Winter snow trek · Uttarakhand
Kedarkantha Trek 2026
One of India's most beloved winter treks — a 6-day journey through snow-laden pine forests to a 3,800 m summit with 360° Himalayan views.
Perfect for first-timers and seasoned trekkers alike. Steady ascent, well-managed camps, and a summit sunrise you'll carry for years.
About the trek
Kedarkantha is widely considered one of India's finest winter treks — and for good reason. The trail winds through dense pine and oak forests draped in snow, past frozen meadows and small Garhwali villages, to a summit that offers one of the widest panoramas in the Garhwal Himalayas.
The base camp at Sankri sits at around 1,950 m and the summit at 3,800 m, making it a manageable altitude gain for beginners with basic fitness. The gradual ascent, well-established campsites, and reliable trail mean you spend more time enjoying the mountains and less time worrying about logistics.
This is a trek best done between December and March when the forest floors are buried under 2–4 feet of snow — turning every step into something magical.
Trek highlights
- 360° summit views of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch & Black Peak
- Stunning snow-covered pine and oak forests
- Cozy campfire nights at high-altitude campsites
- Small Garhwali village walk through Sankri
- Manageable for first-time trekkers with basic fitness
- Excellent photography opportunities throughout
Trek gallery
A glimpse of what awaits.
Day-by-day itinerary
A steady, well-paced route with time to acclimatize and enjoy the trail.
Arrival at Sankri — base camp orientation
Drive from Dehradun (or Purola) to Sankri village at 1,950 m. Evening briefing with the trek lead — route overview, safety notes, gear check, and weather update. Overnight at guesthouse in Sankri.
Sankri → Juda Ka Talab
Trek begins through the oak and pine forests above Sankri. The trail climbs steadily through snow-covered woodland to Juda Ka Talab (a frozen lake) at around 2,700 m. Camp set up here for the night.
Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp
A beautiful morning trail through deep snow and dense forest leads to the Kedarkantha base camp at around 3,200 m. Clear views of the surrounding peaks begin to open up. Camp here overnight.
Summit day: Base Camp → Kedarkantha Summit → Hargaon
Early morning start (4–5 AM) for the summit push. The final 600 m climb through open snowfields rewards with a 360° panorama — Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, and dozens of other Himalayan peaks stretch in every direction. Descend to Hargaon camp post-summit.
Hargaon → Sankri
Descend through the forest back to Sankri village. A long but satisfying walk — legs tired, mind full. Evening celebration dinner and rest at the guesthouse.
Sankri → Dehradun — departure
Drive back to Dehradun. Approximate arrival by late afternoon / early evening depending on road conditions. Trek ends at Dehradun.
Itinerary is indicative and may be adjusted based on weather, group fitness, and trail conditions. Your trek lead will communicate any changes in advance.
🏔️ Want to read the full Kedarkantha story?
Our in-depth guide covers the trail's soul — from Sankri village to the summit sunrise — plus planning tips, best seasons, places to explore nearby, and the trekker's mindset.
What's included & what isn't
No surprises — everything is confirmed in writing before you pay.
Included ✓
- Experienced certified trek leader throughout
- All meals on trek (Day 2 breakfast to Day 5 dinner)
- Camping accommodation (tents, sleeping mats)
- Guesthouse stay in Sankri (Day 1 & Day 5)
- Forest & national park permits
- Safety equipment (first-aid kit, pulse oximeter, oxygen)
- Trek briefing and preparation guide
- Post-trek check-in call
Not included ✗
- Travel to/from Dehradun or Purola
- Personal trekking gear (can be rented — ask us)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal snacks and beverages
- Tips for guides and support staff (optional but appreciated)
- Any costs arising from medical emergencies or evacuation
Pricing
Transparent pricing with no hidden add-ons at the last minute.
Join an existing group departure. Room sharing with another solo trekker.
Your own private group with dedicated trek lead. Flexible dates.
Custom pricing for bigger groups, corporate outings, and college batches.
Gear rental add-on
Don't have the right gear? We rent down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles, gaiters, and backpacks. Tell us your sizes when you enquire and we'll include a rental quote with your booking confirmation.
Common questions about Kedarkantha
Things people ask us before booking this trek.
Ready to book Kedarkantha?
Share your preferred dates and group size — we'll confirm availability and send a detailed itinerary and payment breakdown.