Kedarkantha Winter Ridge Summit Push
4 Days • Dec 20–23 • Lead Mountain Guide: Suresh Negi • 8 Trekkers • 100% Summit Success at 12,500 FT (3,810 M) in crisp winter snow.
8 OF 8 TREKKERS (100%)
12,500 FT (3,810 M)
-9.2°C (BASECAMP)
20 KM ON TRAIL
Route Elevation Ascent Map
From Govind Pashu Vihar foothills to the 12,500 ft summit cairn.
Guide Field UPDATEes
DAY 01 / Dehradun to Sankri Basecamp
6,400 FT • BASECAMP BRIEFINGAll 8 trekkers arrived at Sankri by 5:30 PM following a crisp drive along the Yamuna and Tons river gorges. Lead guide Suresh Negi conducted initial gear inspection, fitted thermal gaiters, and recorded baseline oximeter readings: all 8 members registered SpO2 above 96%. Steaming pahadi rajma-chawal and ginger tea served around the dining tent stove.
DAY 02 / Sankri to Frozen Lake of Juda-ka-Talab
9,100 FT • 4 KM (3.5 HRS)Climbed through ancient Himalayan maple and oak woodlands. Snowline encountered at 8,200 ft. Reached Juda-ka-Talab at 1:45 PM. The high-altitude lake was solidly frozen with 4 inches of surface ice. Pitched 4-season winter tents on our private satellite meadow away from the commercial clearing. Sunset illuminated Swargarohini in deep amber.
DAY 03 / Ascent to Kedarkantha High Basecamp
11,250 FT • CRAMPON FITTINGTrail opened out onto vast snowy alpine meadows with wide 180° views of the Garhwal range. Arrived at High Camp by noon. Spent the afternoon running hands-on microspike fitting sessions and practicing ice-ridge footwork. Early dinner of dal, warm rotis, and dry fruit sheera at 6:30 PM. Lights out by 7:45 PM in preparation for alpine push.
DAY 04 / 3:30 AM Summit Push (12,500 FT) & Sankri Descent
12,500 FT • SUNRISE SUMMITWoke at 2:45 AM under a canopy of crystalline stars. Headlamp ascent started at 3:30 AM in -9.2°C temperatures with steady, rhythm-matched breathing. Reached the steep summit ridge gully as dawn broke over Bandarpoonch and Black Peak. At 6:40 AM, all 8 trekkers touched the summit Shiva cairn together. Celebrated with hot thermos chai at the summit before descending back to Sankri basecamp.
Batch #DEC-24-02 Photo Journal
Captured on trail by guides Suresh Negi and trekker Vikram.
Lead Guide Debrief Sign-Off
Suresh Negi • Licensed Mountain Guide, Garhwal Himalaya“Batch #DEC-24-02 demonstrated what makes small-cohort expeditions so special. Nobody was rushed, nobody felt left behind on the steep traverse, and we cleared the gully right on time for first light. The firm crampon crust made the morning ascent safe and unforgettable. Proud to have walked with this team.”
Walk the Kedarkantha Ridge With Us
Small batches capped at 10 trekkers. Real local guides, cooked high-camp meals, and verified safety guidelines.