About Kedarkantha Trek Have you ever dreamed of standing on a snow-covered peak with breathtaking views of the Himalayas? The Kedarkantha trek is one of the most popular beginner-friendly treks in India. It is loved for its scenic beauty, easy-to-moderate trails, and unforgettable camping experience. But if you’re new to trekking, you probably have questions like – What is the Kedarkantha trek distance? What’s the altitude? Is it too difficult for a beginner? Don’t worry. This guide breaks down everything about Kedarkantha trek distance and altitude in simple words, so even first-time trekkers can feel confident before starting. Let’s dive in! Kedarkantha Trek Distance & Overview The total Kedarkantha trek distance is around 20 kilometers (12 miles) , covered in 4–6 days depending on your itinerary. The trek starts from Sankri village in Uttarakhand , a small mountain hamlet famous among trekkers. Starting Point Altitude (Sankri): ~6,400 ft (1,950 m) Summit Alt...
Roopkund Trek Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
The Roopkund Trek, one of the most populer trek in indian himalayas. it is a moderate to difficult high-altitude trek, leading to the mysterious Roopkund Lake (also known as Skeleton Lake) at approximately 16,000 feet. The standard itinerary spans 8 days, starting and ending in Rishikesh, with Lohajung as the base camp. It covers a total trekking distance of about 53 km, involving forests, meadows, steep ascents, and potential snow. Altitudes increase gradually to aid acclimatization, with the highlight being the lake on Day 6. Below is the detailed day-by-day breakdown, including distances, altitudes, and descriptions.
Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung
- Distance: 250 km (drive)
- Altitude: Lohajung at ~7,600 feet (approximate, not explicitly stated)
- Duration: Approximately 9 hours
- Description: The trek begins with a scenic drive from Rishikesh through the Himalayan foothills. The route winds through dense forests, offering initial glimpses of the Garhwal Himalayas. Key highlights include a stop at Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda (muddy) and Bhagirathi (greenish-blue) rivers, and Karnaprayag, one of the Panch Prayags. After about 8-9 hours, arrive at Lohajung, a village surrounded by forests, for an overnight stay in a guesthouse or camp.
Day 2: Lohajung to Didna Village
- Distance: 5 km drive + 6 km trek (total 11 km)
- Altitude: Didna Village at ~8,000 feet (approximate)
- Duration: Drive ~30 minutes; trek ~4-5 hours
- Description: Start with a short drive from Lohajung through forested roads, crossing the Raun Bagad Bridge to begin the trek. The trail passes vibrant rhododendron forests and ascends gradually. As you approach Didna, observe traditional stone houses typical of local Garhwali architecture. Enjoy a hot dinner and overnight camp in the village, marking the first full trekking day.
Day 3: Didna Village to Ali Bugyal
- Distance: 8 km trek
- Altitude: Ali Bugyal at ~11,000 feet (approximate); Abin Kharak campsite as the highest point
- Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours
- Description: Trek from Didna through the lush Tolpani Forest, featuring ancient oak trees and shepherds' huts with grazing sheep. Ascend into a birch forest, reaching Khobal Top for panoramic views of peaks like Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti. The landscape opens to the expansive green meadows of Ali Bugyal, one of the largest high-altitude grasslands in India. Camp at Abin Kharak, enjoying the serene alpine scenery.
Day 4: Ali Bugyal to Patar Nachauni via Bedni Bugyal
- Distance: 7 km trek
- Altitude: Patar Nachauni at ~12,700 feet (approximate)
- Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours
- Description: Continue through the vast Bedni Bugyal meadows, ascending to Bedni Top for stunning views of Mount Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Mrigthuni. Pass the sacred Bedni Kund (a small lake reflecting Trishul) and the Nanda Devi Temple. The trail features colorful wildflowers in season and transitions from meadows to the tree line at Doliadhar. Descend slightly to Patar Nachauni campsite, nestled among mountains and grasslands, with chances to spot Himalayan birds and mountain goats.
Day 5: Patar Nachauni to Bhagwabasa
- Distance: 4 km trek
- Altitude: Bhagwabasa at ~14,000 feet
- Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours
- Description: Ascend through alpine forests and meadows to the sacred Kalu Vinayak Temple. The trail becomes steeper, navigating rocky terrain, moraine fields, and possible snow patches as the air thins. Enjoy panoramic views of surrounding peaks and potential sightings of wildlife like Himalayan birds and ibex. Reach Bhagwabasa, a high-altitude campsite serving as the base for the summit push, and rest to acclimatize.
Day 6: Bhagwabasa to Roopkund Lake and Return to Patar Nachauni
- Distance: 10 km trek (round trip: 3 km to lake + 3 km back to Bhagwabasa + 4 km to Patar Nachauni)
- Altitude: Roopkund Lake at ~16,000 feet
- Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours
- Description: The summit day involves a challenging early-morning ascent through rocky moraine and glacial valleys, with snow-capped peaks in view. Reach Roopkund Lake, famous for its crystal-clear waters and ancient human skeletons (visible in summer). Explore the site's mystery, then descend back to Bhagwabasa and further to Patar Nachauni. This day tests endurance but rewards with breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Day 7: Patar Nachauni to Wan, then Drive to Lohajung
- Distance: 15 km trek + 13 km drive (total ~28 km)
- Altitude: Wan at ~7,800 feet (approximate); back to Lohajung
- Duration: Approximately 9-10 hours
- Description: Descend downhill from Patar Nachauni through dense forests, spotting walnut and pear trees. Cross the Neel Ganga River via a bridge and pass ancient Cypress trees near Wan Village. The trail offers a reflective end to the trekking portion. From Wan, take a short 1-hour drive back to Lohajung for the final overnight stay near the forests and mountains.
Day 8: Drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh
- Distance: 250 km drive
- Altitude: Descent to Rishikesh at ~1,000 feet
- Duration: Approximately 8-9 hours
- Description: Return drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh along the same scenic route, passing through the Himalayan foothills. This marks the end of the adventure, ideal for reflection on the trek's majestic natural beauty. It's recommended for adventure seekers drawn to high-altitude wilderness.
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