Welcome to the Exciting Journey of Kedarkantha
Kedarkantha is a great option if you want to see the beauty of nature in its vastness and detail. Situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this peak is very popular among the wanderers of the country and abroad. It has become the most famous winter track in India due to the enchanting icy valleys and exciting snow-covered paths. However, to go here, you will have to book long in advance, but you will have to plan from now.
A Beautiful Journey of Kedarkantha
A beautiful road from Dehradun to Mussoorie on the banks of Tons and Yamuna rivers brings you to Sankri. Kedarnath, Nagtibba, Saraswati range and Bandarpoonch ranges will be visible to you just a little further from Mussoorie. The beauty of the valleys of Purola and Tiuni on the way makes this journey more enjoyable. The Tons river takes the place of Yamuna from Tiuni. Looking at this serene river flowing between the mountains, this journey of the road passing through the dense forests of deodar makes the heart happy.
Jaunsar-Bawar
You have to pass through the area of Jaunsar-Bawar to reach Kedarkantha. The Jaunsari tribe lives in this area situated between the Yamuna and Tons rivers. The foothill area across the Yamuna is called Jaunsar and the snow-covered hilly area is called Bawar. The people of Jaunsar call themselves the descendants of the Pandavas and the people of Bawar as the descendants of Duryodhana. Duryodhana is also worshipped in many parts of this area. There has been a tradition of polyandry marriage since time immemorial, which continues even today. The temple built in Hun architecture is the main attraction here.
Lakhamandal
Thousands of Shivlings of different sizes were found in the excavation done years ago at a place called Lakhamandal. Also, a unique temple complex was also discovered here where there are temples of Kartikeya, Ganesh, Vishnu and Hanuman. It is believed that Lakhamandal is the place where Duryodhana had built Lakshgraha to kill the Pandavas. If you go to Kedarkantha, then you must definitely experience the unique culture and temples of the region of Jaunsar-Bawar and Lakhamandal.
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
Ahead of Tiuni comes an outpost of Govind Pashu Vihar at a place named Netwar. People coming from outside have to enter here. This century is also a national park where Project Snow Leopard was started to conserve the extinct Snow Leopard. Tracks like Har Ki Doon, Osla, Sankri and Kedarkantha start from here. You can visit beautiful tracks like Barasu Pass, Ruinsara Tal and Barasu Khandi from here. There is also a sankri in many villages nestled between the animal sanctuaries, which is a great resort for tourists who want to spend moments of peace. You have to start the Kedarkantha track from here.
Juda ka Talab (Frozen Lake)
After trekking for about five kilometres between the dense forests of deodar and pine, you reach a beautiful lake which is called Juda Ka Talab. This lake is situated at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level, where you usually get to see plenty of snow around. Camping at night amidst the snow-capped valleys and sitting by lighting a bonfire has its own thrill. It is a religious belief that Shiva opened his locks here and the water that came out of them made a pond of Juda.
Peak of Kedarkantha
After traveling about three and a half kilometres from Juda Ka Talab, you reach the peak of Kedarkantha which is at an altitude of 3800 meters above sea level. Reaching this snowy peak, when you look around, an incredible expanse opens up in front of you. From here you can see about 13 skyscraper peaks of the Himalayas right in front of you. The views of the Yamuna and Tons river valleys at the foothills of the Himalayas leave you spellbound.
When to Visit?
There is a risk of landslides in the mountains during the rainy days, so coming here these days can be avoided. If you want, you can plan in September. In winter you will find lots of snow all along the way. From Juda Ka Talab, you will have to walk on snow-covered roads. So it is better to come with full preparation. It would be better if you make preparations to go there from now on.
How to Reach?
During your Journey of Kedarkantha, you can opt for an option of a taxi or a local bus from Dehradun to reach Sankri. It takes approx 7 hours to reach here from the city of Dehradun. You can return to Sankri in a total of four days by summiting Juda Ka Talab in one day and Kedarkantha the next day from Sankri.
Where to Stay?
You will get hotels to stay in Sankri but you will have to do camping on the onward journey. You will find tents to stay in Juda Ka Talab and Kedarkantha Basecamp, which will have to be booked in advance. In summer, the temperature is generally between 6 degrees to 20 degrees, but in winter the minimum temperature here goes down to minus.
By:-
Prakhar Sharma
Founder, Upgrading India
