Kedarkantha is the winter trek most people fall in love with first — and for good reason. In five days you walk through snow-laden pine forest, camp beside a frozen lake and stand on a 12,500 ft summit at sunrise.
Snow and temperatures
Snow usually arrives in mid-December and stays on the upper trail until March. Daytime temperatures are pleasant in the sun, but nights at base camp can drop to −8 °C or lower.
Summit day
We start around 3–4 am with head torches to reach the top for sunrise. The last stretch is steep; microspikes make it much easier in fresh snow. From the summit you see Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
What to pack
- Waterproof trekking shoes and gaiters
- Down jacket plus two warm mid-layers
- Thermal innerwear, woollen socks and waterproof gloves
- Sunglasses — snow glare is intense
Ready to go? See the full Kedarkantha itinerary.
