Lost in the Himalayas: Ashutosh’s Kedarkantha Trek with Thrillophilia
I’ve always been a beach person, no doubt about it.
So, as usual, my idea of an epic New Year celebration involved dancing under the stars, with waves crashing in the background, and a drink in hand.
But this time, something different happened.
It was mid-December, and like every year, I was scrolling through endless travel reels, looking for inspiration for the perfect New Year party. I thought it would be another night of planning a beach escape or maybe booking a table at a fancy club.
But then, I stumbled upon a reel on Spiti and then I ended up stalking many influencers’ pages – watching countless mountain travel reels.
The serene snow-capped peaks, and the fresh mountain air, hit something deep inside me.
Before I knew it, I was obsessed with the idea of trading the party lights for the soft glow of the snow-covered Himalayas. And that’s when I decided—no parties this year, I’m trekking into the wild.
The Kedarkantha Trek was calling my name.
To The Mountains We Go
So, I did what any adventure junkie would—I hopped onto Thrillophilia’s website, compared options, and booked the Kedarkantha trek. Fast forward to a week later, and there I was, along with my friend, boarding a bus to Sankri.
The first thing I remember about the journey to Sankri was how the landscape shifted. As we left the bustling city behind, the views became dreamier with each passing mile. Snow-dusted pines, quaint villages nestled between hills, and the majestic Tons River snaking alongside us—it felt like we were entering a completely different world.
By the time we reached Sankri, we were already high on the mountain air.
We checked into our guesthouse, dumped our bags, and rushed out to soak in the sights. The crisp air here hit differently, and with the mountains towering over us, it was hard to believe that just a day ago, we were in the chaos of city life.
We spent the night sitting around a small bonfire, making new friends, and sipping on hot chai. That was the moment it hit me—this was what my soul had been craving, not some party, but peace and nature.
When the Mountains Test You
The next day, our trek officially began.
The climb from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab was like something out of a fairytale. We trekked through snow-laden paths, crossed high-altitude bridges, and even passed by little mountain hamlets.
But as serene as the surroundings were, the trek was no joke. By the time we reached Juda Ka Talab, my legs felt like jelly.
Maybe I should’ve done some squats before this.
But, that one look at the frozen lake and the snow-covered surroundings made all the pain worth it. We pitched our tents a few hundred meters away and settled in for the night.
And, the next morning, we were off to the base camp, and let me tell you, this is where the real adventure started.
By the time we reached the base camp, I could feel every muscle in my body screaming. And to make things more dramatic, I managed to trip over a rock, spraining my ankle.
I couldn’t help but laugh it off, but man, my nerves were stretched—literally and figuratively.
But here’s the thing about mountains—they heal you, even when they hurt you. After nursing my ankle, I stepped out of the tent, and the sight of the towering snow-clad peaks washed away all the discomfort.
It felt like standing in the lap of the Himalayas, and for a moment, I forgot all about the aches and pains. This was my therapy.
Chasing the Sunrise
The most magical part of my trek was the summit day. We started our climb at 2:00 AM, headlamps lighting the way, and the cold biting into our fingers. As we trekked through the darkness, there was an unspoken anticipation in the air.
We were about to witness something that would stay etched in our memories forever—the sunrise from the Kedarkantha summit.
As the first rays of light hit the horizon, everything else faded into the background. The sky turned into a canvas of pink, orange, and gold, and standing there at the summit felt like reaching the edge of the world.
The views of Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and the Kinner Kailash ranges were nothing short of breathtaking.
This is why people climb mountains— for the journey, the struggle, and the euphoria that follows.
Our descent back to the base camp was filled with laughter and stories. My friend couldn’t stop teasing me about my little injury, and I jokingly blamed my love for beaches for my lack of trekking skills.
But deep down, I knew that this trek had awakened something in me—something that no beach party could ever match.
A Piece of My Soul Left in the Mountains
Back at Juda Ka Talab, we spent one last night camping under the stars, sipping hot chai, and sharing stories around the fire. The silence of the mountains, the warmth of the fire, and the camaraderie of strangers who became friends—it was a perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.
On the way back, I felt a strange sense of calm. My phone was still off, my muscles were sore, and yet, I had never felt more alive. The Kedarkantha trek wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a soul-searching experience.
It taught me that sometimes, the best way to celebrate life isn’t at a party, but in the quiet of nature, surrounded by mountains that make you feel small yet powerful at the same time.
And as for New Year plans next year? Well, let’s just say the mountains might be calling again.
"So here’s to getting lost in the mountains, finding a new part of myself, and learning that sometimes, it’s the unexpected adventures that end up meaning the most."
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Trek Reviews