The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, to the quaint village of Sankri. This 9-hour journey has picturesque views of rolling hills, dense forests, and charming villages. As you ascend the winding roads, you’ll pass through famous hill towns like Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori. The drive is your first introduction to the grandeur of the Himalayas, with the serene “Tons River” accompanying you for much of the route.
You’ll arrive at Sankri in the evening and take a good rest at a guesthouse before starting your hike the next day.
(Sankri is a small, traditional Himalayan village serving as the Kedarkantha trek’s base camp. It is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and is home to several guesthouses, homestays, and trekking shops where trekkers can rest, stock up on supplies, and acclimatize.)
Day 1: Highlights
• Altitude: ⇑ 4,300 ft. / ⇓ 0 ft.
• Travel (approx.): 190 km, 8-9 hrs.
• Route (approx.): Dehradun – Mussoorie – Purola – Mori – Netwar – Sankri
• Accommodation: Guesthouse at Sankri
• Meals: Evening Tea, Dinner
The trek starts with a gentle ascent from Sankri. It takes you through dense pine and maple forests, where the air is fresh and the sound of chirping birds fills the atmosphere. The well-marked trail meanders through verdant woodlands, offering glimpses of local wildlife and flora. During winter, the path is often covered in a soft layer of snow, creating a fairytale-like environment.
After trekking for a few hours, you reach Juda Ka Talab, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by forests. The lake often freezes in winter, providing a picturesque camping spot where trekkers can witness the magic of snow-covered landscapes. The campsite here is peaceful and perfect for a night under the stars.
(Legend has it that this lake was formed when Lord Shiva opened his hair knot (Juda), and water trickled down to create it.)
Day 2: Highlights
• Altitude: ⇑ 2,700 ft. / ⇓ 0 ft.
• Trek (approx.): 4 km, 3-4 hrs.
• Accommodation: Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, Dinner
Today is the most magical day of our trek. After breakfast, start early for the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush alpine meadows and over 300 species of wildflowers.
Cross a wooden bridge over a glacier-fed stream and enter a wonderland where hills are adorned with flowers—blue poppy, cobra lily, Himalayan bellflower, orchids, daisies, and more. Spend time soaking in the views, clicking photos, and walking deeper into the valley.
Optional: Visit Legge’s Grave, the resting place of the botanist who popularized the valley.
Return to Ghangaria by late afternoon.
Prominent Flowers: Blue Poppy, Snake Foil, White Leaf Hog Foot, Himalayan Rose, Meadow Geranium, Dog Flower, Hooked Stick Seed, and River Anemone.
• Trek (approx.): 8 km, 6-7 hrs.
• Altitude: ⇑ 1,500 ft. / ⇓ 1,500 ft.
• Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Ghangaria
• Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will trek to Hemkund Sahib, the world’s highest Gurudwara, beside a pristine glacial lake. The trail is steep and challenging, with over 1,100 stone-paved steps, but it offers fantastic views and blooming Brahma Kamal flowers along the way.
Once at the top, take in the serenity of Hemkund Lake, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks. Enjoy ‘Langar’ (community meal) at the Gurudwara and soak in the spiritual energy.
Descend carefully back to Ghangaria by late afternoon.
• Trek (approx.): 12 km, 7-8 hrs.
• Altitude: ⇑ 4,100 ft. / ⇓ 4,100 ft.
• Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Ghangaria
• Meals: Breakfast, Langar, Dinner
After breakfast, retrace our steps back to Pulna. The return trek feels easier and faster as we descend through familiar terrain. Reach Pulna and drive back to Joshimath for a relaxed evening.
Optionally, if time allows, visit Badrinath Temple or Mana, the first Indian village (at your own expense).
Celebrate our successful trek with a warm shower, hot food, and a good night’s rest!
• Trek (approx.): 9 km, 3-4 hrs.
• Travel (approx.): 25 km, 40 min.
• Altitude: ⇑ 0 ft. / ⇓ 3,850 ft.
• Overnight Stay: Hotel in Joshimath
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will begin our return journey to Haridwar. The drive will take us through the same picturesque valleys and riverside views. We will reach Haridwar by evening with unforgettable memories, stunning photographs, and a deep connection to the Himalayas.
• Travel (approx.): 275 km, 9-10 hrs.
• Altitude: ⇑ 0 ft. / ⇓ 5,120 ft.
• Overnight Stay: N/A
• Meals: Breakfast
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, the Kedarkantha trek promises an adventure that will leave you spellbound by the grandeur of the Himalayas.
The next leg of the trek takes you deeper into the snow-laden forests and expansive meadows. The trail becomes more scenic as you leave the forests behind and ascend into the high-altitude meadows. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of towering Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag.
After about 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you arrive at the Kedarkantha Base Camp, which is situated in a wide, open clearing with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The base camp provides a clear view of the Kedarkantha summit, and the golden hue of the sun setting over the snow-covered mountains is truly a sight to behold. This campsite is a photographer’s paradise, with the vastness of the mountains creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Day 3, Tue: Highlights
• Altitude: ⇑ 2,150 ft./ ⇓ 0 m
• Trek (approx.): 4 km, 3-4 hrs.
• Accommodation: Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, Dinner
Summit day begins early, with trekkers starting their ascent as early as 3 AM. The trail to the summit is steep and challenging, especially in the winter when snow adds an extra layer of difficulty. However, the climb is exhilarating, and the gradual rise in altitude provides magnificent views of the Himalayan range as you ascend.
After about 2-3 hours of trekking, you reach the Kedarkantha summit, standing at 12,500 feet. The reward is a breathtaking, 360-degree view of some of the most majestic Himalayan peaks. From the top, you can see the Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kinner Kailash ranges stretching out in all directions. The snow-covered mountains shimmer in the morning light, making the entire effort worthwhile.
After spending time on the summit, we hike back to the base camp and head towards Juda Ka Talab post-lunch, where we will spend the night before bidding farewell to this beautiful place.
Day 4, Wed: Highlights
• Altitude: ⇑ 1,250 ft./ ⇓ 3,400 ft.
• Trek (approx.): 8 km, 6-7 hrs.
• Accommodation: Campsite
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, Dinner
The final day of trekking is a gentle descent through pine and oak forests. The path is scenic, with occasional clearings that offer views of the Har Ki Dun valley and distant mountains. The return trek to Sankri is relaxed, giving you time to savour your last moments in the mountains and reflect on the journey.
You’ll arrive in Sankri by early afternoon, where you can rest, explore the village market, and enjoy a hot meal. Sankri offers a variety of local handicrafts, including handmade woollen garments, which make for beautiful keepsakes from the trek.
Day 5, Thu: Highlights
• Altitude: ⇑ 0 ft./ ⇓ 2,800 ft.
• Trek (approx.): 4 km, 3-4 hrs.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll begin the drive back to Dehradun, bringing your Kedarkantha adventure to a close. The return journey offers a final glimpse of the scenic landscapes and a chance to revisit some of the beautiful valleys and rivers along the way.
The journey down is quieter, each turn reminding you of the simplicity and beauty of mountain life. As you reach Dehradun, a wave of gratitude fills you – for the warmth of the village, the breathtaking peaks, and the quiet strength they instil. Though you’re returning to the routine of life, you know that the mountains will call again, and when they do, you’ll be ready.
Day 6, Fri: Highlights
• Altitude: ⇑ 0 ft./ ⇓ 4,200 ft.
• Travel (approx.): 190 km, 8-9 hrs.
• Accommodation: N/A
• Meals: Breakfast
Thanks to SG-Trekkers for allowing me to participate in the Kedarkantha trek. I had a wonderful experience as this is my first ever Himalayas adventure Trek. Also thanks to everyone as a wonderful team.
