Day 1: Arrival at Sankri (Base Camp)
- *Altitude*: 6,400 ft (1,920 m)
- *Distance*: No trekking; travel to Sankri (if starting from Dehradun, it’s a 200 km drive, ~8-10 hours)
- *Activity*:
- If starting from Dehradun, depart early (around 6:30 AM) and drive through scenic routes via Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, and along the Tons River.
- Arrive at Sankri by evening, a quaint village in the Uttarkashi district and the starting point of the trek.
- Check into a guesthouse or lodge.
- *Highlights*: First glimpse of Himalayan village life, pine forests, and a peaceful evening under the stars.
- *Stay*: Guesthouse or lodge in Sankri (shared accommodation).
Day 2: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
- *Altitude*: 9,100 ft (2,800 m)
- *Distance*: ~4-5 km
- *Trekking Time*: 4-5 hours
- *Activity*:
- Start after breakfast (around 8-9 AM).
- Trek through dense pine and oak forests with a gradual ascent.
- Pass small streams and shepherd trails, with occasional views of snow-capped peaks.
- Reach Juda Ka Talab, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by trees (frozen in winter).
- *Highlights*: The tranquil lake, often snow-dusted or frozen, and the first campsite experience.
- *Stay*: Camping in tents near Juda Ka Talab.
Day 3: Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
- *Altitude*: 11,250 ft (3,430 m)
- *Distance*: ~4-5 km
- *Trekking Time*: 3-4 hours
- *Activity*:
- Begin the trek post-breakfast with a moderate ascent.
- Walk through forests that open into meadows with panoramic views of peaks like Swargarohini and Bandarpoonch.
- Arrive at the Kedarkantha Base Camp, a wide clearing with the summit visible ahead.
- Afternoon acclimatization walk (optional) and rest.
- *Highlights*: Stunning 180-degree views of Himalayan ranges and a cozy campsite.
- *Stay*: Camping in tents at the base camp.
Day 4: Summit Day - Kedarkantha Peak and Descent to Hargaon
- *Altitude*: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) at the summit
- *Distance*: ~6-7 km (round trip)
- *Trekking Time*: 6-8 hours total
- *Activity*:
- Start pre-dawn (around 3-4 AM) with headlamps to catch the sunrise from the summit.
- Steep climb of ~3 km to the top, navigating snowy trails (challenging but non-technical).
- Reach the summit for a 360-degree view of peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, and the Gangotri range.
- Spend time at the summit (30-60 minutes), then descend back to the base camp for lunch.
- Continue descending to Hargaon campsite (~2,900 m / 9,500 ft), another 2-3 km.
- *Highlights*: The exhilarating summit climb, sunrise views, and a rewarding sense of achievement.
- *Stay*: Camping in tents at Hargaon.
Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri and Departure
- *Altitude*: Back to 6,400 ft (1,920 m)
- *Distance*: ~6 km
- *Trekking Time*: 3-4 hours
- *Activity*:
- After breakfast, begin the descent through pine forests and open trails.
- Arrive at Sankri by noon or early afternoon.
- If returning to Dehradun, depart by vehicle (200 km, ~8-10 hours) and reach by evening (around 7-9 PM).
- *Highlights*: Reflecting on the journey, final views of the mountains, and a return to civilization.
- *Stay*: End of trek (guesthouse in Sankri if staying; otherwise, travel back).
Optional 6-Day Itinerary (Dehradun to Dehradun)
- *Day 1*: Drive from Dehradun to Sankri (200 km, 8-10 hours). Overnight in Sankri.
- *Day 2-5*: Follow the above itinerary (Sankri to Juda Ka Talab, Base Camp, Summit, Hargaon, and back to Sankri).
- *Day 6*: Drive back from Sankri to Dehradun (200 km, 8-10 hours).
Key Notes:
- *Best Time*: December to April for snow; March-April for milder weather with residual snow.
- *Difficulty*: Easy to moderate, suitable for beginners with decent fitness.
- *Essentials*: Warm clothing, trekking poles, sturdy shoes, and a backpack (most gear is provided by organizers if booked as a package).
- *Permits*: Included in organized treks (Govind Wildlife Sanctuary entry).
This itinerary balances adventure with ample time to enjoy the stunning Himalayan landscapes. Let me know if you'd like a more detailed breakdown or adjustments!