Distance: 5 kms

Time: 4-5 hours

Altitude reached: 9100 feet

The second day we start trekking to Juda-ka-Talab from Sankri. Juda-ka-Talab is a lake that has mythical roots to its name. It is said that once upon a time, when Lord Shiva had meditated at Kedarkantha, a droplet that fell from His hair had created the lake, hence the name Juda-ka-Talab. You will also catch sight of the rarely seen maple forests that are exclusive to this region. After scaling an altitude of 9100 feet we finally reach Juda-ka-Talab where we camp for the night.

Distance: 4 kms

Time: 3 hours

Altitude reached: 11, 250 feet.

This is the day we trek to Kedarkantha base camp. The Kedarkantha base from Juda-ka-Talab is 2.5 kms which takes about 4 hours to cover. The trek path takes us on a steep ridge passing through the oak and pine forests which gradually grow dense as we move upward. Since the trek is easy, you can catch a little break to enjoy the gorgeous views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. After reaching Kedarkantha base by afternoon or early evening we set up our tents. At night, you can see the sky full of stars and the vibrant Milky Way splashed across it. The feeling is to being in space and floating among the stars! 

Distance: 9 kms

Time: 7 – 8 hours

Altitudes reached: 12, 500 feet followed by descent to 8, 900 feet

This is the most important day of the trek as we start for the long-awaited Kedarkantha Summit from the base camp. The distance to the Summit is not too long. As we head out for a while, the trail becomes clearly visible and the Summit comes right into your view. The route again goes through the oak forests with shepherd log huts along the way. Towards the end the trail becomes a little steep and the climb might get strenuous, especially if you’re a first-timer. But once you reach the Summit, the view from the top will leave you speechless. You will forget all your worries and fatigue from the climb as the raw beauty of the mountains enthralls your heart and mind. The highest Kedarkantha Trek height you will scale on this tour is 12, 500 feet.

On the Summit you’ll find an arrangement of stones with a Trishul(trident) pointing towards the sky as a nod to the mythological history of the place. After all, Kedarkantha literally means the throat of Lord Shiva. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the famed Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges, the Har ki Dun and Rupin range, Chaainsheel Pass, and the Kinnaur Kailash ranges from the Kedarkantha Summit. From here we trek back to Hargaon or Juda Ka Talab base camp at an altitude of 8, 900 feet and stay the night at camp.

Distance: 5.5 kms

Time: 4 hours

Altitude reached: 6,400 feet

Today we begin the descent from Kedarkantha Summit to Sankri through Hargaon or Juda Ka Talab base camp. The trail takes us through the same picturesque forests of oak and pine trees, sunlight gleaming through them. It takes us about 2 to 3 hours to reach Sankri, which is the last road head to the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi.

You can explore the place, mingle with the very humble and welcoming locals, try the local food and last but not the least, gaze endlessly at the mountain ranges. Overnight at Sankri.

Distance: 200kms

Time: 8-9 hours

This day marks the end of the exciting and adventurous Kedarkantha Trek, after breakfast we drive back to Dehradun from Sankri post breakfast. We will reach Dehradun in the evening at 7 to 8 pm.