Uttarakhand

The moment we heard about the Kedarkantha trek, we couldn’t resist. People dream of this trek, and here we were, finally getting an opportunity to go to the summit.  Without much planning, we set off to explore the stunning Upper Himalayan ranges and, to our luck, experienced fresh snowfall the very next day. It was a spontaneous adventure, with no specific trekking communities, no commercial groups. Just us, a few close friends, and a reliable local guide. Honestly, it made the whole Kedarkantha trek feel more intimate and memorable. What made it even more special? It was my friend’s birthday, and we celebrated it right on top of the Kedarkantha summit, surrounded by snow, serenity, and a sense of accomplishment. That moment of cutting a cake in the Himalayas is etched in our hearts forever. This blog is your complete Kedarkantha trekking guide, whether you’re planning to go solo, with a local guide, or as part of a trekking group. It covers everything you need to know: the Kedarkantha trek itinerary, packing tips, cost breakdown, stay options, and even contact info for a trusted local guide who led us to the top of the Kedarkantha peak safely and joyfully. Best Time for Kedarkantha Trek – When the Mountains Wear Snow December to March is hands-down the best time for the Kedarkantha trek, especially if you want to experience the classic snow trek that this region is known for. During these months, the Kedarkantha peak trek offers breathtaking views of snow-draped pine trees that resemble Christmas trees, icy trails that sparkle in the sun, and a clear view of the Kedarkantha summit that feels like a postcard come to life. This is the season when the trek becomes magical, and the experience truly unforgettable. Now, that’s not to say you can’t do the Kedarkantha trek from Dehradun at other times of the year. From May to November, the trail transforms into a mix of lush meadows, dry forest paths, and vibrant alpine greenery. While the snow may be missing, the panoramic views from the Kedarkantha summit remain stunning throughout the year. If you’re aiming for a snow trek in the Dehradun region, though, winter is your season. That’s what Kedarkantha trekking is most famous for—and for good reason. How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek – Packages and Trek Cost Breakdown To begin your Kedarkantha trek, your journey starts from Dehradun, which is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The best way is to reach Dehradun Railway Station early in the morning, especially if you plan to travel to Sankri, the base village for the Kedarkantha peak trek. Day 1: Dehradun to Sankri Elevation: 6,400 ft | Distance: approx 196 km | Duration: 10–12 hours Your route from Dehradun to Sankri can vary based on comfort and budget. Here’s how you can reach the base camp of the Kedarkantha trekking route: By Public Bus (Budget-Friendly Option) There are currently two government buses that depart daily from Dehradun Railway Station to Sankri: Duration: Approx. 11–12 hours Kedarkantha trek price (bus): Around INR 350 per person (as of 2025) Pro Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, this is the best option. Public transport significantly reduces your overall Kedarkantha trek cost. Shared Cab / Jeep (Mid-Budget Option) If you miss the early buses, don’t worry—shared jeeps and cabs start leaving around 8:00 AM from outside the station or the Parade Ground. Cost: INR 600– INR 700 per seat Duration: ~10 hours These shared rides are common among trekkers and locals and provide a comfortable yet affordable alternative. Private Taxi (Comfortable/Group Option) For groups or those who prefer more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a private Sumo or Bolero. Cost: INR 5,500– INR 6,500 per vehicle Duration: 8–9 hours (faster and more flexible) Booking a cab in advance via Dehradun-based operators or ride-share apps is common in 2025. Entry & Stay Costs at Sankri As you enter Sankri village, the gateway to the Kedarkantha peak, you will be charged a basic entry fee: Stay in Sankri – Rawat Homestay (Recommended) We reached Sankri by evening and stayed at Rawat Homestay, a cosy spot known among trekkers doing the Kedarkantha trek from Dehradun. Cost: INR 200 per night (2025 rate) The rooms were clean with shared washrooms, and good, homemade meals. We loved their hospitality. Here, we also met our amazing local guide, who played a huge role in helping us complete the Kedarkantha summit safely and joyfully. Three-Day Package We took the Kedarkantha trek package at Rawat Homestay, which cost us INR 7,000/- per person. I would highly recommend this package because it had everything. From camp stay to food to guide, we could not have asked for more. Elevation: 11,000 ft. | Distance : 7 KMs | Duration : 4-5 hours We started early in the morning from Sankri and, after reaching halfway, we took our first pit stop. Also, this was the only pit stop on the way to the Kedarkantha base camp. We had Maggi and tea (INR 80), and this is when it actually started to snow, making the Kedarkantha trek feel even more magical. As we moved further, we came across Juda ka Talab (9,100 ft.), one of the most iconic highlights of the Kedarkantha trekking trail. We paused here for a break, had lunch, and then continued our ascent towards the base camp of the Kedarkantha peak trek. Our local guide had made all the arrangements beforehand. The porters who had left before us had already set up our tents and a main wooden hut where we were served tea and snacks. We even had a cosy bonfire to ourselves in the chilly Himalayan evening. At night, we were served a warm, home-cooked dinner of rice, chapatis, vegetables, and tea. It truly felt like a home away from home, deep in the mountains. Day 3: Base Camp – Kedarkantha Summit – Base Camp (KK Base) Elevation: 12,500 ft. | Distance: 3 KMs x 2 Honestly, the Kedarkantha trek

Visiting offbeat places has a charm in itself. Imagine going to a place which is off the tourist map, finding the most photogenic places, spending time amidst nature, away from the crowd and taking some time away from the regular nuances of life.  This is how I felt when I visited a small village named Mauna, silently tucked in between Mukteshwar and Almora. Not only will you find some much-needed tranquillity here, but Mukteshwar and Almora too can be visited easily from this place. If you are searching for places to visit for a weekend trip from Delhi, check out my guide below for all the details you will need to visit this hill station. You can take a trip to Mukteshwar over a weekend or a long weekend, easily. A drive to Mukteshwar takes 7.5 hours. If you travel by local transport, I would suggest that you travel overnight. If you are taking your own vehicle and want to enjoy the road trip, start early from Delhi to be able to explore Mukteshwar once you reach there.  Depending on what you want to do, plan your travel accordingly. Mukteshwar is accessible all year. During the summer, the weather is pleasant, which is between March and May. In winter, you can expect heavy snowfall, which is between January to March. Summers offer majestic scenery with the trees heavy with fruits, while it is at its best during the monsoons, as the entire area is full of greenery. I would suggest avoiding the rainy season and snowy winters, as there are chances of roadblocks. You can check out my other list of hill stations if you are not sure where to go for your perfect holiday to the hill stations – Top Hill Stations in India There are several ways to reach Mukteshwar. Below, I am listing the modes of transport from Delhi that you can take to reach Mukteshwar. The cheapest way to reach Mukteshwar is to take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam, which is the nearest major railway station. Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi with regular trains like Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi Express, and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express. From Kathgodam, you can catch a shared taxi or a bus to Mukteshwar. While buses are available, shared taxis tend to be more frequent and faster. It takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours to reach Kathgodam by train and then another 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Mukteshwar. You can also take a bus from Kashmiri Gate ISBT or Anand Vihar ISBT to either Haldwani or Kathgodam. These are overnight buses, and both government (UTC) and private operators run frequent services. While there are no direct buses to Mukteshwar, you can easily find onward connections. Alternatively, you can book a luxury Volvo bus to Nainital or Haldwani. From Nainital, Haldwani, or Kathgodam, regular buses or shared taxis operate till Mukteshwar.  It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Haldwani/Nainital and then another 2 hours to Mukteshwar. Planning to go solo to Mukteshwar? Read our solo guide here – Solo Travel Tips to Adopt in India Here, I have added all the places you should visit in Mukteshwar, including the tourist spots as well as the offbeat spots.  Located on a hilltop at an elevation of 2,312 metres, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be around 350 years old and is considered spiritually significant. From here, you can also visit Chauli ki Jali, which is one of the most magnificent natural formations in the region. Apart from the beautiful views, this place is also famous for its adventurous activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, and even paragliding during certain seasons. The panoramic view from here is breathtaking, and during sunset, you can see red streaks in the sky shining brightly over the valley. Mauna is about one and a half hours from Mukteshwar and is one of the most peaceful, offbeat places to explore. On a clear day, you can see both Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks standing tall in the distance. Below, I am covering a few places that you can explore in Mauna: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to have been built around the 8th century. It’s a serene spot nestled amidst hills, and you can also enjoy the nearby river streams – Kumiya and Sakuni. You can also go on a short hike through the pine forests, where you may come across friendly locals engaged in farming or simply enjoying the peace of the hills. As a part of the ‘Stay on Skill Accelerator’ program, I got a chance to experience Machu Cottage, a paradise hidden in the Himalayan region. Their tagline is “a home away from home.” The roads were empty, with not a single vehicle to be seen even in the far-off distance. Right in front of us stood the Nanda Devi peak (the second-highest peak of India) and the Trishul peak. It was truly mesmerising! Machus Cottage is located in the Kumaon hills, from where you can see lovely views of the Almora hills. If you are looking for a luxury stay in the lap of Mother Nature, then Machus Cottage is the one for you. Surrounded by green hills, this place offers a perfect weekend therapy. The wooden floor and antique structure offer a vintage look to the entire experience. Either you can book the entire cottage for INR 15,000 or book a single for INR 4,500 to INR 5,000. The king-sized beds, bathrooms with all the facilities and a living area to relax are exceptional. This property also offers mouth-watering cuisine with a homely vibe. You have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They also have menu cards in every room where you can easily opt for snacks, beverages and proper meals. Below, you will find the places I visited during the weekend. This will also show you how you can get the best of both worlds – Mukteshwar and Mauna. The bus would cost about INR 600–800 till Kathgodam/Haldwani,

One interesting thing about Auli is that here you will get the best of both worlds – snow-peaked high mountains as well as apple orchards and pine trees. During winters, you can enjoy snow all around the place, and during summers, you can get lost amidst the picturesque mountains. This makes Auli one of the most versatile places to visit throughout the year, offering different experiences based on when you choose to explore this magnificent hill station. If you want to go for Auli budget travel, this guide will answer all your questions about this place, from Auli’s weather and how to reach Auli, to the best time to visit Auli, and accommodation options. Whether you’re planning an Auli trip from Delhi or looking for the perfect Auli package from Delhi, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this stunning destination. Auli is famous as a skiing destination in India, which is connected by two cable cars – one from Joshimath and another one within Auli itself. Here, you will be able to see the snow-capped beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, along with Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat Kamet. The best season to visit Auli depends on what activities you want to enjoy, making it a year-round destination for different types of travellers. 5 Interesting Things to Know About Auli Budget Travel There are several places to see in Auli and experiences to cherish in this beautiful hill station. It is a really small place, and reaching from one location to another is easy. It also offers breathtaking views of several mountains, so it is easy to sit, have tea, and relax. Below you will find all the details of the attractions in Auli that you can visit. When planning your Auli itinerary, make sure to include these fascinating spots that showcase the natural beauty and unique features of this Himalayan destination. Highest Man-Made Lake Auli has the world’s highest man-made lake, which stands as one of the prime Auli tourist attractions. It is so picturesque and beautiful, lying right in the middle of the slopes and high mountains. The reason behind the construction of this lake was to produce snow even during the summer time, which makes it the perfect place for skiing as well as for the winter games. This artificial lake is definitely among the top places to visit in Auli and offers stunning photography opportunities. The lake becomes even more spectacular during the best time to visit Auli hill station, when the surrounding landscape is covered in pristine snow. 360-degree view of the Himalayas, Nanda Devi Auli provides beautiful panoramic views of the mountains from wherever you look, making it one of the most sought-after Auli tourist spots. From here, you can see the second-tallest mountain in India – Nanda Devi (the sleeping beauty), along with Mana Parbat and Dronagiri. The best part would be experiencing this hill station during the winters when the mountains are painted beautifully with snow, making them glisten amidst the sun rays. This viewpoint is essential to include in any Auli itinerary and represents one of the most breathtaking attractions in Auli. The panoramic mountain views are particularly spectacular during the best season to visit Auli, when clear skies offer unobstructed vistas of the Himalayan peaks. Auli View Point The Auli View Point serves as another magnificent Auli tourist spot that offers commanding views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. This vantage point is particularly popular among visitors planning their Auli trip from Delhi as it provides the perfect introduction to the region’s natural beauty. The viewpoint is accessible throughout the year, though the best time to visit Auli for optimal visibility is during the clear winter months when the mountain peaks are distinctly visible against the blue sky. Asia’s Longest Gondola Ride, Chair Car Ride So, two ropeways are running in Auli, both representing major Auli tourist attractions that shouldn’t be missed. One is known as Gondola – Asia’s longest ropeway that stretches from Joshimath to the skiing spot, covering a track distance of 4.15 KMs in 22 minutes and costs around INR 1000. The other one is the chair car ride of INR 300, which stretches from GMNV to Auli. Another difference between the two is that the Gondola is a small cubicle covered with glass windows; tourists stand inside it, and it covers a stretch of 5 KMs. However, the chair car is an open stack of chairs (literally). How thrilling it is to float midair and see patches of snow and greenery down below you in the open. These cable car rides are among the most exciting places to see in Auli and offer a unique perspective of the terrain below. Many visitors specifically time their Auli package from Delhi to include these ropeway experiences, especially during the best time to visit Auli hill station when the views are most spectacular. Experience Skiing Amidst Stunning Views Auli is regarded as the best destination for skiing in India, and one can ski here all around the season, as the artificial lake here helps in making snow during summer as well. One can ski here as a professional or as a tandem. The tandem ski costs around INR 400 per hour per person. A person can also take a ski training program, which is a 15-day program. Skiing remains one of the top attractions in Auli that draws adventure enthusiasts from across the country. The best part is that if you are skiing for the first time, don’t worry – you can come here and try skiing as the trainers are always with you, guiding you on how to ski. The skiing slopes are definitely among the must-visit places in Auli, especially during the best season to visit Auli, when natural snow conditions are at their peak. This activity forms an essential part of any comprehensive Auli itinerary for adventure lovers. If you wish to ski, the best place to do so would be in