Kedarkantha Or Kedarnath Trek: Understanding The Differences

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Kedarkantha trek serves as the most enchanting yet anticipated trek in the Himalayas, but it is always confused with sacred Kedarnath trek. This confusion not only creates chaos, but also leads to certain misunderstandings amidst trekkers. Both treks share more or less similar pronunciation, but the treks are totally different from one another. And, trekking through both places leaves a major mark on your soul.  Kedarkantha is a paradise for trek lovers, especially during winter as it offers snowy trails. While, Kedarnath comes amidst Panch Kedar, offering a divine journey towards the most sacred shrine. Both treks lie in Uttarakhand, but possess different starting points for trek, offering varying picturesque views of the mountains and refreshing trail. Explore each trek in detail and get to know about their charming beauty and experience. 

Kedarkantha trek

Located at an altitude of 12,500 ft, Kedarkantha trek serves as the most incredible trek enriched with self exploration and immense adventure. It possesses spell-bounding beauty that captivates trekkers from all over the world. Embark on a journey that offers snow-clad mountains and lush green forests, making you rejuvenated. Start your mesmerizing journey from Sankri, a serene village amidst the Himalayas, enabling you to capture innumerable memories. Take a break from your hectic lifestyle and witness the winter wonderland in its full glory. Dive into the trek’s basic details.  
  • Altitude - 12,500 ft.
  • Starting point - Sankri.
  • Trek duration - 5 days.
  • Difficulty level - Easy to moderate.
  • Trek distance - 20 km.
Get intriguing Kedarkantha trek packages and embark towards Kedarkantha summit while walking through the snowy trail. Let’s delve into its itinerary detail, offering your numerous scenic spots.   
  • Reach Sankri to Dehradun via road, and witness the soothing nature that covers the entire trail. Rest at Sankri at homestay before going ahead with trekking.
  • Head towards Juda ka Taal via Sankri, while witnessing the dense and comfortable pine tree forest and the sacred lake. 
  • Embark towards Kedarkantha base camp from Juda ka Taal, and experience the panoramic view of varying snowy mountain ranges. 
  • From there, trek towards Kedarkantha peak that offers scenic views of Himalayan ranges and dense forests. Also, you could witness a refreshing sunrise after reaching the summit. 

Kedarnath Trek

Nestled at an elevation of 3,583m above sea level, Kedarnath serves as a pilgrimage destination and an heavenly abode for adventure lovers. Embark on a trek that takes you to Lord Shiva holy shrine, that makes you spiritual. Experience a spiritual journey that connects you with enchanting nature and the mystical allure of surroundings. It is a pilgrimage trekking route that attracts numerous devotees, and makes their life peaceful and refreshing. Have a look into its basic details:
  • Altitude - 11, 755 ft.
  • Starting point - Gaurikund.
  • Trek duration - 1 day.
  • Difficulty level - Moderate.
  • Trek distance - 18 km. 
Kedarnath comes under Char Dham Yatra, which possesses both divine and physical significance. Experience the eternal view of the location along with robust Kedarnath trek packages. Delve into its itinerary, which offers splendorous nature at every step.   
  • Embark your journey from Rishikesh to Sonaprayag via road, offering you scenic beauty of nature.
  • From Sonaprayag, head towards Gaurikund, a pious place that offers divine blessings of nature. Gaurikund serves as the starting point of the trek.
  • From Gaurikund, move towards Rambara, while witnessing the scenic views of surrounding mountains and serene lakes.
  • From Rambara, head towards Kedarnath temple, a holy shrine offering majestic views of landscape. 

How Are Kedarnath And Kedarkantha Trek Different?

Kedarkantha and Kedarnath trek offers entirely different trekking experiences amidst Himalayan ranges, making you jump with excitement. However, it offers variability in terms of location, its difficulty level, and on other things. Let’s explore the differences amidst these two treks. 

Location

Kedarkantha, an enchanting snow-covered peak lies in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Embark on this trekking journey, and experience the picturesque view of dense forests and surrounding peaks. Kedarnath, a pilgrimage destination nestled in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, that leads you to the holy temple of Lord Shiva. 

Season

Enjoy trekking in Kedarkantha in any season, but it gains fame during winter season due to snow-covered landscape and peaks. You can enjoy the trek in summers also, and experience the lush greenery. On the other hand, Kedarnath temple remains closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. Its gate gets open from May to November every year, so you have to plan accordingly. 

Difficulty level

Kedarkantha trekking seems ideal for both beginners and experienced, and possesses moderate difficulty level. However, it might become more challenging during winter, and Skyhike ensures to lower down the challenges with its guidance. On other hand, Kedarnath trekking could be physically demanding due its high altitude and length. It seems to be a challenging trek, especially for those who are not aware of high-altitude trekking. 

Conclusion

At last, both treks offer unforgettable memories, but with different perspectives. Embrace spirituality and tranquility of the both treks, that offers a view of enchanting surroundings. So, pack up your bags, choose your trekking destination, and let nature spell magic over you. Travel through your selected journey along with the best trekking company in Uttarakhand, that ensures immense safety through the trek. 

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