As someone who loves trekking and exploring the great Himalayas, I would say a hundred times yes to visiting Kedarkantha trek specially between the month of December to April which offers a great view filled with snow capped mountains, and really a winter wonderland. I still remember 2018 when I first visited the trek, although I never finished the summit because of the weather difficulties but in trekking it’s always about the journey.
Kedarkantha is a mountain peak in Govind wildlife century in Uttarakhand at 12,500 ft. Trek to this summit offers a great deal going around forests, experiencing the rich flora & fauna in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and one of the best places for adventure lovers.
If you ask me, December 15th to the last of February is usually the best time because of snow and this is also considered as the peak time for this trek. This trek starts from a base village called Sankri, the closest city to Sankri is Dehradun which is almost 200km far. To complete the trek safely and carefully you will need an authorised guide that is why It is best suggested to book this himalayan trek with the help of any travel agency. Where Advenzone can also help you book your trek hassle free. It’s very simple to go to the Advenzone website and search for Kedarkantha trek. Advezone will connect you with the best local trekking agencies in Sankri & Dehradun to book your experience.
Now let’s explore why I insisted on visiting Kedarkantha in the winter season. Ones you remove this trek from your bucket list you will have more reasons to visit again too 🙂
1. Breathtaking Snow-Covered Landscapes:
Winter is considered as one of the best seasons to trek to Kedarkantha because of its stunning panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, frozen lakes, and pristine forests blanketed in white. Winter landscape completely transforms Kedarkantha, some also say it looks like the land of Narnia. You can Also see famous peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Ranglana from the trail.
I still remember our summit day to Kedarkantha where we had to wake up at 2am and start our trekking at night itself to experience the most magical sunrise of our lifetime. Our trek leader suggested that we soak in on the beautiful moment as much as we can since we might not have it anytime soon.
2. Challenging yet Rewarding trek:
Imagine waking up at 2am for a trek? Covering the steepest trails in Indian Himalayas? When I tell you that trekking is all about the journey I mean it. You need to give extra 20% to finish the trails but the views it offers throughout are wonderful. When I started my trek from Sankri to Juda ka taal which is 5km it was very tiring but our hearts smiled when we saw the campsite was filled with snow & that is when you can see the sun setting on the snow capped peaks. The relief and satisfaction you get when you finally reach the summit day is very overwhelming.
3. Unique Winter Experience:
Trekking in Kedarkantha offers a unique winter experience as this is one of the best beginner friendly treks in India. This is one of the rarest treks in India which can offer picturesque views of snow capped mountains and winterland with an accessible altitude of 12,500ft. Snow in the trek starts from the initial campsite only taking you through forest trails and then the summit day which offers a magical sunrise view.
So the evening before the summit where all of us had reached Talketra which is also called Kedarkantha base camp, after reaching one of the trekkers started throwing snowballs at the other trekkers and in no time all of us were involved in the snowball fight. We also made a snowman, it gave a Christmas vibe to us.
4.Cozy Campfire Nights:
“It was one starry night , our campsites and some ghost stories. I had also seen my first shooting star at that time” That’s how I remember spending most of the nights during Kedarkantha trek. Winter in Kedarkantha is mostly clear which offers a great view of stars at nighttime. It is great to stargaze during winter time because you can experience the milky way from afar with a clear and beautiful view of peaks covering the trail.
When you are away from the city noise, surrounded by the peaceful winter nights in Kedarkantha it can also turn into self reflection nights. Kedarkantha is also famous among photographers for night photography.
5. Fewer Crowds:
Since winter Kedarkantha requires specialised gears and is colder, and most of the Indian crowd prefer going to holidays at that time than for an adventurous trek. The reason why people choose winter trails is solitude and peace and quiet trails which helps them connect with nature on a deeper level. There is nothing like the calm and stillness of cold winter days. Such trails also help people make it a personal experience filled with beautiful views away from the city crowd.
“Pahad or sardiya inse acha combination or kuch nahi” I remember our trek leader saying this from my trek which meant “there is no better combination like mountains & winter” and I agree.
So, here are 5 reasons according to me to Book your trek. Days filled with winter silence and stillness, the joy of having hot tea with maggie on a cold evening, dramatic views of snow capped mountains & Himalayan peaks and the cozy campfire nights makes it a perfect time to experience winter wonderland in Kedarkantha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Kedarkantha Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s one of the best treks for beginners due to its well-defined trail and moderate difficulty.
2. How cold does it get during the trek?
In winter, temperatures can drop to -10°C at night and range between 5°C and 10°C during the day.
3. What kind of food is provided during the trek?
Trekking organizers typically provide simple vegetarian meals that are easy to digest at high altitudes.
4. Do I need any permits for the trek?
Yes, forest permits are required, and they are usually arranged by your trekking organizer.
5. Are there network connections during the trek?
Network connectivity is limited or non-existent. Inform your family beforehand about the lack of connectivity.
6. What is the best time to see snow on the Kedarkantha Trek?
December to March is the best time for snow trekking, as the trail and summit are covered in snow.
7. What are the physical requirements for this trek?
Basic fitness is necessary. Regular cardio and strength training exercises can help you prepare for the trek.
8. What happens in case of an emergency?
Organizers like Advenzone are equipped with first-aid kits and trained staff to handle emergencies.
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