Dilli se Himalaya tak ka safar (From Delhi to the Himalayas)
Yaaron, we all know that feeling. A trip with friends doesn’t need much planning. All it needs are just two simple words… “Chalein kya?” And just like that, with zero trekking experience between us, we were on our way to one of India’s best winter treks! Our journey started with a long, scenic drive from Delhi. First to Dehradun, and then a 9-10 hour drive to the small, serene village of Sankri, which is the base camp for the Kedarkantha trek. The drive itself was a treat, with the famous Mussoorie on the way, and two rivers, Yamuna and Tons, keeping us company. It felt like the perfect start to our adventure.
Day 1: Where the Trek Gets Real
The trek officially began from Sankri, and the initial excitement was off the charts. The first leg of the trek was a 4 km hike to Juda ka Talab. At first, it was so warm that we were all sweating, taking off our jackets and hats. But soon, the weather changed, and a chill set in. Before we knew it, there was snow all around us!
After a couple of hours of walking, we reached our first stop. We were going to spend the night in tents for the first time, and with our sleeping bags, we were all set for the adventure. The sun was about to set, and seeing the light hit the snow-capped mountains was just breathtaking. We had no food of our own, but thankfully, our Gujarati friends from another group came to our rescue and fed us. Later that night, the sky was filled with a million stars, and you could even see the Milky Way! It was an experience we’ll never forget.
The Countdown to the Peak!
The next day, we reached the Kedarkantha Base Camp, and the excitement for the summit was growing. We knew the trek was going to get tougher, as we would have to cover a longer distance in a shorter time. To prepare for the big climb, we all decided to hit the sack early, knowing that tomorrow was going to be the most important day of our trip.
The night got super cold with a temperature drop, but the thought of reaching the peak kept us warm. The final push to the peak was a tough 4-hour climb, but reaching the top was a feeling you can’t describe. The
360-degree view from the summit was just mind-blowing! We could see so many other peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. We couldn’t stay for too long because the weather started to get rough, but that one hour at the top was worth it all.
Kedarkantha Trek: A Quick Guide for Future Trekkers
Planning a trip to Kedarkantha? Here’s everything you need to know.
Best Time to Visit
Kedarkantha is famous as a winter trek, and the best time to visit is from December to March. The whole landscape is covered in snow, making it a true winter wonderland. If you’re lucky, you might even experience fresh snowfall!
How to Reach
The journey to Kedarkantha usually starts from Dehradun, which is well-connected to Delhi by road, train, and flight. From Dehradun, you take a 9-10 hour cab or bus ride to Sankri, the base village for the trek.
Difficulty Level
Kedarkantha is an easy-to-moderate trek, which makes it perfect for beginners and first-timers. The trail is well-defined, but the summit push is the most challenging part, especially if there’s snow.
Weather & Temperature in December
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- Day: The temperature is usually between 8-10°C.
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- Night: It gets super cold, with temperatures dropping to 0 to -10°C or even lower. It’s important to pack accordingly!
Trekking Essentials
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- Clothes: Layering is key! Pack thermal tops and bottoms, a fleece jacket, a heavy padded jacket, waterproof trekking pants, and a waterproof outer layer.
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- Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes with good ankle support and grip are a must. Carry extra pairs of woolen socks.
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- Gear: A 40-50L backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a good sleeping bag are essential.
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- Extras: Don’t forget a warm cap, gloves, sunglasses to protect from snow glare, sunscreen, lip balm, and a power bank (there’s no electricity at the campsites!).