Sankri, a cosy hamlet in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand is located beside the Tons river at 1950 m elevation. Being the basecamp of several famous treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun and Dev Kyara Bugyal, this Sankri Village has got the perfect picturesque surroundings. The clear charming views of Black Peak (Kala Naag), Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks make this village tour even more enthralling.
The identity of Sankri is not limited to the base camp of Treks, while it is a beautiful, worthwhile Himalayan hamlet in itself. Radiating the ideal village tourism vibes, the Sankri has a unique culture, traditions, livelihood, and fests, that you must experience once in a lifetime.
So now let us move ahead and unwind the Sankri from a tourism perspective.
Location
Sankri Village is located between the Rupin range and the Singtur range. It shares the land with Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary as well (one of those National Parks in Uttarakhand, containing largest number of trekking destinations in Uttarakhand). From Mori, it is at 21 Km distance, and the enroute villages are Mautar, Wainol, and Netwar. The distance between Sankri and Dehradun is approximately 200 Km.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit Sankri is either winter or summer. Decoding further, it’s better if you plan your trip to Sankri in April or December.
- In April, you will be relieved from the very cold weather, so it’s good to visit with Kids and family.
- Whereas in December, you will get to see the mesmerising snowfall in Sankri. If you want to come on a honeymoon or couple trip to Sankri then winter is the best season.
- In monsoon season, the roads are slippery and the high rainfall becomes a hindrance for enjoying and exploring outdoors. So in general, you should avoid planning thua trip during the monsoon.
How to Reach Sankri
Here are the different modes to reach Sankri Village.
By Flight:
Firstly, you should book the flight ticket from your nearest airport to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the closest airport to the Sankri Village, at a distance of 214 Km. Once you reach Dehradun Airport then the further journey up to Sankri Village is accessible by road only. Therefore, you can book a taxi or go through a bus from the exit to the Sankri Village. You will reach Sankri approximately after 8 hours of road journey.
By Train:
If you are comfortable with train journeys, then it’s good to book the tickets from your nearest Railway Station to the Dehradun Railway Station directly. The distance between the Dehradun Railway Station and Sankri Village is about 189 Km. After reaching Dehradun Railway Station, you have to cover a further distance by bus or taxi.
By Road:
If you want to enjoy the road journey. Then you can directly drive to Dehradun from your home. And the further journey to Sankri Village can be done by taxi or bus. From Delhi to Dehradun, it’s about 255 Km, and you can cover it in approximately 5 hours.
Weather in Sankri Village
The weather in Sankri Village is dominated by the cold climate due to the Himalayan topography and high altitude. So usually it remains cold, but still, there are slight fluctuations in weather in different seasons.
Summer
The temperature of Sankri Village in the summer season lies between 20°C to 35°C.
So there is a pleasant warmth in the weather, and you can witness clear sky, sunny days too. In this season, the Sankri receives a high number of tourists because it’s the most comfortable weather to come, and enjoy a vacation in high altitude.
Monsoon
The temperature of Sankri Village in the Monsoon season ranges between 6°C to 22°C.
In monsoon season, the area around Sankri receives pretty good rainfall and so usually the weather is cloudy and cold.
Winter
The temperature of Sankri Village in winter falls between (-2°C to 10°C). In this season, the Sankri is almost layered with the snow so you will feel cold the entire day. If you wanna enjoy the snowfall then you must come to Sankri in winter.
Treks from Sankri Village
- 1. Kedarkantha Trek
- 2. Har Ki dun trek
- 3. Dev Kyara Trek
- 4. Bali Pass Trek
- 5. Baraadsar Lake Trek
- 6. Borasu Pass Trek
- 7. Ruinsara Tal Trek
- 8. Phulara Ridge Trek
- 9. Saru Tal Trek
- 10. Maldaru Trek
Places to Visit Nearby Sankri
Kedarkantha Peak:
The famous trek to Kedarnatha Peak starts from the Sankri village. The spectacular views from the top of the Kedarkantha Peak will leave you stunned.
During winters, Kedarkantha receives heavy snowfall which adds more charm to its beauty. This summit unveils the mesmerising peaks of Bandarpoonch, Draupadi ka Danda, Rupin Valley, and much more. From professional trekkers to beginners, anyone can undertake this trek as the trail is well maintained. We recommend you do this trek during your time in Sankri Village.
From the Sankri Village, it’s a total of 20 km trek to Kedarkantha.
Phulara Ridge:
Sankri Village serves as the base camp for the Phulara Ridge trek as well. It is one of the most remarkable treks that attracts trekkers and nature lovers from across the country. The Phulara Ridge trek involves dense forests, high-altitude cliffs, and huge alpine meadows which makes it more interesting and amusing.
There are multiple ranges and peaks visible from the summit, but the scenic beauty of Dev Kayara Peak is incomparable. This trek is easy to Moderate level and should be undertaken with caution. However, this is not a winter Trek as the route gets a little risky and should be done during Summer or Autumn.
Bali Pass:
With enchanting vistas of popular Himalayan peaks of Kaka Nag, Swargrohini, and Bandarpoonch, the Bali Pass trek is another major tourist attraction near Sankri Village. This trek requires prior practice and experience as it’s highly elevated at a height of 4,950 m. It joins the Yamunotri and Har ki Dun valley and altogether it extends the opportunity to visit the Yamunotri Dham enroute.
For being a difficult trek, we recommend this only for professionals.
The most recommended time to travel in the Bali pass starts between May, June, and then September-October.
Someshwar Mahadev Temple:
During your time in Sankri, you can also go to visit Someshwar Mahadev Temple, which is one of the local temples of Sankri, and many festivals and traditions are celebrated here. The main attraction of this temple is its architecture which is completely built by the wood of Deodar trees in the most unique Pahadi style. You’ll also notice beautiful artwork and carvings on the walls of the shrine.
The villagers and devotees come here carrying utter faith and devotion for the deity and paying their obedience.
Govind Pashu Vihar National Park:
This wildlife sanctuary is nestled in the Supin Range near the Sankri village which you must visit during your journey. This has now been converted into a national park with multiple varieties of Flora and fauna. In this region, you’ll also find a ton of herbs that are extremely useful in medical science.
It has conserved more than 150 bird species. Some of them are; The Golden Eagle, The bearded Vulture, The Himalayan Monal, etc. It also provides a home to major Himalayan wildlife such as Snow leopards, Bharal, Musk Deer, koalas, etc.
Kalap-Upper Tons Valley:
In the upper Garhwal region, this offbeat town of Kalap presents the most breathtaking landscapes at an altitude of 7800ft. This village is still untouched and unexplored and that helps sustain its natural charm. The trek to Kalap Valley has one of the well-paved trails, and the en route’s beauty is no less than divine. During winter, it receives a great snowfall of 3-5 feet.
From the Sankri village, it is about 5.5 Km away.
Lekha Top:
Lekha Top near Sankri is a breathtaking peak and the trek to the summit starts from Jakhol village. The trek provided a great opportunity for professional trekkers as well as beginners. On reaching its top, you’ll witness the snow-laden peaks of Neelkanth, Kedarnath, and Chaukhambha. The Lekha top’s Journey is said to be more intimidating than the d destination, and, hence, this is among the most popular treks of Uttarakhand.
From Sankri village, Lekha Top is about 1.2 Km.
Juda Ka Talab:
On your way to the Kedarkantha trek from the Sankri Village, you’ll come across this mystical lake that is cocooned at the height of 2,838 m. In the months of winter, the lake gets covered with a thick layer of snow and becomes a frozen lake. Meanwhile, the overall scenery of its surroundings completely turns into a more lively and serene place.
From the Sankri village, it is only 1.6 Km away.
Taluka Village:
The quaint village of Taluka is not so far from the Sankri village and is a must-visit spot. The place offers its travellers a chance to indulge and understand the local culture and traditions of the villagers.
The trek to Taluka Village either starts from Sankri or Har ki Dun Valley. We highly recommend you visit this place; it offers a great variety of flora and fauna and mesmerising views of lofty snowy peaks.
From the Sankri village, Taluka is about 11 Km distance.
Where to Stay in Sankri Village
There are many options, from basic to luxurious accommodations in Sankri. According to your budget, you can choose one, here are some of those:
Resorts:
For a lavish and luxurious stay, the resorts of Sankri could be the most appropriate preference. They provide several facilities and offer a sophisticated stay. These are most apt for Couples and honeymooners.
The prices of these resorts range between 4000-10,000 INR and that too fluctuates in peak periods, season, and the availability of the tourists. So, pre-booking is highly recommended.
Homestays:
For a comfortable stay at an affordable rate, you can explore the various homestays in Sankri. In case of any query, you can search online and select the most appropriate stay for you. The approximate prices start from 1500-6000 INR.
Camps:
Travellers who want to be close to nature can also go camping, which is functioned by private companies that you can search on their official websites. But the stay in camping suits the adventurous kind of people more perfectly. And the average cost of camping in Sankri lies between 1500 to 2500 INR.
Activities to do
Ziplining:
Ziplining in Sankri Village is the most enjoyable and fun activity. Sankri zipline ride is the highest zipline in Uttarakhand and is operated over the Saur village. This adventure also gives a perfect overview of the Sankri range.
Camping:
If you’re travelling in a group or even if it’s a solo trip, camping is the best activity to do in the open wide area of Sankri village.
Photography:
For photography lovers, Sankri offers great opportunities with its picturesque landscape. In addition, you’ll see the rare birds, animals, and flowers that you would want to capture with your cameras.
Trekking:
Trekking is the main activity done in Sankri Village, as it serves as a basecamp for numerous renowned treks of Uttarakhand. Some worthy hiking treks are Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha, Ruinsara Tal, Bali Pass, and more.
Local Traditions and customs
To start with the general attire, the women of Sankri wear their traditional clothes, mostly including a long Kurta with a short choli or coat and a scarf on their heads. They pair it with pyjamas at the bottom. They adorn it with some accessories and a waistband. Like other Himalayan communities, Men of Sankri Village wear the same outfits. They usually wear a dhoti and kurta, and as an overwear, they put on a waistcoat.
You’ll witness even 100-150-year-old houses, and most of them have quite small doors made up of wood. The farmers here usually cultivate Rajma (kidney Beans), Red rice, Potato, and more. Here, women are also employed in subsistence farming; they grow and harvest herbal teas for their home, which would taste different from any ordinary tea. They use the local vegetables grown in their field and sell them in the famous mini market of Sankri. Besides, the shepherds of Sankri Village are also engaged in rearing animals like sheep and goats.
Fests and Events
Saur Asaar Festival:
This is one of the Cultural festivals celebrated in the Sankari range of Uttarakhand. This occasion is also called National Paddy Day, which refers to the beginning of the rice plantation period.
As per the Nepalese calendar, 15th day of Asaar month, the villagers gather and plant some rice saplings to honour the first cultivation of rice for the year. Afterward, they begin with their fun activities, such as playing, dancing, and singing, which symbolise the strong relationship between nature and humans. At the end, they eat their traditional dish called Dahi Chiura which is made of beaten rice and curd.
Conclusion
Whatever you need to know before planning the trip to Sankri, we have streamlined this blog. From stay information to the local traditions of Sankri, every tourism related information is described above.
In a nutshell, Sankri is an ideal place, situated in the ravishing surroundings of the Himalayas, for the purpose of off-beat tourism. The people who are fed up with visiting ordinary hill stations and now want to explore the hidden yet magnificent places then Sankri is one of the best choices for them. Though it’s a hamlet but is developed enough to offer a sophisticated tourism experience to you. So now, apply for the leave, plan the trip and come to Sankri with your loved one to give your life a refreshing break.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a network available in Sankri?
A1. Yes, there is network connectivity in Sankri village, especially BSNL & JIO. Beyond Sankri, the network connectivity is poor or absent in the interior treks.
Q2. How to reach Sankri from Delhi?
A2. From Delhi to Sankri, you can reach easily by flight up to Dehradun and then to the Sankri Village by Bus or Private Taxi.
Q3. What is the average cost of a Sankri stay package?
A3. The average cost of stay in Sankri ranges between INR 1000 to INR 4000 per individual. Mainly it depends on what kind of stay you prefer. If you want to save money then there are cheaper stay options too.
Q4. Where to eat in Sankri Village?
A4. There are many food cafes based on unique creative themes, so you can enjoy food there. From local cuisines to continental cuisines, there will be a variety of dishes there.
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