Kedarkantha Trek – A summit trek in Uttarakhand Himalayas -2023
What is Kedarkantha trek? How to reach Kedarkantha trek?
The trek starts from the base camp
of Sankri village and takes about 6-7 days to complete. The trek route passes
through dense alpine forests, lush meadows, and snow-covered peaks. Along the
way, trekkers will also pass by several picturesque villages and have the
opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality.
The trek is
best done between December and April when the snow is still present, making the
trek more challenging but also more rewarding, with the added bonus of the
beautiful view of the snow-covered peaks.
Trekkers
should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for the high altitude, cold
temperatures, and rugged terrain. It's also important to be well-equipped with
proper gear and clothing, as well as to have a good guide and team.
Kedarkantha
is the most popular trekking destination in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. To reach Kedarkantha, you can take a bus or train to
the town of Dehradun, which is the closest major city. From there, you can take
a local bus or taxi to the trek starting point in Sankri, which is the base
village for the Kedarkantha trek.
Sankri is
the starting point for the Kedarkantha trek, and it is located in the Indian
state of Uttarakhand.
By Air: The nearest
airport to Sankri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 270 km away. From
there, you can take a taxi or bus to Sankri.
By Train: The nearest
railway station is Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Sankri.
By Bus: Sankri is well-connected
by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. You can take a bus from Dehradun,
Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Mussoorie to reach Sankri.
Please note
that the last leg of the journey is a steep and winding road, and it is
advisable to take a local jeep, taxi, or bus service.
It's always better to plan your travel in advance and book your tickets
accordingly. Also, it's always better to check the road conditions before
starting the journey as the roads may be closed due to landslides or snowfall.
Itinerary
for Winter Season (Dec to mid-Feb)
Day 1: Drive to Sankri (base camp) and overnight stay
Day 2: Trek to Juda-ka-Talab (trek starts)
Day 3: Trek to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Day 4: Rest day at Base Camp
Day 5: Trek to Kedarkantha summit and back to Base Camp
Day 6: Trek to Sankri and overnight stay
Day 7: Drive back to Dehradun or Haridwar
Please note that this is a general itinerary and may vary depending on
the trekking company or operator. Weather conditions and other factors may
affect the trek.
Day 1: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (6
km, 5-6 hours)
Day 2: Juda
Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (5 km, 4-5 hours)
Day 3: Rest
and acclimatization day at Kedarkantha Base Camp
Day 4:
Kedarkantha Base Camp to Kedarkantha Peak (3 km, 6-7 hours)
Day 5:
Kedarkantha Peak to Sankri (12 km, 6-7 hours)
What to carry for kedarkantha
trek?
Here is a list of some of the essential
equipment that you will need for the Kedarkantha trek:
Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of at least 50 liters to carry all
of your gear.
Sleeping bag: A warm sleeping bag with a temperature rating of at least -5
degrees celsius.
Sleeping mat: A lightweight and compact sleeping mat to provide insulation
and cushioning.
Headlamp: A headlamp with extra batteries to provide light during the
night.
Trekking poles: Trekking poles are helpful for balance and reducing the
stress on your knees.
Clothing: Warm and waterproof clothing, including a jacket, fleece,
thermal layers, and an extra pair of socks and gloves.
Footwear: Sturdy and waterproof trekking boots or shoes with good grip.
First aid kit: A small first aid kit with basic medical supplies such as
band-aids, painkillers, and antiseptic cream.
Water bottles: At least 2-liter water bottles or hydration bladders, and
water purification tablets.
Personal hygiene: Personal hygiene items such as a small towel, toilet paper,
and wet wipes.
Trash bags: Trash bags to pack in and pack out all your waste.
These are general lists,
and depending on the season, you may need to add or modify some items. It is
always a good idea to check the weather forecast and bag your pack accordingly.
What is included in this
Trek?
The inclusion of services in a
Kedarkantha trek package can vary depending on the trekking company or operator
you choose. Generally, most packages will include the following:
Transportation: from Dehradun or Haridwar to the base camp (Sankri) and back.
Accommodation: Stay in guesthouses or tents during the trek, depending on the
package.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
Guides: Experienced local guides lead the trek and provide
information about the area.
Equipment: Tents and sleeping bags for camping treks.
Permits and fees: All necessary permits and fees for trekking in the area.
First Aid: A basic first aid kit will be carried by the guide during the trek.
Some packages may also include additional
services such as porter services, insurance, and equipment rental. It's always
best to check with the specific trekking company or operator for a detailed
list of inclusions and exclusions in their package.
Phone connectivity and transactions
Network connectivity can be limited during the Kedarkantha trek as the trek takes place in a remote and mountainous region. Cell phone signals can be spotty and unreliable, and in some areas, there may be no signal at all.
However, most of the accommodation options on the trek such as guesthouses, homestays, and campsites have basic facilities, and you may be able to get a weak signal in these areas. Some of the guesthouses and campsites may also have Wi-Fi, but the internet connection is usually slow.
It's always better to be prepared and to inform your friends and family of your itinerary and expected return date so that they know how to reach you in case of an emergency. It's also advisable to carry a satellite phone or a personal locator beacon in case of an emergency and to inform your guide or the trekking company of your contact detail.
ATM is not available in the area, so carrying enough cash with you is advisable.
Is it legal to trek KedarKantha without a guide?
No, As per the most recent information I have, trekking in the Kedarkantha trek is legal but trekkers are supposed to take permission from the forest department to trek, and hiring a local guide is mandatory
Gather required documents: You will need to provide personal identification such as a passport or voter ID, as well as a photocopy of the same.
Contact the forest department: You can contact the forest department of Uttarakhand to apply for the permit. You can find the contact details on their official website.
Submit the application: Submit the application form along with the required documents, either in person or online.
Pay the fees: You will need to pay the permit fee, which can vary depending on the season and the number of people in your group.
Wait for approval: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive the permit.
How difficult is kedarkantha trek ?
The difficulty level of the Kedarkantha trek varies depending on factors such as your level of fitness, the trail conditions, and the weather. Generally, it is considered a moderate trek that requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina. The trail includes steep ascents and descents, and the altitude can reach up to 12,500 feet. It is recommended that you are comfortable with hiking and have some experience with trekking before attempting this trek.
It is also important to note that at high altitudes, the air is thinner, and it can be harder to breathe. It's called altitude sickness, and it's a common condition that can occur when people travel to high altitudes too quickly. To avoid altitude sickness it's always better to take an acclimatization day on the 3rd day of the trek. Also, it's essential to drink plenty of water, eat high-energy foods, and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping pills.
It's always better to be cautious and listen to your body, if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, or shortness of breath, it's important to seek medical attention if necessary.
Is kedarkantha trek safe in December?
The Kedarkantha trek can be undertaken in December, but it is important to note that the trail conditions may be more challenging due to the winter weather.
The temperature can drop significantly, and snow and ice can make the trail slippery and dangerous.
It is important to be well-prepared for the cold weather and to have proper gear, such as warm clothing, gloves, and a good quality jacket.
It's also important to note that the trek during December may have less people, less facilities, and less support as compared to peak season.
So you have to check the current weather forecast and trail conditions and be well-informed about the potential risks before attempting the trek. It is also recommended that you hire a local guide who is familiar with the trail and the weather conditions.
The view from the Kedarkantha Summit
.png)
The view from the Kedarkantha summit would be breathtaking, including a panoramic vista of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys.
The summit is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Uttarakhand, India, which is known for its natural beauty and serene ambiance.
You can see many peaks in the Himalayas like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Ranglana, etc. The view would be covered with snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows.
The trek to the summit is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts and offers a unique experience of nature and serenity.
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment