During these months, it’s an all-out snow expedition. While walking from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab, you’ll observe the first snowfall on the first day of the journey.
Kedarkantha is also one of the few treks that can be done in the winter. In the winter, the Himalayas are not always accessible – most paths receive excessive snowfall, the weather becomes unmanageable, and the entire climb becomes impassable. However, Kedarkantha offers exactly the proper amount of snow while also providing access to a summit that reaches 12,500 feet! Being up on the peak at sunrise is a magical experience. So, if you wish to hike the Himalayas during the Christmas holidays or possibly start the New Year at the peak, the Kedarkantha trip is for you.
Here are some short details on the various temperature options:
The months of December and January
During the day, the temperature will range from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius. The temperature might drop to -7 degrees Celsius as the sunsets. It will become colder as you climb higher. Cold winds will also hit the Kedarkantha base camp. As a result, make sure you have enough warm clothing.
From March until May,
The temperature will be about 16-20 degrees during the day. The temperature might drop to 3-4 degrees at night, and in the event of snow, it could even reach zero degrees. Summer holidays will also be a good time to embark on the Kedarkantha trip, given that snow will be present until April. This hike is classed as easy-moderate, so it’s also suitable for kids.
Difficulty
In the summer, we classify Kedarkantha as an easy trip, while in the winter, we grade it as a moderate trek. So, what exactly does this imply? First and foremost, let’s get this over with.
The following are the primary aspects that influence the difficulty level of a hike in the Himalayas:
- How high can it go – what is the maximum altitude?
- What is the trail like – rocky, slick, smooth, icy, and so on?
- Is it close enough to civilization for an emergency evacuation?
- How broad is the path and how noticeable is it?
- What is the trek’s gradient? (ups and downs)
- Are there any portions of the path that are particularly hazardous, such as landslide-prone places, crevasses, rockfall, or overhangs?
The Kedarkantha journey begins at 6,000 feet and ends at 12,500 feet. On average, you gain about 1,500 feet every day, which is a significant amount of elevation increase in a single day. Most of the Indian Himalayas requires forced ascents of more than 2000-3000 feet per day, which is not recommended but is inevitable due to a shortage of campsites in between. The hike to Kedarkantha, on the other hand, climbs at a leisurely rate, gaining just around 1500 feet every day.
The path is easy in terms of terrain. The path from Sankri to Kedarkantha Base passes through beautiful trees. So, for the most part, it’s the forest floor, with crunchy brown leaves that are a joy to walk on! The first two days of the hike are spent on the forest floor, after which you will be walking on snow.
The track is well-marked throughout, making it easy to traverse even for a solitary hiker. In the winter, the climb to the Kedarkantha top is covered in snow, making it a bit tough without a guide, but there is little risk of getting lost because the objective is readily visible.
Getting ready for your journey
Any high-altitude climb, whether easy or challenging, necessitates planning ahead of time.
Fitness
The Kedarkantha trek’s first and second days are rather simple. However, on the day of the peak ascent, you’ll be gasping and puffing and wishing you had more energy! Make sure you exercise for at least a month or two before the expedition. You must be able to jog 4 kilometres in 25 minutes.
Do these stretches in addition to running to develop your thigh muscles. To avoid being stiff, do some stretches. Stretch your shoulder muscles in particular so that carrying a backpack on the walk isn’t too difficult. This will make it easier for you to relax.
WINTER SEASON
From November through April, the ideal time to visit Kedarkantha is during the winter trip. During the winter, it’s a full-on snowshoe expedition. On the first day, when you go from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab, the first snowfall will be seen. One of the few treks that may be done in the winter is Kedarkantha. When the roads are snowed in. When it is too much, the weather becomes unpredictable, making the hike impossible to complete.
Kedarkantha gives just the right quantity of snow while also providing the opportunity to climb an awe-inspiring 12,500-foot peak! Being on top of the world at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime event. The gorgeous mountains surrounding you have a wonderful harmony and a stunning golden light that seems to have originated from another era. It’s a panorama that defies explanation.
SUMMER SEASON
The climb to Kedarkantha in the summer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience since the scenery and temps are ideal for you. In the summer, standard clothing is sufficient for treks; there is no need to wear heated clothing; nonetheless, for trekking, it is important to have all of the required equipment. Three sets of clothes, including the poncho, are required for the walk. These are the outfits that you will be forced to wear throughout the year. Summer temperatures are moderate, so there is no need for warm gear.
MONSOON SEASON
There are periods during the monsoon when it rains throughout the Kedarkantha journey, particularly in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, so having dry clothes is highly important, even if they become wet. At this time, you should bring at least four pairs of clothing; nevertheless, you should not wear too chilly apparel for the monsoon journey. I am able to trek in hiking trousers and a T-Shirt at this stage. It’s a little cooler in the evenings and mornings, but the daytime may be perfect. It will be straightforward for you to obtain information about each season before embarking on any hike.
These are things that hikers should be aware of. You can reach out to us at any moment for information on the hiking route, map, temperature, and weather.
