About This Trek
Kedarkhanta is one of India's finest winter summit treks — a 3,810m peak in the Govind Pashu Vihar region of Uttarkashi that offers a 360° panorama of the Himalayan giants: Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Ranglana, and the peaks of the Tons and Rupin valleys. In winter, the entire trail is blanketed in snow from Sankri onwards — frozen lake, snow-covered oak and rhododendron forests, and a summit that earns its view.
Kedarkhanta was one of Karan's routes during his India Hikes years — he knows the trail in winter conditions, from the frozen Juda Ka Talab to the early morning summit push through knee-deep snow. This is a trek that builds confidence and leaves a lasting impression.
Who Is This For
- Trekkers wanting their first proper winter Himalayan experience
- Those new to snow trekking — the gradient is manageable but the conditions are real
- Anyone after a genuine summit with panoramic views, without technical climbing
- Groups of 4–12 — a very social route with good teahouse support at Sankri
December–February is best for maximum snow. March–April offers snow with warmer days. No crampons required, but microspikes and trekking poles are strongly recommended.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Drive from Dehradun through Mussoorie, Purola, and the Tons valley to Sankri — the well-known base for Kedarkhanta, Har Ki Dun, and Rupin Pass treks. Snow may be visible from Sankri in December onwards. ~9 hrs drive. Overnight Sankri.
Trek through snow-dusted oak and rhododendron forest. The trail climbs steadily through a landscape that becomes increasingly white and quiet. Juda Ka Talab — a beautiful alpine lake that freezes solid in winter — is the campsite. Walk: ~4–5 hrs.
Steady climb through increasingly heavy snow cover as the forest opens into alpine terrain. The base camp at 3,650m is exposed and cold — clear preparation for the summit push tomorrow. Views of surrounding peaks start to reveal themselves. Walk: ~5 hrs.
Pre-dawn start for the summit. An hour or two of climbing through snow to reach the 3,810m peak — 360° views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, and the Tons and Rupin valleys. One of the finest winter summit panoramas in the Indian Himalaya. Descend all the way to Hargaon. Walk: ~9 hrs total.
Final trail day, descending back through forest to Sankri. The body feels different after the summit — lighter, looser. Last night in the mountains. Walk: ~4 hrs.
Drive back to Dehradun. Trek ends. ~9 hrs drive.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Trek leadership by Karan throughout
- Support staff & porters
- All camping accommodation & meals
- Forest permits
- First aid kit
- Dehradun–Sankri–Dehradun transport
- Group microspikes (if required)
Excluded
- Transport to Dehradun
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal winter trekking gear (list provided)
- Personal snacks, tips