We would like to clear a big doubt – Kedarkantha and Kedarnath are two different places and two different treks. Uttarakhand is known as the land of temples. It is rich in mythology and has a cultural heritage. Kedarkantha Trek is also mixed with mythology. The story goes that Lord Shiva was meditating on the summit peak of Kedarkantha in his bull avatar. He was seeking refuge from the Pandavas. During his meditation, he was disturbed by the locals and he took shelter in Kedarnath. The word ‘Kedarkantha’ translates to Throat of Shiva – Kedar is Lord Shiva and Kantha is throat.
This trek begins from Kotgaon which is a different route than the usual Sakhri. Kedarkantha trek is situated in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand state of India. It is close to the Himalayan mountain ranges. While trekking one will see views of Swargarohini Mt. peak, and Bandarpoonch Mt. peak.
Kedarkantha trek helps you push your limits as it rewards you with astonishingly beautiful summit views and a breathtaking sunrise. Since it is located in a wildlife sanctuary, it is
undisturbed and peaceful. It has wild animals like snow leopards, rare wild birds, bears, rare vultures and eagles, and other exotic birds and animals. It is rich in biodiversity.
Over the past 5-6 years, it has gained immense popularity among trekking circles. Experienced trekkers as well as beginner trekkers seek to trek Kedarkantha during the winter. The trek early in the morning to catch the sunrise is a lifetime memory etched in the minds of trekkers. The summit rewards you not just with the sunrise, but the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain peaks of Gangotri. One is in complete awe of the mountain peaks overlapping each other, covered with snow and mist, and chilly winds touching your face. This winter trek in the Himalayas transports you to another world for 6 days.
Since Kotgaon and Sankri are close to each other, there are other treks that are closely accessible from the base camp of the Kedarkantha trek. The Ruinsara Tal Trek, Dayara Bugyal Trek, Har Ki Dhun, Rupin Pass Trek.
Trek Highlight:
Trek20 provides you with a different and unique trekking experience. We differ from the usual itinerary of Sankri. Our base camp is Kotgaon. The earlier Sankri route is too crowded and during peak winter it is densely populated by trekkers. You don’t get that pristine experience in the crowd. While returning from Kedarkantha peak we take the Sankri route. We spent some time at the famous Juda Ka Talab. It is a lake (in winter it is frozen) surrounded by forests. The views are great and trekkers generally try skating and playing with ice balls. The Kotagaon route to Kedarkantha is new and unexplored. There are hardly a few trekkers on this route. You get to enjoy it undisturbed.
We at Trek20 pour our hearts into planning the ultimate treks and hikes for our trekkers. We are travel based planners based in Dehradun with an exclusive Homestay in Dehradun. Apart from treks, also offer customized trips, tours, workation, visits to spiritual places, and couple-friendly trips all across India. Our Tagline – “Heartful Travel Planner” resonates deeply with the quality of services we aim and strive for to make a Happy Clientele.
Kotgaon is a small dainty village in Mori tehsil, in Uttarkashi (Uttrakhand). There are hardly many houses and is sparsely populated. There are very few hotels and generally, trekkers stay in-home stays provided by the villagers. The homestays are very traditional, have a ‘pahadi’ touch and the people are very warm and welcoming in nature. It has a small temple known as Someshwar Mahadev temple which is traditionally constructed.
It is surrounded by a serene environment, dense forests of alpine and oak trees, and wild rare forest birds. The Kotgaon route gives a better trekking experience than Sankri. It is less crowded and gives a peaceful trekking experience.
It’s a 5D/4N trek. It covers a distance of 12 Km over 5 days (Kotgaon to Kotgaon) at a maximum altitude of 12,500 ft. in the amazing Himalayan ranges in a National Park located in Uttarkashi District in Uttrakhand. Following is a mini itinerary:
Day One: Dehradun – Kotgaon
There will be a pick-up at Dehradun for Kotgaon via vehicle. We shall cover a distance of 185 km over a 7-8 hour drive. On the way explore rivers, mountain peaks, and dainty villages.
Day Two: Kotgaon – Khujey/Shirpidi
There will be a pick-up at Dehradun for Kotgaon via vehicle. We shall cover a distance of 185 km over a 7-8 hour drive. On the way explore rivers, mountain peaks, and dainty villages.
Day Three: Khujey – Odari.
It will be a 2 km trek. We shall reach early at Odari base camp, rest, and overnight stay. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.
Day Four: Odari – Kedarkantha Summit
Leave early in the morning by 2 A.M. for the Kedarkantha Summit. Breakfast shall be served just before the summit ascends. Return to Odari the same day. Lunch and dinner along with overnight stay in tents.
Last day of the trek. Wake up early and freshen up and have breakfast.
Depart for Juda ka Talab which is 3 km from Odari basecamp. There will be a descent from 12500 to 6455 ft at Sankri
Reach Juda Ka Talab and take a break and rest.
Juda ka Talab is a lake at 9000 ft altitude in the trek. Enjoy the pleasant views of nature, the lake and the alpine forest in full landscape mode.
After the break, proceed towards Sankri. It is a 4 km trek from Juda ka Talab to Sankri.
On reaching Sankri we shall depart for Dehradun. It is a 7-8 hour drive covering a distance of 185 km.
Arrive at Dehradun at night, and all the trekkers bid goodbye.
This brings an end to our Kedarkantha trek.
Note:
Transportation will be provided from Dehradun to Dehradun. The cost of transportation is included in the package.
Private mules or porters for luggage shall be charged separately.
This trek is a 5D/4N trek. It is the deep mountain ranges where there will be access to any luxury amenities. There will be very basic and bare minimum access to necessary amenities. There won’t be mobile networks. This checklist will help you pack the required things and have a comfortable trek.
ID proof is necessary so that we can arrange for a permit to enter the trek.
A copy of an Aadhar card or Driving license will be needed.
If any health issues: carry the required health certificate.
If required, you can carry your personal medical kit. Also, medicines for motion, Acute mountain sickness, fever, body pain or muscle strain, indigestion, dehydration, and knee caps can be carried.
Notes:
It is neither very difficult nor very easy. It has a moderate level of difficulty. Kedarkantha trek is a beginner-level trek. So if you don’t have prior trekking experience, still you can very much do a Kedarkantha Trek this winter 2022-23. Although senior citizens and kids are advised not to undertake the trek. Also during peak winters, trekking can be slightly more difficult than usual. The temperature drops and goes beyond -5 degree celsius. One might experience breathlessness and tiredness. Trekking in the summer is comparatively easier than in winter. But most trekkers undertake this trek during winter to experience the thrill and adventure of a snow trek.
A person with a basic level of fitness can do this trek. Even if you don’t have basic fitness, still, this trek is very much doable. Prior to the trek, train your body by brisk walking or jogging, or cycling for 30 minutes every day. This will save your muscles from sprain and help you have a relaxed and enjoyable trek. Senior citizens and kids preferably are advised not to undertake this trek. During peak winters, it might get slightly difficult as the temperatures drop, and one might experience breathlessness.
Juda Ka Talab is a lake on the way to the Kedarkantha Trek. It is midway between Sankri and the Kedarkantha basecamp. Its elevation is 9100 ft. It can also refer to a lake that formed naturally.
At Trek20, the Kedarkantha trek starts from Kotgaon. But we make sure our trekkers don’t miss Juda Ka Talab. While returning from the Kedarkantha summit to Sankri, we go via Juda Ka Talab. We spent a brief time at the Talab.
In winter, the lake is covered in a thick sheet of ice, and you can actually walk on it or maybe ice skate on it (depending on the actual conditions). Juda-ka-Talab is a gleaming lake bordered by pine and oak trees and a backdrop of peaking mountain ranges. During autumn and summer, the lake is not completely frozen. But the water is cold and chilly. Trekkers play snowball games and soak in nature before proceeding forward on the trek.
As Uttrakhand is filled with mythological stories, so is Juda ka Talab. It also has some interesting stories about how it got named.
One such interesting story is that Lord Shiva, during his meditation, was thirsty. But there was no water around to quench his thirst. So he took a strand of his hair from his bun (hair bun = Juda) and threw it on the ground to create a pond of water. As a result, that location became known as Juda Ka Talab.
According to the local villagers, Juda Ka Talab has an underground water stream that runs through the village. That keeps the mountains and the civilized area connected to each other.
Another story states that there were two water bodies in the mountains, and over a period of time they got one, hence the name Juda Ka Talab.
There are a lot more mystical stories that will accompany you on the trek.
The base point for the trek is Dehradun, which is easily accessible via train, bus, or flight. It is recommended to reach Dehradun a day earlier, as we will be starting early in the morning. So a restful night’s sleep is highly recommended.
Absolutely yes. We encourage beginners to do the Kedarkantha trek as it is the gateway to winter treks in India. Our trek leaders are very supportive and we are always there to provide all the necessary help so that our trekkers have a comfortable and pleasant trek.
Yes. It is highly recommended to book a guide as it’s new terrain. Without the requisite permission, one cannot trek in Kedarkantha. We at Trek20, arrange permits from authorities as well as guides so that you have a hassle-free trekking experience. In our package, a guide and permission are included. We have an experienced trek leader, who shall guide and instruct during the entire trek.
If you happen to do the trek alone, then you will have to arrange for a guide as well as permits.
Cost of transportation, food expenses, payment for necessary permits, tent, sleeping bags, and trek gear are included in the cost of the trek.
You will need a lot of trekking gear such as trekking shoes, crampons, headlamps, gaiters, a poncho, warm clothes, fast-dry clothes and a trekking pole are essentials for a winter trek.
The slightly difficult part of the trek is the climb from the base camp to the summit. Although it is a 3 km distance, it will roughly take around 3-4 hours to trek this path. The assent is steep, the climb is huge and hence taking it slow on this trail is a must.
Kedarkantha trek has a moderate level of difficulty. It is easier during summer and autumn. During winter it is a bit tough but achievable for beginners.
There will be very minimal facilities available in Kotgaon. There will be village-style food available. But there will be no mobile networks, no ATM facility, and no electricity, after Kotgaon, no luxuries or medical facilities.
Yes, makeshift washrooms will be available at camping sites.
The trek will end on day five after you reach Dehradun. You can make your own arrangement for a night stay, relax and sleep in Dehradun. So it’s advisable to book your tickets for the next day.
There are trains, buses, and flights available from Dehradun to all major metro cities in India.
Sankri has become overcrowded. It will be full of other trek groups. Kotgaon is a new route and it will be comparatively less crowded. The trek will be peaceful and calm. One will see the same views as the Sankri route. While returning we shall take the Kedarkantha Sankri route. So you won’t miss Sankri and Juda Ka Talab.
