Sankri is a small village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a popular base for trekkers heading to the Valley of Flowers and Har Ki Dun. Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, serves as the main gateway to this region due to its connectivity and facilities.

This route from Dehradun to Sankri is commonly traveled by nature lovers and adventure seekers. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Sankri, including train, bus, and car options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan for first-time visitors.

Getting from Dehradun to Sankri – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable way to start your journey from Dehradun, especially if you want to avoid road traffic and enjoy scenic views. However, there is no direct train to Sankri, so you will need to combine train and road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Sankri is Dehradun Railway Station, well connected to major cities like Delhi and Haridwar. From here, you can continue by road to Sankri.

• Trains from Delhi to Dehradun take around 5 to 6 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class and train type, such as the Shatabdi Express or Jan Shatabdi.

• Dehradun station is well-equipped with waiting rooms, food stalls, and prepaid taxi counters, making it convenient for onward travel arrangements.

• Train services are frequent, but during monsoon and winter fog, delays of up to an hour are common, so plan accordingly.

• Booking tickets via IRCTC is recommended well in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons in summer and autumn.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Sankri from Dehradun. State-run and private buses operate regularly, but the journey can be long and winding due to hilly terrain.

• Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run buses from Dehradun ISBT to Sankri via Uttarkashi, covering about 200 km in 8 to 10 hours.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹250 to ₹500 depending on the type of bus, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo services.

• Buses depart mostly in the early morning hours (5 AM to 7 AM) to avoid night driving on mountain roads, which can be risky.

• The route passes through NH 7 and NH 34, with several toll plazas and scenic stops, including towns like Mussoorie and Uttarkashi.

• During monsoon, landslides can cause delays or cancellations, so check weather and road conditions before traveling.

• Food options on the route include small dhabas and roadside stalls, but carrying snacks and water is advisable for comfort.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Dehradun to Sankri offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the Himalayan landscape at your own pace. It is a preferred option for groups and families.

• The distance by road is approximately 200 km, taking around 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route follows NH 7 from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, then continues on local roads to Sankri, passing through scenic valleys and forested areas.

• Toll plazas are present along NH 7, so keep cash or digital payment apps ready for smooth passage.

• Fuel stations are available in Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Uttarkashi, but fewer options exist closer to Sankri, so plan refueling accordingly.

• Driving during daylight is strongly recommended due to narrow mountain roads and limited street lighting.

• Car rentals with drivers are available in Dehradun, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber operate mainly within the city, so pre-booking a private taxi for the entire trip is advisable.

Flight

There are no airports near Sankri, so flying is not a direct option. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which connects to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

• Flying into Dehradun is convenient for travelers coming from distant cities, with flight durations of around 1 hour from Delhi.

• From Dehradun airport, you will need to use road transport (taxi or bus) to reach Sankri, which takes about 7 to 9 hours.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at the airport for onward travel, but booking a private car in advance is recommended for comfort.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season, with higher prices during summer holidays and festivals.

• Weather conditions such as fog in winter can cause flight delays or cancellations, so keep flexible travel plans.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Dehradun to Sankri, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

• Step 1:

  Book your train or flight tickets to Dehradun well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to secure the best fares and seats, especially during peak season.

• Step 2:

  Upon arrival in Dehradun, arrange your onward transport to Sankri by booking a private taxi or checking bus schedules at ISBT to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Step 3:

  Start your road journey early in the morning to avoid night driving on mountain roads and to enjoy daylight views of the Himalayas.

• Step 4:

  Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing as shops and restaurants are limited on the route, especially near Sankri.

• Step 5:

  Keep your mobile phone charged and have offline maps or GPS apps ready, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas.

• Step 6:

  On reaching Sankri, confirm your accommodation and local transport options for trekking or sightseeing to ensure a hassle-free stay.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or trusted cab services from Dehradun to avoid overcharging and ensure driver reliability, especially when traveling to remote areas like Sankri.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to prevent stomach issues, as clean drinking water is not always available en route or in Sankri.

• Book bus or taxi tickets a day before departure during peak trekking seasons to avoid last-minute unavailability and overcrowding.

• Local transport in Sankri is limited; consider hiring local guides or porters for trekking and exploring nearby trails safely.

• Pack light but include essential warm clothing, rain gear, and sturdy footwear, as weather in the mountains can change suddenly even in summer.

• During monsoon, check local weather and road conditions regularly, as landslides and roadblocks are common and can delay your journey significantly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Dehradun to Sankri is between May and October when the weather is pleasant and roads are mostly clear. Winters are cold and roads can be blocked by snow, while monsoon brings heavy rains and landslides.

Traveling during festivals like Diwali or summer holidays can lead to crowded trains, buses, and roads, so plan accordingly for a comfortable trip.

• Avoid traveling during July and August monsoon months due to frequent landslides and slippery roads that increase travel risk and delays.

• Winter months from December to February can have heavy snowfall near Sankri, making roads impassable and requiring special vehicles or trekking gear.

• Early morning departures from Dehradun help avoid traffic jams and allow you to reach Sankri before dark, improving safety on mountain roads.

• Festival periods such as Navratri and summer vacations see a surge in travelers, so book all transport and accommodation well in advance.

Arrival at Sankri & What to Expect

When you arrive at Sankri, you will find a small, peaceful village with limited but adequate facilities for trekkers and tourists. The village is the last motorable point before many trekking routes begin.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis that can take you to nearby trailheads or villages. Most visitors stay in guesthouses, homestays, or small hotels near the village center. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available here, so cash payments and bargaining may be necessary.

The village has basic shops and eateries offering local cuisine, but it is advisable to carry essential supplies from Dehradun or Uttarkashi. Mobile network coverage is limited, so plan your communications accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Sankri from Dehradun is by combining train or flight to Dehradun followed by a private taxi or bus journey on mountain roads. This option balances comfort, safety, and scenic travel. Early planning and booking are essential to avoid seasonal challenges and ensure availability.

By following this guide’s detailed transport options, step-by-step plan, and practical tips, you can confidently prepare for your trip to Sankri. Whether you are trekking or exploring the Garhwal Himalayas, this route offers a memorable experience with proper preparation and awareness of local travel conditions.