Kedarkantha Trek - The first trek of ma life..!!!

View of the neighbouring peaks  

Overview

"Kedarkantha Trek - It's in the Himalayas - Can be done by first timers" - This was all I knew before giving the consent to join some of my friends who were going on this trek. I was so excited about the idea of trekking that I instantly said yes.

The mountain Kedarkantha (~3800 m. or 12500 ft.) is located in the Govind WLS, Uttarakhand, India. Kedarkantha trek is one of the very treks that are open even in the peak winters. The total distance of the trek is close to 23 km. and takes 4 days. The trek to the summit of Kedarkantha is touted to be blessed with incredible views and pretty campsites.

Journey

Day 1: Feb 15, 2017 - Reaching Mussoorie via Dehradun

17 of us from ISB (Indian School of Business), Hyderabad reached Mussoorie by 7:30 PM. That evening we went for a walk on the Mall Road, buying knickknacks for our trek. After having a quick dinner, we called it a day.

Day 2: Feb 16, 2017 - First Day of Camping!!

Distance          : 134 km.

Time                : 5.5 hours

We started our journey in 2 tempo travellers at 10 AM. As it was autumn, the hills looked a lot brown and less green. We had lunch at Damta. Do try the parathas here... they are yummy!! 2.5 km. after crossing Mori, our trek guide halted the van, pointed at a spot and said, "This is where we will camp for tonight.". We were quite exhilarated for the camp site was exceptionally picturesque. It was a flat turf of land nested next to a gorgeously blue stream of water.

The stream next to our campsite - Sitting on the rocks, with feet in the cold pristine water, was absolute bliss!!

None of us could resist knocking our shoes and dipping our feet in the water. It was refreshingly cold, after a long day in the van. The small stretches of mustard fields, bright yellow in colour, made the view even more scenic. Time flew by with the customary ghost stories that we shared while sitting around the bonfire. Post a sumptuous dinner, we dispersed to our tents marvelling at the star studded sky.

Day 3: Feb 17, 2017 - First Day of Trek!!

Distance (Drive) : 19 km.

Time                    : 40 min.

Distance (Trek)   : 4 km.

Time                     : 4.5 hours

We started the trek from Sankri at 11 AM. The journey for the first 2 km. was quite tiring for the path was quite steep and rocky. On another note, the views were absolutely fantastic and captivating.

2 hours into the trek, we were tired and bored of the monotonous path with unending rocky stairs. Our respite came in the form of a maggi point, where we spotted snow for the first time. Quite excited, we rushed to play in the snow forgetting the fact that we were hungry and tired. The next half of the journey was completely in the snow. Within 2 hours we reached our camping site - a piece of flat land surrounded by ascending terrain covered completely with thick blanket of snow. Next to the camp site was a frozen lake - Juda-ka-Talaab. The lake - a frozen and pristine serenity - was in the cradle of the valley.

Our campsite near Juda-ka-Talaab - You can see the semi frozen lake

Day 4: Feb 18, 2017 - The Acclimatisation Day

Distance                : 3 km.

Time                       : 2 hours

This day was the most chilled out day of the whole trip. There was hardly any trekking to do. We reached the Kedarkantha base camp in just 2 hours! 

En route to the base camp: Neither words can describe nor pictures can capture the real beauty out there

From the base camp, we could see our ultimate destination - the peak of Kedarkantha. 

We were jobless for the rest of the day. We basked in the warm sun, glaring at the panoramic views and gulping down hot tea. Skiing enthusiasts have options to kill some time (1000/- per person for 1.5 hours - training will be provided). Sunset views from the base camp are something not to be missed. 

Sunset views from base camp

Though the day was warm, night was quite chilly with temperature little less than zero.

Day 5: Feb 19, 2017 - To the summit!!!

Distance to peak        : 4.5 km.

Time                           : 4 hours

Distance (descent)      : 5.5 km.

Time                            : 5 hours

We buckled up and set odd for the summit by 7 AM. As usual, it was a bit strenuous initially but, over time we got used to the stress. As we ascended, we were greeted by the spellbinding views.

After walking for 1 hr. 45 min., we reached a maggi point. We resumed after a short break of 15 min. The trek beyond this point turned a bit tricky. The ascent was quite steep and there were few places along the trial - from where a slip would result in a fatal fall into the valley. 

With every step we were growing tired. Literally dragging ourselves in the last stretch, we reached the summit in 4 hours. After crossing all the hurdles, we were there - the PEAK of KEDARKANTHA..!!! Standing on top of it after accomplishing such a task was a truly defining moment in our lives. 

We were mesmerised by the beauty engulfing us - snow-capped mountain ranges on one side and series of mountains in blue on the others.

Stunning view from the summit

We couldn't stay for more than 20 min. on the summit for thick clouds surrounded the mountain and it started snowing. Descent was super fun for we had to slide down on the snow. It was all together a different experience. With a 45 min. break at the maggi point, we reached Juda-ka-Talaab by 4:45 PM. 

Day 6: Feb 20, 2017 - Final Descent and Back to Home

Distance (Trek)            : 4 km. 

Time                              : 2.25 hours

Distance (Drive)           : 185 km.

Time                              : 6 hours

The descent to Sankri from Juda-ka-Talaab took around 2 hr. 15 min. The final leg of this trip - Sankri to Dehradun - took approximately 6 hours.

The trip was 5 days of pure fun and joy with no mobile networks to bug us - enjoying in the pristine form of nature, comforting ourselves sitting next to bonfire and singing on the top of our voices, holding other's back when needed, few showing immeasurable resilience - it was one hell of a ride. I may go on other treks in future but this trek holds a very special place in my heart - it was the first trek in my life and it provided myriad of memories that I can cherish for life.

I dedicate this post to each and every person in the group. Thanks guys! It was great fun!! Looking forward to many such trips and treks.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Reach Mussoorie (6580 ft.)

Day 2: Mussoorie to Mori (3770 ft.) [Drive 134 km.; 5.5 hours]

Day 3: Mori to Sankri (6400 ft.) [Drive 19 km.; 40 min.] to Juda-ka-Talaab (9200 ft.) [4 km.; 4.5 hours]

Day 4: Juda-ka-Talaab to Kedarkantha Base Camp (11,200 ft.) [3 km.; 2 hours]

Day 5: Base camp to Summit (12,500 ft.) [4.5 km.; 4 hours] to Juda-ka-Talaab [6.5 km.; 5 hours]

Day 6: Juda-ka-Talaab to Sankri [4 km.; 2.25 hours] to Dehradun [Drive 185 km.; 6 hours]

Costs

Expense	Amount (INR)	Remarks
Consultant Fee	8,750	Includes food, travel, acco. from Dehradun to summit and back; Excludes other individual expenses on the way
Mules (to carry bags)	800	INR 200 per bag per day
Flights: Hyderabad to Dehradun via New Delhi (To and Fro)	9,200
Food en route during trek	250	At various maggi points (Plate maggi: INR 50, Bread Omlette: INR 70, Tea: INR 20)
TOTAL	19,000

Important Information

1. Mobile Connectivity: None of the mobile networks except BSNL work beyond Mori. One PCO is available at Sankri.
2. Skiing at the basecamp: It is better to finish skiing by 3 PM as one is bound to get wet while skiing and the only way to dry up is by basking under the setting sun for bonfires are not allowed near the basecamp.