The Kedarkantha trek has introduced more Indians to the Himalayas than any other trail, and for good reason: a 12,500 ft summit above Sankri in Uttarkashi, reliable snow from December to April, and a genuine peak-climb feeling on a route rated Easy-Moderate. This guide covers the full Kedarkantha trek itinerary, cost, best time and permits — everything you need to plan your 2026 climb.
What sets it apart is the summit itself. Most beginner treks end at a pass or a viewpoint; Kedarkantha ends on a true peak with a 360-degree sweep of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak. First-timers come down changed.
What is the Kedarkantha trek route and itinerary?
Day 1 is the 185 km, roughly 8-hour drive from Dehradun to Sankri (6,400 ft), winding along the Tons river through Mussoorie, Purola and Mori. Day 2 climbs 4 km through pine and maple forest to Juda-ka-Talab at 9,100 ft, where you camp beside a lake that freezes solid in winter. Day 3 is a short 4 km push to Kedarkantha Base at 11,250 ft, with the summit cone finally in view.
Day 4 is the big one: a 3 AM start, crampons on, for the summit at 12,500 ft and a sunrise over the Har-ki-Dun valley, then a long descent to Hargaon. Day 5 walks down through oak forest to Sankri, and Day 6 drives you back to Dehradun by evening — six days, roughly 20 km of trekking.
Which month is best for the Kedarkantha trek?
Kedarkantha runs December through April. Late December is festive and busy, January and February bring the deepest snow, and March-April offers gentler weather with snowfields still lingering up high. Night temperatures at camp sit around -5 to -10 degrees C in peak winter — our -15 degree C sleeping bags handle it comfortably.
How difficult is the Kedarkantha trek?
We rate Kedarkantha Easy-Moderate. Daily distances are short (4-6 km), but summit day is a 7-hour effort at altitude. Six weeks of brisk 5 km walks plus a weekly stair session is enough preparation for most people. No prior trek experience needed.
What is the Kedarkantha trek cost in 2026?
The TrekNova Kedarkantha trek package costs ₹14,999 + 5% GST per person for all 6 days. That includes all meals, alpine tents on twin sharing, sleeping bags rated to -15 degrees C, micro-spikes and gaiters, a qualified trek leader with local guides, all forest permits, and twice-daily oximeter checks. Transport between Dehradun and Sankri (a shareable cab) and backpack offloading are extra.
How to reach Sankri from Dehradun?
Reach Dehradun by overnight train from Delhi or a flight into Jolly Grant airport, then take the shared cab up the Tons valley — the drive itself is a highlight. Plan to arrive in Dehradun the night before Day 1 so the 6 AM departure is painless.
Do you need permits for Kedarkantha?
Yes — the trail sits inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. We arrange the entry permits and they are included in the fee; just carry two passport photos and a government photo ID.
Ready for that summit sunrise?
Winter dates sell out early, especially the Christmas and New Year batches. Pick your window and book on our Kedarkantha page — we will handle everything from permits to pakoras.
