Sankri, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
The classic winter summit at 12,500 ft with pine forests, frozen Juda ka Talab, and a sunrise summit push. Certified trek leaders and full camping gear provided.
Kedarkantha — “Kedar ka Kantha”, the throat of Lord Shiva — is the most loved winter summit of the Indian Himalaya. Local legend says a droplet of Lord Shiva's throat fell here when he drank the poison of the ocean, sanctifying the peak. The trail climbs through the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary from the remote village of Sankri, past the sacred frozen lake of Juda ka Talab — named after a mythological horse (Juda) that emerged from its waters — to a summit that delivers a 360° parade of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black Peak, Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges. With reliable snow from December to April, dream-like campsgrounds and a summit climb just right for fit beginners, Kedarkantha is the definitive first Himalayan winter trek.
Highlight: Scenic 10-hour drive into the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, trek briefing
Distance covered: 195 km / Time taken: 8-9 hours
Details:
We leave Dehradun in the morning and drive along the Tons valley via Mussoorie, Naugaon and Mori, entering the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary as the road narrows to Sankri (6,400 ft). In the evening your trek leader runs a full briefing and gear check. Overnight in guesthouse/camp.
Highlight: Pine-forest climb to the frozen lake camp (9,100 ft)
Distance covered: 4 km / Time taken: 4-5 hours
Details:
The trail opens with a steady climb through dense pine and maple forest. In winter the path is a white tunnel of snow-laden branches, opening suddenly at Juda ka Talab — the frozen lake ringed by snowy meadows. We camp beside the lake under a blanket of stars.
Highlight: Snow walk to base camp (11,250 ft) with summit views
Distance covered: 4 km / Time taken: 4-5 hours
Details:
A shorter day climbing through open snow slopes and rhododendron scrub. The Kedarkantha pyramid comes fully into view as we reach base camp. Early dinner and sleep — tomorrow we start before dawn.
Highlight: 3 AM summit push, sunrise at the top, 360° Himalayan panorama
Distance covered: 4 km ascent + 8 km descent / Time taken: 4 hours up + 5-6 hours down
Details:
We start around 3 AM with headlamps, climbing the snow gully in microspikes to reach the summit for sunrise. The horizon erupts with Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak. After summit celebrations and breakfast at base camp, we descend all the way to Sankri for a warm dinner and a certificate ceremony.
Highlight: Return drive with Tons valley views
Distance covered: 195 km / Time taken: 8-9 hours
Details:
After breakfast we drive back to Dehradun, reaching by evening. Trek complete — and the mountain will stay with you long after the snow melts.
Camping and meals, Trek leader + support staff, Gaiters, microspikes, Forest permits
Transport to Sankri (bookable add-on), Personal gear, Insurance
Members save ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 on this trek — and on every trip they book with Oktrek.
Member price: ₹7,999 (for 1–2 travellers)
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