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100

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ABOUT

Located close to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park in Uttarakhand, Kedarkantha is a thrilling summit trek perfect for beginners. Resting at an altitude of 3810 M, the summit offers glorious 360 degree views of some well-known Himalayan peaks like the Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Black peak, Ranglana in the Yamunotri and Gangotri ranges.

The climb to the summit is one of the reasons behind the popularity of this trek. Starting in the wee hours of the morning in frigid temperatures, with headlamps lighting the way under a breaking dawn, the trails of Kedarkantha combine all the nuances and challenges of a summit experience, but on a much smaller scale.

Stretching over 20 km over a span of 5 days, this trek is suitable for first time trekkers because of the limited distances to be covered each day. The trek begins from Sankri village which is a common starting point for various treks in Uttarakhand. The trail from Sankri runs through dense Maple and Oak trees across several wooden bridges and streams before reaching the first campsite, Juda-ka-Taal.

Next day, the trek gradient is steeper as we head towards the Kedarkantha Base Camp, 4 km away. The trail runs through dense Oak forests thatopen up to several clearings on the way.

Keep an eye out for the rich flora and fauna including Rhododendron trees, Chir Pine, Black Eagle, Golden Eagle and many more. The Kedarkantha Base Camp offers some lovely 180 degree viewsof lofty snow-capped ranges like Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini and Kalanag. The snow-clad Kedarkantha Peak also appears closer from here, shining brighter than the moon on most nights.

The trek to the summit the following day is a riveting one. The steep ascent, gushing winds and freezing temperatures during the winters makes this the most challenging section of the Kedarkantha trek. To understand the nature of terrain, the skills and gear one would require to complete the Kedarkantha trek, click here.

What warrants this trek as an adventure haven is the wholesome experience it offers to the trekkers. Majestic snow covered landscapes, tall Oak & Pine trees, and camping beside a lovely high-altitude lake are only some of the attractions of this trek. Read more about the highlights of the Kedarkantha Trek here

Questions & Answers

My friend would like to visit but isn’t really interested to walk.

Your friend, spouse, family, colleagues may like to join you on the journey to the last road head and meet you on your way out of the valley while visiting other attractions in the region, depending on the trip, when you are on the hill. If they want to accompany you to our base city (e.g. Delhi/Dehradun) we can easily arrange extra accommodation and places on our day tours, but we may also be able to arrange a series of day trips, a short relaxing trip into the countryside, scenic flights above the Himalayas, wildlife safaris and so on. Let us plan the unplanned.

I don’t have much time; can’t we make it quicker?

The adventures are designed around what we feel is the optimum itinerary, which incorporates adequate time for the suitably fit participant to do the climb comfortably; flexibility for weather, illness, unforeseen delays; time to enjoy the experience, your climbing colleagues and staff; learn about your surroundings if you wish; and, for altitude adventures, a fairly slow acclimatisation regime to minimise the risk of altitude sickness and maximise your chance of reaching your goals. All while also trying to minimise your time away from home. We would generally not recommend shorter itineraries (such as those used by less scrupulous operators) unless you were genuinely prepared to turn back if you (or your travel companion) become affected by AMS. If you really don’t have the time available, we can perhaps suggest an alternative itinerary or goal that will work for you.

What about altitude sickness?

AMS Acute Mountain Sickness (or altitude sickness) is the body reacting to the stress of high altitude. It is a concern for trekkers in the Himalayas and elsewhere above about approximately; say (is that enough vagueness!) 3,000m. Exposure to high altitude can lead to a few ‘normal’ physiological reactions as well as mild to extremely serious illness and even death. The treks are designed with acclimatization schedules, rest days and alternative options. And there are medications and several management strategies in place should they be required. Please talk to us if you have questions.

What if I get sick or have an accident?

Despite the best precautions, people do sometimes fall ill, sprain something or develop symptoms of AMS. Our trek leaders will manage your care keeping in mind what’s best for you and the rest of the group. Precautions include first aid qualifications and kits, emergency communications, evacuation plans, your travel insurance cover and our pre-preparation and medical advisors.

Who will be responsible for my safety?

The short answer – you! All participants are expected to behave in a responsible manner, taking due care of themselves and others. Your trek leader is responsible for the group including participants and staff. He or she will advise, manage, and assist everyone, sometimes with the support of trek first responder or doctor, and will be assisted by guides, and you and your trekking colleagues, all of whom will have roles to play.

What’s the food like?

Food arrangements are specific to each adventure, but you get three meals a day while on the trek. In cities included is breakfast and, depending on the trip and the nature of the activities may also cater for lunch and dinner for the group. In the Himalayas, our mountain kitchen’s staff have been training for years and work magic over gas or kerosene stoves in their kitchen tent. In the mountains chef prepare a varied menu of wholesome, tasty, and plentiful food using fresh ingredients where possible. A trekking breakfast in the Himalayas usually includes cooked foods e.g. eggs, tomatoes, cereal or porridge, toast & spreads and fruit and a selection of hot drinks. Lunch is often soup and a cooked lunch. Dinners are generally soup, the main meal (one of many Asian or European style dishes) veggies, and a dessert (fruit to custard to baked apple pie!) Drinking water: will be provided at camps (collected with care, filtered, treated with chemicals and/or boiled), and at lunchtime where possible. It is wise to carry a small amount of purifying chemicals (e.g. Iodine or chlorine) with you, in case you happen to need water at an odd time. In the developing world, care should be taken to avoid untreated water and potentially contaminated foods like uncooked salads and some fruit. Bottled water is available in cities, but of course, you can treat tap water in your own bottle too. On high mountains it is often a challenge to eat, so we provide foods to tempt your appetite and give you sustenance.

Are the guided treks worth?

YES! It is always better to go with the guided trips. There are many reasons that might make a guided treks attractive even for experienced trekkers. These include someone else taking care of all those details (including thing as diverse as booking and confirming hotels, checking the number of evening snacks, ensuring reliable support, transport, permits, visas, team members, gear, and a lot more…). This saves your time and energy for the part that really matters – working on achieving your goal. With our support and experience our aim is to give you the best possible opportunity to succeed.

What Kind of people trek along?

Trekking expeditions usually attract people in their best of fitness and confidence level. Participants tend to be seeking a good quality, safe, well supported, good value and enjoyable adventure rather than the lowest cost. So, people come with us are the seekers for mountain hospitality.

What fitness level I need to be in?

A minimum level of fitness would have you being able to walk all day on uneven, hilly ground, carrying your day pack, and be able to get up again the next day. Many climbs will require a higher level of fitness and strength so you can carry heavy gear to high camps and really exert yourself on summit day. The fitter you are, the more fun you (and your companions) will have.

What gear is provided?

Included are individual sleeping tents and for the trekkers, with dining and kitchen tents.

INCLUSIONS

  • Meals during the trek
  • Dinner on arrival day in Sankri
  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges (only if availing transportation through Bikat Adventures). Included only upto amount charged for Indian Nationals
  • Tents, Sleeping bags, mats
  • Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
  • Trek guide, cook, helpers, porters & mules for carrying common luggage
  • Services of a Certified Trek Leader

EXCLUSIONS

  • Meals during road journeys
  • Transportation from Dehradun to Sankri and back to Dehradun.
  • Carriage of Personal Bags during the trek
  • Any kind of Insurance
  • Any expense of personal nature
  • Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.

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