At an altitude of 3800 M, Kedarkantha is the perfect trek for anyone looking to experience the thrill of their first summit trek in the Himalayas. One of the most gorgeous treks in Uttarakhand, it covers a distance of over 20 km in 5 days making it quite comfortable for a novice trekker to summit.
With its growing popularity, snow-laden trails, thicket of Oak & Pine forests, idyllic campsites and a dazzling sunrise at the summit, Kedarkantha is easy to navigate and is one of the most photogenic trekking trails of India.
In this article, we list out the various attractions one should look out for on the Kedarkantha trek when on the trail.
Highlight 1: The scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri
The joys of the Kedarkantha trek begin right from the journey to the base camp, Sankri. Located at a distance of 197 km from Dehradun, the journey to Sankri is quite long but is sure to fascinate you throughout.
The mountain roads here are long and serpentine with sharp curves that open up to gaping views of the valley below. Swift mountain streams run parallel to the roads in many sections. Half an hour into the journey, you will see the Doon valley retreating below and a striking view of the Queen of Hills – Mussoorie on the mountain range afar.
The infamous Kempty falls is only 15 km from here. A gigantic fall that runs in a somersault of streams before hitting the bottom, it is as high as 40 feet and can be seen bustling with tourists. Soon after passing the Kempty Falls, we enter the lovely Yamuna valley. The Yamuna River can be seen accompanying the vehicle on the side throughout this stretch.
As we reach Purola, the landscape shifts from extensive views of gorges on the side to blue Pine forests. The roads here run in long, serpentine stretches through dense woods that are scenic to drive through. Right after Purola, we halt to have lunch.
About an hour from Purola, the roads stretch along the Tons river, which is the largest tributary of River Yamuna. This section is particularly worthwhile as you will find yourself on the same level as the river, allowing you a closer look at the waters glinting under the sun. The final 22 km runs through the Govind National Park famous for its diverse collection of flora and fauna and unparalleled beauty of its landscapes.
Sankri, the starting point of the Kedarkantha trek is a quiet and soothing locale that offers some stunning views of the Swargarohini peak.
Highlight 2: The mythical Juda Ka Taal Campsite
Kedarkantha is not only famous for its astounding summit views. On the second day of the trek, you camp beside a picturesque high altitude lake. Located at 2700 M, the Juda-ka-Taal makes for a magnificent campsite.
The lake changes landscape with every season. During the winter months it is usually frozen with temperatures varying from as low as -7 degrees to 16 degrees. The campsite transforms into a winter wonderland during this time with the naked branches of trees adorned in snow, the frozen lake coated in a silver sheen and the land all around carpeted under a blanket of snow.
After February, the snow starts melting away. By the last week of April, the final traces of snow disappear exposing the beautiful grasslands and blooming flora underneath.
During summer season, the campsite undergoes a delightful makeover that stands in complete contrast to the winters. Lush forestlands full of leafy foliage replace snow field and an emerald-green Juda Lake sits at the heart of this glade basking away under the sunshine.
Juda Ka Taal also has a legend attached to it. It is said that Lord Shiva had once come here to meditate. He wanted water, and so plucked a strand of hair from his bun (juda) and threw it on the ground, which created the water body.
In yet another version, the locals claim that long ago, there were two water bodies here and they later connected (juda) to form the present one earning the lake its name.
Highlight 3: Bewitching forest glades with phenomenal view
One of the main reasons why trekkers flock to the Kedarkantha trek is for its lovely trails that run through dense forests. The trek from Sankri will take you through an uneven path with sparse conifers along the way. Not far ahead, the tree line begins to change and you’ll come across towering Maple and Oak trees with the sun playing hide-and-seek all along.
A short ascent from here will eventually lead you to a serene clearing that makes for a stunning resting spot and a vantage point. The trails of the Kedarkantha trek are, in fact, blessed with an assortment of similar clearings that are so wonderfully placed that each offers a unique view of the phenomenal ranges and peaks around.
The trails here are wide and you will hear the sound of a burbling stream that grows stronger as you move ahead. This stretch sure seems like it has been taken out of a fairy tale!
The winters transform the emerald green of the forests into pearl white and takes you on a different adventure altogether. You will see the otherwise pleasant green meadows covered in the white of the snow. The wilderness of the forests that open up to pretty glades and the contrasting colours & diversity of flora and fauna holds you spell-bound through the entire trek.
Highlight 4: The Kedarkantha Base Camp
The trek to the Kedarkantha Base Camp is comparatively steeper than the previous days. The trail takes you through primeval Oak forests that get denser as you veer through.
Further ahead, you will be welcomed by a carpet of Rhododendron blooms covering the trail with bursts of red and pink.
Note: The flowering only starts only by late winter and early spring season, so you may plan your visit in February if you wish to experience the vibrance of the trail.
From here, the forest opens up to a wide meadow with solitary shepherd’s huts in the setting. As you trek further through the thicket of Oak woods, you will be able to spot a colossal peak standing tall through the woods – this is the Kedarkantha Summit.
The trail, as is customary on the Kedarkantha trek, eventually opens up to yet another charming clearing set in the laps of umber-brown forests offering a captivating arc view of the snow-clad ranges like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Kalanag. This clearing is the Kedarkantha Base Camp.
Being an open meadow, you are likely to experience strong, cold winds at this campsite but the excitement of being so close to the summit more than makes up for it. At night, the Kedarkantha peak shines brightly under the moon and makes for lovely sight to behold.
Highlight 5: The thrill of a summit climb before dawn
The climb to the summit is one of the reasons behind the popularity of the Kedarkantha trek. Starting in the wee hours of the morning in frigid temperatures, with headlamps lighting the way under a breaking dawn, the trails of Kedarkantha combine all the nuances and challenges of a summit experience, but on a much smaller scale. It is this aspect that makes it a perfect summit trek for beginners.
Negotiating a steep ascent in the dark in icy cold winds and low temperatures are some of the challenges that make this experience absolutely exhilarating. At the break of dawn, as you reach the summit you will be greeted by a 360 degree view of mountain peaks like the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Har Ki Dun amongst others.
Look closely as the first rays of the sun caress the snow-capped mountains with a golden hue – it is a sight that remains etched in your memory for life. There is also a square arrangement of stones with a Trishul pointing to the sky at the summit. It is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to the Kedarkantha legend, Lord Shiva sat at the summit to meditate but was disturbed by a bull, which was running below. So he went to Kedarnath, a town in Uttarakhand, to meditate afterwards.
At an altitude of 3800 m, you are sure to feel a deeper connection to the power way beyond the ordinary. Rejoice in the charm of nature as the warm golden sun shines over you giving you some respite from the bitter cold winds.
