A Himalayan adventure - Trekking in Uttarakhand

When we have to choose a trek for winter trekking then Kedarkantha trek will be the best option where you will find fresh powder-soft sparkling snow. It is an all-weather trek but well known and popular for winter trekking. For trekking lovers, it is the best option for winter trekking where trekking with adventure in an easy approach is guaranteed. It is fully comprised of natural wonders and one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand. This trek has mythological importance and some believe that it is related to the ancient script -” The Mahabharata''.The word Kedar is the alias name of Lord Shiva and Kantha means throat. There are various stories related to it. Some believe these stories and some not but one thing is sure that by going on this trek you will experience inner peace. One you chase the route you will get closer to you. The Kedarkantha trek takes you to the Kedarkantha Peak, which is perched at ana elevation height of 12,500 ft. The trek is once in the Western Garhwal of the Uttarakashi district of Uttarakhand. The temperature at Kedarkantha goes up to 20 degrees during the summer months of April - June. However, the weather in winter sees the mountains covered in pristine white snow, making it an exciting destination for skiing, or even trekking during winters! The temperature can go as low as -10 degrees with the weather remaining cold from November to February. It is one of the only Himalayan treks, which lets the trekkers experience snow up till as late as April! which is the main speciality of this trek. This trek is situated under the Govind Ballabh Pant National park also known as Govind National Park. This national park is a natural reserve area for endangered Himalayan species like snow leopard, Snow Leopard, Golden Eagle, Brown Bear, Moschus, Western Tragopan, & many more. The route goes through the dense pine forest even started from the dense pine forest. So during winter, the route is covered with dried brown leaves which look like carpet. Walking on these brown leaves will be another kind of experience. This trek provides you with a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks which mesmerizes you. As you see these astonishing peaks you will realize why Uttarakhand is called “ Devbhoomi”. Height of these peaks looks like they are touching the sky. The scene is like a big canvas painting drawn by God. At the kedarkantha trek, you will seek the blessings of Lord Shiva where this trek’s name is based on this. Another speciality of this trek is its campsite. All the treks have campsites but in comparison to this, they are less beautiful than Kedarkantha Trek. The base camp for the trek will be at Sankri, a scenic little hamlet nestled deep in the mountains. This place also has a different kind of speciality. Locals of nearby places believed that they are successors of Kauravas. There is a place nearby named Osla. There is a temple of Duryodhana which is worshipped and celebrated by locals. Actually, Osla is the part of another trek from Sankri that is Har ki dun trek which is also part of Govind Ballabh Pant National Park, Uttarkashi. The drive from Dehradun to the base camp itself is enough to bedazzle you. During the drive from Dehradun, you will see majestic glimpses of Mussoorie, Naitwar, Nowgaon, Mori and Purola. This drive will be the most exotic drive in the Himalayas until you reach the base camp. The trek has astonishing things to offer to its takers - including the breathtaking panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayas and vast meadows covered in pristine white snow. The trek explores the forests of the Kedarkantha peak and lets you uncover the rare alpine flora and fauna. The hike to Juda Ka Talab is the icing on the cake for this splendid trek. The difficulty level of the Kedarkantha Trek varies from season to season. Autumn and summers are great months for beginners to undertake the trek, however, the trek can become challenging during the winters. Especially during the monsoon season, only experienced trekkers should undertake the trek. While the distances covered during the trek in a day are short, and the total distance covered is only 23 km, the long duration of the trek (6 days), can make it slightly challenging, thus the trek is of a moderate level of difficulty.