Sankri Village Uttarakhand The Gateway to the Himalayas
Sankri Village, Uttarakhand: The Entry Point to the Himalayas
Sankri is a picturesque little village located in the Garhwal Himalayas and lies in the lap of the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (Badrinath National Park). Sankri is the base camp for 25+ high altitude treks and expeditions, meaning it is a blend of adventure, culture, local folklore, and the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas.
If you are planning a trek in Uttarakhand, you will most likely start your trek from Sankri.
Sankri Market in Uttarakhand
We are the locals of Sankri, so nobody else can explain the beauty of this place in a better way than us. Sankri is a small village with a few families and houses; it lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district. This place possesses inherent beauty and is steeped in mythology. Sankri is a small paradise surrounded by Himalayan ranges and is famous as the base camp of more than 25 treks.
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The way to Sankri is about 200 km and it takes 7–8 hours to reach. The drive is picturesque because you pass through beautiful places like Mussoorie, Damta, Naugaon, Netwar, and Purola. Mussoorie is a hill station known as the “Queen of Hills”.
On the way you will see the Yamuna River and the Tons valley. Villages like Naugaon, Netwar, and Purola show the lifestyle of mountain people working in fields.
Why is Sankri So Special?
Sankri is not just a stopover. It is a cultural and trekking hub that gives you a taste of authentic Garhwali life and nature.
- Altitude: 1,920 meters (6,300 ft)
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
- Region: Inside Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
- Population: Less than 300 people
- Famous For: Base camp for treks and mountain views
- Nearby Peaks: Swargarohini, Black Peak (Kalanag), Bandarpoonch
- Languages: Garhwali and Hindi
- Main Deity: Someshwar Devta
Sankri Village vs Sankri Market
Sankri Market is a small section with basic shops, while Sankri Village is a full cultural and trekking hub.
- Stunning mountain views
- Homestays and wooden houses
- Apple orchards and forests
- Folk dances like Taandi and Naati
- Traditional Garhwali cuisine
- Local legends like Dhankeshwar Devta
Facilities in Sankri
Available
- Homestays and Hotels
- Guides and Porters
- Local eateries
- Trekking equipment rental
- Water and electricity
- Local taxi services
Not Available
- ATM or bank
- Strong mobile network
- Luxury services
- Full medical facilities
- Card payment everywhere
Popular Treks Starting from Sankri
- Kedarkantha Trek – Easy to Moderate, Winter trek
- Har Ki Dun Trek – Moderate valley trek
- Phulara Ridge Trek
- Bali Pass Trek
- Borasu Pass Trek
- Rupin Pass Trek
- Ruinsara Lake Trek
- Sarutal Trek
- Baraadsar Lake Trek
- Maldaru Lake Trek
Also Available: Fachu Kandi Pass, Nalgan Pass, Swargarohini Base Camp, Vishkhopri, Kyarkoti, Vijay Top and many more.
Cultural and Mythological Significance
- Someshwar Devta Temple – Worshipped by more than 60 villages
- Dhankeshwar Devta Rock – Said to be thrown by Bheem during the Pandavas' journey to heaven
- Folk Music and Dance – Taandi and Naati
Hotel Swargarohini Palace
Sankri village is surrounded by Himalayan ranges and the mountains can be clearly seen from Swargarohini Palace. The sunrise and sunset views are mesmerizing when the golden light reflects on the Swargarohini peaks.
Unique Things Only in Sankri
- Wooden Carving Homes – Traditional architecture
- Folk Festivals – Garhwali cultural celebrations
- Organic Farming – Local produce like rajma and apples
- Medicinal Flora – Rare herbs used for healing
- Natural Springs – Fresh glacial streams
- Snowfall in Winter – Village covered in snow
Pro Travel Tips for Sankri Visitors
- Pack layers because nights are cold
- Carry power banks due to limited electricity
- Bring cash because ATMs are not available
- Buy trekking gear in Dehradun
- Start treks early because daylight fades quickly
- Carry a camera for beautiful sunrises and sunsets
How to Reach Sankri Base Camp
All trekkers first come to Dehradun. From Dehradun you can reach Sankri by road, which takes around 7–8 hours.
Route
Dehradun → Mussoorie → Kempty Fall → Yamuna Bridge → Purola → Mori → Netwar → Sankri
Transport Options
- Shared Taxi: ₹1,100 per person
- Private Taxi: ₹5,500 (up to 5 people)
- Tempo Traveller: ₹9,000
- Government Bus: ₹350 per person
Final Thoughts
Sankri is not just a village. It is a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas where many Himalayan adventures begin.
From wooden temples and apple orchards to snowy trails and towering peaks, Sankri is where the real Himalayan journey begins.
Sankri is not just a village—it’s the beginning of every great Himalayan journey.