The Kedar Kanta trek is one of the most popular treks in India, and it’s perfect for those looking for a winter holiday destination. It’s an arduous trek, but if you’re up for the challenge, this is the place to go. Preparing yourself for the Kedarkantha trek in the winter, especially if it’s your first trek to be honest, can be pretty daunting and confusing at times. Luckily, if you’re about to do this particular trek with us in the winter, we have created this guide to make sure you don’t have any unwanted surprises on the way – from what kind of shoes are best suited for winter treks like Kedarkantha, to how much should you budget, how difficult is the trek exactly? and so on.
Kedarkantha Trek From Delhi – The Best Winter Destination Kedarkantha, located in Northern India, is one of the most beautiful peaks of the Himalayas, rising above the magical land of Garhwal. Mount Kedarkantha can be enjoyed as a part of an adventurous trek through the serene forest and snowy mountains. There are several trekking trails that allow you to reach this incredible peak and take breathtaking photos of the mighty Himalayas from close proximity.
Start your winter vacation planning with this Kedarkantha Trek from Delhi which takes you to the snowy terrains of Uttarakhand, offering you the much needed break from the city life along with an exhilarating experience at the same time. A journey to Kedarkantha is as adventurous as it gets and what better than starting off your trip in the most comfortable way possible; by traveling by road.
What Is Kedarkantha?
Kedarkantha is a pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. It is a hilly place with three peaks and two valleys, surrounded by the plains. It has been a holy site for Hindus since ancient times and was mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as Kedar Kshetra. It also has connections with Buddhism and Jainism as it is mentioned in Buddhist scriptures that Lord Buddha visited the place with his disciples during their lifetime. And according to Jain scriptures, their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva attained enlightenment while meditating at this place.
How to Get There
Fly to Delhi, India and then take the train to Haridwar. Once you arrive in Haridwar, find a hotel and stay there for at least one night. Next morning, hire a taxi to take you to Rishikesh. Upon reaching Rishikesh, hire another taxi or auto-rickshaw (local transport) to take you close to your Kedarkantha base camp.
When to Go
The best time to visit Kedarkantha is from October to February. This is the winter season in India and it’s a great time to visit for a number of reasons. First, the weather is perfect for trekking, which is why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Uttaranchal State. Second, this area has become known as one of the best places to view wildlife in all of India. Finally, there are many hotels around the region and they are much more affordable than those found further south.
What to Bring
– A pair of good hiking boots: Make sure they are waterproof. Hiking in snow is hard on your feet and if you don’t have proper shoes it’s going to be a very long day for you. I would also recommend getting some gaiters which will help keep snow out of your boots.
– A sweater and a warm jacket: This can be layered to suit the weather conditions. There are three main ways that Kedarkantha can be approached- from Rishikesh, from Joshimath, or from Uttarakhand. If coming from Uttarakhand, you’ll need warmer clothes than if coming from Joshimath or Rishikesh because it’s colder up there in the hills.
What to Expect
The Kedar Kanta Parikrama (or Kedarkantha Trek) is an ancient pilgrimage trek that can be done from the end of November to January. It’s a relatively easy hike, but it is best to come prepared with enough food, water, and warm clothing.
You will also have to cross three major rivers on the trek: the Bhagirathi River near Joshimath, the Mandakini River near Paonta Sahib and the Alaknanda River which you’ll see at Rudraprayag. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings (although they are mostly limited to common animals like langurs and monkeys).
The most challenging part of this trek is walking through snow-covered terrain in winter.
Conclusion
Our trip to Kedar Kanta was a complete success and we were able to enjoy the snowfall. We got some great photographs, which will serve as memories of this wonderful winter destination. We felt rejuvenated by the fresh air, and relieved that we didn’t get lost in the snowstorm! I would recommend this trek for anyone looking for a winter destination and I would love to come back again with my family!
