Remote villages, Lush meadows , Snow clad trails through Pine and Oak forests in the higher himalayas define this moderate winter trek. This trek starts from the beautiful mountain town of Dehradun from where we reach the village- Sankri by road via Mussoorie, once we are at Sankri we begin our journey by foot gradually ascending towards Kedarkantha.
Note: We encourage responsible tourism. Practice these guidelines while on a trip!
Covid-19 Advisory
All Covid precautions are in place such as :
- Private vehicles for transit with min seating
- Lower group size
- Private group of 6 participants
- Sanitised rooms in home-stays
- Temperature checks of all accompanying staff
Accomdations
Service Level
Transportation
Food
Age
18 to 65 yearsDifficulty
ModerateFitness Guide
An easy to Moderate trek, The Kedarkantha starts at an altitude of 6500 ft and ascends to 12,500 ft over the duration of the trek. As you go higher you are gaining constant altitude which means lesser oxygen and lesser water in the air, hence our first errand is to keep our selves hydrated ( with water ! : )
When it comes to physical exercises focus on basic movements and exercises which address these 3 parameters.
- Flexibility
- Cardio Vascular endurance
- Lower Body Strength
To address these 3 physical abilities basic exercises like
For flexibility :
Stretches targeting the hamstring , gluteus maximus ,lower back, spine, shoulders, hip flexors - These are common stretches like Cobra Stretch , Child Pose , Donkey Kicks , Leg Lifts, Good mornings etc. Lot of guided videos are available on the internet
Lower Body Strength:
Squats to build strength for the lower body - 3 sets of 20 squats each should be enough to build those legs since you will be carrying backpack during your ascend/descend
Cardio Vascular endurance and Breathing exercises :
Brisk walking to Jogging should take care of cardio vascular endurance. Try and clock your walking/jogging
- Jog 5 km - 60 min gradually reduce this to 45 min - Practise this thrice a week should be enough
- Practice deep breathing ( slowly inhaling) and slowly exhaling which will train your lungs to breathe deeply wityhout putting in much effort at higher altitudes
These are basic exercises, can be done indoor , don't let them scare you!
Who is this tour for?
Note: This is a group tour. Minimum group size is 6 people
Tour Experience
The Kedarkantha appeals to everyone due to its high altitude , relatively easy terrain and accessibility throughout the year. Located in the Govind wild life sanctuary ,the trail is untouched and rich in flora and fauna such as Boar, Languorous and Hare.Trekkers can have a 360 degree view of 13 Himalayan peaks from the summit of Kedarkantha.Culturally one can interact with local communities of this region esp. in Sankri village which will be the entry and exit point.
Region: Uttarakhand | Best Time : Dec - Mar | Best Time for snow: Nov till Early Feb | Max Altitude: 12,500 ft | Trekking Distance: 30 kms approx | Departure : Dehradun | Arrival : Dehradun
- An easy - moderate trek with snow clad trails
- Altitude of 12,500 ft
- Trek lies in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
- Witness 13 himalayan peaks from the summit
- Stay in hi altitude camp sites ( 8000ft and 11,250 ft)
- Mesmerising views of Mid Himalayas
- 360 degree view of himalayan peaks from the base camp and summit
- One can stay in the prettiest camping sites on this trek , not many other treks boast of this .Camp sites at Juda - Ka - Talaab and Kedarkantha base camp are jaw dropping
- Drive from Dehradun via Mussoorie to the base village Sankri is one of the most scenic driving routes
- Night sky so clear one can see the milky way
- Star gaze at 11,250 ft from the base camp- watch the night sky like never before and never after!
5N/ 6D
Departure: FixedYou will be doing:
You will be experiencing:
Itinerary
Travel notes of the day
Today is mostly about enjoying the drive from Dehradun to the village of Sankri. We make this journey in a private transport from Dehradun via Mussorie to finally reach Sankri. This is one the most scenic routes in Uttarakhand, so sit back, relax and enjoy the drive
Like all good things our journey begins early morning from Dehradun. Our pick up SUV's await at Dehradun Railway station. We depart at 6:30 AM to reach Sankri via Mussorie in the next 9-10 hours.
Think about food ! - We know - We will stop for refreshments , breakfast and lunch at a road side inn. This will be a self paid breakfast,lunch.
- Dehradun
- Mussorie
- Sankri Village - 6500 ft
Travel notes of the day
Hope you din't skip your breakfast or ate light! Today we trek for 4 km which will take us approx 5 hours.
On the way soak in all the sights you can. From local villagers running errands to the himalayan languors playing catch on the deciduous tree tops. Other habitants to watch for are Hare's, Boars, Martens ( A weasel like animal ) . All these habitants are elusive and shy and pose no threat.
We ascend from Sankri at 6500 ft to Juda Ka Talaab at 9500 ft- an altitude gain of 3,000ft which sets us on a different higher landscape and terrain. Once we leave Sankri behind through Sor, we move along the running stream towards Kedarkantha.
The landscape of our initial climb would be through bridges bridging paths in the dense forests. A thick carpet of brown maple and pine leaves serves as your walking trail, the sight is mesmerising and thrilling at the same time with nothing but these natural elements to keep you company in the trail. We reach our campsite at Juda ka Talaab which is one of the most picturesque among other camp sites on different treks. We retire in tents for the night post dinner.
- Sankri 6400 ft
- Juda Ka Talaab 9100 ft
Travel notes of the day
Its a exciting day today as we will get to the base camp and hence closer to the summit.
Just before reaching the Kedarkantha Base one can enjoy the fascinating views of arc shaped range of snow clapped mountains comprising of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana standing out showcasing their majestic stance.
Once at the base camp- do not take off your eyes from the evening sky - you have never seen such a medley of colours. Come night fall the stars reveal themselves with a clear milky way in the background. This moment is eternal !
We cross the 10,000 ft barrier today. After breakfast we set out from Juda Ka Talaab with an aim to reach Kedarkantha base camp at 11,250 ft.
The landscape continues to be like the previous day - forests of oak and pine - only more secluded and thicker. At about 10,420 ft we will see our first signs of snow , a few metres more we come across a few shepherd huts dotted across the landscape. We meander through this route to reach Kedarkantha base camp before which we will stop ( take a slightly long break ) to soak in the extravagant views of these sub himalayan mountains.
Once at the base camp , we set up our tents in close proximity to each other and watch the milky way while camping at 10,400 ft. Star gazers and photography enthusiast's - you have never seen a night sky so brightly embedded with stars and a clearly visible milky way.
- Juda ka Talaab
- Kedarkantha Base Camp
Travel notes of the day
Buck up people , hope you got some sleep . We have a long day ahead of us. We need to summit from base camp and then descend to Hargaon campsite. Get the picture ! so tighten that core , straighten that spine and lets head to 12,500 ft!
Our total hike distance today is 7 km which will take approximately 7 hours to complete. At the hargaon base camp if you have the strength set up a camp fire and gather around to share your perspective of the journey till now or simply get lost in the night sky!
We summit today. Ascending from 11,250 ft to 12,500 ft we will summit the peak and descend back to 8500 ft.
The day begins with breakfast while enjoying the rising sun. Warm up in the first rays of the morning sun while watching the summit. The climb to the summit has multiple routes , we choose the main route because of its sturdy uniform elevation. The last few hundred meters is a strenuous climb but worth the effort. Once we get to the top we will spend some time on the summit soaking in the breath taking 360 degree views of the himalaya's.
Around noon we descend to the base camp , we refresh, have lunch and bid our good bye's to the summit and base camp. We reach Hargaon camp after passing through dense forests, frozen streams and the shepherds huts. We set up camp at Hargaon base camp
- Kedarkantha Base Camp
- Kedarkantha Summit
- Hargaon Base Camp
Travel notes of the day
We are descending today . Say your good bye's to these sights , hi- altitude camp sites and the starry sky.
Home to about 120 families., life in Sankri moves at a slow pace. . Potatoes, rice and apples are staple food people dwell in wooden houses to protect from colder weather. Regular mela's or fairs are organised for community entertaintemnt and to please the gods. Entertainment is generally folk songs and native dance.
One can always have small hand made goods, wooden toys and wooden home décor items for friends and families from here and support the local community while doing so .
After a night of fun and stories , we descend to Sankri. Replenish your water supply from the stream flowing near the camp site or when a hundred metres in to the descent. Further down one can view the Har Ki Doon valley afar. Take this opportunity photograph the valley and your landscape around before continuing to descend.
On reaching Sankri we check in to our hotel , refresh. If intrested one can explore the beautiful village of Sankri , may be collect some souvenirs and exchange small talk with the village locals.
- Hargaon Base Camp
- Sankri
Travel notes of the day
Schedule your onward journey post 8 PM, should there be traffic snarls you will still have time to make it till transport.
Alternately stay the night in Dehradoon and depart the next day which most of our participants opt for as there is no rush and once can reach comfortably
The trip concludes with a 10 hour drive from Sankri to Dehradoon. We aim to reach Dehradoon by 6 PM .
Breakfast and Lunch will be en-route at a road side inn (Self Paid)
- Sankri
- Dehradoon
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Other Details
- Vegetarian Food as per menu on the trek.
- Tents, Sleeping bags, mats.
- Forest permits and camping fee.
- Trek guide, cook, support staff
- Porters/mules to carry trekking equipments.
- First aid medical kit, oxygen cylinder and UIAA certified safety equipments.
- Transport from Dehradun to Dehradun.
- Taxes
- Any kind of personal expenses on the trek.
- Meal during road journeys.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Any kind of travel insurance.
- Anything not specified in the inclusion list.
*If you don't want to carry your backpack you can give it to porter/Mules, but you have to inform us in advance and have to pay Rs. 1200/- extra per bag for whole trek.
Gear List:
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose the proper equipment. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.
Required
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Heavyweight, Synthetic, Colder Travel Periods)
- Day Pack (21L-35L)
- Day Pack Rain Cover
- Duffel Bag (No Wheels or Rigid Frames)
- Fleece Pants
- Fleece/Wool Gloves
- Fleece/Wool Hat
- Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Boots
- Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
- Insulated Jacket
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Rain-Coat/Poncho
- Sport Sunglasses
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Sun Hat
- Water Bottles
Optional
- Altimeter
- Camera and Accessories
- Down/Synthetic pants
- Ear Plugs
- Glacier Glasses
- Ear Plugs
- Reading and Writing Materials
Cancellation Terms
Ecohunters must receive notification of cancellation in writing. After we receive your written cancellation, the money shall be refunded to the trekkers on seeking cancellation as follows:
Cancellations Prior To 30 Days From The Start Of The Trek
95% refund of total amount
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation Prior To 25 Days From The Start Of The Trek
70% refund of total amount
Cancellation Prior To 15 Days From The Start Of The Trek
50% refund of total amount.
Cancellation Prior To 10 Days From The Start Of The Trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by Ecohunters.
3)- Ecohunters holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.
Cancellation is processed only by email intimation. Please email any cancellation requests to :- contact@ecohunters.in or call us @ 9818082844. Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. Ecohunters reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which Ecohunters or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. Ecohunters reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
FAQ:
Q. How long do we trek each day?
A. Average walking distance is 7- 8 km each day , trekkers complete this
distance in 5-7 hrs.
Q. What kind of food is served ?
A. Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. Breakfast varies from bread and butter, semia, poha and cornflakes etc. Lunch mainly comprises of roti or puri with sabzi. Dinner is complete with Dal, rice, roti and dessert. Dry ration of biscuits and toffees will be provided as well. You may carry nuts and dry fruits if necessary.
Q: What about Washroom/Toilet facilities ?
A: The guest house at Sankri will have brick and mortar toilets. During the
trek, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. A toilet tent will have a
deep pit, where one can answer nature's call. There will be a mound of soil
and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you'll have to use
toilet paper. This is the most hygienic and convenient way to answer
nature's call in the wild. Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using
wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
Q: What will accommodation be like?
A: The stay on Day 1 and Day 5, at Sankri, will be in a guest house, where you
will share rooms with fellow trekkers Covid preacutions in place). Stay on n
all other days of the trek will be in tents. Each tent will be shared among 2
trekkers. Toilet tents will be set up for the convenience of trekkers.
Q: What are the sources of drinking water?
A. Campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day's trek, two litres of water should be enough. On Day 2 and Day 5, you will find one water source to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day's trek.
Q: What is the best season for this trek ?
A. Kedarkantha is best done between Dec to March.
Q: Best time to see snow?
A: You are likely to find snow on this trail in Dec to Feb. Sometimes, you can
get lucky and find snow well into March. Post-mid-November you can
expect snow if there is a fresh snowfall.
Q: What if it rains during the trek?
A: If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.
Q: What will the temperature be like on the trek?
A: The temperature will be between -8 to 15 degrees.
Q: Is alcohol allowed , if its gets too cold?
A: Alcohol is dangerous in extreme cold, especially at high altitudes.
Contrary to what people believe, alcohol does not make you warmer.
Instead it opens your pores, making your body colder. Moreover, it
dehydrates you very quickly. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely
prohibited on all Nomad Adventures treks. Anyone found with alcohol is
quickly removed from the trek. Smoking, similarly, is not allowed.
Q: I'm a first timer, can i go on this trek?
A: Brahmatal is graded as a moderate trek. Beginners can attempt this trek provided they stick to the fitness schedule and meet the health requirements. Kedarkantha, Panchachuli base camp, Deoriatal-handrashila, Har Ki Dun are also good treks for first timers.
Q: What kind of staff will be on trek?
A: A team consisting of a qualified Trek leader, trek guides, porters and cooks will be with you throughout the trek.
Q: I am a female and a solo trekker, Do i need to share my tent with a male counterpart?
A: No, Female Trekkers share Room/Tent with female co-trekkers and same applicable for other.
Q:What are the sources of drinking water?
A:Campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day's trek, two litres of water should be enough. On Day 2 and Day 5, you will find one water source to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day's trek.
Q: What kind of food is served?
A:Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. Breakfast varies from bread butter, semia, poha , cornflakes etc. Lunch mainly comprises of roti or puri with sabzi. Dinner is complete with Dal, rice, roti and dessert. Dry ration of biscuits and toffees will be provided as well. You may carry nuts and dry fruits if necessary.
Q: Anything for Altitude sickness like Diamox?
A: No, Ecohunters does not advise consumption of Diamox. However in the event that it has to be consumed, consult your doctor before hand. We generally advise breathing exercises which get you going.
Q: Do i need special footwear to walk in the snow?
A: You don't need special snow shoes. A good waterproof trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek. When there is excessive snow, we provide micro spikes and gaiters.
Q: I am a single parent? Can children come along?
A: Yes , children can accompany as The Kedarkantha is a moderate trek ,
minimum age for eligibility is 8 years.
Q: What will sleeping in tents be like?
A: You will be provided with tents and high-altitude sleeping bags that can
withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.
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