The summit lies at an altitude of 3850m above sea level and reaching the summit feels very rewarding as you get a 360-degree view of peaks of Uttarakhand like the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Ranglana among the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges. Stretching below, the Har Ki Dun valley makes an appearance.
History
As we know that lord shiva wanted peace and for that he started his journey to kedarkantha from vishvanath temple (UTTARKASHI) in search of peace. He came to Kedarkantha summit, started mediating and coutinued the same for some weeks. One day lord Shiva was mediating early morning on Kedarkantha summit and heard a sound of cow that came from small village called Sirga. One can see Sirga village from Kedarkantha summit. Lord shiva realized that the place is not peaceful. He ran away immediately to Kedarnath through Swargarohini and Bandarpunch range in the search of peace.
Itinerary
8 hours' drive 190 km
The drive to Sankri from Dehradun takes you through towns and villages like Mussoorie, Nowgaon, Purola and Mori. After gaining height at Mussoorie, we continue our drive inwards and, soon, are joined by the river Yamuna a few kilometers ahead of Kempty Falls. After you drive through the length of pine forests, you enter Mori. The Tons River starts accompanying you from here, which happens to be the biggest tributary of Yamuna and is well known for rafting activities. The picturesque drive starts early in order to reach Sankri by evening. The 190 km long drive takes around 8-9 hours to complete. For the night, we stay at a guesthouse before starting our hike the next day.
The trekkers will start their ascend after having breakfast from village Saur with pack lunch. The trail passes through dense pine forests, maple trees, a few streams and finally opens out to a beautiful Juda Ka Talab (Juda lake) . Juda ka talab is almost too perfect in its setting as a campsite, with a large lake to your left and a dense oak and pine forest to your right.
With packed lunch, to Bainya (Kedarkantha 3836mt). You could either opt for the steep climb of Bainya Thach, which is a path with beautiful views, Once you reach the Kedarkantha base, look out for white peaks that stretch from your left to right forming a wide arc. Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana stand among the others. Kedakantha base offers one of the best views of the night sky. Camp overnight under a blanket of stars, with shooting stars making streaks across the sky wishing you goodnight.
This climb is a challenging one as it will be an early morning summit push. The trekkers will get a perfect reward for this effort with breathtaking sunrise view over the entire western Himalayan range. The trail to the summit is straigh forward through a small patch of oak trees. A few feet short of the summit, you can spot a temple with idols of lord Shiva and Parvathi. The summit is a five minute climb from the shrine. It is marked by a cairn with a shiv Trishul & Ganesh murati that points to the sky. Spend some time at the summit and descend back to the base camp by noon for lunch. The trail down to Bainya bugiyal is spectacular as it ascends and descends through oaks, pines and frozen streams. Reach Bainya bugiyal /Hargaon by evening and camp for the night.
The trail down to Hargoaon/ Bainya Bugiyal passes through a series of switch backs, farms, and a ridge. It is one of the most beautiful descending trails that Himalayas has to offer. This trial offers you the view of entire Himalayan range for one last time. After trekking for 6 km you will reach Sankri.
Board a bus or taxi from Sankri to Dehradun early morning.
What to take
Packing Refuge Based Keep it simple and minimal “A heavy pack is a pack filled with anxiety.” Freud.Keeping your pack weight to a minimum is the key to a successful trek. We recommend people joining any of our treks where you will be sleeping in gites (hostels) or refuges be equipped with the following:
Technical equipment Comfortable walking boots or shoes (3 or 4 season)
Walking poles (definitely two) Clothing suggestions
Fleece Waterproof jacket (or big plastic poncho)
Waterproof over trousers
Lightweight puffer jacket for evening comfort in the higher refuges
Warm gloves and hat (for early starts)
Sun hat or peaked cap
Sunglasses
One pair shorts
One pair lightweight walking trousers
Two T-shirts
Good quality walking socks
Other essential items
40 – 60 litre Rucksack
Light weight towel
Waterproof ruck sack cover or waterproof bags to keep your things dry
Sun block for face and lips (Factor 50)
Personal First Aid kit (plasters, Compeed for blisters, paracetamol)
Roll of toilet paper
Water bottle or Platypus type hydration system – 1.5 to 2 litres
Penknife
Head torch for use in refuges
Survival blanket (light foil blanket to keep injured people warm).
Optional items Change of clothing to include:
underwear, tracksuit bottoms, dry shirt, spare socks (think of things that you can wear to both dinner and bed so you don’t need to change)
Camera Paperback novel (light!)
Snack bars/dried fruit/chocolate
Waterproof map case
Ear plugs (there will inevitably be snorers in the refuge)
Buff – good for blocking out light and noise while sleeping, keeping your neck warm, holding your hair etc.
Additional items for Independent Groups
Compass, Altimeter, GPS or Mobile phone with GPS
Inclusion
- Experienced staff (guides, trek leaders, cooks,etc.)
- Safety equipment(first aid, oxygen cylinder, medical kit,etc.
- Trekking equipments(tents, sleeping bags, ice axe, ropes,etc)
- Trekking permits and forest camping charges
- All meals between trek- vegetarian
- Accommodation during the trek(camping)
- Veg food between trek5% G.S.T Includes
Exclusion
- Personal expenses of any kind.Anything not mentioned in inclusions.
- Backpack offloading charges.
- Stay at Dehradun on the last day is not included.
- Food during transit to and from base camp.
- Transport to and from base camp(Dehradun to Sankri and return)
