If you’re planning a Himalayan adventure and wondering how to reach Kedarkantha from Pune, you’re not alone. Kedarkantha is one of India’s most popular winter treks, attracting trekkers from across the country, especially urban cities like Pune. Known for its snow-covered trails, dense pine forests, and stunning summit views, it starts from the small village of Sankri in Uttarakhand.
In this detailed guide by MND Travels, we’ll help you understand the best routes, transportation options, costs, and travel tips so you can plan your trip from Pune to Kedarkantha without confusion or delays.
Where is Kedarkantha Located?
Kedarkantha is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The trek begins from a village called Sankri, which sits at an altitude of 6,400 feet. The summit of Kedarkantha is at around 12,500 feet, offering panoramic views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
To reach Kedarkantha from Pune, your final destination by road is Sankri, and the journey is usually completed in three phases:
- Pune to Delhi or Dehradun
- Delhi to Dehradun (if not taken directly)
- Dehradun to Sankri (trek base camp)
Best Way to Reach Kedarkantha from Pune: Travel Overview
This section will give you a quick roadmap of the entire journey in simple steps so you can visualize how to go from Pune to the basecamp of Kedarkantha. It helps in making early travel arrangements and managing time.
The fastest and most efficient route for most trekkers is:
Pune → Delhi (by flight or train)
Delhi → Dehradun (by train or flight)
Dehradun → Sankri (by road)
This route is preferred because it saves time and offers better connectivity with more travel options and flexibility.
Option 1: Pune to Kedarkantha by Air (Fastest Option)
The most convenient way to begin your journey is by flight.
Step 1: Pune to Delhi/Dehradun by Flight
- Pune to Delhi flights take approx. 2.5 hours
- Pune to Dehradun flights are available with 1 stop (usually via Delhi)
- Airlines: Indigo, Vistara, Air India
- Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 (depending on season)
Step 2: Delhi to Dehradun by Flight or Train
- Flight time: 1 hour
- Train time: 6–7 hours
- Buses also available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate
Option 2: Pune to Kedarkantha by Train
If you’re on a tighter budget, train travel is a feasible option, though more time-consuming.
Pune to Delhi
- Trains: Jhelum Express, Goa Express
- Duration: 20–24 hours
Delhi to Dehradun
- Trains: Nanda Devi Express, Mussoorie Express
- Duration: 6–8 hours
- Pro Tip: Book a night train to save one day’s accommodation
Option 3: Pune to Kedarkantha by Road
Traveling entirely by road from Pune is possible but not advisable due to the long distance and fatigue.
- Total Distance: Over 1,900 km
- Duration: 30–36 hours by continuous drive
- Suggested only for group road trips with planned stopovers
MND Travels Services
Once you reach Dehradun from Pune, the next step is to begin your Kedarkantha adventure smoothly—and that’s where MND Travels comes in. We offer a complete, affordable, and beginner-friendly Kedarkantha Trek Package that takes care of everything from transportation and accommodation to food, guides, and gear. Our goal is to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and memorable trekking experience in the Himalayas without the stress of planning every detail yourself.
MND Travels offers a 5 Days / 4 Nights Kedarkantha Trek Package from Dehradun, specially curated for trekkers looking for a safe and guided experience. Our package includes:
- Pickup & drop from Dehradun
- Accommodation in camps and guesthouses
- All meals during the trek (pure veg)
- Certified local guides and support staff
- Trekking gear (tents, sleeping bags, etc.)
- All required permits and forest fees
- Basic medical support on trek
Price: ₹6,499 per person (discounted from ₹8,000)
Starting Point: Dehradun
Minimum Age: 12 years
Book your Kedarkantha adventure with MND Travels for a hassle-free, budget-friendly, and unforgettable trekking experience.
Final Leg: How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun
No matter how you reach Dehradun—by flight, train, or bus—the final stretch to Kedarkantha begins with a road journey to Sankri. Here’s how to do it.
Sankri is located about 198–200 km from Dehradun, and the drive takes approximately 9–10 hours through winding mountain roads. Your options include:
- Shared cabs (₹1,000–₹1,500 per person)
- Private taxis (₹5,000–₹6,500 per vehicle)
- Government buses (departing early morning from Mussoorie Bus Stand)
Buses are affordable but less comfortable; for a relaxed ride with stops, cabs are preferred. Try to start this journey early in the morning.
Best Time to Visit Kedarkantha from Pune
The best season to plan your Kedarkantha trek is December to March for snow lovers.
However, it can also be trekked in April–June and October–November.
| Season | Highlights | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| December–Feb | Heavy snow, magical white trails | Moderate |
| March–April | Less snow, blooming meadows | Easy |
| May–June | Summer views, pleasant weather | Easy |
| July–Sept | Avoid due to monsoon landslides | Risky |
| October–Nov | Clear skies, dry trails | Moderate |
Approximate Travel Cost from Pune to Kedarkantha
| Segment | Mode | Estimated Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Pune to Delhi (Flight) | Air | 3,500–6,000 |
| Delhi to Dehradun (Train) | Train | 200–1,000 |
| Dehradun to Sankri | Road | 800–1,500 (shared) |
| Total (One-Way) | Mixed | 5,000–9,000 |
These rates vary depending on booking time, season, and availability.
What to Carry for the Kedarkantha Trek
Packing smartly ensures your safety and comfort. This section lists the essentials you’ll need for the trek, especially since you’re traveling from Pune’s mild climate to Himalayan snow.
Bring proper winter trekking clothes like thermals, jackets, gloves, and woolen socks. You’ll need waterproof, high-ankle trekking shoes for snowy terrain.
If you’re planning how to reach Kedarkantha from Pune, don’t forget to pack wisely for the cold climate:
- Thermal wear, waterproof jacket, fleece layers
- Snow trekking shoes (waterproof, high-ankle)
- Woollen gloves, beanie, socks
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- Water bottle, headlamp, power bank
- Government ID (required for trek permits)
Final Words:
Now that you know how to reach Kedarkantha from Pune, all that’s left is to lace up your boots and head to the mountains. Whether you’re flying from Pune to Dehradun or taking the train via Delhi, your journey to Sankri will be filled with scenic routes and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there a direct bus or train from Pune to Sankri?
No, there is no direct bus or train to Sankri from Pune. You must travel via Delhi or Dehradun.
Q2: How many days should I plan for this trip from Pune?
Minimum 7–8 days including travel, acclimatization, and the 6-day trek.
Q3: Is a permit required to trek Kedarkantha?
Yes. Permits are issued at Sankri. If you’re trekking with MND Travels, we handle all permit formalities for you.
Q4: Can beginners from Pune do this trek?
Yes! Kedarkantha is considered one of the best beginner treks in the Himalayas.
