Kedarkantha Trek

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Trek Difficulty
Trek Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Trek Duration
Trek Duration

6 Days

Highest Altitude
Highest Altitude

12,500 Feet

Group Size
Group Size

12

Trek Distance
Trek Distance

20 Km

Basecamp
Basecamp

Sankri | Uttarakhand

Best Time
Best Time

December - April

Pickup Point
Pickup Point

Dehradun

Kedarkantha Trek Overview

The Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most popular winter treks in India located in Govind Pashu Vihar national park in Uttrakashi. Being famed by its irresistible snow-covered routes, shocking scenic camps, and pleasing mount view of 360deg, this hike captures the soul of the Himalayas in India. Both an amateur and a skilled trekker, Kedarkantha will be an experience and an invaluable one full of adventure, scenic beauty and tranquility.

The Kedarkantha winter trek is in fact termed as the Queen of winter treks, and with reason too. The trip brings you to the ancient oak and pine lined forests sprinkled with snow, gorgeous villages in the Himalayas and expansive grasslands that become glitzy white carpets during winter season. The Kedarkantha summit that is 12,500 ft in elevation offers spectacular views of popular peaks such as Swargarohini and Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and Ranglana to trekkers.

Kedarkantha trek is the right distance of 20 km, in 4-5 days, suitable to the first time trekkers to take the moderate adventure. The route begins at a small village, 200km north of Dehradun named Sankri and can be approached by road easily. One of the most picturesque drives in Uttarakhand is the Kedarkantha trek which runs through Mussoorie, Naugaon, and Purola, and is located in Dehradun.

Over the winter months, Kedarkantha trek is at a range of -5degC to 10degC which forms a snow nirvana that would leave behind amazing photographs in relation to snow climbers and users of snow. Its total experience is once in a lifetime, thanks to the silence of the woods, the sound of snows crunching under their feet, and the sunrise bathed in gold slowly rising on the mountain top.

At Rewild India, we make it an experience of the Kedarkantha Trek that is safe, sustainable and one that is close to the earth. We have trained trek leaders, environmentally friendly habits and small size of groups so as to offer you the uncivilized beauty of the Himalayas without jeopardizing comfort and care.

Why not then, dreaming of the snow scholarship, camping under the stars, and feeling the grandeur of the Himalayasetc consider it proper for you to go to the Kedarkantha Winter Trek.

Best Time to Do the Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek is an uncommon Himalayan path and can be undertaken nearly all the year around but in winter season (December to April), it starts to turn into a fairy tale. It is also at this stage when the trek is popularly referred to as the Kedarkantha Winter Trek and trekkers all over India and outside India came to enjoy its snow which covers across forests and scintillating white snow interchangeable landscapes.

Winter

Winter Wonderland (December to February)

The Popular Season

December to February is the most appropriate period of Kedarkantha Trek in case you want snow, adventure, and beautiful sunrise. Throughout these months the trail is covered with snow entirely. The Kedarkantha hiking temperature varies down to about -5°C in the winter. Trails in the forest are quiet and the camps such as Juda Ka Talab and Hargaon twinkle with snow.

Spring

Spring to the Early Summer (March to May)

Pleasant Weather & Blooms

In March to May there is a different attraction as the snow starts to melt. The grass is assuming a green color once again, rhododendrons begin to bloom and the weather is getting more stable. It is the easiest time of the year when trekkers can appreciate action in pleasant climate and sunny weather conditions. It is also a beginner-friendly trek in such pleasant weather.

Autumn

Autumn (October to November)

Crystal Clear Views

After the rainy season, the road networks are cleared and there is wonderful mountain scenery and cool atmosphere. The wood reeks of pine-wood and the nights are colder and intimating of a winter. The autumn season is somewhere to be when greenery with spirading snows strikes the right chord.

In Rewild India, we suggest the Kedarkantha Winter Trek (December - April) for snow-addicted adventurers looking for that picture-perfect camp, where the forest is silent, and every step in the snow is like walking in a dream.

Why You Should Do the Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek is not just another Himalayan journey, but a spiritual journey where you must go as far as immerse within the natural wilderness of the unconquered Uttarakhand. This trail is considered a wonder of snow-covered forest trails, air-postcard ready camp sites and incredible views of the mountain, and its setting is 12,500 ft.

1. Stunning 360-degree views from the summit.

The summit is by and far the best thing about the Kedarkantha Trek. Even above that, in every direction you look encompasses simply an interminable scene of snow-covered Himalayan mountains, Swargarohini, Black Peak, Bandarpoonch, and Ranglana just to name a few. Making it up the mountain as the initial rays of sunlight caress the mountain tops is an experience that changes your entire life-span.

2. Snow-Topped Trees and Picturesque Campsites.

The path in winter is a hiking in mystical forests. Massive pine and oak trees are covered with snowy coats, and the sun goes through their trees providing golden spots on the white soil. Campsite locations such as Juda Ka Talab and Hargaon are ready to come into a fairytale - frozen ice in lakes, silent woods and star skies.

3. Himalayan Cultural Experience.

The Himalaya trek of the Kedarkantha in Dehradun would start with a picturesque drive to the base camp of the trek, Sankri, a mountain village which is very traditional. You will see wooden houses, local temples, smiles of the people of the village who have not changed their culture all their life. Your trekking will be heartened with the opportunity of interacting with the locals.

4. Ideal for first-timers and new trekkers.

Being a lasting 20 km source of the Kedarkantha trek with the setting spread throughout the duration of 4 to 5 days, it is a medium-scale trek that beginners can easily watch. The slow climb ensures that you see all the best in the process of climbing it without any rush. It is not too difficult and extremely satisfying to the trekkers of all ages.

5. The Unforgettable Winter Experience.

The winter charm is what is actually special in a Kedarkantha Trek. Frozen lakes, snow, and cool mountain air give it the effect that one has gone to a different world. The temperature of Kedarkantha trek in the winter season is between -5 deg C to 10 degrees celsius forming such an ideal alpine environment.

6. Rediscover Nature and Spend Some Time with Yourself.

It is not the summit that one is seeking at Rewild India. It is all about taking things at its pace, breathing in, and getting back to nature. Our environmental conscience attitude will help to have minimal effect on our environment and leave you room to re-focus, to restore your energy and to re-thespionate your soul.

Difficulty Level of Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek is a trail which is extremely accessible and is also an adventure at the same time, a very rare combination in the Himalayas. Through its clearly-marked destination, moderate elevation, as well as closely rewarding vista, it qualifies as a amateur-friendly Himalayan trek that can be appreciated by any person with a minimum fitness, and who just loves being outdoors.

The overall Kedarkantha hiking track is approximately 20 km that is completed on the route of 4-5 days. The route raises fairly slowly, beginning with the village of Sankri (6,400 ft) all the way to the top at 12,500 ft, giving the caretaker much opportunity to get used to elevated altitudes.

The Kedarkantha Winter Trek is a diverse terrain with lots of pine trees, open meads, frozen lakes, and snowfields. The first distance between Sankri and Juda Ka Talab will consist of even rise with forest trails and slight increase to Kedarkantha Base Camp. The trail is hectic as one goes up to the summit, particularly with snow but the view at the top is worth all the effort taken.

During winter where the path is covered with snow, trekking poles and good pairs of shoes come in handy impressive. The snow is a magic ingredient in the scenery, but it can render the climb a little more difficult.

On winter time Kedarkantha trek, the day temperature is 5°C to 10°C and nights are as low as -5°C to -8°C. Although this may be chilling it all depends on the correct layering and equipment as this guarantees warmth and comfort during the hike.

Considering that you can run 20-30 minutes or jump up stairs without significant exhaustion, this is enough to think that you may make an attempt to the Kedarkantha Trek. One of its best features is the gradual nature, which is suitable to beginners, as well as, a family or a first-time trekker.

We create the atmosphere where anyone, no matter their experience level, would experience support and confidence at Rewild India. This forecasted experience is secure, fun, and immensely gratifying due to our professional trek guides, security measures and customsized directions.

How to Plan for Kedarkantha Trek

Designed thought on the Kedarkantha Trek can be as stimulating as taking part in one - particularly with having an idea in advance of what to anticipate and how to train. It is easy to be alone, with friends, or part of a group who have identified a highly qualified Rewild India guide, however having a thought out plan is certain that your Himalayan expedition would be an adventure not forgotten.

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Base (the starting point) - Kedarkantha Trek from Dehradun

Your trip starts in the capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun, which can be easily reached by road, rail and air. The Kedarkantha Trek from Dehradun would normally begin with a picturesque 8-9 hour ride to Sankri, a tiny mountain village and the base camp of the trek.

On its way, a section of the Tons River runs through the route of Dehradun via Mussoorie, Purola, Mori, and Naitwar where one gets a glimpse of the grand Garhwal Himalayas.

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The distance and Trek route of Kedarkantha trek overview

The distance of Keardingantha trek is some 20 km, which is amassed in 6 days (including travel).

  • Day 1: Dehradun → Sankri (Base Camp)
  • Day 2: Sankri → Juda Ka Talab (Campsite)
  • Day 3: Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp
  • Day 4: Kedarkantha Base Camp → Summit → Hargaon
  • Day 5: Hargaon → Sankri
  • Day 6: Sankri → Dehradun
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Choose the Best Discovery Season to Trek

The trek is completed all-year-round, although the most popular season is the Kedarkantha Winter Trek (December to April). Snow covers the trail during this period making the place to be a winter wonderland.

During the winter season, the Kedarkantha trek region varies between -5°C to 10°C. In case of mild climate and flowers, then you may also plan your hiking in March-May (spring) or October-November (autumn).

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Rewild India-Booking - With Hassle- Free Experience

Planning with Rewild India implies that all parts of your trip, including transportation, food, and lodging are shipped in a careful way. All logistical management including:

  • The Govind Pashu Vihar National Park entrance fees and permits.
  • Educated trek guides and helping personnel.
  • Healthy vegan food all through the trek.
  • Good camping gears and sleeping system.
  • First-aid and safety gear.
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Physiological and Psychological Training

Although Kedarkantha Trek is not a high-performance, it is better to organize as much as you can. Three-four weeks prior to the trek starting, start at least some kind of light training fitness- start walking, jogging and using stairs. This will enable you deal with the increases in altitudes and increased walking time without any difficulties.

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Trekking Ideas to a Fuss-free Kedarkantha Mountain Trek

  • Early the better: the weather becomes rapid in the Himalayas. The mornings are much safer, and provide more visibility.
  • Keep hydrated: Cold climates usually conceal thirstiness, be sure to gulp a lot of water.
  • Pack savvy (Pack light): Hello, carry the necessitate but no excessive. Multidimensional clothes are preferable to fluctuating weather.
  • Clean-up after yourself: Use no plastic or leave any trash on the developing tracks, it should be respect shown towards the environment.
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What to Pack for Kedarkantha Trek

The trick to comfortable and safe trekking experience is in packing smart. Kedarkantha Trek The trek especially in winter walks through tracks of snow and cold nights and weather that keeps rapidly changing at the mountain. It is better to be prepared to keep warm, dry, and be able to spend all the moments of the adventure.

1. Clothing - Dressing in Layers

Layering is the key to surviving the Kedarkantha trek temperature that may decline up to -5°C.

  • 2-3 Full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts
  • 1-2 thermal inner (top and bottom) layers.
  • 1 Warm Fleece Jacket or wool sweater
  • 1 Insulated/Down Jacket (for evenings and summit day).
  • 2 sets of trek pants (quick-dry, water-resistant is best)
  • 3-4 pairs of socks (with one pair of woolen socks to sleep in)
  • 1 Woolen cap or balaclava
  • 1 Sun cap and UV-protection sunglasses
  • Gloves - one pair made of fleece and one waterproof pair.

2. Footwear - Your Best Companion

Kedarkantha Trek has mountainous terrain with snow, mud and rocky trails.

  • Trekking Shoes: 1 pair of good support, waterproof, high-ankle trekking shoes.
  • Camp Shoes: 1 pair of camp sandals or slippers for campsites.
  • Socks: 3-4 cotton/wool blend pairs of socks.

3. Backpack and Accessories

  • Backpack (50-60L): To carry all your necessities, with a rain cover.
  • Daypack (15-20L): To carry essentials during the day's hike (water, snacks, camera).
  • Trekking Poles: (which can be very helpful in snow traveling).
  • Torch or Headlamp: Plus an addition of batteries.
  • Water Bottle: Reusable water bottle/ hydration bag (min 1-2 Liters).

4. Food, Health and Personal Essentials

  • Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits or chocolates.
  • Medical Kit: Essential drugs (pain reliever, motion sickness, cold, fever, etc.), Band-aids, antiseptic cream and blister patches.
  • Toiletries: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, personal amenities, and quick-dry towel.
  • Sanitation: Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

5. Optional Yet Useful Items

  • Camera/GoPro: To capture the snow-covered beauty.
  • Power Bank: or solar charger.
  • Microspikes: For walking on icy patches (supplied by Rewild India when there is heavy snow fall).
  • Documents: Original and photocopy of government-issued ID.

How to Get Fit for Kedarkantha Trek

Although the Kedarkantha Trek is easy enough, the idea of becoming physically and mentally ready before approaching the mountains can make all events easier, safer, and much of a nice experience.

The Kedarkantha trek distance of the trip measures approximately 20km and a height of 12,500 ft. Just in case you are a person leading a moderately active lifestyle, a few weeks of training until your Kedarkantha Winter Trek will be the difference.

1. Increase Cardiovascular endurance

As we get into the air or rather higher, it gets thinner and thus a little more difficult to breathe. In anticipation of this, initiate the cardio workouts such as jogging, brisk walk, swimming, or cycling no less than 4-5 days per week.

  • Start off with 3-4km jogging/brisk walking a day.
  • Target at covering 5-8km within an hour at an easy pace before your hike.

2. Make Your Legs and Your Core Stronger

The Kedarkantha trail is a mix of diverse landscapes. To carry a backpack and to hike over rocky grounds, strength training will prepare you.

  • Lower body: squats, lunges, and step-ups.
  • Core: Planks and crunches to be in the middle of things.
  • Light weights, climbing on stairs and Wall-sits.

3. Practice Balance and Flexibility

It has to be on the snow and rocks, and be on balance. The balance exercises, ankle rotations, and other easy yoga stretches will be incorporated, which will enhance stability. Deep breathing (pranayama) is also known to enhance lung capacity and mental concentration.

4. Mental Preparation

The trekking in the Himalayas is the mountain challenge as much as a psychological challenge. The weather, it turns to be cold and in the morning the weather is quite early and puts your patience. Keep a positive mind, take it with time, and keep in mind that each step brings you significantly nearer to the peak.

What Does the Rewild Trekking Experience Look Like

Kedarkantha Trek is not merely a walk in snowy trails but it is a trip that lies back to yourself and nature. We do not think trekking is only about getting to the top, but rather rewilding your mind by traveling thoughtfully, getting in touch, and going responsibly at Rewild India.

By opting to go to Rewild India on your Kedarkantha Winter Trek, you are also not only registering with them as a guide to come on their trek, you are becoming part of a community that cherishes sustainably, the culture of the locals, and a real experience in the wilderness.

1. Founded on Connection - Nature, People and Self

Our philosophy is very straight forward: trekking must be curative, not fast. Each of the itineraries will help you to experience the wilderness, a bit of a pine scent, snow crunching beneath your feet, coziness of the discussions around a bonfire. In Rewild India, we maintain small and intimate groups, which implies individual treatment and the least possible impact on the environment.

2. Professional, Safety-Oriented Trekking

We consider your wellbeing as a priority. The Kedarkantha Trek might be easy going, although the mountain weather can turn unpredictable. Our trek leaders and the experienced local guides are certified which makes you always to be safely in their hands.

Every team is equipped with:

  • Oxygen cylinders and first aid kit.
  • Pulse oximeters to follow acclimatization of altitude.
  • Emergency wilderness first responder training.

3. Environmental Friendly Trekking

We are so much devoted to environmentally-friendly traveling. Mountains give us much--and we feel obliged to reciprocate this by leaving them in cleaner condition than we have found them. Our groups of hikers in your Kedarkantha trek observe Leave No Trace principles. We do not use one-time use plastics, we separate garbage, and we prop up local populations.

4. Organic, Home Cooked Food on the Mountains

Food is energy - but it may be comfort also. Our professional cooks cook healthy vegetarian food that will keep you active on all the climbs. It can feel like home cooked meals, starting with hot soups at sunset, fresh parathas and tea at dawn. We also realize special dietary choices wherever feasible.

5. Relaxing Stays and Memorable Sights

The Kedarkantha trekking distance may not be more than 20 km but every camp site seems to be a world unto itself. Just imagine having to wake up next to a frozen lake at Juda Ka Talab, seeing the Milky Way above Hargaon, or waking up to the golden sunrise at Kedarkantha Base Camp. Rewild India offers well-spaced tents, warm sleeping bags, & inner-lined mats.

6. A Spirit of Re-wilding Travelling

The Kedarkantha Trek is at bottom a search to re-find equilibrium, to balance, between difficulty and tranquility, action and immobility. Our hikes are conscious trips as you not only conquer mountains but also find happiness, bravery, and being again. All the laughing at the fire, every snow-flake on your jacket, every sunrise at the top, reminds you the point of why we are here, to rewild and reconnect.

Quick Itinerary for Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha Trek is the best mix of the adventure, beauty, and reward - in the duration of 6 days. The ever-changing experience in the Himalayas which happened on a daily basis takes us through the thick pine forests up to 12,500 ft high altitude which is reassuringly beautiful.

  • Day 1: Dehradun - Sankri (6,400 ft)

    Drive: 200 km / 8-9 hours.
    • Your Kedarkantha trek begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun along the Yamuna and Tons Rivers.
    • Arrive at the base camp of Sankri. Briefing and overnight stay.

  • Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (9,100 ft)

    Trek: 4 km / 4-5 hours.
    • Your first trekking day! The path is a fairly easy ascent through oak and pine trees.
    • Reach Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful frozen lake and one of the most scenic campsites.

  • Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,200 ft)

    Trek: 4 km / 3-4 hours.
    • The track is a continuous ascending one through meadowland and snowfields until you come to the foot of Kedarkantha.
    • Here the first clear view of the summit is visible.

  • Day 4: Summit Day - Base Camp to Summit (12,500 ft) to Hargaon (8,900 ft)

    Trek: 6 km / 7-8 hours.
    • The most exciting day! You will begin earlier than the sun rises just to arrive at Kedarkantha right at dawn.
    • Witness 360° views of Swargarohini, Black Peak and Bandarpoonch. Descend to Hargaon Campsite.

  • Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri (6,400 ft)

    Trek: 4 km / 3-4 hours.
    • A down ramble of the forests of the pine-trees returns one to Sankri.
    • Finish your memorable Kedarkantha Trek program and relax at the guesthouse in Sankri.

  • Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun (Departure)

    Drive: 200 km / 8-9 hours.
    • After breakfast, drive back to Dehradun with memories that will last forever.

How Does Each Day Look Like on Kedarkantha Trek

When you ever dreamed of taking a stroll in a forest laden with snow, to be a camping site amongst the stars in the sky, and witnessing the sunrise on one of the Himalayan peaks, the Kedarkantha Trek, will make all this come true in a single fateful journey. It is a day to day report of Rewild India Kedarkantha Winter Trek.

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Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri - The Road to the Mountains Begins (6,400ft)

Drive: 200 km | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours

Your expedition Kedarkantha begins very early in the morning when driving and using the winding mountain paths, beautiful pine forests and the beautiful Uttarakhand villages. The road is approximately 200km and it takes 8-9 hours passing through scenic valleys alongside the Yamuna and Tons Rivers.

Through such towns as Mussoorie, Purola, and Mori, will pass you, which gives the peep-hole of local life. At evening you will reach Sankri, where are few huts and the snow-capped mountains are a moat round the village--the camp of your journey.

As soon as you reach the guesthouse, you will be oriented and fitted out by your trek guide and crew. You have the new mountain air, the setting mountain sun, and the distant village to put you in the mood of your adventure.

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Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab - The Forest Adventure (9,100 ft)

Trek Distance: 4 km | Trip Duration: 4-5 hours

The first of the walking days is following breakfast. The road goes slowly through the pine and oak forests, and the sunshine is getting through the trees. You will have Himalayan birds, now and then, and snatching snow beneath your feet.

You will arrive after 4km at Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful frozen lake that has a deodar ring around it. The creation of this lake was based on supposed folklore, therefore, whereby the lord Shiva fell to this area with a single hair. The snow peaks also give a clear surreal reflection of the snow peaks during the clear days.

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Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp - The Climb to the Clouds (11,200 ft)

Trek Distance: 4 km | Trip Duration: 3-4 hours

You will rise, and hear the birds and Himalayan air is clear. After breakfast begin gradually to separate yourself with the tree line and climb to the base camp of Kedarkantha. The hike gives open meadows and extensive ranges of mountains of Swargarohini, Kala Nag (Black Peak) and Bandarpoonch.

It will be afternoon before you are in the base camp--a wide open field with snowy mountains about it. This is also one of the most photogenic spots in Kedarkantha Winter Trek. Have lunch and sleep up and you are good to go climbing the peak the next day.

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Day 4: Summit Day - Base Camp to Summit (12,500 ft) and back to Hargaon (8,900 ft)

Trek Distance: 6 km | Trip Duration: 7-8 hours

It is the most exciting day and most rewarding day of all itinerary of Kedarkantha trek. You will just be able to get up at about 2:00 AM and pack your gear and warm-up job with your headlamp and warm-up outfit and begin your summit effort.

The fact that it is an early departure implies that you will be able to keep up with the summit to experience one of the most beautiful sunrise in the Himalayas. You are riding snowy paths and ridges, as the first rays of the sun are golden on the mountains.

The Kedarkantha peak is 12,500 ft in height and offers a valley view of Garhwal Mountains i.e. Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Ranglana and Har Ki Dun valley. Enjoy the silence and the triumph a little and then proceed slowly through the meadows of snow-white snow-covered Hargaon Campsite.

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Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri - Himalayas Goodbye (6,400 ft)

Trek Distance: 4 km | Trip Duration: 3-4 hours

Breaking through breakfast continue to your final descent to Sankri through pine and oak. It is not an old way - and it is a gratitude to the life-things that the past few days have given me.

Relax for the rest of the day at the guesthouse in Sankri. The night is dedicated to celebration - share pictures, jokes and stories with your Rewild India crew. It is on the final evening of your stay in the Himalayas, so it must count.

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Day 6: Sankri to Dehradun - Drive Back

Drive: 200 km | Drive Duration: 8-9 hours

Rise earlier in the morning and enjoy a final picturesque mountain breakfast. Pack and say good by to the mountains. This will be succeeded subsequently by a drive back to Dehradun with the memories that will last forever.

You take away more than recollection, you take the tranquility of the Himalayas and a de-tamed spirit.

Cost Terms of Kedarkantha Trek

Inclusions

  • Road transfers from Dehradun to Dehradun
  • Accommodation in tents, lodges or hotels on twin/triple sharing basis.
  • All meals from the day your trip starts from Dehradun till it ends in Dehradun (Day 1 to Day 6)
  • All camping gear including tent (twin/triple sharing), sleeping mattress, sleeping bags, utensils, kitchen, dining and toilet tents.
  • Required trekking gear, first aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder
  • All permits and entry fees
  • Professional and mountaineering qualified trek leader with wilderness first aid certification, guides, cook and support staff
  • Porters/ mules as may be required to carry camp gear and equipments.
  • Lots of fun, laughter and learning

Exclusions

  • Accommodation and meals in Dehradun
  • Personal insurance
  • All alcoholic beverages
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Porters/ mules to carry personal bags or equipment’s can be provided at an extra cost.
FAQ

FAQ’s – All You Need to Know About the Kedarkantha Trek