Midnight Trek to Witness the Sunrise: Conquering the Snowy Summit of Kedarkantha

Welcome to our blog, "Journey to the Snowy Summit: Exploring Kedarkantha"! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure as we take you on a virtual tour of one of the most enchanting destinations in the Indian Himalayas. Join us as we explore the mystical beauty of Kedarkantha, a trek that promises breathtaking landscapes, awe-inspiring views, and an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

Nestled amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha stands tall at an elevation of 12,500 feet. This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, including dense pine forests, picturesque meadows adorned with vibrant flowers, and snow-capped peaks that seem to touch the sky. As you ascend toward the summit, every step unveils new vistas, leaving you spellbound and in awe of Mother Nature's grandeur.

Our blog will serve as your guide, providing you with essential information, insightful tips, and firsthand experiences to make your journey to Kedarkantha a seamless and memorable one.

In February 2021, I embarked on a memorable journey to Kedarkantha, a mesmerizing trekking destination nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Coming from Hyderabad, it took me nine days to complete the trip, which included travel and trekking. The entire adventure cost me approximately 16,000 rupees, making it an affordable and fulfilling experience.

Day-1: Hyderabad to Delhi

My journey began with a day-long travel from Hyderabad to Delhi. I boarded Andhra Pradesh Sampark Kranti Express at 16:40 at Kacheguda Railway Station. The train journey lasted for a lengthy 26 hours, which provided me with ample time to unwind and rejuvenate my body in preparation for the exciting adventure that awaited me.

Day-2: Delhi to Dehradun

After disembarking from the train at Hazrat Nizamuddin Delhi at 18:35, I had to wait in the station's waiting area for my next train, the Nanda Devi AC SF Express, scheduled to depart at 23:50, taking me to Dehradun.
Please note that if you decide to leave the station premises to find food during your wait, you may not find any food options available nearby. It is advisable to make necessary arrangements and ensure you have food and beverages with you before leaving the station, as the surrounding area might not offer many dining options.

Day-3: Dehradun to Sankri

Upon arriving in Dehradun at 6:00, I promptly freshened up by brushing my teeth. I then contacted my operator, who promptly picked me up. We departed for Sankri around 8:00. Interestingly, my fellow trek mates arrived on a different train, so we set off on our adventure together, a bit late, at 8:00.

After a picturesque journey, we finally reached the serene village of Sankri around 18:00 which is at an altitude of 1950m above sea level. The village charmed us with its beauty and tranquility. We wasted no time and swiftly made our way to our rooms to freshen up. Hunger drove us to gather for dinner, where we savored a delicious meal together. Later, we gathered around a warm campfire, creating a cozy atmosphere. As strangers to one another, we took the opportunity to introduce ourselves, share stories, and get to know each other better.

At 22:00, we returned to our rooms and began preparing our backpacks for the upcoming four-day adventure. We carefully packed our essentials, ensuring we had enough food, water, clothing, and equipment to sustain us during the trek. Each of us organized our belongings, making sure everything was secure and easily accessible. With our bags ready, we eagerly anticipated the thrilling journey that lay ahead.

Day-4: Sankri to Juda-ka-Talab Camp

The following morning, we commenced our trek towards our next destination, Juda-ka-Talab camp, which was situated at an altitude of 2700m and approximately 4 km away. We set off around 9:00 am, brimming with enthusiasm and energy. The path ahead promised scenic views and a challenging yet rewarding adventure. With each step, we embraced the beauty of nature and eagerly anticipated reaching Juda-ka-Talab, our next stop on this memorable journey.

As we trekked along the path, we were captivated by the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us. The journey to Juda-ka-talab camp took us approximately four hours, and we arrived at our destination around 13:00. After settling in, we enjoyed a satisfying dinner, replenishing our energy for the next day's adventures.

In the evening, luck was on our side as we stumbled upon a ball, which brought us joy and entertainment. We eagerly engaged in a friendly game, adding a fun element to our time at the campsite. As the day drew to a close, we were treated to a spectacular sunset, painting the sky with vibrant hues and casting a serene atmosphere over the picturesque landscape. It was a magical experience, making our time at Juda-ka-Talab camp even more memorable.

Day-5: Juda-ka-Talab Camp to Kedarkantha Base camp

The following day, we embarked on our journey from Juda-ka-Talab camp a little earlier, starting at 8:00 am. As soon as we left the camp, we encountered a trail covered in snow, adding an extra layer of adventure to our trek. We made our way to Juda-ka-Talab and spent some time there, taking in the pristine beauty of the surroundings.

Continuing our trek amidst the snowy landscape was an incredible experience. The glistening white snow added a touch of magic to the scenery, creating a picturesque atmosphere. After hours of walking, we finally reached the Kedarkantha base camp around 2:00 pm. We eagerly enjoyed a satisfying lunch, replenishing our energy reserves.

The exhaustion from the trek caught up with us, and we took the opportunity to rest for a while. We made ourselves comfortable in our tents, allowing us to relax and rejuvenate. The peacefulness of the base camp provided a serene environment for us to recharge, ensuring we were ready for the adventures yet to come.

To witness the sunrise from the peak, we decided to sleep early at 20:00, preparing ourselves for an early start the next day. Our alarm clocks were set for 3:00 am, allowing us enough time to ascend to the summit. However, the night proved to be incredibly cold, and the temperatures dropped significantly.

As I woke up in the middle of the night to quench my thirst, I discovered that my water bottle had frozen due to the extreme cold. It was a stark reminder of the chilly conditions we were facing. Despite the challenges, we braved the cold and looked forward to the remarkable experience that awaited us as we set out to witness the sunrise from the peak.

Day-6: Peak day and back to Juda-ka-Talab camp

At 3:00 am, we woke up and commenced our journey towards the peak(summit). The trail was covered in a thick layer of snow, reaching up to our knees. The biting cold breeze added to the thrill and excitement as we trekked through the night, navigating our way toward the edge of the peak.

Trekking in the darkness, surrounded by the vastness of the mountain, was an exhilarating experience. The anticipation of witnessing the sunrise from the peak kept us motivated. Finally, at around 6:00 am, we reached the summit, just in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise.

As the first rays of the sun emerged over the horizon, the entire landscape transformed into a magical display of colors. The panoramic views from the top were simply magnificent, leaving us in awe of nature's beauty. The combination of the cool breeze and the warm sun rays created a surreal and unforgettable experience.

The beautiful scenery from the peak captured our hearts, and we couldn't help but talk passionately about the mesmerizing views we were fortunate enough to witness. The beauty of the surroundings left an indelible impression, making it a memory we would cherish and share for a lifetime.

Around 8:30 am, we began our descent back to the camp from the peak. Due to the steepness of the terrain, walking became challenging. To overcome this, we resorted to sliding down the snowy slopes. However, during the slide, I, unfortunately, lost my phone in the thick snow.

I would like to remind everyone to keep their phones safe and secure while descending in similar conditions. The snow can make it easy for items to get misplaced or lost. It is advisable to secure your belongings in a zippered pocket or use a waterproof pouch to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Though the loss of my phone was disappointing, the experience of sliding down the slopes and the overall trek remained unforgettable. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and mindful of our belongings during adventurous journeys.

We arrived at the Kedarkantha base camp around noon, had lunch, and then started our return journey to the Juda-ka-Talab camp. We reached the camp at 17:00, marking the end of the day's trek.

Day-7: Back to Sankri

On our final day of the trek, we made our way back to Sankri village. Before departing, we took a group photo at the incredible location as a memento of our journey. We arrived in Sankri around 2 pm, and I wasted no time in taking a refreshing bath after being without one for the past four days.

Eager to explore the village, I set off to immerse myself in the local surroundings. The people of Sankri welcomed us with warmth and friendliness, making the experience even more enjoyable.

In the evening, we all gathered at the nearby cafe called KOH (King Of Himalayas) to celebrate and commemorate our achievements. The cafe had a pleasant ambiance, and the food served was excellent. We raised our glasses, toasted our successful trek, and shared stories and laughter, cherishing the memories we had made throughout our adventure.

Day-8: Back to Dehradun

On this day, we spent our time in the car, traveling 200km back to Dehradun. The journey took us throughout the day, and we arrived at the Dehradun railway station around 18:00. I had a few hours to spare before my train, the Nanda Devi AC SF Express, departed at 22:45, taking me back to Delhi.

During the wait, I made sure to utilize the time wisely. I explored the surroundings of the station, found a comfortable spot to relax, or even grabbed a bite to eat. It was a moment of reflection and reminiscing about the incredible trekking adventure I had just completed.

Day-9: Back to Hyderabad

After arriving at Nizamuddin station at 5:00 in the morning, I had a few hours before my train back to Hyderabad, which was scheduled for 8:00. Feeling exhausted from the previous adventures, all I could think of was finding a comfortable spot and catching up on some much-needed sleep during the train journey. As the train departed, I settled into my seat and allowed myself to drift off, embracing the peaceful slumber that awaited me throughout the journey back home.

Things to Pack

When preparing for your adventure, there are several essential items you should pack:

1. Aadhar card: To obtain the necessary trekking permit, you will need to provide your Aadhaar card as identification.

2. Head Torch: A head torch is convenient for hands-free lighting during the trek, especially if you need to navigate in low-light conditions.

3. Warm Clothes: Pack enough warm clothing layers to protect you from cold temperatures. This includes thermal wear, sweaters, fleece jackets, and comfortable pants.

4. Waterproof Shoes/Snow Trekking Shoes: Choose sturdy shoes that offer a good grip and are either waterproof or suitable for trekking in snow. This will ensure your feet stay dry and comfortable throughout the journey.

5. Jacket: Carry a reliable and insulated jacket that can provide warmth in cold weather conditions. Look for jackets that are lightweight, waterproof, and have a good level of insulation.

Additionally, remember to pack other essentials such as gloves, hats, socks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a first aid kit, a water bottle, energy snacks, and any personal medications you may require. It's also a good idea to check the specific requirements and recommendations provided by your trek operator or guide.

In Sankri village, you also have the option to rent these items if you don't have them already.

My Trek Operator

I had a positive experience with my trek operator, Himalayan Ambition. Their team of knowledgeable and skilled trek leaders provided excellent guidance throughout the journey. The food provided was delicious, they provided shoe spikes that can be worn on any shoe, and I highly recommend their services. The accommodations and tents, that were provided, were comfortable, and the travel cars were in good condition. I never felt unsupported throughout the trip, as they were always there to assist me whenever needed.

Best Time to go

The best time to go on the trek depends on your preferences and the experience you are seeking:

1. Summers without snow: If you prefer to trek without encountering heavy snow, the best time to go is from May to August. During this period, the weather is relatively pleasant, and the trails are clear, making it easier to navigate.

2. Heavy snow experience: If you desire a trekking experience in heavy snow, the ideal time to go is in December and January. During these months, the region is typically covered in thick snow, offering a more challenging and adventurous trekking experience.

3. Moderate experience: February is a good time to consider if you want a balance between heavy snow and moderate conditions. The trek's difficulty will depend on the presence of snow and the temperature. It may provide a unique experience, allowing you to witness snow-covered landscapes while still enjoying relatively milder weather compared to the peak winter months.

It is important to consider the weather, your trekking experience, and your preferences when choosing the best time to embark on the trek. Additionally, it is advisable to check with your trek operator or consult reliable sources for updated information on weather conditions and trail accessibility before planning your trip.

Authors

For further information or any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via:
~ Linkedin – sahith palika | LinkedIn , Jaya Sree Gundasu | LinkedIn
~ Email ID – sahithpalika25@gmail.com, gjayasree1919@gmail.com