Kedarkantha trek Uttrakhand

We begin our trek to Juda Ka Talab early in the morning after breakfast in Sankri. The trail is full of charm, passing through villages like Saud, where we see children heading to school and women starting their daily routines. As we continue, the path winds through dense pine forests and gradually becomes steeper until we reach a ridge.

Walking along the ridge, the trail eventually levels out and widens, with the cool shade of the forest protecting us from the sun. Soon, we arrive at the serene Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful lake with three unique floating landmasses. We set up camp by the lake and enjoy a peaceful dinner under a star-filled sky.

From Juda Ka Talab, the trail winds deeper into dense pine forests, eventually opening up to a picturesque meadow dotted with shepherds' huts. The climb continues, gradually ascending another thousand feet, taking around 2-3 hours to reach the Kedarkantha base camp.

This stretch of the trail is breathtaking, offering endless opportunities for photographers and nature lovers to capture the beauty of the surroundings. Though the base camp is cooler due to the open terrain, the reward is worth it — sweeping views of Uttarakhand’s iconic peaks. It’s a perfect place to set up camp and immerse yourself in the majesty of the mountains.

Day 4 is the moment you’ve been waiting for! The trek to the summit from the base camp isn’t long, but the reward is immense. At the top, you’re greeted with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Uttarakhand’s majestic peaks, the Chaainsheel Pass, and the Kailash ranges of Himachal. Below, you can spot the Har Ki Dun valley in all its glory. The summit is marked by a cluster of stones and a Trishul pointing skyward.

According to legend, the Kedarkantha peak was meant to be the original site of the Kedarnath temple. Lord Shiva, disguised as a cow to hide from the Pandavas, was meditating here when villagers disturbed him. This led him to relocate to the current Kedarnath temple site.

After soaking in the views and the stories, we descend to the base camp for lunch before continuing to Hargaon, a 2 km trek away. Hargaon, with its spacious campsite, is our stop for the night, where we rest and reflect on the beauty of this incredible journey before heading back to Sankri.

Today marks the final day of our trek as we descend from Kedarkantha to Sankri — a 4 km journey that takes about 2-3 hours. Once in Sankri, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this charming village and nearby hamlets like Gangad and Osla, known for their warm hospitality and rich Pahari culture.

Sankri also serves as the last road head for the Govind Ballabh Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a perfect place to soak in the serene surroundings before concluding your adventure.

Heading back home is always bittersweet, but the journey is made easier by retracing the same scenic route to Dehradun. As we leave the dense pine forests behind, the landscape gradually transforms, giving way to broader roads and open vistas. Finally, we arrive in the bustling city, saying a fond farewell to the tranquil mountains and valleys of Uttarakhand — memories of the serene wilderness etched in our hearts.