Overview
Kedarkantha Trek 2026 — Winter Himalayan Summit Trek
Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most rewarding winter treks in Uttarakhand, taking you through snow-covered Himalayan forests, frozen landscapes, beautiful campsites and finally to the 12,500-ft Kedarkantha Summit. Starting from the remote mountain village of Sankri in Uttarkashi, this 6-day winter trekking experience is designed for travellers who want more than just reaching a summit—they want to learn, prepare properly and experience the Himalayas with an experienced trekking team.
The Kedarkantha Winter Trek 2026 takes place from 21–26 December 2026, during the winter season when the trail transforms into a spectacular snow-covered Himalayan landscape.
The trek includes Juda Ka Talab, Kedarkantha Winter Base Camp and the summit climb at 12,500 ft, with the summit day being the most challenging and rewarding part of the journey.
What makes the Kedarkantha Summit special?
From the summit of Kedarkantha, you can experience expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The summit climb begins early in the morning from the winter base camp, taking you through snow-covered terrain towards the summit.
One of the memorable places on the route is Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by Himalayan forests. According to local belief, the lake was formed from a droplet that fell from Lord Shiva's hair while he was meditating at Kedarkantha.
But Kedarkantha is not only about the summit.
It is about walking through silent winter forests, learning how to move safely on snow, camping in the mountains, understanding altitude, managing your energy and experiencing the Himalayas as an outdoor adventure rather than simply a sightseeing destination.
Why Trek Kedarkantha With Let's Go For A Camp?
Experienced Guides. No Compromise.
For a winter Himalayan trek, the guide is not just someone who leads the group from one point to another.
Experience matters.
At Let's Go For A Camp, we put strong emphasis on the quality and experience of our trekking guides and support team. The team is responsible for helping participants understand the trail, weather, terrain, altitude and the challenges that can come with a winter high-altitude trek.
Our focus is not simply on completing the itinerary. It is on creating a safe and well-managed trekking experience.
Small Group — Maximum 20 Participants
We intentionally keep the group size limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
A smaller group allows the trekking team to maintain better communication, understand individual needs and manage the group more effectively during the trek.
For us, more participants does not automatically mean a better trip.
Preparation Starts Before The Trek
A Himalayan winter trek shouldn't begin on Day 1.
Our preparation starts well before you reach Sankri.
Participants receive guidance regarding:
- Fitness and preparation
- High-altitude trekking
- Winter trekking conditions
- Clothing and layering
- Footwear and essential gear
- Backpack preparation
- What to carry and what not to carry
- Hydration and nutrition
- Altitude-related precautions
- Expectations from a winter Himalayan trek
Workout & Preparation Tracking
We don't want participants to simply arrive at the base village and discover that they aren't prepared for the trek.
That's why we encourage regular preparation, workout tracking and progress updates before the trip.
The goal is to help you arrive at Sankri better prepared physically and mentally for the Himalayan terrain.
Regular Updates & Team Meetings
Before the trek, participants receive regular updates and team communication so that important information doesn't get missed.
We also conduct meetings to explain the trek, preparation, packing requirements and other important aspects of the journey.
Detailed Winter Trek Packing Guidance
Kedarkantha in December is very different from a regular summer trek.
Winter clothing and equipment matter.
We provide detailed guidance on what to carry for the December conditions, including appropriate clothing layers, footwear, personal essentials and other trekking requirements.
Decathlon Winter Gear Support
Participants can also get special offers from Decathlon for winter trekking purchases, helping you prepare for the cold-weather conditions without guessing what equipment you need.
Short Itinerary
| Day | Date | Itinerary |
| 1 | 21 Dec 2026 | Dehradun to Sankri (6,400 ft) (Drive 210 Km/8-9 Hrs) ( Pick-up cost is not included ) |
| 2 | 22 Dec 2026 | Sankri to Juda ka Talab (9,100 ft) (Trek 5 Km/5 Hrs) |
| 3 | 23 Dec 2026 | Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp (11,250 ft) (Trek 3 Km/3 Hrs) |
| 4 | 24 Dec 2026 | Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) and back to Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp (Trek 6 Km/7-8 Hrs) |
| 5 | 25 Dec 2026 | Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp to Sankri (Trek 7 Km/4 Hrs) |
| 6 | 26 Dec 2026 | Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun (Drive 210 Km/8-9 Hrs) ( Drop-off cost is not included ) |
Detailed Itinerary
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Stay |
| 1 | 21 Dec 2026 | Dehradun to Sankri (6,400 ft) (Drive 210 Km/8-9 Hrs) | Sankri |
| We will assemble early in the morning at Dehradun Railway Station and start our journey to Sankri. The drive to Sankri is approximately 210 km from Dehradun and takes about 8–9 hours. Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri is not included in the package cost. Participants can either reach Sankri directly on their own or opt for the group transfer at an additional cost.
The twisting roads take you through some of the most scenic sights of the Garhwal Himalaya. On the way, we cross places like Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, Damta, Nainbaag, Naugaon, Purola, Jarmola, Kharsaadi, Mori and Naitwar. We will stop en route for breakfast and lunch at Kempty Falls and Purola, respectively. Throughout the way, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Garhwal Himalayas and refreshing sights of rivers such as the Yamuna, Tons and Supin. The last few kilometres to Sankri are the most exciting, as the road passes through Govind National Park, which is famous for its rich collection of flora typical of this region. Sankri is a quaint village situated at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet above sea level. It is a trailhead for several famous treks. Life moves at a slow pace in Sankri, which is home to around 120 families. Potatoes, rice and apples are the main crops here. Participants travelling by the group transfer are expected to reach Sankri by around 5:00 PM. Evening tea and snacks will be served upon arrival. After about an hour’s rest, everyone will assemble at a designated spot for a quick introduction session and then help with the ongoing packing of gear for the trek. At 8:00 PM, we will have dinner and retire for the day. |
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| 2 | 22 Dec 2026 | Sankri to Juda ka Talab (9,100 ft) (Trek 5 Km/5 Hrs) | Juda ka Talab |
| Morning tea will be served at 6 am. Breakfast will be served at 8 am. Post breakfast, the trek leader will brief the group about the trek. It will lay out the agenda for the upcoming days and detailed activities of the present day. Other than a detailed introduction session between the team and the trekkers, it will cover important topics like itinerary, aspects of safety, first-aid & contingency plans, camping etiquette, dos & don’ts, leave no trace principles, etc. Trekkers will be assigned roles voluntarily. At around 10 am, we begin our trek from Sankri and head towards Juda Ka Talab camp. Today’s walking trail ranges from levelled ground to steep climbs. We begin by walking for ten minutes on the road passing through a village called Saud. As soon as we cross Saud, the road turns left towards Taluka. From this curve, the trail starts in the right direction climbing sharply in a zig-zag manner. The trail is covered by a beautiful pine forest. After an hour's steep climb, we will reach a cemented bridge. Here, we rest for a while. This area is locally known as Posla. You get to see a lot of apple orchards and farmhouses here.The gradient of the trail is easy for the next 20 minutes. We finally will cross the stream which we could hear till now but was out of our sight. You will be instructed to refill your water bottles here from this stream. From here, a zig-zag trail extends into a thick cover of maple and pine trees. After ascending on this trail for 45 minutes, the forest clears up to a large meadow, locally known as Jainola. Here, two small tea huts serve tea, omelet, and Maggie, etc. We will have our packed lunch here. After half an hour's break, we will continue with our trek. The Juda Ka Talab campsite is just an hour away from this point. You will slowly gain altitude, accompanied by a breathtaking sight of Himalayan ranges in the backdrop. The most prominent peak that you’ll see throughout the trek is Swargarohini. In the afternoon, around 3 pm, we will reach the Juda Ka Talab campsite. On arrival, we take a quick 15 minutes rest before we set up the camp for our night stay here. Trek leaders will provide guidance and everyone can learn the essentials about setting up a camp. Tea and snacks will be served around 4 pm. Post evening tea, we will visit Juda Ka Talab. The magnificence of this heavenly lake is bound to remain etched in your memory for the rest of your lifetime. It is a closed site surrounded by tall pine and oak trees. Here, the trek leader will tell you some very interesting mythological stories related to Juda Ka Talab. Spend time sharpening your photography skills here or set out on a nature walk to explore the area at the best. After spending some quality time at the lake, we move back to our camp and share a light supper with some warm soup underneath the clear sky. We will hold a storytelling session at dinner. But behold! The night sky, with its bright and shining stars, is simply irresistible and we bet you won’t be able to keep your eyes off it. Overnight Sleep in tents. |
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| 3 | 23 Dec 2026 | Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp (11,250 ft) (Trek 3 Km/3 Hrs) | Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp |
| Today is a comparatively relaxed day. Morning tea will be served at 7 am, followed by breakfast at 8:30 am. After breakfast, the teams will pack up their tents and other gear. We will start the trek at 9:30 am. The distance from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha base is about 3 km. At a moderate speed, it takes about 3 hours to reach the Kedarkantha base. First, we will stop at Juda Ka Talab for photography. The contrast in the evening and morning view is very impressive. We will spend half an hour at Juda Ka Talab taking pictures from different angles. After taking a group photo here, we continue with our trek to Kedarkantha base camp. The trail takes a sharp left turn after crossing Juda Ka Talab and continues steeply through pine and oak forest. This climb continues for half an hour. Then the forest opens up to a beautiful small meadow. There are a few cemented walls, where you can sit and relax for a few minutes and re-energize the body. After a short break, we continue on the zig-zag trail for another 45 minutes and reach the top of the ridge. From here, we take a right turn and leave behind the main trail that leads to the Kedarkantha peak. After the turn, It is a gradual walk. We walk diagonally to the slope for ten minutes. The thick forest slowly opens up in a huge meadow, which is our destination for today, the Kedarkantha base. You get the first view of the Kedarkantha peak from here. You also get a panoramic view of many peaks including Kinner Kailash (Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh), Rupin-Supin ranges, and some villages like Shirga and Kalaab. The expected arrival time at Kedarkantha Base camp is 1 pm. Sit in the sun and enjoy the hot lunch which will be served at 1:30 pm. After lunch, we will set up our camp with the support of the Trek leader. Tea and snacks will be served at 3:30 pm. After tea and snacks, the trek leader will take you for an acclimatisation walk towards the Kedarkantha peak. This will familiarise you with the route because the next day, you will start with the summit climb at 3 am in the dark. Also, this will help you in getting acclimatised at that altitude. If there is snow, the trek leader will brief you about the things you need to be careful about. You will learn and practice some important and useful ascending and descending techniques on snow. After practicing those techniques, we return to the camp. The soup will be served. Before dinner, we will discuss the summit plan including kind of clothes to wear, micro-spikes (required in case of snow; a pair will be issued to each participant), weather protection and contingencies. We will also prepare our day pack for the summit climb (You can leave the main bag behind in your tent when going for the summit). As the night grows, the view becomes more charming with a patch of Milky-way stretching across the sky. After an early dinner, try to get a good night's sleep as you will be waking up the next day at 2 am so that we start the summit climb before 4 am and try to reach the summit before the sunrise. |
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| 4 | 24 Dec 2026 | Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) and back to Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp (Trek 6 Km/7-8 Hrs) | Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp |
| Today is the summit day. It is long, tiring, and challenging but rewarding at the same time. Breakfast will be served at 3 am. We will start the summit attempt before the break of dawn using head torches and will try to reach the summit before sunrise. The climb is steep but worthwhile. As we move forward slowly, the dense forest trail starts to disappear. After walking for an hour and a half, we come across an old broken wooden bridge. Another 15 minutes climb from that bridge and we finally are above the tree line. The altitude here is approximately 11500 feet. This is base camp for the summers. Here, you will come across small wooden huts that serve tea and snacks. From these huts, it will take us about one and a half hours to reach the summit. As we climb further, the trail starts to get steeper. The last 45 minutes of the climb is on a very steep ridge, which leads to the summit. It will be very windy. You’ll see a dramatic show of colours in the sky as the sun rises. We aim to make it to the summit before sunrise.The 360-degree view of the majestic Himalayas from the Kedarkantha summit is commendable. Swargarohini, Kala Nag (Black Peak) and Bandarpoonch are some of the most distinguished peaks visible from here. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Har Ki Dun and Rupin-Supin mountain ranges are other well-known ranges that can be seen from the summit. Chainsheel is also visible. There are temples on the summit dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. It tends to get quite windy at the top, so keep moving to keep your body warm. If weather permits, we will wait for others to reach the summit to take a group photo at the summit. After spending some time at the summit, we head back to the Kedarkantha base camp. We will take a different route to descend from the summit. It is initially as steep as the ascent, so be careful. If the snow is deep, you will get a chance to glissade along the way! It will lead to the same point where two huts served tea and snacks. We rest here for a while and wait for the whole group to assemble. Once everyone is there, we continue with our descent to the Kedarkantha base camp. On returning to the base camp, we wait for everyone to reach. Once everyone is back, the hot lunch will be served. After that everyone is going to rest and laze around in the sun. In the evening, with hot soup, we will hear from each other about the experience of the summit. Then a wholesome dinner marks the end of another delightful day. Overnight sleep in the tents. |
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| 5 | 25 Dec 2026 | Kedarkantha Winter’s Base Camp to Sankri (Trek 7 Km/4 Hrs) | Sankri |
| Today is our last day of the Kedarkantha trek. It is a gradual descent to Sankri. After a fulfilling breakfast, we pack and prepare for the trek back to Sankri. We will walk in a pine forest and get an aerial view of the neighbouring villages. A little further down, the trail comes to a ridge, from where we get a magnificent view of Har Ki Dun valley. Shortly after crossing Posla, this route joins the main trail at the cemented bridge that led us to Juda Ka Talab. We will continue on our way and reach Sankri at around 12 pm and check-in at the local homestay, where hot lunch will be served. Post lunch, we freshen up and spend the rest of the day exploring around Sankri and Saur Village. |
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| 6 | 26 Dec 2026 | Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun (Drive 210 Km/8-9 Hrs) | --- |
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We will get up early in the morning and pack our bags before beginning our journey back from Sankri. Participants can either travel back to Dehradun on their own or opt for the group transfer from Sankri to Dehradun at an additional cost. For those choosing the group transfer, we will start the drive around 7:00–8:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 8–9 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. We will stop en route for lunch and short breaks as required. The scenic drive takes us through the beautiful landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas, with magnificent views of the mountains, valleys and rivers along the way. |
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation at a basic guesthouse/homestay in Sankri and tents during the trek: Stay will be arranged at a local guesthouse/homestay in Sankri on a triple/quad/dorm-sharing basis. During the trek, accommodation will be in sturdy, all-weather tents on a double-sharing basis, equipped with ground insulation to ensure warmth and comfort.
- Meals (Veg & Eggs): Nutritious vegetarian meals, including occasional eggs, will be provided throughout the trek. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and evening snacks at the campsites. All meals are prepared by experienced trek cooks with hygienic cooking standards.
- Trek logistics: The trek includes all necessary logistical arrangements, such as 1) Kitchen tent: A separate tent will be set up for cooking. 2) Dry pit toilet tents: For sanitation in remote areas. 3) Sleeping tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses: Two-person shared tents with insulated sleeping bags suitable for high-altitude temperatures, along with sleeping mats for comfort.
- All necessary Permits and Entry Fees (Indian citizens): All required forest permits, entry fees, and camping charges for Indian citizens are covered. For non-Indians, refer to exclusions.
- Basic first aid kit: The trek will be equipped with a basic first aid kit, including common medicines, bandages, and other medical essentials. An oximeter will be used to monitor oxygen levels, and an oxygen cylinder and stretcher will be available for emergencies.
- Climbing rope and Ice Axe: The trek leader will carry a climbing rope and an ice axe as part of safety precautions. The rope may be used to fix secure routes for trekkers in difficult sections or to create a stretcher in case of an emergency. The ice axe will be used to break through hard snow or ice, as well as serve as an anchor for added stability on icy terrain.
- Well-qualified and experienced Trek Leader with support staff: A certified and knowledgeable trek leader will accompany the group, along with friendly and experienced local staff, including guides, cooks, and helpers, ensuring safety and enjoyable experiences on the trail.
- 4:1 Trekker-to-Guide Ratio for Safety: To ensure the highest level of safety and personalized attention during the trek, we maintain a 4:1 trekker-to-guide ratio. This means for every four trekkers, there will be one guide or support staff member. This allows for close monitoring of trekkers' health, quick response in case of emergencies, and better guidance on tricky sections of the trail. It also ensures that experienced guides are readily available to assist with any challenges, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trekking experience for all participants.
- Cloakroom facility at Sankri: You can leave items such as clothes or shoes at the cloakroom in Sankri before heading for the trek if they are not needed during the trek. The cloakroom will securely store these items until your return. Please note that only clothes and shoes are allowed; no valuables, including money, jewellery, laptops, or breakable items, should be left in the cloakroom. If you choose to leave any such items, it is your responsibility, and the company will not be liable for any damage or loss that may occur.
Package Exclusions
- Personal expenses: Any expenses of a personal nature, such as additional food items, snacks, souvenirs, or extra services not included in the package, are not covered.
- Transport from Dehradun to Sankri and back to Dehradun as per the itinerary: Non-AC Tempo Traveller or Bus will be provided for group transport as per the trek itinerary. This includes both pick-up and drop-off at designated points in Dehradun. ( Additional Transport charge: 2800 per person )
- Campfire: Campfires are not allowed on the trek due to environmental regulations and the risk of forest fires. This ensures the protection of the local ecosystem.
- Bottled water/cold drinks: While the trek provides access to fresh water, bottled water, soft drinks, or any packaged beverages are not included. You should carry your own reusable water bottle.
- Insurance: Travel insurance, personal accident insurance, and medical insurance are not included. It is recommended to purchase appropriate insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergencies.
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary: Any additional accommodation that is not mentioned in the itinerary, such as extended stays in Dehradun or Sankri, will need to be arranged separately and paid for by the trekker.
- Expenses due to mishaps: Any unforeseen circumstances such as medical issues, weather disruptions, landslides, political unrest, or strikes are not covered. Any extra expenses incurred in such situations will be borne by the trekkers as per actual rates.
- Emergency evacuation charges: Costs related to emergency evacuation due to injury, illness, or any other unforeseen circumstances are not included in the package and will be charged at actuals if needed. Additionally, any vehicle transportation, mule services, or accommodation utilized at Sankri before the scheduled itinerary will also incur separate charges. This includes any transport arrangements made outside of the planned trek schedule or any accommodations booked prior to or after the trek dates. It is essential to understand that these expenses are not covered by the trek package and will be the trekkers' responsibility.
- Permits and Entry fees (Non-Indian citizens): Non-Indian trekkers are required to pay any necessary permits and entry fees separately, as these are not included in the package for foreign nationals.
- Bag offloading: We offer a bag offloading service for trekkers at an additional charge of INR 1600 (Sankri to Sankri) to enhance your trekking experience. Trekkers can offload a bag weighing a maximum of 10 kg, which will be carried by mules or porters. Bags weighing more than 10 kgs will incur double the actual cost. We recommend using rucksacks as they are easier for porters to carry; duffle bags are also acceptable but may not be as convenient. Please note that trolley bags are not allowed, as they can be easily damaged during transfer on mules. Trekkers opting for bag offloading service should only carry a lightweight daypack, ideally between 20 to 25 liters, containing essential items such as extra layers of clothing, snacks, a headlamp or torch, personal first-aid supplies, and a water bottle etc. Additionally, please avoid placing laptops or any breakable items in offloaded bags. By utilizing this service, trekkers can walk more comfortably and enjoy the breathtaking scenery without the burden of heavy luggage. This not only helps reduce fatigue but also allows trekkers to remain more active and engaged with their surroundings, making for a more enjoyable and memorable trekking experience.
Fees
₹11,400.00
Available Seats: 12
Instalment Plan
| Instalment Dates | Amount |
| At the time of registration | 6840/- |
| Before Nov 15 , 2026 | 4560/- |
| Total Amount | 11400/- |
Cancellation Fees
A participant will be refunded his/her paid fees after deducting the following cancellation fees.
| Cancellation dates | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 60 days Before Trip date | ₹ 6,000 |
| 30 days Before Trip date | ₹ 8,000 |
| 15 days Before Trip date | ₹ 9,500 |
| With 15 days from trip date | ₹ 11,400 |
- Alternatively, a registered participant may transfer his/her registration to a friend without any cancellation fee.
- In case of cancellation of the program due to any gov restrictions due to COVID/ Weather, an alternate date will be provided for the same trip and no refund for that.
- In case you are not able to join the trek on the new dates, either you can send a replacement ( Without any additional cost) / You can opt for Wallet transfer,
- What is Wallet Transfer ?: The amount will move to LGFC Wallet and you can use that for any other trip. (A 3% fee will be deducted as movement charges) . Strictly, refunds will not be made to a bank account.
- Wallet transfer is applicable only for the case when a participant wont be able to join the new date on a postponed trip due to Pandemic / Weather situations
- The wallet transfer offer will only be one time , when the new date is announced. Further changes will be counted as normal cancellations and will be as per cancellation policy.
- Instalments must be paid onor before the due dates.
- In case when instalments are pending after due date , the order will be auto cancelled.
- There will be no refund in case of auto cancellation due to non payment of installment.
- Trip to trip movement are strictly not allowed
WHY WITH US?
- Budget-Friendly: You will get a perfect escape from the urban life and completely in an offbeat location with all safety followed, with a small team size.
- Incomparable Itinerary: You can compare the Itinerary with any other itinerary available on social media/ Google. Our itinerary is special with all COVID safety ensured.
- Food prepared in safe conditions: We believe that for a traveler, food is one of the most important things during their journey. We provide the best nutritious food as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Not just sightseeing, many more things to learn and experience: We are not just providing sightseeing. Our Camp navigator/local guide will share the details of the place, flora, fauna history, stories with you.
- Well-experienced local guides and support staffs
- Plan beyond the Itinerary: In case if you want to extend the trip, we are there to help you by finding Stays contact and transportation, Talk to the coordinator of LetsGoForACamp
VALUES WE FOLLOW
- Eco-friendly products.
- Minimizing plastic waste.
- Hiring local guides.
- Contributing to the local economy.
- Proper disposal of waste generated.
- Concept of Responsible traveler.
