Kedarkantha (3,810 m) in Uttarkashi district is one of India's top winter snow treks, best done December through February. The summit offers 360° views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Black Peak. Unlike most Uttarakhand treks, Kedarkantha is a winter specialty — the deeper the snow, the better the experience.
January & December
Complete Calendar
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Status | Weather | Crowds | Price | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Open | –10°C–2°C · Deep snow 3–6 ft · Crystal clear days | Medium — serious trekkers | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best snow conditions of the year. Pristine white landscapes, frozen campsites, unforgettable summit views. |
| February | Open | –8°C–4°C · Good snow · Slightly warmer than Jan | Medium-High | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent snow trek. Slightly warmer than January. Still deep snow at summit. Great photography. |
| March | Open | 0°C–10°C · Snow melting · Slushy trails | Low-Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐ | Snow melting but still present near summit. Muddy lower trails. Decent option for those who missed peak season. |
| April | Limited | 5°C–15°C · Mostly snow-free · Green lower slopes | Low | Low pricing | ⭐⭐ | Very little snow left — loses its magic as a winter trek. Summer wildflowers beginning but limited rewards. |
| May | Limited | 10°C–20°C · No snow · Pre-monsoon heat | Low | Low pricing | ⭐ | Not recommended. Snow gone, trails dusty, no distinctive season character. Go in winter or wait for autumn. |
| June | Closed | Monsoon arriving · Very wet · Leeches on trail | No trekkers | N/A | — | Closed during monsoon. Trail becomes slippery and leech-infested. |
| July | Closed | Heavy monsoon · Very wet · Trail unsafe | No trekkers | N/A | — | Closed. Monsoon makes the trek dangerous and unrewarding. |
| August | Closed | Heavy monsoon continues · Leeches · Unstable ground | No trekkers | N/A | — | Closed. Monsoon continues. Do not attempt. |
| September | Limited | 8°C–18°C · Post-monsoon · Green meadows | Low | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐ | Post-monsoon green but no snow yet. Pleasant trekking but misses Kedarkantha's winter identity. |
| October | Limited | 2°C–14°C · Autumn colours · First dusting of snow | Low-Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐ | Autumn colours and first snow dusting appear. Getting interesting. Good photography but not the full winter experience. |
| November | Open | –4°C–8°C · First proper snowfall · Cold nights | Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great option — first proper snowfall makes trails magical. Fewer crowds than December-January. |
| December | Open | –10°C–0°C · Deep snow · Excellent winter camping | High — peak season | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best month for Kedarkantha. Deep snow, Christmas-New Year camps, 360° summit panorama. Book 2 months early. |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Temperatures at the summit camp (Kedarkantha base, ~3,600 m) drop to –10°C to –15°C at night in December-January. Days are around –5°C to 2°C. Quality sleeping bag rated to –20°C and proper layering is essential.
Yes — Kedarkantha is considered one of the best beginner winter treks in India. The trail is well-marked, ascent is gradual, and most trek operators provide experienced guides. Fitness preparation is important — aim for 3–4 weeks of cardio before the trek.
December typically has 2–3 feet of snow on upper sections, sometimes more after a fresh snowfall. January usually has the deepest accumulation at 3–6 feet near the summit, making for the most photogenic and immersive snow camping experience.
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