Kedarkantha | December 2020
Kedarkantha: An Epic Winter Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas
Have you ever dreamt of scaling a snowy peak, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan vistas? Well, that's exactly what I did with my friends on one of my winter treks to Kedarkantha in Uttarakhand!
Kedarkantha, meaning "Neck of Shiva" in Sanskrit, is a peak located at an elevation of 12,500 feet. The trek is known for its stunning scenery, moderate difficulty, and especially for the opportunity to witness a blanket of snow during the winter months.
We embarked on our journey on December 24th, 2020, starting from our base in Gurgaon. After a scenic drive through the foothills, we reached Sankri, a picturesque village that served as our base camp.
Day 0: Departing from Gurgaon (December 24th)
The excitement crackled in the air as we boarded our vehicle at Gurgaon for the journey to Sankri under the starry night sky at around 11 PM.
Day 1: Reaching Sankri (December 25th)
After a comfortable night ride, we woke up to the crisp mountain air and breathtaking views as we reached Dakpatthar, a charming stop for breakfast. Fortified with a delicious meal, we continued our journey, winding through scenic foothills until we finally reached Sankri around 5 PM, our base camp for the trek.
Day 2: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab (December 26th)
The next day, we set off from Sankri at around 9 AM after a good breakfast, our hearts pounding with anticipation. The trek to Juda Ka Talab, our first campsite, was a gentle introduction to the beauty of the Himalayas. The fresh mountain air invigorated us as we walked through forests of pine and deodar trees and reached there at around 2PM.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (December 27th)
On day three, at 9 AM we started tackling a steeper path, inching closer to our ultimate destination. The sight of snow-capped peaks emerging from behind the hills kept our spirits high. Reaching Kedarkantha Base Camp (at around 2 PM) was a rewarding accomplishment, and the panoramic views from there were simply unforgettable.
Day 4: Summit Day (December 28th)
Fueled by determination and fueled by the dream of witnessing the sunrise from the summit, we began our ascent at 2 AM. However, the weather conditions had different plans. We were met with heavy snowfall and strong winds, transforming the trek into a true test of our resilience.
As we battled the elements, safety became our top priority. With only 1 kilometer left to the summit, we made the difficult but crucial decision to turn back. The fierce storm and the treacherous conditions made it impossible to continue safely. While the disappointment of not reaching the peak was real, the importance of prioritizing safety in the mountains cannot be overstated.
The descent from the summit was considerably easier, and with lighter packs, we reached Hargaon for lunch. After exploring this charming village nestled amidst the mountains, we began our trek back to Sankri.
Reaching Sankri that evening, we spent our last night in the mountains, reminiscing about the incredible experience, even though the summit remained unconquered.
Day 6: Sankri to Gurgaon (December 29th)
The following day, we embarked on the return journey to Gurgaon. While a tinge of disappointment lingered about not reaching the summit, the memories of the breathtaking scenery, the camaraderie with fellow trekkers, and the valuable lesson on respecting the mountain's power will forever be etched in our hearts.
Tips for Kedarkantha Trek:
- Training: While Kedarkantha is a moderate trek, it's still important to be in good physical condition beforehand. Regular cardio and strength training exercises will help you prepare for the climbs.
- Packing: Pack warm clothes, layers, sturdy hiking boots, a good backpack, and a trekking pole for balance. Don't forget essential supplies like sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a headlamp.
- Acclimatization: Sankri itself is situated at a high altitude. Spend a day or two adjusting to the conditions before attempting the summit climb.
- Listen to your body: Pace yourself during the trek, and don't hesitate to take breaks when needed. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so be aware of the symptoms and descend if necessary.
- Enjoy the Journey: The trek to Kedarkantha is not just about reaching the summit. Savor the stunning scenery, the camaraderie with fellow trekkers, and the experience of being surrounded by nature's majesty.
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