Trek: Kedarkantha Summit Trek (6 Days – December 2023) Organizer: Trekup India
Complexity: Easy to Moderate (Perfect for newbies with good fitness)
Overall Rating: 4.7 / 5
If you’re searching for the perfect first Himalayan summit or a stunning winter snow trek, then look no further. My climb to the summit of Kedarkantha (12,500 feet) with Trekup India was an experience that exceeded my expectations.
The Booking and Pre-Trek Process: Smooth and Informative (5/5)
The experience started smoothly. This Trekup India website is detailed and transparent about the itinerary, inclusions, and exclusions, as well as a complete “Things to Carry” list. After booking, I received an email confirmation and was added to a WhatsApp group where all participants and Trek Leaders were introduced. All my questions regarding fitness, as well as weather and gear, were quickly addressed. The documents and the briefings in Dehradun were efficient and quick.
The Itinerary: Well-Paced and Breathtaking
The 6-day standard itinerary is specifically designed to help you get used to the routine and fun.
- Day 1. (Drive from Sankri): The long journey from Dehradun is exhausting, but the views you see as you enter the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary are a wonderful preview of what’s about to follow. The guesthouse we stayed in, situated in Sankri, was well-maintained but straightforward, and had a breathtaking panorama of the Swargarohini peaks.
- Day 2 (Trek to Juda ka Talab): It’s a moderate hike through a beautiful forest. The winter months saw the whole trail covered with snow, and the ice-cold Juda Ka Talab was an incredible experience. Our first camping spot was beautiful.
- Day 3 (Trek to Kedarkantha Base Camp): A brief but challenging climb. The base camp offers 360-degree views of majestic mountain ranges, including Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini. The view of our tents set against the background of the summit peak was exhilarating.
- Day 4 (Summit Day and the descent down into Hargaon): The best part. We started our summit climb at 3 AM under the cover of stars. Our final ascent is steep and takes a lot of exertion, but reaching the summit at the time the sun was rising across the Himalayas was an experience I’ll not forget. The panorama from the top is worthy of every effort. We then walked down to a lower campsite at Hargaon, which was warmer.
- Day 5 (Trek back to Sankri): A leisurely walk along the gorgeous trail, which is becoming familiar and warm.
- Day 6. (Drive from Dehradun): Said goodbye and returned with memories to last a lifetime.
The Trekup India Team: Exceptional Support (5/5)
This is the place where Trekup India truly shines. Team members were the pillar of our trip.
- Trek leader (Rohit): Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, encouraging, and utterly cautious about safety. He set the perfect pace, consistently motivated participants, and shared interesting stories about the mountains.
- Guides and support staff: The local guides were invaluable and friendly, especially during the difficult sections of icy, slippery day one of the summit.
- The Team Kitchen Team (The Real Heroes): The food was terrific. We were served hot, delicious, and hygienic meals three times a day. From steaming hot soups and Maggi at night to full-on meals and even celebration cakes on the final day, they helped keep our energy and spirits high. The dining area was always a cozy and lively place to gather.
Safety, Equipment, and Facilities: Top-Notch (5/5)
I felt totally safe during the trek.
- Security: The Trekup India team carried an extensive first-aid kit as well as an oxygen cylinder. They frequently checked for signs of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) among hikers.
- Material: The tents (3-person tents for two people), sleeping bags, and sleeping mats were of excellent quality and well-maintained. They were sturdy enough to withstand the harsh winter night.
- Toilets that were clean and portable. They are put up at each campsite. This is a significant benefit.
The “X-Factor”: Why I Recommend This Combo
- Kedarkantha in itself is perhaps the best winter trek in India. The snow turns into a fairytale.
- Trekup India offers an efficient, secure, and delightful environment. Their emphasis on providing a positive customer experience, particularly through food and staff, makes the company stand out.
A Few Minor Considerations (The 0.3 Deduction)
- The first drive out of Dehradun is exceptionally extended (10-11 minutes), and the vehicles, though good, may be a little cramped. Make sure you are mentally prepared for it.
- Although the equipment was great, investing in more warm sleeping bags for the harsh Winter months (Jan-Feb) would make sleeping in the camp more pleasant for those who experience the cold quickly.
Final Verdict
The experience I had with my Kedarkantha trek together with Trekup India was perfect. The perfect combination of an arduous adventure, beautiful nature, and incredible camaraderie. All facilitated by a caring and professional team. They were attentive to every detail so that we could be awestruck by the beauty of the mountains.
Do I suggest it? Without hesitation. If you’re seeking the classic Himalayan adventure or an experienced hiker looking for a stunning winter summit, this trek is ideal, and the organizer you should choose.
Pro Tips: Do not underestimate the importance of fitness. Regular squats and cardio for a month before the trek can make the summit experience more enjoyable.
