The Himalayan Expert

How to Reach Sankri for Kedarkantha Trek (Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh Routes)

Sankri is a small mountain village in Uttarakhand and the starting point for the popular Kedarkantha Trek. Reaching Sankri may look simple on a map, but the journey involves long road travel, changing routes, and limited transport options beyond Dehradun. This is why planning your route in advance becomes very important.

In this guide, we break down the easiest and most reliable ways to reach Sankri from Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. Whether you are using public transport or booking a taxi, this blog will help you understand travel routes, time estimates, and useful tips to reach Sankri smoothly and without stress.

Where is Sankri Located?

Sankri is a small mountain village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, in northern India. It sits at an altitude of around 6,400 feet and lies inside the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary region. Sankri is surrounded by dense pine forests, rivers, and high Himalayan peaks, which makes it a beautiful and peaceful place to start a trek.

This village is best known as the main base village for the Kedarkantha Trek. Many other popular treks also begin from Sankri, which is why it is considered an important trekking hub in the region. Despite being remote, Sankri is well connected by road from Dehradun and nearby towns.

Because of its location, Sankri offers clean air, calm surroundings, and the perfect setting to rest and prepare before heading into the mountains.

How to Reach Sankri from Delhi

Reaching Sankri from Delhi is simple if you plan the journey in two parts. Sankri is a remote mountain village, so there is no direct transport from Delhi. Most travelers first reach Dehradun and then continue by road to Sankri.

Step 1: Delhi to Dehradun

This is the easiest and fastest part of the journey.

By Train

Several trains run daily from Delhi to Dehradun. Overnight trains are a popular choice as they save time and help you reach early in the morning.

By Bus

Volvo and AC sleeper buses run overnight from Delhi to Dehradun. They are comfortable and easily available.

By Flight

You can fly from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport). This is the fastest option, but also the most expensive.

Step 2: Dehradun to Sankri

Once you reach Dehradun, Sankri is about 200 km away and the drive takes 8 to 10 hours.

Travel options from Dehradun:

• Shared taxis available early morning near Dehradun railway station
• Private cabs for more comfort and flexibility
• Government buses till Purola or Mori, then a shared taxi to Sankri

Common route taken:

Dehradun → Vikas Nagar → Purola → Mori → Sankri

Important Tips for Delhi Travelers

• Reach Dehradun by night or early morning to catch transport to Sankri
• Start the road journey early to avoid night driving in the mountains
• Keep some cash, as ATMs are limited after Purola
• Avoid tight schedules and keep a buffer day, especially in winter

With proper planning, the Delhi to Sankri journey is smooth and scenic, setting the perfect tone for your Kedarkantha trek.

How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun

Dehradun is the most common and convenient starting point for reaching Sankri, the base village for the Kedarkantha Trek. It is well-connected by train, bus, and flights, and from here the road journey to Sankri is straightforward and scenic.

Distance: around 200 km

Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours, depending on road and weather conditions

Route Overview

The usual route taken is:

Dehradun → Vikas Nagar → Purola → Mori → Sankri

This route passes through river valleys, forested hills, and small mountain towns. Roads are mostly good but become narrow and winding after Purola.

Travel Options from Dehradun

Shared Taxis

Shared jeeps and taxis are easily available early in the morning from Dehradun, especially near the railway station and ISBT. This is the most popular option for trekkers as it is affordable and direct. 

Private Cabs

Private taxis are ideal if you are traveling in a group or want more comfort and flexibility. They allow early departure and fewer stops along the way.

Bus + Taxi Combination

You can take a government or local bus from Dehradun to Purola or Mori. From there, shared taxis are available to Sankri. This option is cheaper but takes more time.

Important Travel Tips

• Start early from Dehradun, preferably before 7 am
• Avoid night travel in the hills
• Carry cash, as ATMs are limited after Purola
• Network connectivity becomes weak near Sankri
• In winter, check road and weather conditions in advance

With proper planning, the journey from Dehradun to Sankri is smooth and sets the perfect tone for your Kedarkantha trek.

How to Reach Sankri from Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a common starting point for travelers heading to Sankri, especially those coming from Delhi or nearby cities. While there is no direct transport from Rishikesh to Sankri, the journey is simple if planned correctly and usually involves passing through Dehradun.

Step 1: Rishikesh to Dehradun

Rishikesh and Dehradun are well connected.

• Distance: ~45 km
• Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Travel options:

• Regular buses from Rishikesh Bus Stand
• Shared taxis
• Private cabs for comfort and time saving

Most travelers prefer an early morning start to avoid traffic.

Step 2: Dehradun to Sankri

From Dehradun, you continue toward Sankri via mountain roads.

• Distance: ~200 km
• Travel Time: 8 to 10 hours

Route:

Dehradun → Vikas Nagar → Purola → Mori → Sankri

Transport options:

• Shared taxis, commonly used by trekkers
• Private cabs, ideal for groups
• Buses till Purola or Mori, followed by a taxi to Sankri

Total Travel Time from Rishikesh to Sankri

Approximately 10 to 12 hours in total. This may vary depending on road conditions, traffic, and weather.

Tips for Rishikesh Travelers

• Start early in the morning to reach Sankri before sunset
• Carry enough cash, as ATMs are limited after Purola
• Mobile network becomes weak after Mori
• Avoid night travel on mountain roads

Public Transport vs Private Transport

Choosing the right mode of transport can make your journey to Sankri much smoother. Both public and private options have their own advantages, and the best choice depends on your budget, group size, and comfort needs.

Shared Taxis

Shared taxis are the most common choice for trekkers traveling to Sankri. They are easily available from Dehradun, especially during the trekking season, and are a cost-effective option.

Best for:

• Solo travelers
• Budget-friendly travel
• Trekkers comfortable with fixed schedules

Things to know:

• Pickups usually happen early in the morning
• Travel time can be longer due to multiple drop-offs
• Seats fill quickly in peak season

Private Cabs

Private cabs offer the most comfortable and flexible way to reach Sankri. They are ideal for groups and families who want a relaxed journey without time pressure.

Best for:

• Groups and families
• Travelers carrying extra luggage
• Those who prefer comfort and flexibility

Things to know:

• Higher cost compared to shared taxis
• Allows stops for food, photos, and breaks
• Can start at your preferred time

Bus Travel

Bus travel is the cheapest option but also the most time-consuming. Buses run from Dehradun to Purola or Mori, from where you need to take a shared taxi to Sankri.

Best for:

• Strict budget travelers
• Those comfortable with longer travel times

Things to know:

• Limited bus timings
• Multiple changes required
• Not recommended if you are short on time

Each option works well if planned properly. For most trekkers, shared taxis strike a good balance between cost and convenience, while private cabs offer the smoothest travel experience.

Best Time to Travel to Sankri

Choosing the right time to travel to Sankri can make your journey smoother, safer, and more comfortable. Since Sankri is a remote mountain village, road conditions and weather play a big role in travel planning.

Ideal Months for Road Travel

The best time to travel to Sankri is from October to June. During these months, roads are mostly clear, transport is available, and weather conditions are stable. This period also matches the main trekking seasons for Kedarkantha.

Winter Road Conditions (December to February)

Winter is the most popular time due to the Kedarkantha snow trek, but road travel can be challenging.

• Snowfall may slow down travel after Mori
• Roads usually remain open but delays are common
• Shared taxis run, but seats fill quickly
• Early morning travel is strongly recommended
• Always keep a buffer day during peak winter months.

Monsoon Risks (July to August)

Traveling to Sankri during monsoon is not recommended.

• Heavy rainfall causes landslides
• Roads may get blocked for hours or days
• Public transport becomes unreliable
• Trekking routes are unsafe

Most trek operators avoid this season completely.

Why Night Travel Should Be Avoided

Night travel to Sankri is unsafe due to mountain terrain.

• Sharp hairpin bends
• Low visibility
• Risk of falling rocks
• Limited help in case of breakdowns

Plan your journey so you reach Sankri before sunset, ideally by early evening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling to Sankri

Traveling to Sankri is straightforward, but small mistakes can make the journey tiring or stressful. Being aware of these common errors will help you reach the base village smoothly and on time.

• Starting Too Late from Dehradun: Many travelers leave Dehradun late in the day, which often leads to night driving in the mountains. Always start early in the morning to reach Sankri before sunset.

• Relying Only on Public Transport: Buses and shared taxis are limited beyond Purola, especially during peak trek season. Depending fully on public transport without backup options can cause delays.

• Ignoring Weather Updates: Mountain weather changes quickly. Not checking snowfall or rain forecasts can result in roadblocks, delays, or unsafe travel conditions.

• Not Carrying Enough Cash: ATMs are rare after Purola. Many travelers assume digital payments will work everywhere, which is not the case in remote areas like Sankri.

• Overpacking for the Road Journey: Carrying heavy or unnecessary luggage makes long road travel uncomfortable. Pack light and smart for the journey, keeping trek gear organized.

• Skipping a Buffer Day: Planning to reach Sankri and start the trek on the same day is risky. Road delays are common, so always keep a buffer day.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Sankri is an important part of the Kedarkantha trekking experience. With proper planning, the journey can be smooth, scenic, and stress-free. Whether you are traveling from Delhi, Dehradun, or Rishikesh, understanding the routes, travel time, and best season helps you avoid unnecessary delays and fatigue.

Always start early, check weather updates, and keep a buffer day in your plan. A well-planned journey ensures you arrive in Sankri relaxed and ready for the trek ahead. When your travel is sorted, you can fully focus on enjoying the mountains and the unforgettable Kedarkantha adventure that awaits you.

Frequently Asked Questions