frozen, you can walk on the frozen lake in few parts. Click some picture of this nature’s wonder.

Night summit push

This trek gives you a real experience of a summit push like any other high mountains. The summit attempt starts at 3 AM, so you need to wake up at 2 AM, this is the ultimate thrill on this trek at a very low temperature as -10 degree. Experience the extream cold situatuins, how tough it becomes. And the night trek till the morning light is a great adventure on this trek. There are very few trek in such altitude offers this. Go and feel that adventure.

The view from the summit

The view from the summit of the Garhwal Himalayas are so mesmerising that many trekkers broke into their tears. The total 360 degree view of greater himalayas are another level of satisfection. Witness a sunrise from that altitude is sheer joy of adventure. The Mt. Swargarohini, Mt. Black peak and Mt. Bandarpoonch are standing tall there. The total valley is white blanketed. The Har ki Doon valley is also clearly visible from the summit, have an eye on your next adventure destination i.e. Har Ki Doon.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | Arrive Sankri

You are expected to arrive Sankri by evening, 230 kms, 7/8 hrs drive. You will be recieved by our guide, checkin at our Homestay. Have lunch on the way(not included). A briefing session will be there with tea and snacks. Safety equipment distribution followed by dinner. Overnight stay at our cosy homestay. The cab is included in the cost.
Altitude : 1920 m / 6400 ft

DAY 2 | Trek to Juda Ka Taal

After breakfast start your adventure, it is a 4 kms trek from Sankri, 4/5 hrs. Totally uphill trek. You will reach campsite by lunch time, have hot lunch. Acclimatisation walk in the afternoon followed by evening tea & snacks. Later soup and dinner. Overnight stay in tents.
Altitude : 2970 m

DAY 3 | Trek to Base camp

Today is a short trek. We will start a bit late from Juda Taal campsite and will reach by lunch time. 3 kms, 2/3 hrs. A easy day. Hot lunch at campsite. Acclimatisation walk in afternoon followed by tea & snacks. Later evening soup & delicious dinner. Overnight stay at campsite.
Altitude: 3200 m

DAY 4 | Trek to Summit and back to Juda/Hargaon camp

Today is the hardest and longest day. Start summit attempt at 3 AM after a light breakfast & packed food. You will reach summit by sunrise time. Back to the Basecamp have hot lunch, take some rest and descend to the Juda Taal camp/ Hargaon Camp (depend on the snow condition). 13 kms, 8/9 hrs. Overnight stay at campsite. Same meals included.
Altitude: 2970 m

DAY 5 | Trek to Sankri

Late morning start descending to sankri after breakfast. 4 kms, 3 hrs. Reach by lunch time, have hot lunch at Sankri. After lunch certificate distribution ceremony will be there, then leave for Dehradun, 230 kms. Your trip ends here. You will reach Dehradun by evening, book your stay and tickets accordingly. The cab is included in the package.

HOW TO REACH THE BASE VILLAGE SANKRI

Sankri is a remote village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The village is only connected via road to Dehradoon and Haridwar. The Nearest Railway station is Dehradoon, by the way you can arraive via Hartidwar railway station also. Haridwar railway station to Dehradoon is 1 hour bus ride. From Dehradoon the best option is to take the Uttarakhand Roadways govt bus service. The bus leaves from the Mussourie bus stand sharp at 8:00 AM in the morning, and will reach Sankri by 5:00 PM, cost you 400. Two other private bus service is also there from Dehradoon ISBT leaves around 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. If you don’t want to take the time consuming bus journey or hates it, you can definately book a cab from Airport/Dehradoon railway station (ask MARVEL ADVENTURE to book a cab). Currently a 5 to 7 seater cab charges 6000 from Dehradoon to Sankri, if the group size is 5 or more you should book a cab for better journey experience, and also it will be economical for all of you and time saving.

FINEST TIME TO EXPERIENCE

Kedarkantha is popularised as a winter trek. But this trek is open for round the year except monsoon. This trek is even more easy and green beauty in spring and Autumn also, but the trend makes it as a winter trek. In winter : The winter is turely beautiful but very crowdy. All the terrain covered beautifully with snow, make it some movie shooting destination like The Hobbit & GOT. A total pack of surprise of snow land. All the pine & oak trees are canopied by snow. The frozen lake is another adventure. The campsites on the snow, your dining on the snow is paradise for snow lovers. But winter is very extream, temperature goes down as below as -10 degree. The route also becomes slippery because of hard snow & ice. In Spring : Spring season is not so popular but you will find peace & solitude. The whole trails and campsite will be very less crowdy. This season is very green, green bugiyals, green trails, only few snow in the higher altitude. In our opinion Spring is the best season to summit Kedarkantha. As spring is not as extream as winter and some snow will be still there for snow trek experience. In the spring season there are rhododendron trees which blooms with crimson red flowers. In Autumn : Autumn is known as best clear views and sunrise and sunset. Autumn is very less popular. The campsites and trails will be clean land. Very less chance to meet other trekker. All the grasses and bushes turns golden brown, dried.

HOW DIFFICULT IS THIS TREK

Kedarkantha in total is only a 24 kms trek from Sankri to Sankri. And it is done by three campsites, so you can understand the difficulty level of this trek. This trek is popularised as beginners trek as well as easy trek. But as a winter snow trek in our expert’s opinion it is not as easy as it is said by the trek organisers. We do not hide anything from our trekkers, we don’t say any lie to take bookings. The extream winter and snow condition make this trek moderate level in peak winter season. But it is not that you get afraid after listening this. Lots of people are doing this trek in winter season, and you also can do that, with a good fitness level. The 70% trail on this trek are easy class, rest in summit push are a bit moderate uphill. Many beginners enjoy this much of challenge on this trek. In fact the main challenge for Kedarkantha trek is the extream cold. The temperature drops down at night – 10 degree. All the easy work seems to be very tough. The 2AM summit attempt is pure adventure but will test your mental stamina and physical endurance. It is advisible that jog for 4 kms for one month regular before coming on this trek. We graded this trek as Esay to Moderate class. The little moderate is for only summit push and the cold. Otherwise the trek is vvery enjoyable and doable trek. The first day hike is only 4 kms, and second day 3 kms, the summit push and descend is around 10 kms. So, you don’t have to walk for long distance like other treks.

TREK INCLUSIONS

TREK EXCLUSIONS

WHAT TO CARRY ON KEDARKANTHA TREK

As a winter trek you need to carry multiple warm layers. We recommend at least four upper layer and two lower, i.e. thermal (upper & lower), thick t-shirt, fleece jacket and on the top a feather jacket. It would be better if you are carring wind proof jacket and lower for summit push. Quick dry trek pant is must. Don’t forget to take woolen & sun cap both along with neckwarmer. Keep sunglass with you. Take multiple pair of socks and underwears. A good quality waterproof high ankle waterproof shoes can’t be denied. Warm & waterproof gloves need to keep your hands warm. Carry sufficient toileteries with sunscreen & moisturiser. Don’t take so many clothes only for three days. You can buy or rent few trekking gears like trek pole, headlamps, rucksack, shoes and jacket. Headlamp is very necessary for this trek as you need to walk at 3AM & you cannot hold torch in such cold weather, it is very difficult to keep balance with one hand busy in holding torch. Ponchoo is another essential equipment to counter rain/snowfall. At last if you have any query please feel free to contact us.

IS THIS TREK SAFE FOR CHILDERN?

This is a easy graded trek in the Garhwal Himalayas. The challenge in this trek is not the terrain or uphill climb, but the extream cold and snow and ice. So if your child have an experience of winter in the himalayas at some high altitude tourist destination, he/she can do this trek. Obviously your kid need to be a bit fit enough. The ridge walk on the route of summit push it bit steep uphill and downhill while descending. But not too much risky as of other trek. There are previous record of succesfull summit by 12 year old kid. So, this is definately a trek doable for kids. As the trek distance is short between campsites, no technical climbing part and the highest altitude of sleeping is below 3500 meters. And our guide and trek leader will always be there to facilitate the trek for your kids. This is a good snow trek to introduce your kid in the himalayas, let them experience the snow conditions in the wilderness. As the exit point Sankri is just 7 kms away from the base camp, the risk of evacuation is very less. One can reach Sankri in couple of hours by mules or porter, in case of any illness. At last this is the best trek in winter for your kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Acclimatisation is the most important part of high altitude trek. Acclimatisation is the process where your body start getting cope up with mountain weather & atmosphere that is different from your hometown. This change of environment may affect your normal performance in that environmental conditions. So you need to be well acclimatise to safely do the trek. Not every time depend on the high altitude medicines to avoid AMS, go for natural acclimatisation. Otherwise your body will depend permanently on the medicines whenever you go to the high altitude. The natural acclimatisation is more powerful than medicines. We need to accept the himalayas as it is challenging. It is not that himalayas are unbeatable, but requires to follow rules and systematic approch. How do human body actually acclimatise to the high altitude? In the high altitude the air pressure gets lower so the density. That is why the molecules spreads out in more space and get apart from each other. This affects lower oxygen consume per breath. Our body reacts with that change and starts to take more breath that is hypoxia. We often called it breathlessness in laymen term. Then body try to take more breath to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in our blood. This results increase pH of blood, making our blood more alkaline and body starts urinate more for exerting of bicarbonates. On the other side the body starts to produce more hemoglobin count which are the oxygen carriers in our blood. This thickens our bloods and now our heart need to pump more to throw the blood in the distant organs hence the blood pressure gets higher. This indicates slight high pressure and pulse rate is normal in high altitude areas. There are three golden rules to acclimatisation in the field of mountaineering is –
1. Climb high sleep low
2. Ascend slowly, take your time. And do not over exert.
3. Hydrate & hydrate yourself more & more.

Our expert justified few ways to acclimatise naturally are discussed below-
At first check your itinerary. Trekking is not a game in hurry. You need time to complete. It is not anything you achieve but enjoyed. This is a sport that is away from any competition. Any trek should not be judge by time & distance. Do not over exert yourself, don’t go beyond your limits. Fix your itinerary comfortably. Do not try to cover more distance and altitude gain in one day to minimize the trekking days and cost. On the very initial days approach slowly even you are fit enough to trek faster. Take more time to gain altitude. This allows your body enough time to adjust with the atmosphere. Always bring a well hydrated body in the Himalayas and keep hydrated yourself on the trek days. Drink 3-4 liters of water every day on trek, and consume enough tea, soup, dal and other liquid includes in your meals. Do not consume any type of alcohol drinks 2/3 days before you start the trek, and also don’t on the trek. We do not allow any trekker to consume alcohol on the trek, if found he/she will be sent back then and there. We do not also advise to consume any hard drinks, too much coffee is also not good. ORS and other energy/glucose tablets are best on the trek. After arriving on trek base, trekkers may feel cold weather. But do not cover yourself fully with all of the woolen cap, muffler, neck warmer and all. Let your body to sense the atmosphere change with the sense organs. It will help in natural acclimatisation. Allow your skin to feel the cold. your ears to sense the pressure change. Keep that open while gaining altitude, unless there is a blizzard or bad weather condition. Don’t be a show off man, don’t show unnecessary bravery. Keep your body protect from cold weather. Protect your body from cold wind, cover your head at night & bad weather, cover your neck, tonsils and body tip like fingers, toes etc. Get proper sleep at night. It doesn’t mean that you should sleep at day time or in the afternoon as soon as you reach the campsite. Sleeping is important on every trek to get refresh and rest for next day trek. If you find difficulty in sleep bring immediate notice to the trek leader or guide. As you reach the trek base try to keep yourself dry, do not loose the body heat. Do not skip your soup in the evening. The garlic soup & other helps in blood circulation, keeps your body warm. You remain active on the high altitude. After reaching campsite everybody gets tired, this is normal. But do not get into your sleeping bag & take a nap. This will not help you to get acclimatise. Have some rest for a while, then explore the nearby places, go for the acclimatisation walk. You need to follow the golden rule ‘climb high sleep low’. Climb a bit higher in acclimatisation walk and get back to the campsite. You can indulge yourself in games, or can go for photography. Eat proper meals throughout the day, but lite. Not so much spicy foods, consume easy to digest foods more.
Trekking is a adventure sports, you need to bring a sportsman sprit and fitness on any trek. There is a big worry in many trekkers that how much they need to be fit for a trek. The himalayas are full of steep uphill, rough terrain, walking in the snow all these can be very challenging for trekkers specially for beginners. We will discuss here how to get fit for any trek with a complete training guide. Trek to uphill mountain is not in our daily routine so it is simple that we will find it tough to climb uphill. And with a backpack it seems very challenging. But only a month of regular exercise can make you fit for the trek. Cardio exercise is the best for pre trek exercise. Do some cardio exercise like jogging, swimming, cycling, jumping jacks etc will help you to build your endurance. Don’t forget to do some leg exercise like squats, lunges, stair climbing etc to build stamina of your legs. Now we made a routine exercise for you –
1. Cardiovascular endurance : On your trek you will constantly gaining altitude with your backpack in low oxygen atmosphere. Your heart will do more effort in this condition. So you need to go through cardio exercise at least for one month regularly to counter this constant uphill climb comfortably, infact you will find it bit easier. Jogging for 4 kms in 30 minutes is your first target for this. Start with slower jog and continue to fill the target.
2. Leg exercise : After one week of jogging add some leg exercise like squats and lunges to your routine. This exercises will build stamina of your leg that will help you on steep uphill climb. Start with 10 squats and 10 lunges of 2 set in first week. Then increase to 3 sets. Try to fulfil your target to do 3 sets of 15 each before the trek.
3. Strengthening the core : For strengthening your core body plank and hip raise are best. Do plank for 20 seconds for first three days and then start increasing by 10 seconds till 60.
Along with that do 10 hip raises 2 sets, and increase for 3 sets of 15 each. That should be the goal. So, get ready for your next adventure, make yourself fit enough to do the adventure activities.

There are three level of fitness we categorise :
Level 1 : It is the minimal fitness with that you just able to finish the trek. You struggle a bit, but not too much to do the challenging section. We find most of the trekkers with this much of fitness.
Level 2 : This is one level up fitness you bring on the trek, that you find the trek not very difficult or moderate but easy. And you can carry your own backpack easily throughout the trek. You don’t feel exhausted at the end of every day trek. You are find yourself still not tired and active after reaching the destination. You enjoy the other activity and enjoy exploring the nearby or involving yourself in some game.
Level 3 : This is the fitness we admire most & the ultimate mountaineer like fitness. The trekkers with this fitness finds trek easy for them and they are still very active after the whole day trek even with their rucksack. Not only that these people are fit enough to tolerate bad weather conditions, contribute in some work like tent pitching & kitchen activity, bringing water from nearby water source. Give a hand if other trekkers are in trouble or in some rescue operation.
Rucksack is a most important equipment on every trek & packing your rucksack is a important task for your trek. On a typical trek you need to carry your own rucksack, and if your rucksack is not comfortable to carry you will eventually start hating your backpack and also the trek. A rucksack need to be perfectly pack that it should be comfortable to carry on your back. It should not hurt you anyhow. The mordern day designed rucksacks are very light weight and have many chambers to pack seprately. A good quality rucksack have well paded for comfortable carrying in waist and shoulder. If you are planning to buy a rucksack, please keep the things in your mind and don’t forget to check the strength of rucksack and other straps.
Before you pack your rucksack go through our basic rule. This will help you to pack easily as a beginner. You just can not do every day packing and unpacking on multiple day of trek. Imagine how irritable and time consuming that will be. The A B C D E rule to pack your rucksack—

A – Accessibility = While packing your rucksack pack in such way that every thing are easily accissible for you. Use the different parts to achieve different things easily. For an example use different chambers for toileteries, different for your dry fruits and snacks, different for clothes, different for small items like gloves, socks, woolen caps etc. Keep the items at top or side pockets that you may need on the way like rain wears, sunglass, sunscreen etc.
B – Balance = Your bag need to be packed in such way that it can stand straight when you leave your backpack alone on a flat surface. The more your backpack is balanced the less it will hurt your shoulder. The weight distribution on both shoulder should be equal in order to comfortable carry.
C – Compression & Compartments = While packing your backpack compress all the cloths and the things that can be compresed. It will give you more space inside your rucksack. But remember don’t do more compress or less, do as much as it needed. Compress till it gives you more space to adjust other things. Now use more compartments or make more compartments by using different colored plastic bags, like for socks and underwear use red color plastic bags, for inner and thermal clother use yellow bag, for woolen cap & gloves use green one. It will not only give you another layer of waterproofing but also help you recognise all the different things. This will also help you to find your stuffs quickly.
D – Dry = Always keep your backpack dry from outside and inside also. Use rain cover from outside. And from inside all of your stuffs should be kept dry, otherwaise it will be more heavier than usual. Wet rucksack is not only heavier but also prone to damage, not good for rucksack maintenance. Use rain cover to protect from get wet.
E – Environment = Make a list of your stuffs that need to be packed inside the rucksack according to the environment of the trek you are going. Keep in mind the weather in that perticular month you choose to trek. Pack your backpack with stuffs you need in that weather conditions.

EXPERT’S ADVISE:
-> Always keep the heavy things in the middle of the rucksack and closer to your back.
-> The medium weight things should be kept in the lower compartments & liteweight items should be kept in top section of your rucksack.
-> Use plastic layer from inside to keep the stuffs dry.
-> Don’t forget to put rain cover from outside in rain and snow.
-> Adjust the shoulder straps to balance weight on both shoulder. Put the waist starps also to get better support and balance.
-> You can use you rucksack as a pillow inside the tent, or can rest your leg on rucksack.
Lots of trekkers are very worried about their accomodation on trek days. Wheather it gonna be comfortable or not, safe or not. Here is the answer. We have the good quality tents and sleeping bags for high altitude treks. Our mattress are very soft and thick to provide a comfortable sleep at night. But you should keep in mind that trekking in wilderness in himalayas are not any four or five star category. This is an adventure trip, if we provide a homely/hotel feeling on your trek, then there will be no adventure left for you. But obviously we will definitely provide a safe and cozy tent for your stay. Our tents are tested in bad weather conditions also. Sleeping bags are very warm to spend nights with a good sleep. And at the trek bases we arrange the best homestay available at the village. Homestays are sanitised and clean from inside. Toilets are well maintained and hygiene.
We go to the each and every trek base we organise and choose our guides on the basis of their experience, behaviour, past record, knowledge, abilities and good personality. They knows all about the routes and reacue & evacuation plans. They know how to handle in bad weather conditions. Our guides are well trained for work in the mountains, knows about the camping gears. They have years of experience in safety methods and protocols on the trek. Our guides are very happy to help and eager to serve you better. They always maintain health and hygiene. They are very friendly and make the more enjoyable for you.