Kedarkantha Trek Guide: Difficulty, Best Time, Cost & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know before the Kedarkantha Trek in Uttarakhand: how hard it is, when to go, how to train, what to pack and what it costs — from the team that runs it.
Why do the Kedarkantha Trek?
- A true summit at 3,810 m that first-timers can reach
- Juda ka Talab — a forest lake that freezes in winter
- Base camp views of Swargarohini, Bandarpunch and Black Peak
- Summit and descent on different trails, so the view keeps changing
How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?
The Kedarkantha Trek is graded easy–moderate, covering about 20 km on foot and reaching about 3,810 m. Daily walks are a few hours long on clear trails, so it suits fit beginners who train beforehand.
Best time for the Kedarkantha Trek
Best season: December to April (snow trek); also October–November. From December to February expect snow on the trail and nights well below freezing — microspikes and proper winter layers matter. See what each month is like on our treks in October page.
How to prepare for the Kedarkantha Trek
Start training 4–6 weeks before the trek. By departure you should be able to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes comfortably.
- Jog 5 km, four days a week, building up your pace
- Stair climbs with a 5 kg backpack, twice a week
- Squats, lunges and planks — 3 sets of 15, three days a week
- A 4-hour hike or long walk with your backpack on a weekend
- Break in your trekking shoes on at least three long walks before the trip
Altitude: above 3,000 m the air has noticeably less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your trek leader early about a headache, nausea or breathlessness. Read our altitude sickness guide.
Kedarkantha Trek itinerary, day by day
- Day 1Dehradun to Sankri — About 190 km and 9–10 hours via Mussoorie, Nainbagh, Purola and Mori — along the Yamuna, then the Tons valley.
- Day 2Sankri to Juda ka Talab — About 4 km and 4–5 hours, climbing through pine, oak and maple along a stream.
- Day 3Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha base — About 4 km and 3–4 hours.
- Day 4Summit day, down to Hargaon — About 2½ km and 3–4 hours up the ridge to Kedarkantha summit (3,810 m), timed for sunrise.
- Day 5Hargaon to Sankri — About 6 km and 3–4 hours through forest back to Sankri.
- Day 6Sankri to Dehradun — The same scenic road back.
Kedarkantha Trek packing list
- ✓Trekking shoes with ankle support and a deep grip, broken in before the trip
- ✓40–60 L backpack with a rain cover, plus a small daypack if you offload
- ✓Three warm layers (fleece + padded/down jacket) — nights drop near or below 0 °C
- ✓Waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-dry trek pants (no jeans)
- ✓Thermal inner wear for the nights
- ✓Woollen cap, fleece gloves and 3 pairs of socks (1 woollen)
- ✓UV sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- ✓Two 1 L water bottles (no single-use plastic on the trail)
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓Trekking pole (recommended; can be hired)
- ✓Personal medicines, plus Diamox only if your doctor advises it
- ✓Government photo ID — original and one photocopy (needed for forest permits)
- ✓Medical fitness certificate signed by a doctor (we send the format)
The full checklist: Himalayan trek packing list.
How to reach the Kedarkantha Trek
Our trip starts and ends at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun station has direct trains from Delhi (about 4.5 to 5 hrs on the fast services); Jolly Grant Airport is roughly 35 km away with flights from Delhi and other metros; Delhi is about 5 to 6 hrs by road.
Kedarkantha Trek cost
Our 6-day Kedarkantha Trek costs ₹5,499 per person (usually ₹10,999).
Included
- Shared tempo traveller from Dehradun to the trailhead and back (pickup around 6:30 am on day 1)
- 2 nights in a Sankri guesthouse (shared rooms) and 3 nights in tents
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Certified trek leader trained in wilderness first aid, plus a local guide, cook and support staff
- Forest-department and trek permits, camping charges
- Tents, sleeping bags, mats, dining and toilet tents
- First-aid kit, oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter — everyone is checked every morning and evening
- Microspikes and gaiters when the trail has snow
Not included
- Travel to the pickup point and back home
- Backpack offloading (available as an add-on)
- Personal trekking gear — shoes, jackets, poles (can be hired as an add-on)
- Meals on the drive days before and after the trek, unless listed
- Travel insurance
- Anything personal: tips, snacks, bottled drinks, phone charging at tea shops
- Costs from weather, landslides or road closures that force a change of plan
Kedarkantha Trek: questions trekkers ask
How difficult is the Kedarkantha Trek?
It's graded easy–moderate, with about 20 km on foot over 6 days and a highest point of about 3,810 m. Fit beginners can do it with a few weeks of preparation.
What is the best time for the Kedarkantha Trek?
December to April (snow trek); also October–November. Expect snow and sub-zero nights in the winter months.
How much does the Kedarkantha Trek cost?
Our 6-day trip starts at ₹5,499 per person, including shared tempo traveller from dehradun to the trailhead and back; 2 nights in a sankri guesthouse; all meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
What is the maximum altitude of the Kedarkantha Trek?
About 3,810 m above sea level. Acclimatise slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your trek leader about any headache or nausea.
Can beginners do the Kedarkantha Trek?
Yes. It's one of the treks we recommend for first-timers — train for 4–6 weeks so you can jog 5 km in about 35 minutes.
Where does the Kedarkantha Trek start?
Our trip starts and ends at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun station has direct trains from Delhi (about 4.5 to 5 hrs on the fast services); Jolly Grant Airport is roughly 35 km away with flights from Delhi and other metros; Delhi is about 5 to 6 hrs by road.
Ready for the Kedarkantha Trek?
Trek leader, permits, camps and meals handled — one enquiry, no payment until you confirm.