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Quick answer: December is one of the best months for the Kedarkantha trek. Expect snow on the upper trail and summit (usually deeper as the month goes on), clear blue skies, daytime temperatures of about -2°C to 8°C and campsite nights of about -10°C to -15°C. Early December is the quietest; Christmas to New Year is the busiest week of the whole season, so book those dates 4–6 weeks ahead.
If you are planning Kedarkantha this winter, December is probably the month on your mind. It is when the trek turns properly wintry, the skies are at their clearest, and the holidays make it easy to take a week off. But December is not one single experience. The first week and the last week can feel like two different treks.
Here is what to expect, week by week, and how to plan around it.
What the trail looks like in December
By December, the forests around Juda Ka Talab are cold and quiet, the lake starts freezing over, and the upper meadows and the summit carry snow. Snowfall in the Himalayas changes from year to year, so nobody can promise the exact depth on your dates. As a rule, the later in December you go, the more snow you will see, and the summit section almost always has snow and ice by mid-December.
What December reliably gives you is visibility. After the autumn, the air is dry and clear, and on summit morning Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Black Peak and the Kedarnath range stand out sharply against the sky.
December week by week
| Dates | Snow | Crowds | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 December | Snow on the summit section; lower trail may be partly clear | Quiet | People who want calm campsites and slightly milder nights |
| 11–22 December | Snow usually building on the upper trail and meadows | Moderate | The best balance of snow and space |
| 23 December–1 January | Often the first deep snow of the season | Busiest of the year | Groups of friends and anyone who can only travel in the holidays |
If you have a choice, the middle of the month is the sweet spot. If you can only go over Christmas or New Year, it is still a wonderful trip: just book early and expect to share the campsites.
How cold is Kedarkantha in December?
- Daytime on the trail: about -2°C to 8°C, and it feels warmer in the sun.
- Night at Juda Ka Talab and base camp: about -10°C to -15°C.
- Summit morning: the coldest part of the trek. You start around 2 AM, and wind makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
This sounds harsh, but with proper layers it is very manageable. On Trekkaro batches you sleep in -20°C rated sleeping bags, and you get a -10°C Decathlon jacket as part of the Free Trekking Gear.
Your 5 days on Kedarkantha in December
- Dehradun to Sankri: a 7–8 hour drive (about 200 km) along the Tons river. Night in a guesthouse at Sankri, the last place with a stable phone signal (Jio works best).
- Sankri to Juda Ka Talab: about 4 km through pine and oak forest, 4–5 hours. Camp beside the lake, which is usually starting to freeze in December.
- Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp: about 3 km, 2–3 hours, out of the forest into open, snowy meadows.
- Summit day: start around 2 AM, reach the top at about 12,500 ft for sunrise, then descend to Juda Ka Talab. About 9 km in total, and the longest day of the trek.
- Back to Sankri and Dehradun: about 4 km down through the forest, lunch in Sankri, then the drive back, arriving in Dehradun in the evening.
What to pack for December
Layering matters more than any single item. Bring:
- Two sets of thermals (top and bottom)
- A fleece jacket and warm trekking trousers
- A waterproof outer jacket and waterproof pants for snow
- Woollen socks (3–4 pairs), a liner glove plus a waterproof outer glove, a warm cap and a balaclava for summit morning
- UV sunglasses (snow glare is strong), sunscreen and lip balm
- A headlamp with spare batteries for the 2 AM start
- An insulated water bottle, since normal bottles can freeze overnight
With Trekkaro you do not need to buy trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters or microspikes; they are part of the Free Trekking Gear and fitted at Sankri on day one.
Five tips for Kedarkantha in December
- Book Christmas and New Year batches early. These dates fill first. Four to six weeks ahead is safe; the last week before is risky.
- Prefer a mid-week start. Weekend starts bring the biggest groups to the campsites.
- Train for the cold, not just the climb. Six weeks of regular running, cycling or stair climbing makes summit day far easier.
- Keep your phone and batteries warm. Cold drains batteries fast, so keep them in an inside pocket at night.
- Arrive in Dehradun the evening before. The drive to Sankri leaves early, and a delayed train or bus can cost you day one.
Is December or January better for Kedarkantha?
January usually has deeper snow and colder nights; it is the trek at its most wintry. December is a little milder, has very clear skies and, outside the holiday week, fewer people. If deep snow is your top priority, choose January. If you want snow plus comfort and quieter trails, choose the first three weeks of December.
See Kedarkantha December dates and price
Frequently asked questions
Is there snow on Kedarkantha in December?
Yes, the summit section and upper meadows usually have snow in December, and it generally gets deeper as the month goes on. Exact snow depth varies from year to year.
How cold is Kedarkantha in December?
Daytime temperatures are about -2°C to 8°C, and nights at camp drop to about -10°C to -15°C. Summit morning is the coldest time of the trek.
Is Kedarkantha crowded in December?
The first three weeks are quiet to moderate. The week from Christmas to New Year is the busiest of the whole season, so book early and pick a mid-week start if you can.
Can beginners do Kedarkantha in December?
Yes. Kedarkantha is graded Easy–Moderate and is one of the best first snow treks in India. Prepare for about six weeks and bring good layers.
How much does Kedarkantha cost in December?
With Trekkaro, Kedarkantha costs ₹9,000 + 5% GST per person, including stays, meals on the trek, permits, the trek leader and Free Trekking Gear. Travel to Dehradun and the shared taxi to Sankri are extra.
