Trekking to Kedarkantha: In
the quietude, I was surprised by the pulse of adventure.
"A Journey Like Never Before."
Nestled
in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarkantha trek offers a unique blend
of tranquillity and excitement that can't be replicated anywhere else. I
started my Kedarkantha
trek from Pune to Dehradun. You can reach Dehradun by taking a flight
or a train. The most common option is to take a flight from Pune Airport to
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
And
The Journey Begins…
The
trek began from Dehradun, a major city in Uttarakhand. From there, I took a
scenic drive to Sankri, a picturesque village that serves as the base camp for
the Kedarkantha
Trek. Surrounded by lush forests of pine and oak, the village exuded
peace that instantly soothed my city-worn nerves. This drive takes around 8-10
hours and covers approximately 200 kilometres.
It
was here, amidst the rustling leaves and the crisp mountain air, that I first
felt the pulse of adventure, like a whisper in the wind. As I embarked on this
journey, I found myself drawn to the promise of pristine landscapes and the
thrill of conquering the Kedarkantha summit.
Sankri
seemed like a charming village with traditional wooden houses and a serene
environment. Trekkers usually spend the first night here to acclimatise to the
altitude and prepare for the trek ahead.
Kedarkantha Here I
Come…
Kedarkantha
trek altitude is
estimated to be 12,500 ft. The trail to Kedarkantha led me through dense
forests, where the only sounds were our footsteps and the occasional chirping
of birds. It was a stark contrast to the cacophony of daily life, and in that
quietude, I felt a profound connection with nature. The towering trees seemed
to guard ancient secrets, and the gurgling streams whispered tales of the
mountains.
The Kedarkantha Trial
- Sankri to
Juda Ka Talab:
On
the first day, I trekked from Sankri base camp to Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful
frozen lake situated at an altitude of around 9,100 feet. The trek to Juda Ka
Talab is moderate and takes approximately 4-5 hours. Camping under the starlit
sky at Juda Ka Talab was a highlight of the trek.
The
frozen lake reflected the shimmering constellations above, and the crackling
campfire provided warmth and camaraderie. It was a night when the pulse of
adventure echoed in the laughter of fellow trekkers, in the stories shared
around the fire, and in the shared anticipation of what lay ahead.
- Juda Ka
Talab to Kedarkantha Base:
On
the second day, I started journeying from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base
Camp. This is a challenging stretch that includes steep ascents and descents.
The base camp is situated at an altitude of around 11,200 feet, and the trek to Kedarkantha base camp takes about
4-5 hours. As I ascended, the landscape transformed into lush greenery giving
way to a winter wonderland, with snow-capped peaks emerging on the horizon.
- Kedarkantha
Base Camp to Kedarkantha Summit:
The
most exciting part of the trek is reaching the summit of Kedarkantha. This is
usually done on the third day. The trek from the base camp to the summit is
steep and can be physically demanding due to the altitude.
Suggested Read- Kedarkantha Trek 2023
However,
the reward is the breathtaking panoramic view from the summit, which stands at
approximately 12,500 feet. Each step brought me closer to my goal, and the
pulse of adventure quickened with every passing moment. The sight of trekking to
Kedarkantha, with its sharp, rocky peak, was both daunting and
exhilarating.
The
final push to the summit was a test of endurance and willpower. The biting cold
and thin air made each step a challenge, but the breathtaking panoramic view
from the top made it all worthwhile. Standing there, with the Himalayan giants
surrounding me, I understood the true essence of adventure. It's not just about
conquering mountains; it's about discovering the strength within yourself.
- Kedarkantha
Summit to Hargaon:
After
conquering the summit, I descended back to the base camp for some rest and
refreshments. Then, continued descent to Hargaon, a beautiful campsite
surrounded by forests. The trek from the summit to Hargaon takes about 5-6
hours.
The
descent brought a mix of relief and nostalgia. As we retraced our steps through
the changing landscapes, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey.
Kedarkantha had surprised me. In the quietude of the mountains, I found not
just peace but also the undeniable pulse of adventure that beats in the heart
of every trekker.
So, ending this with good memories I would like to
say…
The
trek to Kedarkantha had been a transformative experience, a reminder that
adventure can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the silence of
the Himalayas. It left me with a deeper appreciation for nature's beauty and a
renewed sense of purpose. As I left Sankri behind, I carried with me the pulse
of adventure, a reminder that there are always new horizons to explore and
mountains to conquer.
For Detailed Itinerary for Kedarkantha Trekking. Click Here !!
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