Kedarkantha Trek
Nestled at an elevation of 12,500 feet, Kedarkantha is a picturesque mountain peak of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand which is located within Govind Ballabh Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind Ballabh National Park. Kedarkantha trek treats you to an exotic species of flora and fauna all through the trail.
If you are wishing a short rendezvous from the daily boring routine of city life then Kedarkantha trek is perfect choice for you. Whether hiking on snowy winter trails or traversing your path through glossy green pine forests, Kedarkantha trek is a trekkers delight.
Even though Kedarkantha Trek is a perfect destination during all seasons, where snow-capped mountains encompassed by tall trees offer mesmerizing scenes from altitudes as low as 10,000 feet.
According to Hindu mythology, Juda Ka Talab which lies on the trek originate to the water droplets that fell from Lord Shiva’s hair. Juda ka talab is set of Hindi words which means lake (Talab) formed by water from Lord Shiva’s bun (Juda) touched the ground.
‘Section of Lord Shiva’, Kedarkantha is the place where Lord Shiva once meditated in Kedarkantha and then relocated to Kedarnath. It literally means ‘Throat of Lord Shiva’.
The Kedarkantha trek starts at Sankri which is situated at a distance of around 210 km from Dehradun. It takes around 10 hours by road from Dehradun to reach Sankri and the journey takes you through zigzag roads with lofty mountains.
The Godly summits of Swargarohini, one of the glittering enchantments of the trek is said to be the stairway to heaven. According to Hindu Mythology that Yudhishitra along with his dog reached heaven via this sacred peak.
Situated at 6,400 feet, Sankri is a serene village located in the foothills of Himalayas which serves as the base camp for Kedarkantha trek. Trekking trail from Sankri takes you to Juda ka Talab, the sacred mountain lake through dense forests.
Juda Ka Talab, is the spectacular campsite located at an altitude of 9,000 feet. It is beautifully nestled amidst snow-capped mountain peaks and lush flora of pine and oak trees. Juda Ka Talab weather varies from -12 to -1 in winter months, while 3 to 12 degrees in summer months.
From Juda ka Talab, you have to trek around 4 km through pine and oak trees to reach the open highlands just below the Kedarkantha peak. Just as the forest ends, you reach a lush green meadow which is Kedarkantha base camp.
Day 1:
Arrival at Sankri
Day 2:
Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab
Day 3:
Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base
Day 4:
Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha peak; descend to Hargaon camp
Day 5:
Hargaon camp to Sankri
Day 6:
Departure day (Sankri to Dehradun)