Kedarkantha

Assemble at the Dehradun Railway station by 6.00 AM.Our journey begins as soon as we hit the road from Dehradhun. A long, yet enjoyable drive, whereby, we proceed to Kempty Falls, near Mussoorie, to enjoy a hearty breakfast. While our journey recommences, you will appreciate the company and the lovely views of the serpentine river Tons. Smell the fresh air whilst appreciating the leaves of the numerous pine trees swaying in the breeze as we pass by Purola. Driving by a place called Mori, nearing closer to Sankri, you will get a glimpse of the river Tons joining a glacial stream to become the river Supin. Before we reach Sankri, the last 22kms passes through the Govind National Park where one may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife. So keep your eyes peeled! As we approach Sankri at approximately 6 pm, you will be able to glimpse this quaint and quiet village which is now a hive of activity due to the trekking season.

Our trek commences from today for a distance of 4km. We make our way to Juda-ka-Talab by moving out of Sankri, towards Sor and upwards on an inclined road that moves parallel to a beautiful stream. We cross many babbling brooks amidst the dense forest, whilst walking on a lush carpet of maple and pine leaves. The sounds of the streams mingled with the Twitter of birds and the calls of the langur greet your eyes. While ascending farther up, you will cross paths with the local 'paharis' or mountain folk, who will greet you with a shy smile. You may also chance upon wild boars, martens, hares and a myriad of birds amidst towering oak trees. As we reach Juda-ka-Talab, you will be amazed by this pristine lake surrounded by pines. It is situated at a height of 9100 feet. The lake glitters like a flawless emerald, while the surrounding foliage changes from a viridescent cloak in the summers to a stunning white cloak of snow in the winters. The rest of the day is yours to explore in the arms of Mother Nature. Get clicking with those cameras! Enjoy a warm meal beside an even warmer fire under a canopy of stars. Overnight stay in tents.

The anticipation builds as we continue on our way to the Kedarkantha base camp which is at a height of 11,200 feet and is 2.5km away from Juda-ka-Talab. The distance can be covered at a leisurely pace post breakfast. We enter the beautiful forest once again and as we climb higher, the ridge gets steeper. As if to compensate for its steepness, the landscape is dotted with charming not meadows. Once you reach the base camp by roughly 12pm, our trek leader will keep you engaged in some fun activities. In the evening, the schedule for tomorrow ; the demo on how to use gaiters and micro-spikes, and an acclimatisation activity will take place. Another night of stargazing awaits you, and you may just discover shooting stars zipping across the sky; while the faint outline of the Milky Way is visible to one and all!.

To conquer the Kedarkantha peak, we set off after a scrumptious breakfast at 4.00am. The trek is a long and arduous one as we scale the stunning alpine peak, and climb back down to the base camp within the same day. We take the main trail which has a uniform path throughout most of the ascent. We climb up to an elevation of 12,500 feet. The entire trek covers a distance of 8 km which takes roughly 9 hours to complete. The exhilarating vistas surrounding you of the stunning landscape makes the tough hike seem less formidable. As the sun climbs higher on the horizon, the panorama changes with every passing hour. When we near the peak, the climb becomes slightly difficult and strenuous. Once you have conquered the peak, which is no small feat; the mesmerising 360 view, and the immense pride one feels is enough to make you heady with excitement! While relaxing and enjoying the views of the snow-capped peaks in the distance, makes it truly worth the effort. If there was ever a moment to float and gloat, this would be it! As you make your way back to the base camp, still giddy with excitement; a delightful meal awaits you wherein you can reflect and share the days' experience and achievements with your fellow Trekkers.

The last leg of our journey is the trek back to Sankri which is 8km & takes 6 hours or so to complete. We descend to a height of 6400 feet, but along the way, we retrace our steps, through the thick pine forests, where the luscious greenery encompasses us. Marvel at the gurgling streams one last time as they meander through the mountain & quench your thirst by relishing the taste of pure mountain water. Along the way you will get to glimpse the Har ki Dhun valley enticingly beckons you in the distance. As you reach Sankri by 2pm, why not explore the various eateries to grab a bite and hunt for some souvenirs to take home with you. Use this opportunity to observe how the locals lead a simple, yet contented life by farming and other forms of income while living in modest wooden establishments. Enjoy a well-earned dinner to celebrate the completion of your trek successfully!.

As we prepare to leave this wonderfully tranquil and divine region, we pack our bags with a heavy heart & say our final goodbyes over a healthy breakfast. Proceed to check out of the hotel by 8am, where your transport, a Tata Sumo, or similar, awaits you. As we travel back to Dehradhun, treasure the unending vistas that lie all around you, while taking last minute photos. The journey of roughly 10 hours will keep you occupied with countless memories to take back and share with your loved ones. We have ensured that the trek has been paced in such a way that you have been provided with ample rest in order to make it an enjoyable experience. Once in Dehradhun, part ways with your fellow trekkers, with the promise of experiencing yet another thrilling adventure with us.