Every winter, thousands of people climb their first Himalayan summit on the same mountain. Kedarkantha, at 12,500 ft (3,810 m), sits inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, and from December to March its slopes are covered in snow. The trail is short, the campsites are beautiful, and the summit view takes in some of the biggest peaks of Garhwal. If you have never trekked in snow before, this is one of the kindest places to start.
This guide covers what first-timers usually ask: when to go, how the five days look, how cold it gets, what to pack and how to prepare.
Why Kedarkantha is the classic first snow trek
- A real summit, without technical climbing. The final push is steep and long, but it is a walk, not a climb. No ropes or prior experience are needed.
- Short walking days. Apart from summit day, most days are about 4 km, so you reach camp by early afternoon.
- Reliable winter snow. Snow usually stays on the upper trail from December to March, when many higher routes are closed.
- Easy to reach. The base village, Sankri, is a single long drive from Dehradun.
Best time to go
- December: the first good snow on the upper trail and campsites. Days are often clear.
- January and February: the deepest snow and the coldest nights. Juda Ka Talab lake is often frozen.
- March: snow on the upper slopes, milder days.
- October and November: no snow on most of the trail, but the clearest mountain views of the year.
Snow is never guaranteed on a fixed date, so check the conditions about a week before you travel. The Christmas and New Year week is the busiest time on the mountain.
The trek day by day
Most groups do Kedarkantha in 5 days from Dehradun to Dehradun, with about 20 km of walking in total.
- Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri (190 km). A long, scenic drive through Mussoorie, Naugaon and Purola into the Tons valley. Night in a guest house in Sankri.
- Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (4 km). A steady climb through pine and oak forest to a small lake camp at about 9,100 ft.
- Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (4 km). Shorter and gentler, with the summit ridge in view for most of the afternoon.
- Day 4: Summit day (about 8 km). A pre-dawn start, a long climb in the dark and sunrise on the top, then the walk down to Juda Ka Talab.
- Day 5: Juda Ka Talab to Sankri (4 km) and the drive back to Dehradun.
For batch dates, inclusions and the full day-wise plan, see this Kedarkantha trek itinerary by Himalaya Shelter.
Summit morning, in short
Summit day is the one people remember. You leave camp in the dark with a head torch, walk up a snowy ridge for a few hours and reach the top as the sun comes up. On a clear morning you can see Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak, with the Har Ki Dun valley below. Then comes the long walk down, which is often harder on the knees than the climb. Take it slowly, use your poles and keep your microspikes on in icy sections.
How cold does it get?
In winter, days are usually around 5 to 15°C in the sun, while nights at the camps fall to around 0 to -10°C. Summit morning, before sunrise and in the wind, feels colder still. The cold is very manageable with the right layers; the most common mistake is wearing one heavy jacket instead of several thin layers.
What to pack
- Two thermal sets (top and bottom), a fleece and a down or padded jacket
- Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, and gaiters for deep snow
- Woollen cap, a buff or neck warmer, warm gloves and a pair of waterproof gloves
- Three or four pairs of woollen socks
- Sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen and lip balm, because snow glare is strong
- A head torch for summit morning, and an insulated bottle so your water does not freeze
- A 40 to 50 litre backpack and a small daypack for summit day
Most organised treks provide winter sleeping bags, tents and microspikes. Check what is included before you buy anything.
How fit do you need to be?
Kedarkantha is graded easy to moderate. You do not need trekking experience, but you should be able to walk uphill for a few hours with a light backpack. Start preparing four to six weeks before the trek: aim to jog or brisk-walk 4 to 5 km in about 30 to 35 minutes, take the stairs whenever you can, and add squats and lunges for your legs. Good fitness makes summit day enjoyable rather than just survivable.
Safety tips for first-timers
- Go with an organised group or a qualified local guide in winter. Trails disappear under fresh snow, and weather can change within hours.
- Respect the altitude. Walk at an even pace, drink plenty of water and tell your trek leader early about a headache, nausea or unusual tiredness.
- Keep your gear dry. Wet gloves and socks are the fastest way to get cold. Carry a spare pair of each.
- Leave no trace. Carry your wrappers and plastic back down to Sankri.
Getting to Sankri
Dehradun is the gateway. Take an overnight bus or train from Delhi to Dehradun, and the drive to Sankri starts the next morning. Most organised groups include this drive, which takes most of the day. Sankri has basic guest houses and a few small shops, and it is your last chance to pick up snacks or rent missing gear.
Final word
Kedarkantha gives first-timers everything that makes winter trekking special: forest camps under snow, a frozen lake, a sunrise summit and a view of the high Himalaya, all in five days. Prepare your body, pack in layers and go with people who know the mountain, and it can easily become the start of many more treks.
About the author: Manish Barakoti is from Dehradun and works with Himalaya Shelter, a trekking company based in Dehradun that runs treks across Uttarakhand and Himachal. He writes practical guides for first-time Himalayan trekkers.