When it comes to winter trekking in India, the Kedarkantha trail stands out as an excellent choice. Between December and April, Kedarkantha offers an outstanding trekking experience amidst pristine snow, featuring picturesque camping spots and remarkably spacious clearings within the woodlands. Therefore, if you intend to explore the Himalayas during the winter season, choose the Kedarkantha trek. You won't be disappointed. Explore this informative blog for essential insights into this remarkable trekking adventure.
Here are the Primary 5 Reasons to Undertake the Kedarkantha Trek in Winter:
Winter's Last Stand: Snow Remain Till April
Few are aware, but during the Kedarkantha trek, winter snowfall commences around mid-December and persists until the third week of April. Soon after surpassing the 10,000-foot elevation, you will likely encounter snow covering the forest ground amidst the pine trees. Upon reaching the meadows, there's a high probability of finding an extensive white blanket in every direction around you.
Most Beautiful Campsites
This trek features the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas. Not many treks can claim to possess campsite beauty comparable to the Kedarkantha trek. Each of its campsites possesses distinct beauty. The Juda-Ka-Talab campsite is situated in a clearing surrounded by towering pine trees, the Kedarkantha base campsite is located in an open meadow with snow-capped peaks in every direction, and the Hargaon camp is once again set in a clearing amidst pines and oaks. It seems each campsite competes with the others in its picturesque surroundings.
Finest Journey in the Himalayas
The route to Kedarkantha guides you through Mussoorie, Nowgaon, Purola, Mori, and Naitwar. This remote path is so splendid that it stands out as one of the most scenic journeys in the Indian Himalayas.
The Joy of Strolling on a Blanket of Rustic Leaves
The Kedarkantha trek commences in a thick pine forest, where the path is consistently blanketed by a layer of rustic leaves. Treading on this offers a delightful crunch with every step!
Panoramic Snow-Capped Peaks
This is a significant advantage of embarking on the Kedarkantha trek. From the Kedarkantha base camp, you'll witness a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of renowned mountain peaks, creating a mesmerising sight. Reaching the Kedarkantha summit feels like reaching the sky, with all the peaks seemingly at your eye level!
Information About the Kedarkantha Trek:
Here are some brief information regarding the Kedarkantha trek:
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. No prior trekking experience is required.
Trail Type: Circular.
Region: Uttarakhand
Rail Head: Dehradun is the closest railhead to the base camp.
Altitude/Height: The trek commences at 6,000 ft and ascends to 12,500 ft.
Campsites: Juda-Ka-Talab, Kedarkantha Base, and Hargaon
Best Season: Winter. Can expect significant snowfall from mid-December to the conclusion of April.
It's worth noting that winters in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. The weather may become challenging, with temperatures dropping to approximately -10 degrees Celsius. If you intend to trek the Himalayas in winter, ensure you are adequately equipped with at least five layers of warm clothing.
Best Time for Kedarkantha Trekking
It is most suitably undertaken as a winter trek from December to April. It transforms into a complete snow trek during this period, with the initial snowfall encountered from the start of your trekking journey.
Furthermore, Kedarkantha stands out as one of the rare treks accessible during winter. The Himalayas are not consistently reachable this season due to excessive snowfall, rendering most trails impassable and the weather unmanageable.
However, Kedarkantha promises an optimal snow experience while providing access to a summit soaring at 12,500 ft! The sunrise view from the summit is a genuinely celestial experience, with a harmonious beauty emanating from the majestic peaks and a remarkable golden light reminiscent of a bygone era. This spectacle defies all superlatives.
Conclusion
Kedarkantha trek unfolds as a captivating journey through the pristine landscapes of the Himalayas. From the enduring snow-capped peaks to the enchanting campsites nestled amidst towering pines, each moment of this trek is an adventure waiting to be cherished!
Begin your snowy splendor adventure with Wild Voyages!