Your Journey to the Himalayan Summit Starts Before You Arrive
The mountains reward the prepared. The Kedarkantha trek is not simply a walk through snow forests. It's a trek into the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas and the experience of the trek is one of the most memorable you can have, with the weather changing at a moment's notice, the quiet mountain trails and the high altitude all playing their part.
Starting in Sankri (a traditional Himalayan village in Uttarkashi) the trek takes you through beautiful forest tracks, some very scenic campsites and mountain terrain before you get to the magnificent Kedarkantha summit at around 12,500 feet.
At Himalayasgriffon we believe a great trek starts with the right preparation. Here's what you need to know prior to setting off on your trek.
01. Understand the mountain not just the distance.
Kedarkantha is generally regarded as an easy to moderate trek and is therefore a popular option for first timers. It does involve several days of walking, a good deal of uphill walking, cold temperatures and a very demanding summit day. You need to be properly prepared for all of that.
Start building your stamina a few weeks out. Regular walking, stair climbing and some simple leg strength exercises will go a long way to making you feel more at ease on the trail.
You don't need to be an athlete. You do need to respect the mountain.
02. Pack for conditions not predictions
Himalayan weather can turn on a dime. A sunny afternoon in Sankri can be very different to a cold windy morning at the higher elevations.
Your backpack should include:
Thermal base layers and a warm fleece.
- An insulated jacket with a waterproof outer layer.
- Trekking trousers and warm socks.
- Gloves, a woollen cap and a neck warmer.
- Trekking shoes with good grip.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Headlamp, reusable water bottle and personal medicines.
Snow and ice will probably require some additional traction gear depending on the actual conditions on the trail. Always check the final packing list with your trekking team.
The golden rule: stay warm, stay dry and don't carry any unnecessary weight.
03. Choose your season wisely
Kedarkantha changes its character throughout the year.
- Winter: the prospect of snow-covered forests, white landscapes and a genuine winter trekking experience.
- Spring: changing forest scenery, milder day time conditions and potentially snow lingering at higher elevations.
- Summer: greener surroundings, the mountain trails and a very different view of the Himalayan landscape.
- Autumn: clear mountain views are possible (subject to the weather).
Snowfall, temps and trail conditions will vary from year to year. Pick your departure date according to the experience you're after rather than expecting snow of any particular consistency.
04. Prepare for the early morning summit
Summit day is usually the most memorable aspect of Kedarkantha and can also be the most physically gruelling.
Trekkers can start before sunrise to make the most of the window of opportunity in terms of weather. It will be cold, the ground will be uneven and there will be potential for snow and ice.
Walk steadily, keep your hands and feet warm, drink water regularly and follow your leader's instructions. Getting to the top is the objective but getting back safely is always the priority.
The mountains will still be beautiful when it comes to the point where we have to alter our plans.
05. Give your body time to adjust
At 12,500ft altitude you do need to respect it. Go at a sensible pace and don't rush up the hill.
Tell your trek leader straight away if you get a persistent headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Any severe or worsening symptoms require medical attention and may indicate that you need to descend to a lower altitude.
Never ignore the symptoms to get on with the group and get to the top.
06. Know what your Trek package includes
Before you book, make sure you know precisely what your package includes.
Confirm transport from Dehradun, accommodation in Sankri, camping, food, trekking gear, permits, professional guiding and emergency support.
Find out about the exclusions, any personal expenses, the insurance, the cancellation terms and what happens in the case of unforeseen delays.
At Himalayasgriffon our aim is to help you get your head around your journey prior to it even starting so that you can arrive ready and able to focus on the experience.
07. Arrive in Sankri with time to spare
Sankri is the starting point of your Kedarkantha adventure and is in itself a destination well worth visiting.
The road journey from Dehradun will generally take about 10-11 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions). It's sensible to arrive in Dehradun a day prior to your departure to minimise the chance of missing your pickup.
Keep your essential documents to hand, make sure you know your reporting time and don't make any tight onward connections after the trek.
08. Travel Light, Leave No Trace
The Himalayas are not just a trekking destination. They are a living environment shared by the local communities, the wildlife and the fragile mountain ecosystems.
Take your own water bottles, take your own waste back, don't disturb the wildlife, respect the local culture and stick to the trails and camping rules as per the regulations.
Travel responsibly and leave the mountains as beautiful as you found them.
Your Final Pre-Trek Check
Before leaving home, make sure you have:
- Confirmed your booking and date of departure.
- Checked your transport and reporting details.
- Sorted out your clothing and footwear.
- Packed ID and personal medication.
- Checked out the itinerary and package inclusions.
- Checked the latest weather and trail conditions.
- Understood the safety instructions.
A Final Word from Himalayasgriffon
Kedarkantha isn't just about the summit. It's about the stillness of the forest, the first light on the distant peaks, the warmth of a mountain camp and the sheer satisfaction of doing it.
Based in Sankri and Dehradun, Himalayasgriffon bring a very local touch to your Himalayan adventure. They're able to give you the kind of practical advice that will help you get ready for the journey and they do so with a real respect for the mountains.
Come prepared for the trail, stay flexible with the weather and respect your own limits. Let the mountains set the pace.
Himalayasgriffon — Your Himalayan journey, guided by local knowledge.
