Kedarkantha Trek: An Ascent to the Abode of Shiva

Description: The motor route offers some breathtaking views of verdant pine forests on the way. The journey is marked by the meandering rivers on the left – first the Yamuna and later the Tons. On the route to Yamunotri, you take a detour via Naugaon to reach Purola, a small town bustling with activity. Later on the route, you come across Naitwar, which is a confluence of the Rupin and the Supin. Finally, we move towards Sankari (1,950 m) - a quaint, small hamlet. It houses approximately 250 families and is also the basecamp for other treks including Har-ki-Dun Trek, Bali Pass and Borasu Pass. The place offers a breathtaking view of Swargarohini.

Description:It is from here that the trek starts via a village named Saur. During the climb, it is a common sight to spot women and kids carrying bundles of wooden logs, wooden sticks for the fire. The verdant green meadows are a treat to watch. This picturesque trail takes you through dense forest and a thick carpet of maple, pine and oak.

The sound of the burbling stream is mellifluous and offers a natural music to your ears. Do observe two wooden bridges on the way. It is an indication that you have reached Posla, where one of the route takes a detour to Hargaon. You may also wait and enjoy tea at Jainole Thach.

Finally, you spot a lake that is flanked by thick pine and oak forest. Yes, that’s Juda-ka-Talab. The spot is a beauty to behold and is a perfect place for campsite. On a full-moon day, the lake illuminates in all its resplendence because of the moonshine. The vision of the starry night is another cherry on the cake. In some cases, the campsite is stationed at Kuamoli, which is just 10 minutes from here.

Description: The visible and almost leisure walk meanders through dense forest of pine and oak trees. It is not surprising to come across steep ridges. Do care to observe the shepherd huts in open meadows, which are redolent of an idyllic setting. The winding roads through these settings take you to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. The arc-shaped range of snow-capped mountains comprising of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag and Ranglana are all a bliss to explore.

This exquisite location marks the night halt in the tents. As the night grows darker and darker, it lends it a more Romantic setting as the dense network of stars and glistening peak of the mountain all conspire to create a memorable experience for all.

Description: It is the day that has been marked to conquer the Kedarkantha Peak. The trek begins at the wee hours in order to witness the mesmerising sunrise at the peak. The main trail is the perfect one to choose as it marks a slow ascent to the peak. The fag end of the trail is physically demanding for the first-time trekkers. But the 360 degree view that the summit has on offer is inexplicable and worth a life-time experience. As the crepuscular rays declare the arrival of a fresh morning with the sunrise, it fills everyone with exhilaration. The top of the peak has a beautiful yet small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, along with a small shrine of Lord Ganesha too. As one reaches the summit, it makes one realise why Lord Shiva chooses places like these as his abode. Well, you have to be there to know the answer to this question.

This is followed by a descent to Hargaon Camp, which is a different route nonetheless equally breathtaking. It also passes through idyllic settings, which entail a journey through dense oak forests, pine and maple trees, shepherd huts and burbling streams.

Description: This trail marks descent to Posla, which offers jaw-dropping views of Black Peak (Kala Nag), Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini. Apart from this, you may enjoy the sight of villages such as Kalap, Sirga, Datmir, Sidri and even Sankari. The well-defined pathway has been laden with small stones. The serpentine trail passes through rich dense pine forests. Do care to locate fresh water streams flowing by gently. You may fill in pure Himalayan water here for the rest of the track too. If you are fortunate enough, you may also see Himalayan Langurs swinging from one branch of trees to another. Finally, you may locate Sankari, which is home to about 120 families.

Description: The return journey passes through ascent and descent over the West Himalayas. It marks a descent till Mori, where you can view the ferious Tons river on the right. The route till Jarmola is an ascending one and passes through pine forest. It is not surprising then that you can observe a sharp decline in temperature here. If you begin to see some habitation, it is an indication that you are about to reach Purola. It is a small town that houses a Government Degree College too, the only one in the region. As you are about to reach Naugaon, you cross a metal bridge built over the Yamuna. Lunch is provided at Damta and finally the drop back to Dehradun Railway Station marks the end of the trek.