If you are interested in taking up the Kedarkantha trek, there are many factors that you need to take into account before booking your trip. This article will guide you through all the major considerations, along with practical tips on what to bring, how to plan your travel arrangements and so on, to ensure your tour of the Kedarkantha peak is safe and enjoyable.

Introduction to Kedarkantha trek

Kedarkantha is a popular winter trekking destination in Uttarakhand. The trailhead for the Kedarkantha trek is located at an altitude of 12,500 feet, and the trek itself takes place entirely above the tree line. The terrain is mostly alpine meadows and snow-covered forests, with some rocky sections near the summit. 

The views from the top of Kedarkantha are truly stunning, and the feeling of achievement after completing the trek is unmatched.

However, before you embark on this adventure, there are a few things you should know. In this article, we'll give you an overview of what to expect on the Kedarkantha trek, including the difficulty level, ideal time to go, and essential gear. We'll also share some expert tips on how to make the most of your experience. So read on for everything you need to know about trekking to Kedarkantha!

Location of the Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha trek is located in the Uttarakhand region of India. It lies in the Western Himalayas, specifically in the Garhwal district. The exact location of the trek is from Sankri Village to Kedarkantha Base Camp. 

Sankri village is the starting point of the Kedarkantha trek. It is a small village located in Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. The village lies at an altitude of 2000 m and is a beautiful place to relax and acclimatize before starting the trek. 

Kedarkantha base camp is located at an altitude of 3600 m. The camp provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks and meadows. It is also the perfect place to spot wildlife such as deer, bears, and birds.

What Time Is Best For Kedarkantha Trek?

The best time to trek to Kedarkantha is between mid-December and mid-March. This is when the weather is at its best, with chances of snowfall. However, you should be prepared for cold temperatures, as nighttime lows can dip below freezing. If you're not comfortable with cold weather, you may want to wait until springtime to trek to Kedarkantha. 

How Hard Is Kedarkantha Trek?

The Kedarkantha trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. This is due to the high altitude, as well as the fact that it involves some uphill hiking. If you're reasonably fit and have no problem with heights, then you should be able to complete the trek without any issues. However, if you're not used to high altitudes or strenuous physical activity, you may want to consider an easier trek.

What To Wear and How Do I Protect Myself for Kedarkantha trek?

Assuming you have the proper gear for hiking, you will want to focus on two main layers: an insulation layer and a waterproof/windproof outer layer. For your insulation layer, you will want to choose clothing that is both warm and breathable. This can include items such as a fleece jacket, synthetic insulated jacket, down jacket, or wool sweater.

For your outer layer, you will want to choose a waterproof and windproof jacket or shell. This will help protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable while hiking.

In addition to layering your clothing, it is also important to protect your skin from the sun and cold weather. Be sure to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors and reapply as needed throughout the day. 

You may also want to pack lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat to further protect your face from the sun. In colder weather, it is important to cover up any exposed skin to avoid frostbite. Wear gloves, a scarf, and beanie when necessary. 

Finally, don’t forget to pack plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up while hiking. A small daypack or CamelBak can help you stay hydrated on the trail.

What Should I Bring With Me?

When packing for your Kedarkantha trek, be sure to bring plenty of layers to stay warm at night. A good sleeping bag is essential, as temperatures can drop below freezing. 

You'll also need a daypack to carry your essentials during the hike. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. 

A first-aid kit is always a good idea, as there are no hospitals nearby. Finally, make sure you have a map of the area so you don't get lost!

Physical Aspects of the Hike and Who Can Participate?

The Kedarkantha trek is a moderately challenging trek that takes place in the Indian Himalayas. It is best suited for those who have some previous hiking experience, as there are parts of the trail that are steep and challenging. The hike itself is about 12 kilometers long and can be completed in two to three days. 

There are several camping spots along the way, so hikers can make the trek as long or as short as they want. The best time to do the Kedarkantha hike is between October and April, as the weather during these months is typically cool and dry.

Factors That Can Affect A Person's Ability To Complete The Hike

There are many factors that can affect a person's ability to complete the Kedarkantha Trek. The first is the level of fitness of the individual. It is important to be in good physical shape before embarking on this hike, as it is quite strenuous. 

Another factor is the weather. If it is rains or snows heavily during the trek, this can make hiking conditions very difficult and may cause some people to turn back. 

Finally, one's acclimatization to high altitude is crucial; if a person does not have proper acclimatization, he or she may suffer from altitude sickness, which can be debilitating and even life-threatening.

Itinerary for kedarkantha trek

Assuming you start the Kedarkantha trek from Sankri, day 1 would be quite easy as it would mostly be a short and to Juda ka Talab. You will be walking through dense forests and might even spot some wildlife! The trail then opens up to reveal Juda ka Talab – a small but beautiful lake perfect for a picnic lunch. After lunch, you will continue your journey through more forests before reaching your campsite at Jud ka Talab.

On day 2, you will wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Himalayas – an unforgettable experience! After breakfast, you will begin your ascent toward the Kedarkantha base camp. The hike today is moderate to challenging, but the views more than makeup for it. You will camp overnight at Kedarkantha base camp, just below the peak.

On day 3, you will make the final push to reach the summit of Kedarkantha. At 3,890 meters above sea level, this is no easy feat but the view from the top is truly breathtaking. After spending some time enjoying the view, you will begin your descent back to base camp where you will camp for one final night.

On day 4, you will make your way back down to Sankri before heading home with some amazing memories (and photos!) of your time in the Himalayas.

Mythology of Kedarkantha

The Kedarkantha trek gets its name from the Lord Kedar temple which is situated at the summit of the trek. The temple is said to be more than 600 years old and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The mythology surrounding the temple and the mountain is fascinating, and adds to the overall experience of the trek.

According to legend, Lord Shiva was meditating on Mount Kedar when he was disturbed by the loud noise made by a group of hunters who were chasing a deer. Annoyed by the disruption, Lord Shiva cursed them all to turn into Stones. As a result, there are numerous rock formations on the mountain which are said to be petrified hunters.

Another popular legend surrounds the black mallard ducks that are found in abundance on the lake at the summit of Mount Kedar. It is said that these ducks were once white, but turned black after being tainted by sin. Consequently, it is considered bad luck to kill one of these ducks.

The Kedarkantha trek offers hikers a chance to explore this mythology and experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in India.

Weather conditions in Kedarkantha trek

What kind of weather can you expect on a Kedarkantha trek?

The winter months (December to March) are the best time to visit Kedarkantha trek. This is when the snowfall is at its heaviest, making for some spectacular scenes. However, the cold temperatures (-10°C to -20°C) and short days (sunrise is around 8am and sunset is around 4pm) means that you need to be well-prepared for your trek.

The summer months (June to September) are also a good time to trek, as the weather is much milder (10°C to 15°C). However, there will be no snow on the ground, which means that the scenery won't be as impressive.

Either way, you should always be prepared for changeable weather conditions. Pack layers that you can easily add or remove depending on the temperature, and make sure you have a good waterproof jacket for Kedarkantha trek.