Kedarkantha Winter Trek – A Complete Guide to the Best Snow Trek in India
Kedarkantha winter trek – route, how to reach, best time
If you are looking for a great beginners Himalayan snow trek, you cannot go wrong with the Kedarkantha Winter Trek! Located in Uttarakhand, in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, this trek will take you on beautiful trails in deep snow, charming villages, and some incredible views, including a stunning summit view at 12,500ft. This trek will also be a wonderful option as one of the best winter treks in India.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your Kedarkantha winter trek – route, how to reach, best time etc and some pro travel tips!
Reasons to take the Kedarkantha Winter Trek:
- Snow covering the route from +/- December until March
- Fantastic 360 view of some famous peaks in the Himalaya from the summit
- Beautiful picturesque campsites in scenic forested areas
- An easy-moderate trek – very suitable for novices
- You will be camping on picture postcard perfect trails with truly spectacular sunrise views.
Kedarkantha Trek Route Overview
Starting Point: Sankri (Base village)
Trek Distance: ~20 km total
Altitude: 6,400 ft (Sankri) to 12,500 ft (Kedarkantha Summit)
Duration: 4N/5D
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
How to Get to Sankri for Kedarkantha Winter Trek
From Delhi:
- Overnight bus/train to Dehradun
- From Dehradun, drive/shared taxi to Sankri (200 km, ~8–9 hours)
From Dehradun:
- Direct shared cabs/private taxi to Sankri (early morning starts only)
- No direct buses – local/shared jeeps only!
Best Times for Kedarkantha Winter Trek
The trek is well-known for its snow-covered trail in:
- December to February – prime winter snow
- March to early-April – mix of snow with emerging spring beauty
- January is ideal if you’re keen on a full snow trekking experience!
Popular Campsites on Kedarkantha Trek
- Juda Ka Talab – frozen lake with pine forest vista
- Kedarkantha Base Camp – incredible night skies
- Kedarkantha Summit – sunrise facing Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak
Packing List for Kedarkantha Winter Trek
- Trekking boots (with grip!) – waterproof
- Heavy wool base layers + thermals
- Waterproof gloves and socks
- Trekking poles and gaiters
- UV sunglasses + suncream
- Backpack (50–60L) + rain cover
- Power bank, headlight, personal meds
Pack light but layer smart; temps can drop to -10°C or below.
Kedarkantha Winter Trek Tips
- Get fit – walking/jogging regularly will help you
- Start early each day – in the snow it is safer to walk in the daylight.
- Stay hydrated even in cold weather.
- Always take an extra woollen and waterproof layer.
Ques. Do you need a guide or a permit?
Ans: Yes:
- It is highly recommended to use a local guide or trek operator, especially in winter.
- You do require a forest entry permit (the trek organizers will usually sort this).
Conclusion
The Kedarkantha Winter Trek is not just a snow trek, it is a total Himalayan experience filled with adventure, tranquility, and extraordinary scenery. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a first-time trekker, or part of a group, this trek offers everything you need to fall in love with the mountains.
Pack your thermals, lace up those snow boots, and get ready to conquer the snow-covered summit of Kedarkantha!