Are you heading to the Kedarkantha trek in the winter season? Then, you must know how to carry on the Kedarkantha trek for a smooth trip. This blog talks about what important trekking gear, equipment, tips, and essentials you need. Before we talk about things to take, let’s explore what the Kedarkantha trek is.
The Kedarkantha trek is probably the best winter trek in India. It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is a beautiful adventure as you are exposed to views of alpine forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. The trek to Kedarkantha starts from Sankri and ends at the summit, Kedarkantha peak, at a height of 12,500 ft. The views from the Kedarkantha trek are impressive. You enjoy views like Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, and more simply mesmerizing.
Why do you need to know what things to carry to the Kedarkantha trek?
Since you will trek in the winter, it is necessary to properly plan, pack, and prepare for the trek. It is so necessary to have the right gear, footwear, clothing, accessories, and more essentials. All these ensure your trek is comfortable and safe. Our guide is an ideal checklist for both novice and experienced trekkers.
Things to carry on the Kedarkantha trek
Valid ID Cards
A mandatory thing to carry is your ID card and its photocopy. If you are an Indian resident, carrying an Adhar card and PAN card is enough. For NRIs and international tourists, carrying a passport is mandatory. Keep them secured from pickpockets.
Backpack or Rucksack
An essential thing to carry on the Kedarkantha trek is a sturdy backpack. A branded backpack big enough to hold 60-70 liters of items is the best thing to have. Also, it has a good hip belt. That helps to transfer the weight of the hips. Also, it should have an expandable collar, a ventilated back panel, and adjustable straps. Lastly, ensure it is waterproof because you might experience rainfall during your trek.
Trekking shoes
Sturdy trekking shoes, which are also waterproof, are another must-have for the Kedarkantha trek. It should have good ankle support and a sturdy build. If the shoes have a high-ankle collar, it would be best, as it provides extra support, preventing debris from entering the shoe. A pro tip is to wear the shoes before the trek to break into it. Do not go for low-quality brands; renting is also an option.
Trekking poles
A non-negotiable is carrying a trekking pole as you trek to the Kedarkantha trek in the winter. It improves your stability while decreasing the strain you put on the knees. You can go for aluminum trekking poles, which are lightweight, offering versatility for downhill and uphill sections. They make hiking easier as it distributes the load from your knees to your arms and shoulders. Other things to see when buying the trekking poles include:
- Adjustable wrist straps
- Anti-shock features
- Comfort grips.
Headlamp
A headlamp is a necessary addition to your camping gear. It helps because it frees your hand when you are changing clothes or cooking. There are many brands, but you want one that has distinct lighting modes. Also, it should have a red light mode, preserving the night vision.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Irrespective of the trek being in winters, you should worry about protecting yourself from UV rays, which are still present. So, carry sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Go for UV-protection glasses, and it should fit you well over the prescription glasses. Moreover, carry good sunscreen and put it on regardless of the weather.
First-aid kit
Another non-negotiable thing to add in your essentials is a first-aid kit. It should have antiseptic creams, pain relief sprays and gels, bandages, cotton, medical tape, hand sanitizer, and disposable gloves. Prescription medicines and medications for general things like headaches, stomachaches, nausea, and more. If you are new to trekking and do not know how to create a first-aid kit, renting one is a good idea. You will find it in the camping area. Just remember to replenish anything you have used.
Day- Pack
Have a compact daypack to carry essentials during day hikes or summit attempts. These bags should also have side pouches to keep water bottles and even front stash pockets.
Camping slippers
Camping slippers are a good luxury to have, which makes your camping a comfortable affair. The slippers you get are lightweight, quick-drying, with a rugged sole and having a tread to give you enough grip.
Balaclava
A balaclava protects your neck, face, and head from the cold sunburn, frostbite, and winds. Merino wool balaclavas are impressive because of their wool insulates even if they are wet. Go with one that covers any exposed areas.
Thermal Innerwear
Synthetic or woolen thermal inners can trap body heat and ensure you do not feel sweaty. Thus, you are dry and warm all day. You should wear them next to the skin under other clothes. Do not get cotton thermals, as they do not soak up the sweat. The inner top should have a close-neck design and long sleeves. The bottom you wear should be of full-length or ankle-length leggings.
Fleece Jackets
A fleece jacket will trap air and provide excellent warmth and insulation. It is not waterproof, but it dries quickly when it is wet. So, choose a fleece jacket that is 200-300 grams in weight from Thermolite. You wear this over base layers or under a rain jacket.
Trekking pants
It is best to go with trekking pants because they are quick-drying, light-weight, and abrasion-resistant. They use soft shell fabric and should have features like durable fabric, gusseted crotch, or UPF rating. With trekking pants, you are able to move easily. When buying, ensure to check its fitting properly, so try squatting, sitting, or even stretching.
Reusable cutlery
It is also better to carry a reusable fork, spoon, or insulated mug. It will help you avoid creating trash. Just ensure the cutlery you carry is durable and lightweight.
Biodegradable toiletries
It is also necessary to carry travel-sized toiletries for sanitation and bathing. You will need small soaps, sunscreen, toothpaste tablets, and more. Go for biodegradable, eco-friendly options that will not pollute the water bodies. Mini packs of shampoos, wet wipes, and soaps are ideal for a short trek. If you rent them, they should be in proper condition.
Waterproof gloves
The winter season is cold and harsh in the region. So, one of the essential things to carry to the Kedarkantha trek is waterproof gloves.
Conclusion
A trek to Kedarkantha is a beautiful adventure. The solitude and serene views make for a beautiful getaway. So, if you want to enjoy your Kedarkantha trek in winter beautifully, ensure you do not forget to carry all these essential things.