Sankri is a small village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It is a popular base for trekkers heading to the Har Ki Dun valley and other nearby trails. Many travelers from Delhi visit Sankri to enjoy nature, trekking, and a peaceful mountain experience.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Sankri. You will learn about different transport options, travel times, fares, and practical tips to plan your journey confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Sankri – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi to the nearest railway station is a common choice for comfort and affordability. However, Sankri does not have a railway station, so you must combine train and road travel.

• The closest major railway station to Sankri is Dehradun Railway Station, about 180 km away. Trains from Delhi to Dehradun take around 5 to 7 hours, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,200 depending on class.

• Popular trains include the Dehradun Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi, which run daily from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Dehradun (DDN), offering fast and comfortable service.

• From Dehradun, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Sankri, which is about a 7 to 8-hour drive covering roughly 180 km through mountainous roads.

• Train tickets can be booked via IRCTC online or at railway counters. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak trekking seasons.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to travel from Delhi to Sankri, though the journey is long and involves multiple changes.

• Direct buses from Delhi to Sankri are not available. You can take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Dehradun, which takes about 6 to 8 hours and costs ₹400 to ₹700.

• From Dehradun, you can board a local bus or shared taxi to Sankri. Local buses depart from Dehradun ISBT or bus stands early in the morning, taking 7 to 9 hours to reach Sankri via NH 307 and NH 34.

• Bus routes pass through towns like Mussoorie, Uttarkashi, and Mori, offering scenic views but winding mountain roads that can be challenging during monsoon.

• Bus frequency to Sankri is limited, especially in the off-season. Booking tickets a day in advance or arriving early at the bus stand is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

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

• The distance from Delhi to Sankri by road is approximately 280 km, taking around 9 to 11 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The usual route is via NH 334 to Roorkee, then NH 307 towards Dehradun, followed by NH 34 passing through Uttarkashi and Mori before reaching Sankri.

• Roads are mostly two-lane and winding in the hills, with toll plazas near Roorkee and Dehradun. Drive carefully, especially during monsoon and winter when landslides or fog can occur.

• There are several rest stops and dhabas along the way offering local food and refreshments. Fuel stations are available in major towns but less frequent near Sankri.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi with providers offering SUV options suitable for mountain roads. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for hilly terrain.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Sankri. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which connects Delhi with Uttarakhand by air.

• Flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Dehradun (DED) take about 1 hour and cost between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Dehradun airport, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Sankri, which takes 7 to 8 hours by road.

• Flights are convenient for saving time on the Delhi to Dehradun leg but do not reduce the overall travel time significantly due to the long road journey afterward.

• Booking flights in advance is recommended, especially during the trekking season from April to June and September to November.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Sankri, helping you prepare and avoid common issues.

• Book your train or flight ticket from Delhi to Dehradun at least a week in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred timing and class.

• Arrange your onward transport from Dehradun to Sankri by pre-booking a taxi or checking local bus schedules at Dehradun ISBT to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy shoes as Sankri is in the mountains and weather can change quickly.

• Start your journey early in the morning from Delhi to avoid city traffic and reach Dehradun or the bus stand with enough time for connections.

• Carry some snacks and water for the long road journey from Dehradun to Sankri, as food options are limited on mountain roads.

• Use mobile apps like Ola or Uber in Delhi and Dehradun for local transport, but be prepared to rely on prepaid taxis or shared vehicles near Sankri where app coverage is limited.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a photo ID and printouts of your tickets, as Indian transport staff often ask for identification during travel.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey to avoid stomach issues, especially when traveling through rural areas near Sankri.

• Book train and bus tickets online in advance during peak seasons like summer holidays and festivals to avoid sold-out situations.

• Use prepaid taxi counters at Dehradun railway station and airport to avoid overcharging by local drivers when heading to Sankri.

• Pack a small first-aid kit with basic medicines, as pharmacies in Sankri are limited and may not have all supplies.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially during monsoon (July-September) when landslides and roadblocks are common on the route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Sankri is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. The weather is pleasant, and roads are generally clear.

Winter months bring heavy snowfall, making roads slippery and sometimes inaccessible. Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides and slippery roads.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures help avoid Delhi traffic and allow you to reach Dehradun or the bus stand comfortably for onward travel.

• Monsoon rains can cause roadblocks on NH 34 near Uttarkashi; check local news and weather updates before starting your journey.

• Winter fog in the plains can delay trains and flights, so plan extra time if traveling from November to February.

Arrival at Sankri & What to Expect

When you arrive in Sankri, you will find a small, peaceful village with limited but sufficient facilities for trekkers and tourists. The main bus stop or taxi drop-off point is near the village center.

Local transport options are limited; most travelers walk or hire local guides for trekking. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to small hotels, mostly within walking distance from the drop-off points.

Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are not available in Sankri, so confirm your return transport in advance. Carry cash as ATMs are scarce.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Sankri from Delhi is to take a train or flight to Dehradun and then continue by road via taxi or bus. This combination balances comfort, time, and cost effectively.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for mountain road travel will ensure a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Delhi to Sankri and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan landscapes awaiting you.