Summit Dreams: Explore the Trills of Kedarkantha Trek
Your journey from Dehradun to Sankri begins early in the morning. The day starts with a 185 km drive to Sankri, where the urban scenery of Dehradun slowly gives way to the lush embrace of the Himalayas. ● Your path takes you through a beautiful valley filled with wildflowers, especially in the spring. During this season, the valley comes to life with colourful rhododendrons and wild lilies, creating a vibrant landscape. ● You reach the Wild Voyages Basecamp at Sankri village in the evening. Sankri sits at an elevation of 1,920 metres or approximately 6,400 feet above sea level. Here, you'll be warmly welcomed for an exciting journey in the heart of the Himalayas. ● Upon arriving at Sankri Village, the sky is painted with golden hues, marking the start of your Himalayan exploration. ● After enjoying a tasty dinner made from local ingredients, you gather around a bonfire to share stories and laughter with fellow trekkers. As night falls and the mountains bring a sense of peace, rest for the night, dreaming about the adventures that lie ahead.
Commencing the day early and enjoying a tasty breakfast at the Sankri Village base camp, you'll start your journey to Juda Ka Taal. This high-altitude lake comes across the Kedarkantha trek in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This mesmerising lake, situated at an altitude of 2,700 metres above sea level, has captivating views of the Himalayan landscapes. ● The trek starts with a 4 km, approximately 3-hour hike to the Juda Ka Taal campsite, a serene location surrounded by the splendour of nature. ● The trail commences through a beautiful pine and maple forest, climbing alongside wildlife and pastures. As you progress, you'll come across charming huts nestled among the fields. ● While walking, you may encounter some icy and slushy terrain, but the Wild Voyages guides are there to assist you, so there's no need to worry. ● During the trek, you'll glimpse a massive lake on the left and thick pine and oak forests on the other side, creating a stunning display of beauty. The water near the lake will be lukewarm, while the remaining water will be colder. ● In winter, the lake transforms into a sheet of ice, offering a captivating view. Moreover, The lake features a significant natural tunnel that provides water to the nearby villagers. ● Your journey involves crossing bridges, and one exciting encounter is the possibility of meeting Himalayan Langur. Keep in mind that these are shy creatures, and spotting them is a rare opportunity. ● In this region, you might also come across boars, hares, and martens. Juda Ka Taal is a picturesque destination within the dense pine and oak forest. ● In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at your campsite. After the meal, take the opportunity to unwind or explore the surroundings with a leisurely walk around the campsite.
● After waking up early and witnessing the majestic sunrise, we will commence the trek to the KedarKantha base, situated at an elevation of 11,250 feet. ● The distance from Juda Ka Taal to Kedarkantha base is approximately 3 kilometres, and it takes about 2.5 hours to cover at a moderate pace. ● As you climb further, the trail will become steeper. Pay close attention, as your trek guide will provide essential guidance for navigating snow slopes. Moreover, He will guide you to take the appropriate size for your footsteps. ● You'll trek through the dense forest of pine and oak trees, navigating steep ridges. As you progress towards a height of 10,400 feet, you'll encounter snow traces, offering magnificent views of nature. ● Prepare yourself, as more spectacular views await. Before reaching the base camp, all trekkers can enjoy stunning vistas of different arc-shaped ranges covered in snow, including Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Ranglana, proudly standing in the lap of Mother Nature. ● In the evening, a delicious dinner will be served at your campsite.
● After having a full-filling breakfast, we'll start the trekking journey from an elevation of 11,250 feet to 12,500 feet, covering a distance of nearly 8 kilometres in approximately 7 hours. It's essential to note that the trail will become steeper, so ensure you are adequately prepared. ● While trekking, you'll witness the enchanting colours of nature and the majestic sights of various ranges, including Rupin. According to local rumours, the peak was initially intended for the construction of the Kedarnath temple. However, villagers reported hearing animal sounds, which were considered an omen of a divine event. ● However, they constructed a statue of Lord Shiva up to the neck. In Hindi, the neck is called "Kanth," and since Lord Shiva has many names, including Kedar, the peak came to be known as Kedarkantha. ● At the Kedarkantha peak, indulge your eyes with captivating views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kalanaag, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Upon reaching the summit, the mesmerising views of nature will undoubtedly evoke a sense of accomplishment. ● At the summit, you'll also find a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, along with a small shrine of Lord Ganesh. Additionally, the descent to the campsite will commence on the same day. ● Have a comforting dinner at your campsite in the evening, and afterwards, you can either relax or enjoy stargazing.
● As the sun goes down, casting a warm light on the big mountains, it's time to bid farewell to them. ● You'll walk 7 kilometres back to Sankri, going over the same paths you took before. Remembering all the fascinating things you saw and did during the trip, each step back to Sankri is like cherishing the beautiful memories of the mountains. ● The trail reminds you of the fresh mountain air, the sounds of leaves, and the friends you made on this incredible trek. Even though leaving the mountains might feel a little sad, knowing you conquered them and have more adventures ahead makes this walk back to Sankri a mix of happy and kind of sad, but definitely a memorable ending to your fantastic journey. On the same day, we'll drive you back to Dehradun, holding on to the great memories from the Kedarkantha trek.