Kedarkantha is an easy-to-moderate summit trek of about 20–23 km over 5–6 days in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, topping out at 3,810 m. It is one of India's most popular winter treks, with snow on the trail usually from December to February, and is widely considered suitable for fit beginners.
About the Kedarkantha trek
Kedarkantha rises above the villages of the Tons valley in Uttarkashi district, inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail climbs from the village base through oak, pine and maple forest, past the small lake of Juda ka Talab, to an open base camp with views of Swargarohini and Bandarpunch.
The summit gives a 360-degree view over the Garhwal ranges, including the Har Ki Dun valley and the Gangotri and Yamunotri groups.
When to go
Best months: Dec–Apr
- Janrecommended
- Febrecommended
- Marrecommended
- Aprrecommended
- Maynot recommended
- Junnot recommended
- Julnot recommended
- Augnot recommended
- Sepnot recommended
- Octnot recommended
- Novnot recommended
- Decrecommended
December to February is the snow season. By April most snow has melted and rhododendrons are in bloom. Some operators now start from Kotgaon or Gaichawan Gaon instead of Sankri; confirm the route when booking.
How difficult is it?
- Easy
- Easy–Moderate
- Moderate
- Moderate–Difficult
- Difficult
Daily distances are short and the trail climbs gradually through forest for most of the trek. The hard part is summit day: an early-morning start in freezing temperatures and a steep final climb that can be knee-deep in snow in mid-winter. Good general fitness matters more than prior trekking experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Drive from Dehradun to Sankri
7–8 hours by road · 1,950 m
- Day 2
Sankri to Juda ka Talab
4 km · 4–5 hours · 2,773 m
- Day 3
Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha base camp
4 km · 3 hours · 3,413 m
- Day 4
Summit (3,810 m) and descent to Hargaon
9 km · 7–8 hours · 2,700 m
- Day 5
Hargaon to Sankri
6 km · 2–3 hours · 1,950 m
- Day 6
Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
7–8 hours by road
How to reach
The trek base is reached by road from Dehradun via Mussoorie and Purola, a drive of roughly 7–8 hours. The last stretch passes through Govind National Park and can be rough in places.
- Nearest city
- Dehradun (about 200 km)
- Nearest railway
- Dehradun
- Nearest airport
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Common questions
How difficult is the Kedarkantha trek?
It is graded easy to moderate. Most days are short and gradual; summit day is the toughest, with a steep, early-morning climb that is often in snow during winter.
What is the best time for the Kedarkantha trek?
December to April. Come in December to February for snow, or in March and April for clearer trails and blooming rhododendrons.
How high is Kedarkantha peak?
The summit is at 3,810 m (about 12,500 ft).
Is Kedarkantha suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the most commonly recommended first Himalayan treks, provided you prepare with regular cardio for several weeks beforehand.