Kedarkantha
India
A classic 12,500 ft Himalayan summit trek that turns strangers into lifelong friends.
Kedarkantha is the quintessential beginner-friendly summit trek in India, and for group travel, it is an absolute goldmine. You start as strangers in a bumpy tempo traveler from De...
Photos
Top Operators
Browse by month
Upcoming (7)
Embrace the wild Kedarnath
Kedarkantha Trek
Soul Seeker - Kedarkantha Trek Winter Snow Most Popular
Kedarkantha Trek Uttarakhand 5 Nights / 6 Days
Kedarkantha Trek
Kedarkantha Trek
Himalayan Trek Lobby - Kedarkantha Winter Snow Trek 4N/5D
Past trips (1)
Explore Nearby
If you like Kedarkantha, you might also enjoy these destinations.
Trips by Departure City
Find Kedarkantha trips departing from your city.
What to Expect
Day 1 is a brutal 8 to 10-hour winding tempo traveler ride from Dehradun to Sankri. Motion sickness pills are mandatory. Your accommodation in Sankri will be a basic guesthouse, usually triple or quad sharing. Once the trek begins, say goodbye to beds. You'll be sleeping in alpine tents, typically 3-person sharing, on sleeping mats and inside thick sleeping bags. Group dynamics dictate the pace; you'll learn to encourage the slower trekkers and share snacks on steep inclines. The physical demand is moderate, but the altitude makes every step feel 50% harder. Food is surprisingly excellent—local kitchen staff whip up hot dal chawal, soup, rotis, and even gulab jamun at 10,000 ft. Your daily schedule is military: wake up at 6 AM to 'bed tea', pack your rucksack, trek for 4-5 hours, and reach the next camp by lunchtime. The summit day is the wild card—you start at 2 AM in pitch darkness, wearing headlamps, trudging through snow or scree to catch the sunrise at 12,500 ft. Expect dry pit toilets (essentially a hole in the ground inside a small tent). It’s not glamorous, but it builds character.
- Dry pit toilets are the reality. They smell, they are cold, and you have to squat. No flush toilets after Sankri.
- The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is exhausting and notorious for inducing severe motion sickness.
- Altitude Sickness (AMS) is a real threat. Do not hide your headaches or nausea from your trek leader.
- Zero mobile connectivity after you leave the Purola/Sankri area. You will be off the grid for 4 days.
- Winter batches (Dec-Jan) get absurdly crowded. You might find 500+ people sharing the trail and campsites.
Things to Do
Plan Your Trip
Your journey starts at Dehradun, which is well connected by flights (Jolly Grant Airport), trains (Shatabdi/Vande Bharat from Delhi), and overnight Volvo buses. From Dehradun, Sankri (the base village) is about 200 km away. Group tours usually arrange a shared Tempo Traveler or Bolero from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:30 AM. The drive takes 8-10 hours through winding mountain roads. If traveling independently, you can catch a local bus from Dehradun to Purola, and then a shared taxi to Sankri, costing around ₹600-800 one way. Private taxis will cost upwards of ₹6,000 for the drop.
Local Guide
Must try: Pahadi Rajma Chawal, Linguda (fiddlehead fern) vegetable, Mandua (Ragi) ki Roti, Local Red Rice
Eat whatever the kitchen staff provides, even if you lose your appetite at altitude. Your body needs the calories.
- Respect the local deities. The Garhwal region is known as Devbhoomi (Land of Gods). Do not disrespect local shrines.
- Do not play loud music on Bluetooth speakers on the trail. It disturbs wildlife and other trekkers.
- Dress modestly when walking through Sankri and Saur villages.
- Always ask before taking close-up portraits of local villagers or shepherds.
FAQs
How do we go to the toilet on the trek?
Is it safe for solo female travelers to join a group?
Can I drink alcohol to stay warm at night?
How do I charge my phone or camera?
Do I need to buy expensive trekking shoes?
Will I get altitude sickness?
Can I take a bath during the trek?
What if I can't walk anymore?
Group Trips to Kedarkantha
Looking for the ultimate adventure? Group trips to Kedarkantha are rapidly becoming the most sought-after trekking experience in India. Located in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand, the Kedarkantha trek packages offer an unbeatable mix of thrilling ascents, dense pine forests, and jaw-dropping Himalayan views. Whether you are searching for a winter trek in Uttarakhand to experience knee-deep snow, or a pleasant summer escape into the mountains, Kedarkantha delivers. It’s widely considered one of the best group treks in India because of its moderate difficulty level, making it accessible for beginners while still challenging enough for seasoned hikers. Starting from the scenic Sankri base camp, the trail takes you through Juda Ka Talab and up to a staggering 12,500 ft summit. Booking a group tour to Kedarkantha means you don't have to worry about the logistics—permits, tents, food, and transport from Dehradun are all handled by expert trek leaders. It is the perfect getaway for corporate offsites, college groups, and solo travelers looking to meet like-minded adventurers. Compare the best Kedarkantha trekking itineraries and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the Garhwal Himalayas.
Destination data helps you shortlist trips quickly. Refreshed periodically.
