A Dream in the Snow – My Kedarkantha Trek Experience
Kedarkantha had always been one of those dream treks I longed to do — a goal written quietly in my heart. And finally, the day came when I packed my backpack, filled with excitement, courage, and the thrill of stepping into the unknown.
My journey began from Kota, Rajasthan, where I boarded a train to Delhi. This trek was planned via Delhi to Dehradun, and waiting for me in Delhi was my close friend Shubham, who would be joining me for this adventure. After meeting him, we took a train to Dehradun and checked into a cozy, vibrant place — The Hosteller — a beautiful backpacker hostel where we spent the night.
At 5:30 the next morning, we were picked up by the TrekUp India team — a professional trekking group we had booked our Kedarkantha trek with. Our destination for the day was Sankri Village, the base camp from where our journey into the mountains would begin.
As we drove through winding roads lined with pine forests and distant snowy peaks, excitement grew in my chest. Upon reaching Sankri, we were welcomed into TrekUp India's warm and rustic guesthouse. The air was buzzing with anticipation. I met fellow trekkers from different parts of India — even one from hyderabad. Among them were Nirupam, Saurabh, Krishna, and Dipali, who later became more than just fellow trekkers — they became friends for life.
At Sankri, we were introduced to the gear shop — a place where trekkers could rent or buy essentials. I had everything except a poncho, which I purchased right there. After dinner and orientation, we rested for the night in preparation for the real adventure.
Day 1: The Ascent Begins – Juda Ka Talab
The next morning, we began our trek to Juda Ka Talab, our first campsite. The trail was serene and scenic — tall trees, crisp mountain air, and occasional bursts of sunlight cutting through the forest. By 2:30 PM, we reached the stunning Juda Ka Talab, a frozen lake nestled among snow-covered woods. It felt like something out of a fairy tale.
We clicked photos, sang songs, laughed, and danced around the pond. That night, I slept in a tent for the very first time — and I cherished every moment of that new experience. The calm of the night, the distant sound of the wind through the pines, and the warmth of the sleeping bag — it all felt surreal.
Day 2: To the Kedarkantha Base Camp
We resumed our trek the next day, headed to Kedarkantha Base Camp. As we climbed higher, the views became more and more magical. Snow-covered alpine trees, glistening white slopes, and a blanket of silence — nature’s untouched beauty was all around us.
The snow made the path slippery, so we wore spikes on our boots for grip. Slowly but steadily, we reached the base camp by afternoon. There, we played cricket in the snow, built snowballs, and laughed till our stomachs hurt. The evening ended with joyful dancing, good food, and a cozy campfire vibe under the stars.
Day 3: The Summit Push – Kedarkantha Peak
At 3:00 AM, we woke up in pitch darkness. This was it — the summit day.
Armed with torches, trekking poles, and strong determination, we started our steep ascent under a starlit sky. The trail was tough and the air thin, but we pushed forward — together, as a team. By 7:00 AM, we reached the Kedarkantha Summit (12,500 ft) — just in time for the sunrise.
The view was nothing short of divine.
The golden sun rising over a sea of snow-draped peaks — a moment etched into my soul forever. We took group photos, hugged each other, and stood in silence as the sun painted the sky in warm hues.
This was more than just a summit. It was a personal victory.
I hadn’t shared this with many during the trek, but I live with a physical disability. And for me, every step up that mountain was not just a physical effort — it was a reminder that no dream is too big and no summit too high. That morning, I didn’t just conquer a peak — I conquered my own doubts.
Descent and Final Days
After soaking in the summit, we made our way down to Juda Ka Talab, where we spent one last night under the stars. The next morning, we descended further to Sankri, where our journey had begun.
The following day, TrekUp India dropped us back to Dehradun, and from there, we returned home — changed forever.
This Kedarkantha trek wasn’t just about mountains, snow, or altitude. It was about courage, friendship, and faith — in myself and in life. I proved to myself that limitations are only real if you accept them.
This journey will forever be one of the proudest chapters of my life — not just because I reached the summit, but because I never gave up.
