If you are looking for a thrilling and scenic winter trek in India, you should definitely consider the Kedarkantha trek. This trek takes you to the summit of Kedarkantha peak, which is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The peak offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, including the Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers. The trek also passes through dense forests, charming villages, and frozen lakes, making it a perfect blend of nature and adventure.
History of Kedarkantha Trek
The name Kedarkantha means “the throat of Lord Shiva”. According to a legend, Lord Shiva was on his way to Kedarnath, another sacred site in the Himalayas, when he stopped at this peak for meditation. However, he was disturbed by the locals and decided to move to Kedarnath. The locals then built a small temple at the top of the peak to worship him. The temple still exists and is visited by many trekkers and pilgrims.
Best Time to Go for Kedarkantha Trek
The best time to go for Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, when the peak and the surrounding areas are covered with snow. The winter season offers a magical experience of walking on a white carpet, surrounded by snow-laden trees and mountains. The temperature can drop to as low as -10°C at night, so you need to be well prepared with warm clothes and gear. The trek can also be done in other seasons, but the snow will be less and the landscape will be more green and brown.
Estimated Budget for Kedarkantha Trek
The estimated budget for Kedarkantha trek depends on various factors, such as the mode of transportation, the type of accommodation, the food, and the guide and porter charges. However, a rough estimate can be given as follows:
- Transportation: The nearest airport and railway station to the trek base camp, Sankri, are in Dehradun, which is about 200 km away. You can take a bus or a cab from Dehradun to Sankri, which will cost you around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per person, depending on the vehicle and the season.
- Accommodation: You can stay in a homestay or a guesthouse in Sankri, which will charge you around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person, per night. During the trek, you will camp at different sites, such as Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Base, and Hargaon. You can either carry your own tent and sleeping bag, or rent them from a local vendor, which will cost you around Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per person, per night.
- Food: You can get simple and delicious food in Sankri, such as dal, rice, roti, sabzi, etc. The cost of food will be around Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 per person, per meal. During the trek, you can either cook your own food, or hire a cook, who will charge you around Rs. 500 to Rs. 700 per person, per day. You should also carry some snacks and energy bars for the trek, which will cost you around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person, per day.
- Guide and Porter: You can either do the trek on your own, or hire a guide and a porter, who will help you with the route, the camping, and the luggage. A guide will charge you around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 per day, and a porter will charge you around Rs. 800 to Rs. 1000 per day. You should also tip them generously for their service.
The total budget for Kedarkantha trek, for a 6-day trip, can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 per person, excluding the personal expenses and the emergency fund. You can also opt for a package from a reputed trekking company, which will take care of everything for you, from transportation to accommodation to food to guide and porter. The package cost will vary from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 per person, depending on the company and the inclusions.
Or you can just book our kedarkantha package for just Rs 8499! This package includes everything you need for a comfortable and adventurous trek: food, accommodation, transportation, guide, permits, and more!
Conclusion
Kedarkantha trek is a wonderful winter trek that will give you a memorable experience of the Himalayas. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers, as it is not very difficult or long. However, you need to be physically fit and mentally prepared for the trek, as it involves walking on snow and facing cold weather. You also need to plan your trek well in advance, and book your transportation and accommodation accordingly. You should also carry all the necessary items and documents for the trek, such as warm clothes, trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, torch, ID proof, etc. You should also follow the trekking etiquette and respect the nature and the locals. Kedarkantha trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you should not miss. So, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure in the Himalayas.