National Himalayan Kedarkantha Winter Trekking cum Training Expedition 2026-27

Embark on a journey through snowy mountains, deodar and pine forests, waterfalls and rare Himalayan wildlife. Witness majestic peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Kala Nag up close.

Rich in mythology and natural beauty, this trail suits trekkers, nature lovers, photographers and bird watchers alike - a paradise for explorers seeking adventure and learning in the lap of nature. Come explore this Himalayan trail the way it is meant to be: wild, raw and unforgettable.

Highlights

• Summit views - 360-degree views of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak.
• Scenic campsites - Julota Thatch and Pukhrola Thatch, set among pine forests and snowfields.
• Snow trekking - thrilling snowy trails and winter landscapes throughout.
• Dense pine forests - serene pine and oak woods under fresh snow.
• Starry nights - clear high-altitude skies, ideal for stargazing.
• Beginner friendly - a first Himalayan trek with moderate difficulty and great rewards.
• Altitude - reaching approximately 12,500 ft (3,800 m).

Trek Region

Kedarkantha sits in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, within the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Trek grade: Moderate.

Who Can Join?

• YHAI members aged 18 to 60 years only. Age limits are strictly applied - no exceptions for underage or overage participants.
• A Trekking Medical Certificate issued within the last 30 days and signed by a registered MBBS/MD doctor is mandatory.

Important Gear Alert

If there is hard snow at the summit due to freezing temperatures, participants must carry gaiters, microspikes and trekking poles. These can also be rented from the local market near the base camp.

Inclusions

• Food - breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, tea, snacks and soup
• Accommodation on a sharing basis
• Guide
• Forest entry tickets
• Group insurance

Accommodation, Food and Water

• Tented accommodation on a sharing basis
• Concrete toilet and bathroom facilities at base camp
• Nutritious vegetarian meals
• RO water available at base camp

How to Reach the Base Camp

• By air: nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• By road: well connected by bus and taxi from Dehradun
• By train: Dehradun is well connected by rail

Carry at Reporting

• Printed Admit Card
• Original Trekking Medical Certificate, issued within 30 days
• Valid YHAI Membership Card - a printout is acceptable
• Two recent passport-size photographs and a printout of your Aadhaar card

What to Bring

• Rucksack; woollens, cotton shirts, slacks and cotton pants
• Sun cap, shoes, four pairs of socks
• Plate, mug, lunch box and spoon
• Water purifying tablets, penknife, needle, thread and spare buttons
• Goggles, cold cream, soap, toilet paper, towel and a rain sheet
• Personal medicines; camera with spare batteries (optional)

Safety and Additional Notes

• YHAI group insurance covers accidental death or permanent disability only.
• Field staff and camp leaders look after participant well-being; routes are planned for safety.
• No smoking, alcohol or narcotics. Stay only at the YHAI camp.
• Carry your litter back to base camp. No wood burning for campfires.
• Extra luggage can be stored at the base camp.
• Central Government employees can apply for Special Casual Leave.
• Scholarships: Justice TPS Chawla Scholarship for girls (income under Rs. 1 lakh) and the Siddharth Scholarship (50% off for youth under 30, income under Rs. 2.5 lakh).

Online Bookings

• Participants who have booked online must cancel their booking online through the website at least 5 days before the reporting date.

Offline Bookings

• Participants who have booked offline must send a cancellation request by email to trekking@yhaindia.org at least 5 days before the reporting date.

Eligibility for Cancellation

• Only cancellations made within the above timeline are eligible for a credit shell or refund.
• Cancellation requests received less than 5 days before the reporting date will not be entertained and are not eligible for a credit shell or refund.

Refund

• Participants opting for a refund will get 50% of the paid program fee.
• The refund is processed only after completion of the program.

Credit Shell

• Participants opting for a credit shell receive 100% of the paid participation fee as credit, valid until 31 December 2027.
• The credit shell may be used for any program organised by the YHAI National Office, or by YHAI State Branches and Units that operate a credit shell policy on their programs.
• The credit shell can only be used against treks and programs. It cannot be adjusted against membership fees or hostel bookings.

Adjustment of Credit Shell

• If the new program costs less than the available credit, the balance may be used for another eligible trek or program until 31 December 2027.
• If the new program costs more, the difference must be paid by the participant.

No Further Cancellation

• A program booked using a credit shell cannot be cancelled, or converted into another credit shell or refund, under any circumstances.

Transfer of Seats

• A confirmed seat may be transferred to a family member or friend. Once transferred, the seat cannot be transferred again or cancelled.