Kedarkantha Trek

Dehradun to Sankri (Drive – 200 km | Altitude – 1,950 m / 6,400 ft)

• Departure: 7:30 AM – Pick-up from Dehradun Railway Station by the Himalayas Griffon team.
• Travel Distance: 200 km | Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
• Route: Dehradun → Mussoorie → Kempty Falls → Purola → Mori → Sankri
• Overnight Stay: Guesthouse/homestay at Sankri

Your Kedarkantha adventure begins with an early morning drive from Dehradun — the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. As you leave the city behind, the scenery transforms into a peaceful countryside dotted with pine forests, winding mountain roads, and charming villages.

The journey takes you through picturesque spots like Kempty Falls, Purola, and Mori, where you can take short halts to admire nature’s beauty and capture stunning photos. Throughout the route, enjoy glimpses of snow-capped peaks, sparkling streams, and terraced fields that make the drive truly mesmerizing.

By evening (around 5:00 PM), you’ll reach Sankri, a quaint Himalayan village that serves as the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. Spend your evening exploring its rustic lanes, wooden houses, and local culture before settling in for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by the mountains.

Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (Trek – 3–4 km | Altitude – 2,800 m / 9,100 ft)

• Trek Distance: 3–4 km | Trekking Time: 4 hours (approx.)
• Trail Type: Gradual ascent through meadows and dense pine forests
• Altitude Gain: 850 m
• Lunch: Served upon reaching Juda Ka Talab
• Overnight Stay: Camping in tents beside the lake

Begin your day at Sankri with a warm breakfast before setting out on the scenic trek to Juda Ka Talab, your first campsite. The trail unfolds through dense pine and maple forests, offering a serene walk amid chirping birds, fresh mountain air, and occasional glimpses of snow patches.

After about 4 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at the breathtaking Juda Ka Talab — a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by pine trees and snow-covered ridges. The calm, glassy waters of the lake perfectly reflect the surrounding forest, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak in nature’s beauty.

Set up camp beside the lake and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the Himalayas Griffon team. As the evening sets in, the temperature drops, creating the perfect atmosphere for a bonfire under a starlit sky. The peaceful environment, crackling fire, and shared laughter with fellow trekkers make it a memorable night. Drift into a restful sleep in your tent, rejuvenated for the next day’s ascent toward the Kedarkantha summit trail.

Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (Trek – 3 km | Altitude – 3,100 m / 10,100 ft)

• Trek Distance: 3 km | Trekking Time: 3–4 hours (approx.)
• Trail Type: Moderate ascent through dense forest trails
• Altitude Gain: 300 m
• Highlights: Majestic snow views, pine & oak forests, glimpses of the summit
• Overnight Stay: Camping at Kedarkantha Base Camp

After a hearty breakfast by the lake, begin your trek from Juda Ka Talab toward Kedarkantha Base Camp. The 3 km trail is short yet incredibly scenic, taking you through enchanting forests of oak, pine, and maple trees. Sunlight filters gently through the dense canopy, creating a golden glow on the forest floor, while the occasional rustling of leaves and chirping birds add serenity to your journey.

As you ascend, the view begins to open up, revealing mesmerizing snow-covered ridges and glimpses of the Kedarkantha summit in the distance. The sight of the towering peaks builds excitement for the summit climb the next day.

You’ll reach Kedarkantha Base Camp around noon, nestled amidst vast meadows blanketed in snow during winter. Spend the rest of the day soaking in panoramic mountain views, capturing photographs, and bonding with fellow trekkers. As night falls, enjoy a warm meal and rest under the starlit Himalayan sky, preparing for the thrilling summit ascent ahead.

Kedarkantha Base Camp to Summit and Return to Juda Ka Talab (Trek – 6 km | Altitude – 3,800 m / 12,500 ft)

• Starting Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,100 ft
• Summit Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,500 ft
• Trek Distance: 6 km (round trip) | Trekking Time: 6 hours (approx.)
• Trail Type: Steep ascent followed by gradual descent
• Highlights: Sunrise view, 360° Himalayan panorama, snow-covered peaks
• Overnight Stay: Camping at Juda Ka Talab

Begin your most awaited day with an early morning start, well before dawn, to conquer the Kedarkantha Summit. Trekking under a sky full of stars with a cool mountain breeze sets a magical tone for the climb. As you ascend, the trail becomes steeper, passing through snow-laden meadows and rocky patches surrounded by towering peaks.

Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable moment — the golden rays illuminate the snow-capped peaks of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and Ranglana, creating a surreal 360° panorama. Take time to absorb the beauty, capture photos, and feel the pride of standing atop one of the most iconic Himalayan summits.

After spending some time at the top, begin your descent back to Kedarkantha Base Camp, where you can rest and enjoy a warm meal. Continue trekking down to Juda Ka Talab by afternoon. The descent is quicker but requires careful footing, especially on snowy or slippery sections.

Arrive at Juda Ka Talab by evening, unwind beside the tranquil lake, and share stories around the campfire. End the day with dinner and a peaceful night’s stay under the stars — the perfect reward after your summit achievement.

Juda Ka Talab to Sankri and Drive Back to Dehradun (Distance: 220 km | Duration: 10 hours approx.)

• Trek Distance: 4 km (Juda Ka Talab → Sankri)
• Drive Distance: 200+ km (Sankri → Dehradun)
• Total Travel Time: 9–10 hours (approx.)
• Arrival Time in Dehradun: Around 8:30 PM

Begin your morning at the Juda Ka Talab campsite with a warm breakfast and soak in the calm beauty of the lake one last time. After packing up, start your descent to Sankri, enjoying the lush forest trails and mountain views along the way. You’ll reach Sankri by mid-morning (around 10:30 AM).

Take a short break in the village — shop for local handicrafts, woollens, or souvenirs, and bid farewell to this picturesque Himalayan hamlet. Post lunch, begin your return drive to Dehradun, retracing the scenic route through Purola, Mori, and Mussoorie.

The journey takes around 8 hours, depending on road conditions. Expect to reach Dehradun by 8:30 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable Kedarkantha trekking adventure — a journey filled with snow, serenity, and spectacular mountain memories.