Into the Snowy Wilderness: Manpreet’s Thrilling Kedarkantha Trek with Thrillophilia
My best friend and I are absolute beach lovers and every year we plan a getaway to discover a new beach destination. Covering almost every beach in India, we thought of trying something new this year.
“How about we go to the mountains and see some snow this year?”, said my best friend.
His idea was not bad at all. And that’s how we started looking for something adventurous in the mountains and what could be more thrilling than a trek?
When we decided to embark on the Kedarkantha trek, we had no idea it would become one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. The image of snow-covered trails, majestic peaks in our minds, and the sheer excitement of doing something adventurous together was enough to finalise Kedarkantha right away! Without any second thoughts, we packed our bags and headed towards Dehradun, the starting point of our journey.
And the Journey Begins…
The trek officially started with a long but scenic drive from Dehradun to Sankri, a quaint little village tucked in the heart of Uttarakhand. With each upward turn, the mountain rewarded us with even more spectacular views.
From the winding roads, we got a glimpse of the dense pine forests, sparkling streams and distant snow-capped mountains. It sure was one hell of a bumpy ride but we loved it!
Sankri welcomed us with its chilly air, scenic views and a rustic charm. Our trek leaders greeted us warmly, introduced us to the group and briefed us about our upcoming days. As the evening rolled in, we gathered around a bonfire, shared stories, and got to know our fellow trekkers.
Contrary to our usual all-nighters on the beaches, we went to bed early, eager for the adventure to begin.
The First Stretch: Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
The next morning, we set off from our camp towards our first stop, Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful frozen lake, nestled amidst a dense forest. The trail was a steady climb, with giant oak and maple trees surrounding us throughout the journey.
Till date, I vividly remember the occasional chirping of birds and a subtle crunch of snow under our feet, a unique and wonderful feeling that I had never experienced before.
But the trek wasn’t without its challenges. About halfway through, there was a moment when I almost slipped on an icy patch. Thankfully, our trek leaders were quick to act and one of them quickly grabbed my arm. Then for the next 10 minutes they gave me tips on how to walk on snow without losing balance.
When we finally reached Juda Ka Talab, the sight took our breath away. The lake, partially frozen and surrounded by towering trees covered with a dust of snow, looked straight out of a postcard. After resting for a while and regaining our strength, we spent the evening building snowmen, sharing snacks and clicking countless photos.
The Climb to Base Camp!
The next leg of our journey was from Juda Ka Talab to the Kedarkantha Base Camp. I must agree that this stretch was more difficult than I had imagined, with steeper ascents and thicker snow.
As we moved forward overpowering all the hurdles, another obstacle came our way, the freezing temperatures- and the wind began to bite!
We wanted to sit down as it was getting difficult for us to bear the cold. However, this was one time when our trek leader, Jyoti, literally did not allow anyone to sit because it was important for us to keep moving. Firstly, because we had to reach our destination on time before it gets dark. Secondly, because we had to maintain a consistent body temperature for us not to collapse.
Another slight hiccup occurred when one of our group members began to feel altitude sickness. That was one time, when all of us had to take a brief pause, till she was able to get back on her feet. Meanwhile, our trek leaders were explaining to us the importance of pacing ourselves and staying hydrated. I have to admit that our trek leaders were helpful for all of us and displayed true professionalism.
Finally after a long trek we reached Base Camp, situated amidst a vast snowfield. That evening, we gathered around the fire once again, sipping hot tea and sharing laughs. In the end, we got a short briefing about the final summit push, which made us both nervous and excited.
The Grand Finale
The climb began pretty early around 4 am in the morning. The trail was steeper, and the biting cold made every step feel like a challenge. But the excitement of reaching the top kept us going.
The final stretch to the summit was the toughest. At one point, I thought I couldn’t go on, but the trek leaders and my best friend were right there, cheering me on.
And then, we were there.
The Kedarkantha summit, at an altitude of 12,500 feet!
The views from the top were so surreal that words cannot do justice to it. We stood there, in awe, taking it all in. My best friend and I hugged, tears of joy in our eyes. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Now that I reflect back on that journey, I realised that this Kedarkantha trek was more than just an adventure- it was a journey of self-discovery! From the thrill of conquering the snowy trails to the fun moments shared with the group, every part of the Kedarkantha trek was unforgettable…!
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Trek Reviews