Why Kedarkantha?
Kedarkantha is India's most loved winter trek — and for good reason. Few Himalayan summits this accessible reward you with a genuine 360° panorama: Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak and the Yamunotri ranges all stand in a ring around the summit. The trail climbs through pine and oak forest to snow-covered meadows, and in season the entire route is a white wonderland that's still manageable for fit first-timers.
The Route
The classic route starts from Sankri (6,400 ft), a 10-hour drive from Dehradun. Day one climbs through forest to Juda ka Talab, a lake-side camp at around 9,100 ft. Day two continues to the Kedarkantha base camp meadows (~11,250 ft). Summit day starts pre-dawn for sunrise on top at 12,500 ft, then descends to Hargaon camp, with the final day walking back to Sankri. Variations via Pukhrola or a Har ki Dun combination exist for those with more days.
Best Time to Go
December to April is the signature window — deep snow, clear skies between spells, and the classic summit sunrise. December–January give the most reliable snow; March–April are slightly warmer with longer days. The trek runs in autumn too (October–November) with crisp views but no snow carpet.
Difficulty and Fitness
Kedarkantha is graded easy-to-moderate. Daily walking is 4–6 hours, and the summit push involves a steep, sustained snow climb — microspikes are usually provided by operators. If you can jog 4–5 km comfortably, a few weeks of preparation is enough. Altitude sickness is uncommon at these heights but acclimatize sensibly and hydrate.
Permits and How to Reach
The trek lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, so a forest permit is required — arranged by your trek operator or at the Sankri forest office. Reach Sankri from Dehradun (railhead/airport) via Mussoorie, Purola and Mori — shared taxis and operator transport run daily in season.