Route Length
Max Altitude
Trek Duration
Trek Difficulty
Base Camp Area
Pickup Point
10+ Years Age
First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
Cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
+91 7055048487, +91 7055048488
trekkingcompass@gmail.com
Bagging a summit climb as an amateur trekker is the dream. It comes true for many beginners at Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand, specifically in Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi. At 12,500 feet, the trek has promising glimpses into the pretty-as-a-picture beauty of the Indian Himalayas and its surroundings.
Serving the needs of experienced and beginner trekkers alike, Kedarkantha Trek features spacious clearings, snowy trails, and breathtaking valleys to help ease your worldly stress. While climbing up to the summit, you'll be short of breath. Not only because you're climbing up the elevation, but also because your heart will skip a beat when seeing the panoramic view of the giant mountains. They will keep you company throughout the 20 km trek, and you know they won't back down!
Kedarkantha Trek, like every other trek, has something special to offer. It begins with the experience and ends with the 360° view of the Indian Himalayan range. The summit brings different experiences for different trekkers. For some, it's the bone-chilling wind before the sunrise, it's the sun’s rays making the mountain peaks shine.
Trekkers climb the summit for the unparalleled view of Swargarohini Peak, Bandarpoonch Range, Black Peak, and peaks of Kinnaur Range. Some are devotees, who find their solace near a small Lord Ganesha temple at the summit. To each trekker, on their own, the Kedarkantha Trek offers a uniquely arresting experience. There are some moments in your life you never forget, climbing Kedarkantha’s summit is one.
Sankri Altitude: 6,400 ft (1,950 m)
Altitude Gain: 4300 ft (1311 m)
Travel Distance: 220 km
Travel Hours: 10 hrs
The day will start as you meet our travel associates at Dehradun. Hereon all you'll need to do is follow instructions and enjoy the ride to Sankri (6,400 ft); a village nestled in the lapse of mountains. There isn't much to this day, only the hours-long drive to the base village.
This day calls for all the trekkers to lay back, rest, and zoom into the spirals of the Garhwal hills. At one moment you'll find yourself at the base of the hill, the next you'll be topping the hill, watching other vehicles following suit.
If you are too travel-sick to talk to your fellow trekkers, you'll still feel accompanied. Why? Your way from Dehradun to Sankri will be filled with ravishing views of the Yamuna River and the sound of its soothing flow. The pine trees lining the road and their sweet smell will cheer you up and right out of your mountain sickness.
Sankri is at a distance of 210 km from Dehradun, a 10-hour drive approximately. This hours-long drive diminishes to 3 minutes on reaching Kotgaon; a village homing basecamps to Kedarkantha too. Both Kotgaon and Sankri are under the Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary. If time permits, you can participate in sightseeing the exotic flora this wildlife sanctuary is home to.
Juda Ka Talab Altitude: 9,200 ft. (2,840 m)
Altitude Gain: 2,800 ft (853 m)
Travel Distance: 4-5 km
Travel Hours: 5 hrs.
Today begins with the chilly breeze at Sankri. This Himalayan village holds beauty in itself, with views and experiences that are unique and worthwhile. After a good night’s rest, you'll open your eyes to the sunrise from Sankri. The tips of the Garhwal Himalayas will be vibrant and shiny as a courtesy of the falling sunlight.
Sankri, after years of hosting the trekkers ascending the Kedarkantha Trek and Har Ki Dun Trek, has adapted accordingly. You will find here trekking gear for rent, hotels, hostels, and homestays. Everything is maintained and best suited to give you comfort and a strong head start.
After the briefing, we will ascend the trail from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab. En route, ascending, the trekkers will have different experiences depending on the chosen season; winter or summer. Accompanying you, in your journey up to Juda Ka Talab, a few things will be constant. They are the fringes of Oak and Pine Forests, the Rangnala Valley, and Har Ki Dun Valley. You can also hear the gentle sound of streams flowing, as you ascend from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab. These streams freeze and the trail transcends to a snowy carpet, during winters.
Trekking uphill, your ears are blessed with Himalayan birds, singing beautiful melodies. You'll feel welcomed by the mountains and your enthusiasm to reach the clearing at Juda Ka Talab will increase. As you cross through a dense oak forest with fringed maple trees, you'll arrive at the clearing.
This (Juda Ka Talab) is our campsite of the day. This clearing is home to a lake surrounded by oak forest, the trees appear to be guarding the lake and its serenity. The lake is frozen and the ice layer on it is strong enough to walk over, but be careful. This lake, at an altitude of 9,200 ft is 4 km from Sankri. The steep climb, views, and interactions with locals (especially children) make it a 5 hours long wholesome trek.
Juda Ka Talab is nature's magnificence for some trekkers, for some, it's of religious radiance. The stories going around this lake make it a believer's paradise. Some say Lord Shiva meditated here and the droplets of water from his deadlocks fell on this spot, forming the lake. There's a story that says he undid his deadlocks a bit and the water droplets fell, forming Juda Ka Talab. Whatever the story, this lake is in close association with Lord Shiva.
KBC Altitude: 10,150 ft (3100 m)
Altitude Gain: 853 ft (259.9 m)
Travel Distance: 4 km
Travel Hours: 4 hrs (approx.)
You'll wake up to a beautiful sunrise yet again. If you ascend the steep just beside the lake, take a seat there, and you'll see the Kedarkantha Summit, and the lake, right in front of you. In your peripheral vision, the oak forest’s grandeur will be undeniable.
After breakfast, we'll ascend the trail that'll lead us into a dense oak forest and towards KBC. Trek to KBC at an altitude of 10,150 ft, is challenging and rewarding at the same time. The trek is 4 km long and takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach. Today's trek is light, and very necessary for you to rest for the day that'll follow.
As we begin the trail leads us into a dense oak forest. The steep ridge, covered in snow, throws challenges at you, but the spikes and gators we provide will be your best friends. The trail will then open to a meadow; a smaller one, unlike Dayara Bugyal. The ascent will also clear your views of many Himalayan peaks like Swargrohini, Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch, Rangnala, etc.
As you reach the campsite, you'll witness a one-in-a-million sunset. Your eyes will be arrested as the magnificent ranges are a clearer site than in the Juda Ka Talab campsite. At this campsite, you'll also get the news if the weather is optimal to climb the Kedarkantha Summit at 12,500 ft. Trekkers are advised to wear layers because the temperature at KBC can drop to -20°C at midnight.
Kedarkantha Summit Altitude: Summit 12,500 ft (3,810m)
Altitude Gain: 2,330 ft (716 m)
Altitude Loss: 3,183 ft (1006 m)
Travel Distance: 3 km + 3 km + 4 km (10 km)
Travel Hours: 7 to 8 hrs (approx.)
The day starts prematurely today (3 am to 4 am). Any more delay will cost you the opulent sunrise at the Kedarkantha Summit. As the trek trails to the summit, it gradually inclines. This creates moderate difficulty for the trekkers, but as you near the Kedarkantha Summit, the climb is very steep and difficult. While climbing this steep, you'll find yourself motivated by your enthusiasm to see the views and sunrise from the summit point in Kedarkantha's Trek.
As you reach a point that's 1.5 km away from the Summit, you'll see a tea stall. Trekking teams halt here to get themselves the much-needed warmth. Once you are on the summit, it's no less than the feeling of being on top of the world. The summit gives you a 360° view of the Indian Himalayas. You can see ranges and ranges of mountains and hills that appear to be extending till eternity.
Every trekker finds happiness of their own when paramounting the Kedarkantha Summit. To each, their own is available there. There's a trekker who's a click bug, the picturesque views around and clicking them is all that trekker wants. For another trekker, there's peace and unrivalled serenity. Then there's a trekker, who sees this as an achievement and wants to capture it in a picture with their country’s flag.
When it comes to views, they are magnificent and their sumptuousness sees no bounds. Wherever you see, there's a mountain, a valley that'll greet you. Some nonpareil views from this summit are of Rupin and Har ki Dun valleys. The peaks that stand tall and apparent are Mt Bandarpoonch, Mt Kalanag, and Mt Swargarohini predominantly. You'll get far-flung views of Draupadi Ka Danda, Jorkanden, Gangotri, and Jaonli peaks.
The 20 km long Kedarkantha Trek is halfway done at Kedarkantha Summit, which takes trekkers 6 to 7 hrs to ascend. From this point, you get a view of other treks too. These treks are: Devkyara Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, Borasu Pass, Maldaru Lake, Bali Pass, and Rupin Pass.
Once down with the summit, it'll be a descent towards Juda Ka Talab from KBC. You'll relive the climb again, only this time you'll reach the destination faster and less drained of energy. Finally, at Juda Ka Talab, you'll again experience the feeling of being engulfed in the lapse of nature.
Dehradun Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m)
Altitude Loss: 7,100 ft (2,164 m)
Travel Distance: 4 km + 220 km
Travel Hours: 10 hrs (approx.)
Today we trek down to Sankri from the Juda Ka Talab campsite. After the trek down, you'll all onboard your respective vehicles and wave Sankri off. You'll not need to return to Sankri main market as our travel vehicles will be waiting to receive you at Saur village; another small Himalayan village, a bit earlier than Sankri.
While you descend from Juda Ka Talab, you will again have the opportunity to relieve your ascend. The same pine and oak trees fringed around the trail will greet you. Either they'll be covered in snow or they'll be standing tall casting shade for your smooth descent to Sankri.
As your vehicles leave Sankri behind, you'll look forward to a night stay at Dehradun and its city life. Along the way, you'll be greeted by small towns and villages like Naugaon, Purola, etc. The most special among them is Mussoorie; a beautiful hill station with a view of the Indian Himalayan range. If you decide to stay, don't forget to check out: Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Camels Back Road, and Mall Road. Altogether, the drive back is going to be rejuvenating and bring back fresh memories that you'll cherish lifelong.
Accommodation
Meals (Vegetarian only with eggs option available)
Nutritious meals from Day 1's dinner to last day's breakfast, following the itinerary schedule.
Expert Support
First Aid Preparedness
Fully equipped medical kit including a stretcher, oxygen cylinder, blood pressure monitor, oximeter, and stethoscope to ensure safety throughout the journey.
Storage Facilities :- A secure room at the base camp to store additional luggage not needed during the trek.
Permits and Entry Fees :- Coverage of all necessary permits and entry fees, in line with standard charges for Indian nationals.
Transportation :- A round-trip transport from the pick-up point and back at the same point as a part of the itinerary.
Trek Equipment
Insurance :- Personal insurance is mandatory and not included in the package.
Personal Expenses :- Any expenses of a personal nature, including shopping, snacks, hiring a mule or porter for carrying your belongings, or acquiring personal equipment.
Emergency Costs :- Expenses arising from emergency evacuations, hospitalization, or any medical treatments required.
Unspecified Services :- Any services or items not explicitly mentioned under the "INCLUSIONS" section.
Food Costs :- We will not cover any food costs during your transit to and from the base village.
Trekking is not only about enjoying the change of scenery but also about being responsible. Our (Trekking Compass) responsibility is to provide you with an opportunity for a safe trek. But, how do we do that? We do that when you fulfill your end of the responsibility and are honest with us. To keep you safe we need to be sure there isn’t any inherent threat to your being.
Treks are at higher altitudes and it becomes difficult, almost impossible to provide you with immediate medical assistance. Therefore, we cannot help you if you don’t help us. Trekking is only one of the things you can do, but there are plenty of other things to do too. Don’t risk your life for the thrill.
To approach a trek with utmost safety, we want you to submit the following documents:
Personal Confirmation Statement (Compulsory for anyone over 18 years)
You are participating in a trek at high altitudes and it comes with its own sets of risks. This Personal Confirmation Statement will make sure that you understand all the risks you're buying into. Trekking Compass wants you to confirm your complete understanding of these risks so that you come prepared for any mental or physical challenges ahead.
This statement is also a declaration from you that, "All the information I have provided, including medical conditions, is true. If found false under any circumstances, I will be held accountable and it has nothing to do with Trekking Compass."
We have the utmost empathy for you and will do our best to help wherever possible, but only after assessing your readiness and safety for the trek. This is how our team will adequately prepare for whatever risks we might face during the journey. Concerning individuals are requested to thoroughly cross-check the requirements and only then sign the document.
Parent/Guardian Approval Statement (Compulsory for anyone below 18 years)
For participants under 18 years of age, the Parent/Guardian Approval Statement is essential to confirm that a legal guardian understands and consents to the participation in the trek. Once we have this document, we are affirmed that the parent or guardian is fully aware of the risks involved in trekking at high altitudes and is consenting to their child's participation.
No underage (below 18+) children are welcome on the trek without their parent's consent. Submission of this document reassures us that parents are approving that their child meets the health and fitness requirements for the trek, after a thorough examination.
This legal confirmation holds the parent liable for any discrepancies, freeing Trekking Compass from any liabilities for the same. Parents are requested to thoroughly cross-check the requirements and only then sign the document.
Medical Liability Waiver
The Medical Liability Waiver makes sure participants acknowledge the health risks associated with trekking at high altitudes. Common ailments during treks include altitude sickness, dehydration, muscle cramps, hypothermia, and fatigue, all of which can significantly affect your trekking experience. Additionally, weather changes and the physical demands of the terrain may exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart issues, it’s vital to inform us and carry your necessary medications. Trekking Compass cannot provide immediate medical assistance in remote areas, so having the essential medications, such as inhalers, insulin, or any other prescriptions, is crucial for your safety during the trek.
By signing this waiver, you confirm that you are in good health and have taken the necessary precautions. You acknowledge these risks and agree not to hold Trekking Compass liable for any medical issues or accidents that may arise during the trek.
For any further doubts about anything mentioned above, below is our contact information:
OFFICE ADDRESS: Lane No. 4 Krishna Vihar Mohkampur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248005
PHONE NUMBER: +91 7055048487, 7055048488
EMAIL ADDRESS: info@trekkingcompass.com
HOW TO REACH? (Dehradun)
Note: You are in for trekking in the mountain areas, here the probability of landslides, rains, etc. are very common. Sometimes political unrest also becomes the reason for hindrance in your trek itinerary. Therefore, while booking your return tickets, keep a buffer day. For instance, if your trek is 6 days long, book a return ticket for the 7th day.
What are the different ways to reach Dehradun?
Kedarkantha trek starts at Dehradun and takes you on a long drive (220 km) to Sankri. Therefore, trekkers need to reach Dehradun to start the trek. The first move for trekkers to reach Dehradun is to reach Delhi. Later, every trekker can choose their choice of transport. The available transports for Dehradun are:
Medium: BUS
Delhi to Dehradun via Haridwar (AC Volvo buses):
You have to reach Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate and you won’t have a shortage of AC buses ready to take you on a 6 to 8 hrs long trip to Dehradun.
The suitable start slots for you to not miss our pick-up services on Day 1 will be 8:30 am, 9:00 am, 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 11:30 am. Talking of availability, a bus to Dehradun is available every half hour from that station.
A Friendly Note: You should travel by government buses instead of private ones because the private buses tend to take more time than expected. To catch up with us at the pick-up time, try traveling by government buses, wherever possible.
Medium: TRAIN
1. Delhi to Dehradun Train Station (Train 12017): You can board train no. 12017, also called Dehradun Shatabdi Express at New Delhi Railway Station. This train goes between Delhi and Dehradun throughout the week. If you board this train you will reach Dehradun in a timespan of 6 hr 10 mins. The train leaves Delhi at 6:45 am, giving you enough time to reach Dehradun around 1 to 2 pm. Now in Dehradun, you can explore or rest to restore your energy for tomorrow.
2. Delhi to Haridwar Railway Station then to Dehradun (Train 12017): You can board train no. 12017, also called Dehradun Shatabdi Express at New Delhi Railway Station. This train goes between Delhi and Haridwar throughout the week. If you board this train you will reach Haridwar in a timespan of 4 hr 48 mins. The train leaves Delhi at 6:45 am, giving you enough time to reach Dehradun on Day 0 by 2 to 3 pm (max). At Haridwar, you can catch buses to Dehradun, every 10-15 mins. These buses will take around 1 hr 45 mins (max) to reach Dehradun.
Note: If you travel by train to Haridwar and then to Dehradun by bus, you save bucks on your ticket fare. Most importantly, you can explore Haridwar for a while, before traveling to Dehradun.
Medium: FLIGHT
Fly Directly to Dehradun: To fly directly at Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, there are multiple flights from metropolitan cities. The companies that facilitate these flights are:
Fly to Delhi then take a bus or train to Dehradun: It’s effortless to fly to Delhi from anywhere in the country and take a bus to Dehradun. You will find a detailed description of buses in the BUS section. The companies that facilitate these flights to Delhi are:
Note: Make sure that the mode of transport you choose should bring you to Dehradun a day before Day 1, i.e., Day 0. You can fly to Delhi and Dehradun from Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and to Dehradun from Delhi too.
What happens on the drop-off day?
Here are the points that explain your drop-off:
Special Case: What if you miss our pick-up?
You shouldn't panic and follow one of the below-mentioned ways to Sankari:
| Backpack with rain cover / Trolley Bag | Main bag for gear. |
| Day pack with rain cover (20 - 30 L) | For day essentials, if the main pack is off-loaded. |
| Walking stick | Recommended (at least one). |
| Water bottle/ Hydration pack | 2 bottles (1L each) or 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle. |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, ORS/electrolytes. |
| Personal Medical Kit | As prescribed by your doctor. |
| T-shirts (Synthetic, quick-dry) | 2 full-sleeve, 2 half-sleeve. |
| Fleece T-shirts | 2 pieces. |
| Wind-stopper / Fleece jacket (upper) | 1 piece. |
| Windproof jacket | 1 piece |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 piece |
| Thermal innerwear (Upper & Lower) | 1 set. |
| Trekking pants (Synthetic, quick-dry) | 3 pairs. |
| Wind-stopper / Fleece pants (lower) | 1 pair. |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required. |
| Fleece / Woolen gloves | 1 pair. |
| Poncho / Waterproof jacket and pants | 1 set. |
| Head torch / Hand torch | 1 piece. |
| Sun cap | Required. |
| Woolen cap | 1 piece. |
| Balaclava | 1 piece. |
| Buff/ Neck gaiters | 1 synthetic, 1 woolen. |
| Sunglasses | UV protection with side covers (for spectacle users: contacts or photochromatic lenses). |
| Trekking shoes (waterproof, high ankle, good grip) | 1 pair. |
| Floaters / Flip-flops | 1 pair. |
| Cotton socks | 4 pairs. |
| Woolen socks | 2 pair. |
| Sunscreen | 1 piece. |
| Moisturizer | 1 piece. |
| Lip balm/ Chap-stick | 1 piece. |
| Toothbrush and toothbrush | 1 set. |
| Toilet paper and wipes | 1 pack each. |
| Soap/ Hand sanitizer | 1 piece. |
| Quick-dry towel | 1 piece. |
If you qualify for the health and fitness requirements for the trek, you are qualified for the trek. Acclimatization issues arise if you do not meet the health and fitness requirements and become a hassle for everyone. So, opt for the trek wisely.
Trekking Compass will provide two categories of twin-sharing tents. They are 2+1 & 3+1. 2 to 3 people can stay comfortably in these tents.
Here are the mandatory documents during the trek:
2 photocopies of ID with address (Aadhar Card or Driving License or Passport or Voter ID, Photo Passbook of running account)
2 photographs (passport size)
A Medical form issued and signed by a doctor
A disclaimer form with the trekker’s signature
High Altitude Insurance
No, we do not offer any discounts at present. For trekkers cashing in their cash vouchers, their trek charges will be reduced to the Total Trek Charges - Cash Voucher.
Yes, children of 9 years and above age are allowed on the trek. This might change depending on the trek conditions and season of choice.
There are different rules for different sets of children. They are:
Children (below 15 years): Strictly require the parents/guardians to accompany them.
Children (15 - 18 years): Can come on the trek with a signed waiver by parents/guardians.
For both sets, Medical and Disclaimer forms are compulsory on the trek.
Yes. You can get jackets, trek poles, and other trekking equipment on rent from Trekking Compass.
We have toilet tents where you can go about your business, these dry toilets are nature-friendly and convenient. You can choose the shove-pit-mud method too, which is nature-friendly and maintains cleanliness and hygiene. Carry essential toiletries, maintain good hygiene, and enjoy the trek.
Here is how you can update your family:
Call them from the Base Camp, while your phone still has signals. The signals get scarce and disappear at some point during the trek.
Call them once you have returned to the Base Camp.
Share the Trek Coordinator’s number with your family, they’ll keep track of your batch's whereabouts.
No. The children will be served the same nutritious meals as the adults during the trek. There will be Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, and Dinner. Any additional dietary requirements requested for the children will be taken care of by our kitchen staff. These will especially be for children with certain allergies or lactose intolerance.
You can contact us (Trekking Compass) with detailed queries at trekkingcompass@gmail.com. We will make sure to resolve your queries as fast as we can. Please note that we will not accept any changes 24 days before the trek’s start date. In these cases, our usual cancellation policy will apply.
There is no weight limitatione on the luggag to carry that is imposed on you by Trekking Compass. In our humble opinion, we suggest you carry light luggage to fully enjoy the trek.
No. Your weight will not be an issue. Although, you must meet the health and fitness requirements for the trek. This helps you avoid any fatal complications during the trek.
This trek involves a combination of both. You reach the base village by drive and then it's a trek, then a drive back to Dehradun or Rishikesh.
We bring adventure to life with exciting treks in stunning locations to explore every trail's mummed secrets, with our friendly guides by your side.
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