Kedarkantha via Devjani

Kedarkantha via Devjani Village

Uttarakhand

Trip Highlights

A quieter route to the summit
cultural experience
Sunrise summit
Quieter campsites
Ridge walks
270 degree mountain views

You’ve probably heard of Kedarkantha, the popular winter trek where hundreds of people line up in the dark to summit at sunrise. But this Kedarkantha is something entirely different.

This is Kedarkantha via Devjani, a trail so quiet and hidden that even most locals haven’t walked it. It winds through untouched forests, skips the crowded campsites, and takes you on a route where you’re unlikely to meet anyone except the occasional shepherd passing through with their flock.

The journey begins in Devjani, a tiny village nestled deep in the mountains. With just a few scattered homes and no shops or traffic, it feels like a place where time has slowed down. You’ll spend your first night in a simple homestay, warmed by the scent of wood smoke, mountain food, and silence.

From here, the trail slips into dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendrons. There are no markers or other groups camping here. It'll just be us, some clearings, waterfalls, and wild meadows that seem to appear at the right moment.

Eventually, you reach a high camp just beneath the Kedarkantha ridge, with clouds drifting below and the summit above

By the time you hit the summit at 12,500 ft, it’s not just another Himalayan view. It’s your reward, without any summit traffic or rush. Just you and your team standing where few ever do, looking out at snow-draped peaks with a full heart.

If you’ve done Kedarkantha before, this trail will surprise you.

If you haven’t, then this is how it was meant to be.

Day 1 Drive from Dehradun to Devjani

Drive Distance: ~180 km

Time Taken: 6 hours

Elevation Profile: 2,100 ft to 6,200 ft

You begin your journey from Dehradun early in the morning, driving through the lush pine forests and winding mountain roads of Uttarkashi district. The route offers scenic views of terraced fields, riverside villages, and tall Himalayan ridgelines. You stop along the way for tea and simple meals. Devjani, your base for the night, is a remote Garhwali village with traditional slate-roofed homes and warm, hospitable locals. You stay in a homestay and get your first taste of village life in the Himalayas. It’s a beautiful cultural immersion as you settle in with the sound of the river echoing through the valley.

Day 2 Devjani to Camp 1

Trek Distance: ~4.5 km

Time Taken: 4–5 hours

Elevation Profile: 6,200 ft to 8,000 ft

We begin the walk by leaving behind the last few homes of Devjani and slipping into a quiet forest of oak, chestnut, and rhododendron. The trail winds gently uphill, cushioned by leaves and pine needles, with filtered sunlight dancing through the trees.

After a slow, steady climb, the forest opens into a peaceful clearing deep in the woods, where Camp 1 is set. In the background, a slim waterfall tumbles down a distant slope, visible through breaks in the trees.

Day 3 Camp 1 to Camp 2

Trek Distance: ~4.5 km

Time Taken: 6–8 hours

Elevation Profile: 8,000 ft to 10,480 ft

We leave the forested camp behind and begin a steady, often steep ascent that gradually pulls us above the treeline. The trees thin out, the air sharpens, and the landscape begins to open in every direction.

As we gain elevation, the climb leads us to a broad ridgeline, and just beyond it, our second campsite. It’s set on a meadow high above the valleys, with an incredible view of distant villages, rolling slopes, and layers of Himalayan peaks on the horizon. On days, you can see clouds drifting below you.

The wind can pick up in the evenings, so be prepared for flapping tents and bring warm layers. But the light here, especially around sunset, is magical.

Day 4 Attempt summit and back to Camp 1 or 2

Trek Distance: ~7 km roundtrip

Time Taken: 8-hour trek

Elevation Profile: 10,480 ft to 12,500 ft and back

Attempt summit either in the morning or evening, based on how you feel. Our leaders are quite flexible that way. Once you exit the tree line, you will enter the meadow, and walk in the ridge, a very rare opportunity from other routes. Reach back to camp for either lunch or dinner depending on when you start.

Day 5 Camp 2 to Devjani (and drive to Dehradun)

Trek Distance: ~8-9 km roundtrip

Time Taken: 4-hour trek and 8 hour drive

Elevation Profile: 10,480 ft to 6,200 ft

Start early morning from the camp to reach Devjani by 11am. On this day we drive back to Dehradun to reach by 6pm.

Plan your travel from Dehradun/Rishikesh after 10pm or Day 6

Fitness Requirement

Beginners welcome! No prior Himalayan trek needed.
Daily brisk walking/jogging for at least 40 minutes starting 45 days before the trek.

Our expectations from the participants

Keep backpack weight under 7 kg – all gear is provided
Bring proper layers and shoes as per season checklist
Respect the outdoors and follow Leave No Trace principles
Come with the right spirit and love for the outdoors

Inclusion

Accomodation on days of the trek from Day 1 to Day 4 (Homestay/Tents)

All meals on the trek from Snacks on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 5

WFR-certified Program Instructors, Experienced Local Guides and Team

Safety gear: oxygen cylinder, medical kit

Trek insurance

Exclusion

Transport to and from Dehradun

Meals during transit

Rental gear (shoes, jackets, poles – available on request)

Anything not mentioned in inclusions

What makes Odyssey's Kedarkantha via Devjani route so special?

This isn't your typical Kedarkantha! Our Devjani route starts from a quiet, authentic village (Devjani itself), where you'll find only locals, free from the usual trekking company crowds. It promises a much more serene journey through beautiful, dense forests, expansive meadows, and stunning ridge lines, offering a real sense of solitude and pristine nature.

Will I encounter snow on this trek, and what snow gear does Odyssey provide?

Yes, you'll definitely find snow on the trail, especially after Day 3 and around the summit. The good news is, Odyssey has you covered! We provide all necessary snow gear, including snow boots, microspikes, and other equipment to ensure you're safe, comfortable, and well-equipped to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes.

What kind of support and comfort can I expect from Odyssey on this trek?

You're fully covered! This is a completely guided experience designed for comfort. We provide a dedicated kitchen team ensuring four delicious, hot meals a day, and we even offer porter service to offload your personal backpack – so you trek light. All essential camping equipment, including comfortable sleeping bags, is also provided.

What's the plan for the Kedarkantha summit on this route?

The summit is about 2km from the summit camp. Our Devjani route often targets an evening summit to catch the magnificent sunset, offering breathtaking views as the sky changes colors over the peaks. However, we're flexible and might adjust to a sunrise summit depending on weather and team preference – ensuring you get the most incredible views possible from the top.

What are the fitness requirements, and how does Odyssey help me prepare?

You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be able to comfortably walk 8-10 kilometers while training without getting overly tired. The longest day might extend to 8 km. To help you prepare, we'll send you a comprehensive training plan designed to get you trek-ready, focusing on endurance for those longer walks and steep climbs

How cold does it get, and what kind of layers do I need for this winter trek?

During peak winters (like December-January), expect nighttime temperatures to drop significantly, potentially as low as -10 C or even colder. Days can still be pleasant (10 C to 15 C). To stay warm, a minimum of 5 layers is crucial: a base layer, at least 2 fleece layer, and a robust -10 C rated down jacket. We also provide all warm camping gear to keep you cozy at night.

What essential personal gear should I bring for snow and sun protection?

Beyond your layers, good personal snow and sun protection is paramount. Make sure you have high-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from snow glare(Cat 3 or 4), effective sunscreen (high SPF, min 50) to prevent sunburn in the high-altitude sun, and a sun cap for daytime warmth and sun shielding. Being well-prepared with these personal items makes a huge difference.

Will I have mobile network connectivity during the trek?

Yes, you'll have some connectivity, but it's sketchy! You can expect Jio network in Devjani village. As you ascend, you'll surprisingly catch Airtel network at our second campsite. Even more surprisingly, there are often Airtel 4G spots right at the summit of Kedarkantha, allowing you to connect briefly and share your triumph!

What emergency and medical support does Odyssey provide on the trail?

Your safety is our absolute priority. Our treks are led by highly trained trek leaders who are proficient in emergency protocols and carry comprehensive medical kits. We also have an oxygen cylinder readily available for any altitude-related concerns. You're in experienced hands, with full emergency procedures in place. We also have our evacuation plans in place.

Is this trek suitable for someone without prior winter trekking experience?

Absolutely! While it's a true winter trek, the Kedarkantha via Devjani route is not overly difficult for beginners, especially with our comprehensive support. We manage the logistics, provide critical snow gear, offer porter services for your bag, and send you a training plan. As long as you can comfortably walk 8-10 km, you're good to go for this incredible winter adventure.

₹ 15,499 + 5% GST

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treks

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