Kedarkantha Trek

The Kedarkantha winter trek weaves together snow-blanketed forests, high-altitude meadows, and panoramic Himalayan peaks into an experience that feels at once accessible and other-worldly. Nestled deep in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this journey begins in the village of Sankri and ends with an early morning summit ascent to roughly 12,500 ft (3,810 m).

Stepping out from Sankri, the trail gradually climbs through dense pine, oak and rhododendron woods, the hush of winter snowfall coating the branches in white. You’ll reach a serene high-altitude meadow and the iconic frozen sheet of Juda Ka Talab, a lake that in winter becomes a translucent ice mirror amid the silent trees. Each day brings new terrain and shifting vistas — from forest tracks to open snowfields, culminating in the crisp alpine air of the summit.

At the top, dawn breaks across a 360° panorama of Himalayan giants — peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kalanag rise in the distance, their forms carved in ice and light. That moment, standing above the world in the cold clarity of winter, is what carries many trekkers through the frost and the effort.

The trek is rated as “easy to moderate” — meaning it doesn’t demand advanced mountaineering skills, but it does require stamina, respect for altitude, and the right gear for snow and cold. Winter (roughly December to March/April) is the season when the route truly transforms into a shimmering, snow-covered wonderland. You must be ready for sub-zero nights, icy trails, limited mobile connectivity beyond Sankri, and the unpredictability of mountain weather.

For someone seeking the blend of adventure, serenity and Himalayan awe, Kedarkantha offers exactly that: mountain air, snowy silence, and a clear summit reward. It invites you to travel with intention, layer up for the cold, and tread lightly in a high-altitude realm where the snow falls, the pines whisper, and the peaks watch. If you embrace the chill, this trek will show you winter’s quiet power and beauty.