India’s favourite winter summit — pine forests, frozen lakes and a sunrise summit at 12,500 ft.
The Kedarkantha trek traverses dense pine and oak forests, frozen alpine landscapes and open mountain meadows to a summit at 12,500 ft. It is one of the very few Himalayan summits that beginners can reach in winter.
The route starts in Sankri village in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Campsites like Juda Ka Talab — a lake that freezes solid in winter — are some of the prettiest in Uttarakhand, and the summit sunrise lights up Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
Reliable snow from December to March.
Camp beside a lake that freezes in winter.
Watch Swargarohini glow from 12,500 ft.
Snow-laden pine and oak forests all the way.
Some of the best clearings in the Garhwal.
A long, scenic drive via Mussoorie and Purola to the village of Sankri at the edge of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.
A steady climb through pine and oak forest to the lake camp of Juda Ka Talab.
A short, beautiful walk through snow-covered forest to the base camp with the summit ridge right above.
Start before dawn to reach the summit for sunrise, then descend to Hargaon camp.
Walk down to Sankri and drive back to Dehradun, arriving late evening.
The classic Curzon Trail — oak forests, snow meadows and one of the widest Himalayan panoramas in Garhwal.
A scenic winter adventure through oak and rhododendron forests to alpine lakes and open ridges.
Vast alpine meadows, peaceful forests and panoramic snow peaks — perfect for first-timers and families.
