Kedarkantha provides a trekking route for everyone’s needs. As the summit of Kedarkantha is standalone it has access through multiple routes. The most popular is via Sankri village and the least explored one being Gaichwan Gaon. Another known trail is via Kotgaon and each of the trails offers different sets of experience. These different routes offer different packages, let’s discuss the itinerary in detail about the route via Sankri Village.
Itinerary for Sankri route:
Day 1: Getting to base camp Sankri
The small four-seater car will cost you around 6000 INR for one way and the eight-seater can go up to 9000 INR for one way trip. After reaching the base camp you can check-in at your accommodation place and relax your tiredness of the day during your stay.
Day 2: Sankri village to lake of Juda-ka-Talab
Your second day commences your actual trekking day and you need to climb to an altitude of 9,100 ft to the lake of Juda-ka-Talab. The initial stretch of the trail consists of dense forest and colourful Maple trees. This part requires you to cross several bridges and pass by Himalayan Langurs on your way. One will come across numerous water streams running and lush meadows among the trail. After a climb of 4 km for around 5 hours you will reach the first campsite of beautiful Juda-ka-Talab. You can take a stroll around this captivating lake and have a bonfire at your leisure. Then you can retire for the night in your tents.
Day 3: Juda-ka-Talab to Kedarkantha Base
After waking up the first scene of golden hour will greet you at the sunrise. From here you will continue to hike for a shorter distance of 2 km to reach the base of Kedarkantha. You will gain an altitude height of 10,400 ft leaving the traces of your footprint on the snow. During this trek, you can see some of the mighty peaks of Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag and Swargarohini touching the skyline in all its majesty. After reaching the Kedarkantha Base, you can retire for the day and enjoy the star-studded night sky which is almost magical in this particular region.
Day 4: Kedarkantha Base to Kedarkantha Peak
Fourth day is longer than previous days and requires you to cover a distance of 6 km to reach the top and then come back to Hargaon camp in 7 hours. From the Kedarkantha base you will move forward to ascend the summit climb and reach the top. The view from the top with sunrise is pure divine from an altitude of 12,500 ft. After basking in the beauty of Kedarkantha peak you will begin your descent to the Hargaon camp and sleep for the day in your tent.
Day 5: Hargaon camp to Sankri village
The next day is for climbing down further from Hargaon at 8900 ft to Sankri at 6,400 ft. You can see the Har ki Dun peak on your descent in the distance in all its glory. After reaching Sankri you can either rest for the day or choose to explore the local cuisine and culture in its raw form.
Day 6: Departure
At last, it is time to say goodbye to the trek and take memories back to your city. You can leave early in the morning by 8 am so that you can reach Dehradun by 7 pm in the evening and stay in the hotel if you wish. From Dehradun there are several buses that are available to reach Delhi. The nearest Railway station also operates two trains- Nanda Devi Express and Dehradun Express, Between Dehradun and Delhi. If you want to opt for the fastest route then head towards the Jolly Grant Airport which is well connected with all the major cities.
Alternative route Itinerary for Gaichawan Gaon:
Day 1: Getting to base camp
Day 2: Gaichawan Gaon to Jalota
Trek distance of 5 km with altitude gain from 5571 ft to 8924 ft for about 5 hours
Day 3: Jalota to Pukhrola
Trek distance of 4 km with altitude gain from 8,924 ft to 10,871 ft for about 4 hours
Day 4: Pukhrola to Kedarkantha Peak
Trek distance of 9 km with altitude gain from 10,871 ft to 12,500 ft for about 8 hours
Day 5: Akhoti Thatch to Gaichawan Gaon
Day 6: Departure
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