Read this travelogue on Kedarkantha Trek written by traveller Aditya Singh Solanki.
Kedarkantha Trek Overview
The challenging yet adventurous Kedarkantha Trek should not be confused with the Kedarnath Trek, each square measure is completely different. Kedarkantha could be a lofty summit that stands still within the heart of the spiky state Uttrakhand which constitutes the range of mountains. It is elevated at the peak of around twelve, 500 feet, making it more intimidating and marvellous. The Kedarkantha is found inside the laps of Govind Life Sanctuary located in Uttarkashi district. Its Parent range is the Garhwal chain.
Sankri, the astounding small borough, acts as a starting spot to trek to Kedarkantha. It’s a little cluster region with enticing and peaceful beauty. Kedarkantha Peak is at an excellent height from wherever one will witness the beautiful appealing view of the thirteen peaks of the mountains.
The mentioned place is associated with the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and has a Talab (pond). It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated there. The holiness and divinity at this place are fascinating, and the place is visited for spiritual reasons and is also worshipped. Juda ka Talab (the pond here) has a great Hindu mythological significance that makes it more prone to attract the crowd towards it. Its name arose from the context of a droplet falling from Shiva’s hair to form the lake that makes it called Juda ka Talab. Trekking for around 4 days will keep you occupied and the gorgeous surroundings will keep you pumped up with full zest and zeal. Kedarkantha will definitely feel like bliss and heaven for travel junkies, nature enthusiasts or wandering souls as it is a stunning place to trek in Uttarakhand. It is a place often visited by travellers or spiritual devotees who want to experience the natural beauty and indulge in the romance of lush greenery, glorious meadows, quaint hamlets, and the absolute sighting of the towering Himalayan peaks.
Kedarkantha Trek will guide you to several spots and will cater back to the pavilion with a box of memories and an abundance of sights and emotions. It is to be noted that the Kedarkantha Trek receives and lays the heavy shield of snowfall around, covering almost everything in the blissful white carpet that feels like sparkle to the sights. This season typically starts in mid-December, which makes it avoidable.
The temperature fluctuates to the extent that takes the breath away as it dips down to -15 degrees Celsius. Harsh temperature, excitement in heart, the dedication to trek, the will to not stop, make one keep going and the efforts are truly worth it when the destination is achieved. The snow-clad peaky summit will spellbind the travelling and make one fall in love with the serenity and surroundings. While scaling down, one has to be very careful otherwise the tragedy will clutch you and the trip will turn into an incident.
Even if travelling solo, try and latch around some localities or some other experienced trekkers. Kedarkantha Trek can be considered one of the classic gems of winter treks. Winter falling snow makes it a truly gorgeous, mesmerizing pictorial view and a great attractive spot with the Sight of the Mighty Himalayas. The trail will uplift the soul to an extent around 12,500 ft right top, laying in the laps of peaky lofty mountains. As the trail comes to an end, it rewards the travellers with an astonishing 360-degree bird’s eye view of the DhaulaDhar ranges and Godly peaks like Swargarohini, Black Peak and Banderpooch.
Munchies
Treks truly test the non-vegetarians cause non-veg items are highly rich in protein, carbs and fat and slow down the digestion process. So, the most preferable meal during Trek is vegetarian. The whole day one has to be hydrated, active and energetic. One has to consume around 5-6 servings of meals — breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, bedtime and more. At such a height to avoid altitude sickness and other health issues during trekking, non-veg should not be consumed. The perfect whole bowl will include veggies, soups, Indian bread, lentils and rice along with a yummy dessert, papad and tortilla. Packed snacks will also be carried along with you during your rigorous performing day. The nutrition that one has to balance in the body during the trek is suggested by the experts or researchers after a whole research work that must include the right amount of fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and calories.
Best Time to Visit
Kedarkantha Trek is best to visit all year round. For ski lovers, it’s a heaven on land as white bliss covers the whole land making it truly an ideal and gorgeous spot for all. Isn’t it amusing and interesting? The dogs will accompany you all the way to the top. It is also easy to reach the base camp for the commencement of this winter trek.
Here’s your backpacking list (things to carry) for your Kedarkantha Trek:
- Rucksack/Day pack
- Duffel back with personal gear
- Garbage bags (micro-polythene disposable bags)
- Sleeping bag
- Thick wool and synthetic socks and pairs of liner socks
- Waterproof high-ankle hiking boots
- Front spikes for grip on ice
- Trekking pole
- Pairs of thermal
- Fleece pants/Inner thermals/Quick-dries/Waterproof outer pants
- Fleece jacket/Windproof jacket
- Raincoat/poncho
- Trekking shoes
- Thermal inners, both lower and upper
- Good waterproof outers
- Wool hat that covers the ears
- Long-sleeved thermal shirts
- light fleece shirts for trekking
- Two pairs of fleece/woollen inner gloves
- Outer synthetic water-proof gloves
- Bandanna/Scarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Lip protection
- Moisturiser with high SPF
- Water bottles, preferably with an insulated cover
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Spare batteries – cold kills batteries
- Camera, spare batteries memory cards
- Lightweight toiletries
- Personal hygiene stuff
- Ear plugs
- Proper first aid kit
The moments spent during the Kedarkantha Trek are truly bliss and an experience to adore. So, gear up and check your list, boost your fitness level, and obtain the correct layers of vesture and alternative necessities to combat the weather at the high altitude during the Kedarkantha Trek. And to add up, expertise is needed here, so seeking one is always a great idea. This trek is more about facing the harsh temperatures and being well prepared for it.
Who would want to miss the glory of witnessing the white layers of snow laid through miles, imposing panoramic views, stunning terrains and so on? I would conclude by saying that Kedarkantha Trek is truly awesome!