Question 1

What is the best time to attempt a winter Kedarkantha Trek and what are the things to keep in mind?

Accepted Answer

Considering the fact most people want to see snow on their first winter Himalayan trek, the end of December would be an ideal and safe time to go for it. I say safe because later in peak winters, drastic weather conditions might not permit you to scale till the summit. It’s not impossible but depends on everyday weather. We have a saying here in the mountains that ‘you go as far as the mountain lets you’ and I have experienced it to be inexplicably true. I have personally led 11 batches in the winter season of 2019-20 (mid-November to February first week)-ADITYA BODKE- IndiaHikes Trek Leader, and we were able to reach the summit in nine of the batches. Of course, it’s not all about the summit when you embark upon a trek, it’s so much more. The sheer peace and tranquility that the mountains offer is a priceless reward in itself.

Physical Fitness - I understand that the very fact that you were finally able to book the trek in spite of uncertain leaves and friends backing out at the eleventh hour is an achievement in itself. But that does not mean your work is done. Even though we rate the trek as easy-moderate, you require a decent level of physical fitness to be able to enjoy the trek. I’ll talk more about it a little later.
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Mental Preparedness -  I would say this is even more important than the former, especially because it is the winter season. Most of us are not accustomed to that kind of freezing cold temperatures in our regular lives. Being mentally prepared gives you an edge over anything that is to come before you.It is always mind over body. 
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Break in your shoes - This might not seem to be a big one but will make a huge difference on the trek. It is suggested that you start wearing your trekking shoes at least a month before going to the mountains. This will ensure that you are comfortable in the shoes (they tend to be a little heavier than usual) and the shoes can take the shape of your feet. If you skip this part, there are high chances of you getting blisters on the trek. I have seen a lot of trekkers get blisters on their very first day which can compromise the experience to come.

Question 2

What is layering and how to layer for a Kedarkantha Trek?

Accepted Answer

Layering is simply wearing multiple layers of clothing instead of one big layer. For example, we have all studied in our school time, that two thin blankets are more effective than one thick one. The reason for this is that heat is trapped between the multiple layers.

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Similarly, when you use layered clothing in the mountains, your body warmth is trapped and thus it is more effective. During the day when the sun is out, you might not need a lot of layers. Sometimes one shirt would also suffice. But, if it’s cloudy or snowing, then you will need multiple layers. Starting from the innermost one, they comprise a shirt (full-sleeves would be preferable), a fleece jacket, a down/padded jacket, and finally a rain jacket or a windcheater. While walking in any weather, usually one bottom layer (good quality trek pants) will be enough. If it rains/snows, you could wear a poncho or rain pants.

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During the night, when you sleep in your tents, it can get pretty cold. Though you will have a very warm and thick sleeping bag, proper layering during the night will ensure a good and uninterrupted sleep. In addition to all the layers mentioned above, you could also wear your thermals as the innermost layer. Thermals are only effective when they are in direct contact with the skin. And thermals are not to be worn when you are walking as it could get very warm and irritable, because as it is your body is giving off a lot of heat in the form of sweat while trekking.

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Apart from this, you should also carry good gloves and socks. At night, you can wear woollen socks too. Keeping your extremities warm and cozy is the best possible care in the winters. Also, cover your head at all times as most of the body heat escapes through our head. You could use a sun-cap in the day and a woollen cap in the night.

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On a side note, do not forget your sunglasses as they will shield your eyes from the direct sunlight reflected by the snow. Your sunglasses should be UV rays protected. This is especially important in the winters as there is a lot of snow everywhere. Avoiding this might lead to snow blindness, if exposed for a longer duration of time.

Question 3

What is the fitness required for Winter Kedarkantha Trek?

Accepted Answer

Like I said earlier, even though we categorise Kedarkantha as an easy-moderate trek, a decent level of fitness is required. I say this because if you struggle the entire trek, you won’t be able to enjoy the journey. You don’t just have to finish the trek or reach till the summit, it’s the experience that comes with it that matters.

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Also, the difficulty of a trek increases a little bit in the winter months. This is true for any other trek out there. High levels of snow can sometimes pose as a challenge. That is why it is imperative that you prepare well before going to the mountains.

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You could start running, at least a month before the trek. If you are able to cover a distance of 5 km under 35 minutes, lack of stamina will definitely not be a problem on the slopes. You can start small and then work your way up.

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I understand that not everyone likes to run. For those of us who don’t, you could do any other kind of exercise that helps you build your stamina as well as strength. You can traverse the stairs of your apartment a couple of times. Different kinds of squats are something that’ll help you build your leg muscles. This will prove to be very beneficial on the trek, as it wouldn’t be a new chore for your muscles.

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Personally, I feel that playing a sport can turn out to be the best kind of exercise. Before I moved to the mountains, I used to play badminton every single day and I gave the game a lot of credit for whatever fitness I have today. If you don’t like running or working out, this is your best option. Any kind of sport will do as long as it keeps you on the go.