The day 5 Kedarkantha Trek is easy. You walk down from Juda Ka Talab to Sankri and then drive back to Dehradun. The trek part takes around 3 to 4 hours, while the drive usually takes 9 to 10 hours.
Important: Some trek operators camp at Hargaon Camp after the summit day. If your Day 5 starts from Hargaon instead of Juda Ka Talab, the walk to Sankri is shorter and usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
Quick Facts: Day 5 Juda Ka Talab Sankri
- Starting Point: Juda Ka Talab (around 9,100 ft)
- Alternate Starting Point: Hargaon Camp
- Trek Distance: 4 to 5 km
- Trek Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Ending Trek Point: Sankri Village
- Drive Distance: Around 185 km
- Drive Time: 9 to 10 hours
- Final Destination: Dehradun (around 1,400 ft)
This is the easiest day of the trek. There is no steep climb. There is no summit push. Your main task is to walk safely downhill and prepare for the long drive home.
Kedarkantha Trek Day 5 Juda Ka Talab Sankri Trail
Most groups start after breakfast. The trail goes through the same forest route that you used while coming up from Sankri earlier in the trek. At first, the downhill feels easy. Your lungs feel relaxed because you are losing height. The air also feels warmer as you get closer to Sankri.
Many trekkers think downhill is always easier than uphill. That is only partly true. Your knees and ankles work harder while walking down. If there is snow on the trail, some sections can become slippery. A few simple things help during the descent:
- Walk at a steady pace.
- Avoid running downhill.
- Use trekking poles if you have them.
- Watch your footing on snowy patches.
- Take short breaks if your knees feel tired.
The forest remains beautiful throughout the walk. The famous pine and oak forests of Kedarkantha stay with you until the final stretch.
What Makes the Last Trek Day Special?
Day 5 is not about reaching a summit. It is about slowing down and enjoying the last few hours in the mountains. You may notice things that you missed while climbing. A small stream beside the trail. Sunlight coming through the trees. Bird sounds in the forest. When there is no pressure to climb higher, you enjoy the journey in a different way.
For many trekkers, this is when the whole trek starts to sink in. The memories of Kedarkantha Summit Day are now behind you. The hard work is done. All that remains is the walk back to Sankri.
Reaching Sankri Village
Most groups reach Sankri Village by late morning. This small village is the starting point for many famous treks in Uttarakhand. After several days in camps, Sankri feels lively. You will see local homes, small shops, guesthouses, and cafés.
Before leaving for Dehradun, many trekkers relax here for a while. Some enjoy hot tea. Others charge their phones, buy snacks, or simply sit and enjoy the mountain views one last time. If you are looking for local souvenirs, you can also explore options for shopping in Sankri.
If you have extra time, you can visit the Someshwar Mahadev Temple. The temple is known for its traditional wooden design and gives a glimpse into local culture.
Useful Things to Know About Sankri
Many trekkers search for these answers before reaching Sankri.
ATM Availability
There is no reliable ATM in Sankri. It is best to carry enough cash before starting the trek. Most trekkers use the ATM at Purola, which is one of the last major stops before reaching Sankri.
Mobile Network
Mobile networks are limited in Sankri. BSNL and Jio usually work better than other networks, but signals can still be weak.
As you travel towards Dehradun, network coverage improves.
Charging Facilities
Most guesthouses and homestays in Sankri have electricity. You can usually charge your phone, camera, and power bank before the drive.
Food Options
You can find simple and filling meals in Sankri.
Common food options include:
- Maggi
- Paratha
- Rajma Chawal
- Tea and coffee
- Basic North Indian meals
Sankri to Dehradun Drive Guide
The drive back to Dehradun is long but scenic. Most trekking groups leave Sankri between 11 AM and 12 PM after everyone has reached the village and freshened up. The road follows the same route that you used while coming to Sankri.You pass through Mori, Netwar, Purola, Naugaon, and later move towards Dehradun.
The Tons River stays beside the road for many stretches. The views are beautiful, but mountain roads can be slow. During winter, road conditions may change due to snowfall. Sections near Mori and Purola can become slippery after fresh snow. This is one reason why travel times sometimes increase.
Most groups stop once or twice for lunch and tea. Small roadside dhabas are common along the route. The food is simple but fresh. You will usually reach Dehradun between 8 PM and 10 PM, though delays can happen because of traffic, weather, or road work.
Planning Your Journey After Reaching Dehradun
Many trekkers head straight to Delhi after reaching Dehradun. If you plan to travel on the same night, keep a buffer of several hours. Mountain roads are unpredictable, and delays are common.
Some trekkers prefer staying one night in Dehradun. This gives the body time to recover after five days in the mountains. It also reduces stress if your train or flight schedule is tight.
If you are booking onward transport, avoid choosing options that leave immediately after your expected arrival time.
How to Recover After the Trek
Even though Day 5 is easy, your body has already completed several days of trekking. If this was your first high-altitude adventure, you may also want to understand the overall trek difficulty and recovery process for future treks.
A few simple recovery tips can help:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a proper meal after reaching Dehradun.
- Stretch your legs in the evening.
- Get a full night’s sleep.
- Give your knees and ankles some rest.
Many trekkers feel slight soreness for a day or two. This is normal after multiple days of walking in the mountains.
FAQs
Is Day 5 of Kedarkantha difficult?
No. It is the easiest day of the trek. Most of the route is downhill.
How long is the walk from Juda Ka Talab to Sankri?
The trek usually takes 3 to 4 hours.
Does the trail follow the same route used earlier?
Yes. Most trekkers return through the same forest trail used while ascending.
Is the descent slippery?
It can be slippery during winter and after fresh snowfall. Walk carefully and use trekking poles if possible. Wearing the best shoes for Trek can make the descent safer.
Is there an ATM in Sankri?
No reliable ATM is available in Sankri. The last dependable ATM is generally at Purola.
Can I charge my phone in Sankri?
Yes. Most guesthouses and homestays provide electricity.
What time do trekkers reach Dehradun?
Most groups arrive between 8 PM and 10 PM, depending on road conditions.
Should I book a train or bus on the same day?
You can, but always keep extra time for delays. A late-night departure is usually safer than an early evening one.
The summit may be the highlight of the trek, but Day 5 is when you finally understand how far you have come. As the forests of Kedarkantha disappear behind the vehicle window, one question often comes to mind: where will your next mountain trail take you?
