How to Reach Sankri Village – The Gateway to Kedarkantha & Other Treks in Uttarakhand

Sankri is a picturesque little village tucked away in the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of around 6,400 ft (1,950 m), it serves as the base camp for several of the most popular Himalayan treks, including the Kedarkantha Trek, Har Ki Dun Trek, Bali Pass Trek, and Ruinsara Tal Trek. If you’ve ever dreamed of trekking through snow-covered pine forests, quaint Himalayan villages, and panoramic mountain views — chances are, your journey will begin from Sankri. In this blog, we’ll tell you exactly how to reach Sankri village, with complete travel options from Dehradun, Delhi, and other major cities — so you can plan your Himalayan adventure easily and confidently.

Where is Sankri Located?

Sankri lies in the north-western Garhwal Himalayas, about 200 km from Dehradun — the capital city of Uttarakhand.
It is the last motorable village in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary region and marks the starting point for multiple treks into the higher Himalayas.

• District: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
• Altitude: ~6,400 ft (1,950 m)
• Distance from Dehradun: ~200 km
• Drive Duration: 8–10 hours (depending on weather and road conditions)

The drive from Dehradun to Sankri is nothing short of mesmerizing — winding roads, forested hills, and scenic views of the Tons River accompany you almost the entire way.

How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun

The most convenient and popular route to Sankri is from Dehradun, which is also the official pickup point for The Dream Treks Kedarkantha Trek and other expeditions.

Option 1: By Road (Recommended)

The road journey from Dehradun to Sankri is approximately 200 km and takes about 8–10 hours by vehicle.

Route:

Dehradun → Mussoorie → Nainbagh → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri

This scenic drive takes you through pine forests, mountain curves, and charming villages of Uttarkashi.

Travel Options:

• Shared Cabs / Sumos: Available daily from Dehradun Railway Station early in the morning (between 5:00–7:00 AM). Cost: ₹600–₹900 per person.
• Private Taxi: You can hire a private cab from Dehradun (₹5,000–₹6,000 per vehicle). Ideal for groups or those seeking comfort.
• Tempo Traveller (Group Pickup): The Dream Treks offers group pickups for trekkers joining Kedarkantha and other treks starting from Sankri.

Tip: Start early in the morning from Dehradun to reach Sankri before evening.

Option 2: By Bus

Government and private buses run between Dehradun ISBT and Sankri / Purola / Mori.

Bus Options:

• Dehradun to Sankri Direct Bus:
  • Operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC)
  • Departure: Around 5:30 AM from Dehradun ISBT
  • Duration: 9–10 hours
  • Fare: ₹450–₹550
• Dehradun to Purola Bus + Shared Cab to Sankri:
  • If you miss the direct bus, take a bus to Purola and then a shared cab to Sankri (2 hrs drive).

✅ Pro Tip: The direct bus fills up fast — reach ISBT early to secure your seat.

How to Reach Dehradun (the Nearest Major City)

Since Sankri has no direct railway station or airport, the first step is to reach Dehradun, the base city for most Uttarakhand treks.

By Air:

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

• Located about 25 km from Dehradun city.
• Regular flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and other major cities.
• From the airport, you can take a cab or bus to Dehradun city center (Prince Chowk or ISBT).

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

• Well connected to Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mumbai, and Varanasi.
• Popular Trains: Nanda Devi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Dehradun Express.
• Overnight trains from Delhi are the most convenient option for trekkers.

By Road:

• From Delhi: ~450 km (10–12 hours drive) via NH 507
• Direct overnight Volvo / state buses available from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun.

Once you reach Dehradun, your onward journey to Sankri can be by road or by The Dream Treks’ arranged transport.

The Scenic Drive Experience

The journey from Dehradun to Sankri is one of the most scenic road trips in Uttarakhand.
You’ll pass through:

• Mussoorie: The famous hill station with panoramic views.
• Purola: A charming town with apple orchards and local markets.
• Mori: Known for its riverside camps and pine forests along the Tons River.
• Netwar: The entry gate to Govind Pashu Vihar National Park.

The road then gently climbs up to Sankri, surrounded by snow-clad peaks and wooden houses — the gateway to adventure.

Treks Starting from Sankri

Sankri is the base for over 10 iconic Himalayan treks, making it one of the most important trekking hubs in Uttarakhand.
Some of the most famous treks that start from Sankri include:

• Kedarkantha Trek (12,500 ft) – The most popular winter trek in India.
• Har Ki Dun Trek (11,500 ft) – The “Valley of Gods” trek rich in mythology and beauty.
• Bali Pass Trek (16,200 ft) – A challenging high-altitude expedition connecting Har Ki Dun and Yamunotri.
• Ruinsara Tal Trek (11,800 ft) – A serene trek to an alpine lake surrounded by peaks.
• Borasu Pass and Dev Kyara Trek – Offbeat and untouched routes for seasoned trekkers.

Whether you’re looking for snow, meadows, or remote trails — Sankri is your ideal starting point.

Where to Stay in Sankri

Sankri has several homestays, guesthouses, and trek lodges catering to trekkers.
If you’re trekking with The Dream Treks, your stay and meals are included in your trek package at Kotgaon, which is approximately 4 km away from the crowd of Sankri — offering cozy wooden homestay, warm hospitality, and scenic mountain views.

Travel Tips Before You Head to Sankri

✅ Start early from Dehradun to reach before dark.
✅ Carry cash — there are no ATMs beyond Purola.
✅ Mobile network (Jio/Airtel/BSNL) is limited near Sankri.
✅ Keep your ID proofs ready — Govind National Park permits are checked at Netwar gate.
✅ Carry motion-sickness medicine if you’re prone to hill travel discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Sankri Village is the first step toward experiencing some of the most breathtaking Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand, like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun, and Bali Pass.
The road may be long, but the journey is beautiful — winding through valleys, rivers, and pine forests that prepare you for the magic that awaits in the mountains.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready — because every great Himalayan adventure begins with the drive to Sankri.

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