Kedarkantha Trek

Adorned with ravishing beauty of falling snow and fringed with pine trees, The Kedarkantha Peak is one of the most sought after snow trekking destinations in India. With falling winter snow it’s a mesmerizing pictorial view and what’s more attractive, is the view of the Mighty Himalayas from the trails right to the top. Nestled at a height of 3810 meters which is about 12,500 feet this is an ideal trekking trail which covers a consolidated distance of 20 kms. The distance is not much and the trekking trail is neither very difficult which enables even the first time trekkers to set on the adventure and enjoy the beauty of nature at its best. With charming and captivating sights of snow clapped Himalayas, the verdant greenery, lush landscapes, myriad collection of flora, frozen ponds, to the sights of mesmerizing peaks, this trek have all the delightful marvels that a trekker wish to experience and view in his journey. Not only for the adventure seekers and trekkers, to enjoy thrilling challenges, the Kedar kantha trek is an ideal destination for the nature lovers to bask in the beauty of undisturbed nature and enjoy delightful and blissful moments with exhilarating experiences.

Based in Western Garhwal in the Uttarakashi district, the Kedarkantha trek is known for being one of the easy treks of the country which can be attended by people who are in experienced trekkers and have no knowledge of prior trekking. However physical fitness is required where one should be able to jog at least for 4 kms in 30 minutes before committing for the trekking tour. As the altitude rises the air becomes thin and people needs to carry backpacks too, which can all be very difficult, without proper physical fitness.

Trekking in Uttarakhand is always a pleasure due to its ravishing beauty and panoramic natural views that cannot be matched with any other destinations within the country. But among all the fascinating locations and thrilling trekking sites available it is the snow treks of Kedarkantha which inspires every trekker a lot. In fact it has a lot of reasons of being such a terrific trek which makes it so popular among the enthusiastic travelers. The very first reason is the availability of snow till the end of April making it one of the best winter trek destination of all. And what more one can view the lovely snows at a height of only 10,000 feet lying at the base of the pine trees. The next reason for its popularity is the lovely campsites, where every site is unique in its own way and does not match the beauty with any other campsites in the journey. Another beauty of this trekking trail is that it starts from dense pine forest where one can begin the trekking trail walking over the bed brown dried leaves creating a unique experience and a magnificent view that is absolutely unparallel. Last but not the least is the splendid jaw dropping breath taking view of the famous snow clapped mountain summits that comes into view as soon as one steps in Kedarkantha base and the view gets more stunning which each step towards the summit. In a whole the trekking tour promises refreshing and heart filled pleasure which makes the destination so attractive to millions of visitors throughout the year

Though Kedarkantha trek can be conducted almost the whole year but the aspiring views that it provides in the winter months from December to April cannot be compared with summer times. The snow clapped trekking trails and the buckets of snow at the base of the pine trees are a fascinating beauty to savor and which remains only available during the winter days. In fact for the locals the winter months are a time for rejoice and they enjoy with a number of festivals during this time. However it is better to avoid the monsoon time for trekking in these trail.

About the trek:

The journey for the beautiful Kedarkantha peak commences from the city of Dehradun. From Dehradun it’s a long drive to Sankri located at an altitude of 6400 feet and takes about 10 hours to reach. It’s a distance of 220 km from Dehradun. The trekking trip starts from Sankri the next day towards Jadu Ka Talab which is based at 9100 feet and takes about 5 hours trekking to reach the destination. During this trail one can experience the beauty of lush meadows, dense pine forests, cascading beautiful streams, and gorgeous maple trees. Here is the first campsite where the trekkers need to stay in tents. From Jadu ka talab on the following day one needs to trek up to 11,250 feet towards Kedarkantha base which is again a distance of approximately 4.5 kms. In this trail the trekkers pass through lush meadows and for the first time catch the view multiple snow capped peaks standing tall encircling the location. The next destination is the Kedarkantha peak which is based at a height of 12,500 feet and this trail can be a little challenging in compared to others. However the views of the fascinating Himalayas make it up for all the hard work with its breathtaking views. On conquering the peak it’s a journey back where the first stop would be at Horegaon camp at 8900 feet which can be reached on the same day evening. The next day it’s a trail back to Sankri through dense pine forests. From Sankri it’s a journey back to Dehradun and way forward.

Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most fascinating and thrilling trekking tours which provides all the excitement but with limited challenges and in much less time. It’s a weeklong tour and can be easily commuted through Dehradun which can be reached from all parts of the country. The tour is one of the least expensive trekking tours and can be enjoyed with all ease and comfort.

Kedarkantha Trek Highlights:

- Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most beautiful treks which take you to the land of some of the best views which you will cherish for a lifetime.

- This winter trek will take you through a journey of some of the unknown places with the best views of the mountains.

- During your trek you will trek across some of the most beautiful sights with snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys and frozen ponds.

- Get a chance to witness the vivid flora and fauna of the region as you continue your trek.

- Each of the campsites is known for its amazing surroundings with the beauty of pine trees.

- Soak in the amazing beauty of the region while you continue trekking through the lush meadows, dense pine forests, cascading beautiful streams, and gorgeous maple trees.

Quick Facts:

Temperature: Day: 8°C-15°C and Night: -5°C-3°C

Trekking Distance: 20km

Maximum Altitude: 12,500ft

Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate 

Railway Station: Dehradun is the nearest railway station 

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Base Camp: Sankri (10 hrs drive from Dehradun) 

ATM: Purola has the last ATM point before your trek begins.

Chadar Trek: Trek on the frozen Zanskar

The Chadar Trek is a winter-trail on Zanskar river. The walls on both sides are near vertical cliffs up to 600 m high and the Zanskar River is only 5 m wide in places. The gorge gets very little sunlight which is one of the reason for formation of Chadar. The Chadar Trek is the frozen Zanskar River which provides an access route to the Zanskar Valley and is used as a trail by locals . Chadar trek is one of the most thrilling and adventurous trek in India. In the local language “chadar” means blanket. During the summer months this river becomes a perfect location for river rafting expeditions and during the winters it transforms into an ice sheet on which this trek is done. The best time to do the Chadar trek is January to February, when the temperatures drop sometimes to -25 to -36 degrees.








Why Zanskar?

Find yourself experiencing the adrenaline rush in one of the most sought-after treks in the world, brilliantly beautiful yet extremely challenging, one of a kind, once in a lifetime adventure, soon becoming a fad among travellers & adventure lovers from country & the world alike.





The trek is all about persistence & survival – of learning to survive in the harsh terrains at sub-zero temperatures, interacting with the locals & understanding their way of living, especially in one of the most inhabitable regions in the world, while you trek across a dramatic gorge with frozen waterfalls on the frozen trail of Zanskar spanned out like a “Chadar” (hence the name) that acts like a mirror for the sky. After all there aren’t many of such exclusive adventure pursuits where you get to partake in the primal thrill of sleeping in caves, musing over blazing bonfires in freezing temperatures with most definitely the ever present sense of danger, yet surviving it all – making it the “Do before you die” journey!

Pin Parvati

The Pin Parvati Pass is a mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh, India.It was first crossed in August 1884 by Sir Louis Dane in search of an alternate route to the Spiti valley. This pass connects the fertile and lush Parvati valley on the Kullu side with the Pin valley on the Spiti side.

It is a popular trekking route today though still rarely visited. This trans-Himalayan trek is the shortest route between the Kullu and Spiti Valleys. Once over the Pin-Parvati pass (5400m), there is a complete change in landscape – the mountain slopes immediately turn barren and rugged. The prevalent culture of the inhabitants also changes from Hinduism on the Kullu side to Buddhism in Spiti.
Often referred to as the most challenging trek in the Indian Himalaya, it’s more than worth the effort.

Sar Pass Trek

The Sar Pass is in Parvati Valley of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a state of India. A trek to Sar Pass is organised every year by Youth Hostels Association of India. One batch of 40 to 50 persons starts everyday from 1 May to 31 May. This is one of the most challenging and difficult treks offered by Youth Hostels of India over the years.

Sar, in local dialect, means a lake. While trekking, across the path from Tila Lotni to Biskeri Ridge, one has to pass by a small, (normally) frozen lake (Sar) and hence the name Sar Pass Trek.

Har Ki Doon

Har Ki Doon valley is a cradle shaped hanging valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is surrounded by snow covered peaks and alpine vegetation. It is connected to Baspa Valley by the Borasu Pass
This valley is snow covered during October to March. The trek to the valley passes the villages of Osala, Gangaad and Seema. It is a 2 day trek from the end point of the road that is Taluka village. There is a shop and a small restaurant at Taluka, where trekkers can buy eatables like biscuits and wafers etc. The valley is around 20-25 km from Taluka.

Har ki Doon Trek is located at the base of Fetch Pravat, at an altitude of 3,556 meters. Har Ki Doon , the cradle shaped valley is a paradise for trekkers, bird watchers and naturel lovers. Dense forests of pines and glittering mountain peaks surround the valley. This moderate trek takes you to one of the least explored regions of Garhwal Himalayas. The valley is scattered with wild Himalayan Flowers and the whole valley looks colorful during flowering season in monsoon.
The best time for trekking in Har ki doon valley is June to October. During the rest of the years the region remains either very cold or wet. The valley is full of wildlife, which makes it a paradise for nature lovers.
The trek starts from Netwar to Osla through dense forests of chestnuts, walnuts, willows and chinars. The trek from Osla to Har-ki-doon is through terraced mountain fields, lush green grassy land and conifer forests. Har ki Doon is one of the most fascinating and least visited areas of the Garhwal Himalaya.

About the Trek

Sankri is the first destination of your eight day trek. Located at the altitude of good 1950 mt, this point embraces some magnificent views of Garhwal Mountains. These mighty mountains covered with snow offer a glimpse of exploration that has just begun. From here, you have to walk on the plain for next 5-6 hours to reach Taluka. Taluka lies at the foothills of Himalaya and is a vast meadow. If you visit in the spring season, you will find this pasture filled with wild, aromatic flowers. Walking in between the beautiful flowers while inhaling their intoxicated fragrance is the worth coming on this trip. Next morning, undulated walk for 10-12 km will take you towards the next destination, Osla. All the year you will find this land filled with wild beautiful orchids.

Har ki Doon is an ascending climb for 14 km from Osla. It is situated at the foothills of Swargrohini Peak and bestow its trekkers some amazing scenic views of the nature. Walk 2 km ahead and you will reach at Jaundhar glacier lies at the base of Swargarohini Mountain. This place is must visit for its natural exquisiteness that mostly engrossed everyone.

Dodital

Dodital is a freshwater lake in Uttarakhand, India, situated at a height of 3,024 metres (9,921 ft). To reach Dodital, one may reach Uttarkashi by road and then walk to Dodital here via Bebra and other minor villages alongside the Ganges river. From Uttarkashi, a short jeep ride will take you to Sangamchatti from where the 21 km trek to Dodital begins. This is a mostly gentle trek, with overnight halt options at the village of Agora or Bebra. At Agora, which is 7 km from Sangamchatti, one can stay at one of the private lodges or alternatively, camp at Bebra which is 9 km from Sangamchatti. From there one can start the second leg of the trek the next day which will take you to Dodital via the small village of Manjhi.
There are a couple of forest rest houses at Dodital where one can book a stay by taking a permit at the forest office in Uttarkashi. Alternatively, one can camp by carrying tents. There's a basic canteen where one can get food and tea.

According to one of the popular legends Lord Ganesha chose this place as his abode. There is a temple devoted to Lord Ganesha here. Another name for this lake is 'Dhundital' meaning Ganesh ka tal or lake of Ganesha.

Deo Tibba

Deo Tibba is a beautiful trek that would take you to the grazing pastures of the Gaddi shepherds, and the Chandertal Lake (4,480 m) with an outstanding view of Deo Tibba peak (6,001 m)and its huge hanging glaciers. As you traverse across mountain streams, meadows and log bridges, the panorama of the mighty Himalayas keeps changing to give you an authentic feeling of the Greater Himalayan range, which in turn makes this a trek worth experiencing. It is an absolute delight for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts too.