Kedarkantha Trek

Dehradun

The thrilling Kedarkantha Trek begins from Dehradun city. The trekkers are received warmly in Dehradun city at 6:30 am for onward journey to Sankri by road. Sankri is located at a distance of 220kms on the National Highway 123. It is a long but scenic drive ensuring absolute comfort to the trekkers so that they can enjoy the beauty of the location. The scenic surroundings increase the excitement of reaching the destination and exhilarate the joy of the thrilling tour that remains yet to be experienced. The journey is a bit long and takes about evening to reach the destination. In between, one can enjoy the lunch break at one of the popular eateries having some local food and homemade spices. The last 22 km to Sankri is all the more exciting since it travels through Govind National Park which is famous for its avid collection of flora, typical of this region. The expected time to reach Sankri is 5 pm. However on reaching the destination, one can check in to the prior booked hotel. Our representative shall help with the check-in formalities. After freshening up, since the evening is free for leisure one can enjoy indoors and relax or can set out to explore the beautiful Sankri village where there are local shops, dhabas and a small market selling mostly daily goods. You can also interact with your fellow trekkers in the mean-time. The BSNL network is quite erratic here so getting the phone lines can be a little difficult. One can have dinner at the hotel premises or can enjoy dinner at the dhabas to taste some local flavors and experience the cuisine of the area.

14 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Sankri

The actual trekking on this trip starts from Sankri. Having a fresh start after a healthy breakfast, it is a journey straight towards Juda which is based at an altitude of 9100 feet. It’s a 4km trek and the approximate time for reaching the same is around 5 hours. The journey begins by moving out of Sankri village through an extension called Saur. Once the village is crossed, the road takes a wide curve and climbs sharply. Moving along the stream this is the road that heads towards Kedarkantha. With exotic views, the trail is wide and one can hear the sounds of the stream along the trail all along but may not be visible till much further. On the way, one can check out remote villages where women and kids can be found carrying bundles of wooden logs, wooden sticks and dry leaves for household cooking and setting up night fire. Boars, martens and hares can also be spotted in this region. The scenario, however, changes a lot in the summer months when the luscious meadows remain verdant green with hilly flowers of a unique kind. Crossing few streams and continuing through the trail and rising sharp through dense oaks one can reach the beautiful pictorial spot of Jadu Ka Talab which cannot be missed by any trekker due to its sharp contrasting and unique beauty. Juda is an amazing destination. It is an ideal campsite surrounded by pine and oak forest. This stop is no less than a treat for photography lovers. Stars can be gazed during the night by making one-self all cozy with a cup of hot tea and maggie.

14 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

After breakfast, we set out for the next leg of our journey where the trail is somewhat straight forward and quite visible. The distance from Jadu to this destination is about 4kms and at a moderate speed, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the place. The trek resumes through the dense forest of pine and oak trees. We'll encounter a steep ridge and denser areas. In this trail, one will come across many shepherd huts in open meadows which are quite delightful to see. While trekking in the winters, one can easily find the traces of snow at an altitude of 10,400 feet. Here, one may take a long break to reenergize the body and get the enthralling view of natural extravaganza in the area. Just before reaching the Kedarkantha Base one can enjoy the fascinating views of the arc-shaped range of now clapped mountains comprising of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana showcasing their beauty. After reaching the base, set up the tent in a preferred place which is open and one can enjoy a clear view of the night sky.

14 Hours • Admission Ticket Included

The fourth day of the trek is aimed at reaching Kedarkantha Peak. Today, the trekkers will elevate from 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet. The schedule of the day includes hiking to Kedarkantha peak and then again descending back till Hargaon camp which is based at 8900 feet. Total journey is of 6 km in total and takes about 7 hours of time at a moderate speed. The day begins early with a filling breakfast and enjoying the sunrise at Kedarkantha meadows which is simply pure and divine. The way to the top can be made through several trails but it is better to take the main trail as it keeps rising at an even level. On this route, the trekkers need to again cover a few portions of the oak forest but the journey through this trail is much easier and faster. Climbing through the forest till its end, one can find the Kedarkantha peak much closer. Towards the end of the trail and close to the top the trek becomes a little difficult and can be a little strenuous especially for the first time trekkers. At the top of the peak, there is a small yet beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati.

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Today, the time for descending further to Sankri takes about 4 hours or more at a moderate speed. After having breakfast, pack your bags to descend further through a more clearly marked well-paved pathway, laden with small stones. You can fill water here for the rest of the track. A little further down the trail comes to a ridge from where it gives a splendid view of Har ki Dun valley. By morning, descending a furthermore through the dense forests we will reach Sankri. The last 2500 feet is filled with dense pine forests. On reaching the base, the vehicle will be waiting for you. It’s time to bid adieu. It takes about 10 hours to reach Dehradun. Scenic ambience and lovely surroundings mark the journey back to Dehradun city a pleasant farewell. The group reaches Dehradun at around 7'o clock in the evening. For all those who wish to stay in Dehradun and enjoy the place for a day or more can book a hotel in the city and spend some more lovely days in the midst the beautiful Himalayas.

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