Not Just a Trek, But a Reminder of Who I Am – My Kedarkantha Journey with BanBanjara
What if one morning you wake up and realise you don’t recognise the person in the mirror anymore? That’s where I was—stuck, restless, and searching for answers. Little did I know that the mountains of Kedarkantha would become the place where I found myself again.
Hi, I’m Hitesh from Haryana. I want to share a very personal story with you—my journey to Kedarkantha and how it changed me.
Life in the city can sometimes feel heavy. There are days when doubts take over and you feel stuck, not knowing what to do next. For me, nature has always been the place where I find answers. Whenever I feel lost, the mountains give me space and time to reconnect with myself.
That’s why trekking holds a special place in my heart. It is more than just walking on a trail—it is where I feel closest to myself. After almost eight years away from trekking, I finally planned a trip to Kedarkantha with one of my college friends. From that moment, I knew this journey was going to be unforgettable.
Starting the Journey – Delhi to Haridwar
The trip started late at night from the Kashmiri Gate bus stop in Delhi. I still remember the excitement of waiting for the bus with my friend “Khushi”. Around 11 PM, the bus finally arrived, and our long ride began.
At about 1 AM, we stopped at a roadside dhaba. It was warm and cosy inside, with travellers eating parathas and drinking tea. That short break felt refreshing. By 5 AM, we reached Haridwar ISBT and then moved towards Prince Chowk, where we again had a hot cup of tea to fight the morning chill.
Since it was Christmas–New Year week, the area was full of trekkers. Buses were lined up, and everyone seemed to be heading to the mountains. By 11:30 AM, we stopped at a small dhaba and ordered momos, though the crowd made everything slow. Most people on the bus were strangers and stayed quiet. The first day was calm and silent, almost like the mountains were preparing us for what was to come.
Reaching Sankri – The Gateway to Kedarkantha
We booked our Kedarkantha trek through BanBanjara, which cost about ₹8,000 per person. The package included travel from Delhi to Delhi, stay, meals, and trekking equipment like shoes and poles.
The drive from Prince Chowk to Sankri usually takes 7–8 hours, but because of traffic, we arrived late at night. We missed celebrating Christmas Eve, but honestly, just reaching Sankri filled me with peace. Dinner was served around midnight, and after eating properly for the first time that day, I finally felt ready for the adventure ahead.
Team Briefing and Trek Instructions
After dinner, there was a team briefing. The trek leaders introduced themselves, but with so many new faces, names were quickly forgotten. What was clear was that we were part of a big group of around 100 trekkers.
We were told about the basic rules:
- Carry less and only the useful items.
- Pls do carry extra pairs of socks.
- Thermal, Hand gloves important
Bag rentals were about ₹300 per day, which came to ₹1,500 for the four-day trek. The leaders also explained camp hygiene, the use of dry tents and toilet tents, and how to keep the camp area clean. The plan was to trek about 4 km to Juda Ka Talab on the first day, and then move to the base camp the next day.
The First Morning in the Mountains
The next morning in Sankri felt magical. The sunrise over the mountains made me wish I could have a small home in such valleys forever. After renting jackets, gloves, and trekking shoes at a low cost, we had breakfast and took some photos before starting the trek.
The weather was cold, but the sun was shining bright. Swargarohini peak stood in the distance, a mountain with mythological stories connected to the Pandavas. Unlike the noisy city, here there was pure silence—no cars, no animals, just peace.
Trekking Begins – Step by Step
We started walking slowly, stopping often to rest and take in the view. At one point, we passed through a small village, where locals still live in the mountains. The atmosphere was fresh and calming, and the mountains already felt like home.
As the climb got harder, laughter, music, and small conversations filled the air. Trekking teaches a lot about life—if you carry too much weight, it only slows you down. Walking light, with laughter, makes the journey easier.
By afternoon, we reached Juda Ka Talab, a frozen lake full of legends. People believe it was once one big lake that split into two when Lord Shiva beat his drum. In winter, the entire lake freezes and looks like a white mirror. The ice was too fragile to walk on, but the beauty of the place was enough to leave us speechless.
That night, we camped near the lake under thousands of stars. Our group included people from different walks of life—teachers, engineers, stylists, poets, and singers. We talked, laughed, and even sang songs together. It was one of those rare nights when strangers feel like family.
Snowstorms and Cold Nights
The weather soon changed. Clouds gathered, and heavy snow started falling. Our tents were quickly covered in snow, and we had to keep clearing it to stop them from collapsing. The temperature dropped to almost –10°C.
We survived the night with hot porridge, tea, and a small bonfire. It was tough, but also magical. Watching snow cover the entire valley was like stepping into another world. In the morning, when the snow stopped, the trees and paths looked like they were painted in white.
Towards the Summit
At 10,000 feet, the trek felt more challenging. The air was thinner, the slopes steeper. But the motivation to reach the top kept us going. After hours of climbing, we reached 11,250 feet, where rajma chawal tasted like the best food in the world. Snow began falling again, but this time it felt playful and joyful.
The final climb towards the summit was hard, with strong winds pushing us back. We couldn’t go all the way to the very top, but even standing there felt like a huge achievement. Looking around at the endless mountains and valleys, I realised the summit is not always about reaching the very end—it is about the journey and the lessons along the way.
Lessons from the Mountains
Coming back down was easier for the legs but heavier for the heart. Leaving behind Juda Ka Talab, the snowy camps, and the summit felt emotional. This trek taught me that trekking is not just about a destination—it is about self-discovery.
I faced hunger, cold, and tiredness, but I also found new friendships, laughter, and peace. Every step had something to teach: walk light, rise after every fall, and keep moving no matter what.
Final Reflections – More Than Just a Trek
Looking back, Kedarkantha was not just a trek—it was an experience that changed me. The snowstorms, the –10°C nights, the frozen lake, and the laughter with strangers all came together to create memories I’ll carry forever.
The mountains taught me patience, courage, and gratitude. They showed me that real happiness is not in reaching a peak but in enjoying the path that leads there.
If you ever feel lost in life, I would say—go to the mountains. They won’t give you direct answers, but they will show you who you really are.
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