Trekking to the Frozen Beauty of Kedarkantha

Kedarkantha Trek is India's most loved winter trek in Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Infamously well-known for their beauty, snow-capped peaks, and scenic campsites, this trek offers the perfect blend of nature and adventure that has made it the most sought-after by beginners and experienced trekkers alike. Kedarkantha peak at a height of 12,500 feet offers scenic views of stunning Himalayan ranges such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana. The hike predominantly begins in Sankri, which is a picturesque village amid the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail then goes through a dense pine forest, spectacular meadows, and remote Himalayan villages. The area during winter is a winter wonderland with lovely landscapes and peace. Snow-covered trails, frozen streams, and out-of-bounds forest roads give a magical touch to this hike, testing the adventure lovers and photographers from all over the country. The charm of the Kedarkantha trek is in its natural environment. Juda Ka Talab, a pine-covered alpine lake, and the grassy slopes of Kedarkantha Base are two of the most scenic camps in the Himalayas.

The gradual transition of the landscape from forest to open ground while ascending to the top keeps one's eyes engaged. The last push of the summit, typically early morning, is an exhausting but exhilarating walk with a panoramic 360-degree view at the top. The ascent is moderately demanding and appropriate for tourists who want to experience the trekking process at a high elevation without necessarily having to deal with challenging technical issues. A trek would last 5–6 days, depending on the entry and exit, or arrival in or departure from Dehradun, which is the nearest town with any serious claim to importance. Trekkers would need to acclimate themselves to cold climatic conditions, especially in the winter season when the temperature is most likely to drop below zero. As for the mind-blowing natural scenery, the Kedarkantha trek is also a glimpse into the hospitality and culture of Uttarakhand villagers. Whether trekking on snow-lined trails or camping in the vicinity of a campfire under a star-studded night sky, Kedarkantha provides one with a unique Himalayan trekking experience. Because of its proximity, terrain, and rich reward at the summit, it is no wonder that the trek is one of India's most popular winter treks.

History of Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarkashi district of the state of Uttarakhand is as much an eyecandy Himalayan trek as it is a culturally and mythologically rich trek. The name itself, Kedarkantha, means "Throat of Lord Shiva," and the terrain has a highly intimate connection to Hindu mythology. It is mentioned that Kedarkantha also figured in the short list of Lord Shiva when he needed to choose where he would stay and meditate. But he left this site due to fear of molestation by the wildlife and local villagers and relocated his residence to Kedarnath, where it turned out to be the holiest among the Jyotirlingas. The other myth is that the name originated because it had been named after a partial Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva, trying to flee from the Pandavas, took the shape of a bull and reversed into the area. Pandavas, trying to ambush, went blind as he fell into the earth, so only his throat kantha are, remains, and thus the mountain got Kedarkantha. The mythical connection provides a religious atmosphere to the trek, and the crowds even today worship at the summit. Apart from mythology, there is still a high possibility of ancient trade from the Tons Valley to the far-flung Har-ki-Dun villages. Sankri and Hargaon villages on the way retain their hundred-year-old culture, houses, and tradition. Nature around these locations has existed harmoniously, and most of the trekking paths now used were originally the paths of the shepherds.

The past twenty years saw a transformation of the Kedarkantha Trek from a very off-the-beaten-track trek to one of India's greatest winter treks. It caught up with the advantages of ease of accessibility, snow-covered trails, and scenic peaks. The locals embraced trekking tourism, and today most of the villagers are engaged in a prosperous profession as guides, porters, or homestay owners, which has been sustaining the ecology and boosting tourism. The Kedarkantha Trek thus is a mix of myth, history, and modern-day adventure. This is a place where trekkers do not just experience the majesty of the Himalayas but even walk on soil that is soaked in centuries of myth, religion, and culture. Be it the religious origin or the snowy terrain, Kedarkantha still inspires awe and reverence in all those who tread here.

Places to Visit Around Kedarkantha Trek

1. Sankri Village: Sankri is the base village of the Kedarkantha Trek and a scenic place in itself. It is located at an elevation of around 6,400 feet. Sankri offers great views of the white peaks of mountains, forest villages, and serene village life. It is also the base of the Har Ki Dun Trek and the Bali Pass Trek. Village walk provides an insight into the warm and simple nature of people.

2. Juda Ka Talab: There exists a peaceful high-altitude lake by the name Juda Ka Talab, not very far from the Kedarkantha trek, surrounded by pine and oak woods. It is a preferred site to make camp since it freezes in winters, but only as if of a world different in nature, even as a constraint. Myth existed in the context that this lake had myths galore and was created by one single drop of water, which kept falling from the head of Lord Shiva.

3. Har Ki Dun Valley: Har Ki Dun, which falls under Kedarkantha, is a cradle valley. It's renowned for greenery, meadows, and old villages. This is one of the good treks if one wants more adventure in this region of the country. The valley is legendary too because it is said to be inhabited by Pandavas when they moved to heaven.

4. Mori and Purola: These are tiny hill stations along the way to Sankri, which act as a break for tourists. Mori, for example, lies on the Tons River and is renowned for river rafting and natural beauty. Purola is a tiny hill station where you indulge in local food, buy woollens, and relax before venturing further into the hills.

5. Yamunotri: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Yamunotri, is located a few hours’ drive from Sankri. It is the source of the Yamuna River and a sacred destination for Hindu devotees. If you’re visiting during the trekking season and have time, a detour to Yamunotri offers a spiritual and scenic experience.

Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha Trek

• Winter (December to February) – Without any doubt, winter is the best time to attempt the Kedarkantha Trek. From mid-December to February, the entire trekking region is blanketed with snow, a snow-white wonderland of beauty. Snow-pine woods, lake-frosts, and glittering camps welcome the trekkers. The most breathtaking showstopper is ascending the summit when golden sun rays fall on snow-capped mountains like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch. It falls to a low of -10°C, and all one requires is good winter clothing. If one wishes to see actual Himalayan snow trekking, it is the season.

• Spring (March to April) – It is the time when the snow slowly melts and areas of fresh new green grass begin to emerge, and the rhododendrons bloom. The weather is new and cold, and therefore trekking is not disorganised without braving the winter chill. Trekking also offers the comforts of snow at higher altitudes and colored trails at lower altitudes. The visibility is grand with crystal-clear views of the peaks around. The time is apt for one who wants to witness a scenic view without harsh winter weather.

• Summer (May to June) – During early summer, Kedarkantha is a carpet of green with flowers in the meadows and forest cover thick with wildlife and birds. The weather is fresh with open Himalayan views. The best time for first-timers or families to undertake the trek is with excellent weather, with day temperatures between 10°C and 20°C. Snowfall is scarce, but the trek route has a great and vivid landscape, which would be perfect for nature enthusiasts.

• Post-Monsoon (September-November) – The Autumn season also suits the Kedarkantha Trek. Rainforests in monsoons are lush, and the path dries up and opens in the second half of September. Golden brown leaves of hills and a fresh and cool climate. It's less touristy than winter, and hence it is a peaceful time to go to the mountains. It's sunny conditions, and hence this is photographers' heaven. It's also the season period for those who don't want to go through the snow but want to experience an off-season peaceful trekking experience.

How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek

• By Airport: Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The nearest airport to Kedarkantha is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is about 220 km away from Sankri. Daily direct flights from Dehradun to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, the major cities. Shared taxi or cab can be dropped from the airport to Dehradun city (about 30 km) and thereafter, road travel to Sankri.

• By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Dehradun Railway Station. Dehradun Railway Station is well linked to Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Nanda Devi Express, Dehradun Express, and Mussoorie Express are available daily. On reaching Dehradun, a taxi or shared jeep can be taken to Sankri.

• Road: Dehradun - Sankri (Approx. 200 km / 8-10 hours). Road access to Sankri is from Dehradun, and the journey passes through panoramic Himalayan foothills and river valleys.

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