A very peaceful and scenic village, full of divine beauty and surrounded by diverse cultures, trees, and animals, all living together in harmony. Even the locals share the same unity and love that has endured through generations. We are talking about Sankri Village, located at 1,950 meters above sea level in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Sankri is nestled between lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, rivers, a wildlife sanctuary, and forests of oak, pine, and rhododendrons, offering stunning views and a tranquil environment - far away from the unpleasant noise of the city and technology, filled with nature, beauty, love, and laughter. 

When people hear of Sankri, they usually think of it as a starting point for popular treks: Kedarkantha trek, Har ki Dun Trek, Bali Pass trek, Rupin Pass trek, and Dev Kyara Bugyal trek. However, it is a hidden gem with ancient temples, wooden houses, and dense deodar forests. Additionally, Sankri serves as the base village for famous mountain peaks: Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kala Nag, making this place even more exceptional.

How to Reach Sankri 

Most travelers start their journey to Sankri from Delhi. The nearest and largest city to Sankri is Dehradun, which is 200 km away from Sankri village. So, one has to reach Dehradun first. You can choose to travel by bus, train, or air to reach Dehradun. After reaching Dehradun, you can book a private taxi, cab, or bus, and after a full sleep of 8 hours, you will be in Sankri.   

Life in Sankri 

Living in clean, sturdy wooden houses, the people of Sankri lead a simple life, Their morning starts with praying in the Someshwar temple, tending fields or cattle, and ends their day with community gatherings, storytelling sessions, a bonfire with traditional folk dance, and song. To protect themselves from Sankri’s cold, local men there wear churidar pajama, along with woolen kurta wrapped in lohi (shawl), hand-knit Garhwali topi and jutis of leather or thick cloth, and women dressed up with ghagra-choli and cover themselves with odni and gracefully match their outfit with silver jewelry - nath, bangles, anklets, and necklace.

Where to stay in Sankri 

Sankri offers a wide range of stay offers. If someone loves to socialize, Many locals have set up their homes for the travelers as homestays, not just providing accommodations, but also giving you a cultural experience, authentic home-made meals including local dishes, and experiencing warm village hospitality. The best for adventure, and nature lovers, opt for alpine or dome tents so you can enjoy a bonfire, stargazing, and spend time with nature. And if your concern is about safety, cleanliness, and well-maintenance, you can go for a Government rest house. Budget travelers can also choose shared rooms or dormitories, which will be a great opportunity for sharing stories and meeting fellow trekkers. 

Places to visit in Sankri

Someshwar Mahadev Temple:

Someshwar Mahadev Temple has been in Sankri for hundreds of years. This temple is built in Kuth Kunthi architecture using ancient woods and stones. Elders of this village believe that from this temple, Lord Shiva is taking care of us from natural disasters and wild animals. Someshwar Mahadev temple holds special importance during Mahashivratri when all the locals gather together and sing folk songs and traditional dances. Women of the village observe a fast on this day to seek blessings for their families and their safety. Some trekkers also visit this temple to seek blessings before going to the higher Himalayas for safety.

Juda Ka Talab:

Juda ka Talab carries a mystical legend connected to Lord Shiva. Locals believe that a long time ago Lord Shiva was meditating here and a drop from his hair fell down which formed this lake, hence it is called Juda Ka Talab. Interesting fact, Juda ka Talab gets completely frozen in winter and we can even walk on it. 

There are so many ancient and historical temples in the villages around Sankri, and some of them are even named after the heroes of the Mahabharat, like the Duryodhana temple in Osla, and the Karna temple in Netwar. 

Local food of Sankri

Eating together is a way in which the locals of Sankri build connectivity. The people of Sankri are so warm-hearted that there are no restrictions when it comes to food; everything is freely shared and available for everyone. The local food of Sankri is cooked over a wood fire with minimal oil and gives a perfect taste of authenticity. One must try their traditional dishes like Kafuli (a nutritious dish made from green leafy vegetables and herbs), Aloo k Gutke (spicy boiled potatoes sauteed with local spices), Pakoras, Mandua roti(Flatbread from millet flour), and Chainsoo (black gram lentil dish cooked with spices) - rich in protein and flavorful. 

Sankri is [famous for:

Sankri is not just famous for the base village for most of the treks but also Sankri is famous for its rich wooden architectural heritage and temples built from local timber and stone, designed uniquely to endure snow and earthquakes. These structures feature sloping slate roofs and wide balconies. While modern trends are taking place everywhere, in Sankri, some people continue to uphold these timeless architectural styles, making it a unique destination for those who appreciate Himalayan art and culture.

Flora and Fauna of Sankri:

Sankri is full of rich and varied biodiversity because Sankri is located near Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, showcasing several birds, and animals. The trekker's journey passes through dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. Some of our trekkers had a great chance to encounter a white leopard during the trek, usually early in the morning heading towards the summit.

Himalayan Monal:

The Vibrant state bird of Uttarakhand is famous for its iridescent features. This bird has all the colors of a rainbow on its body and looks so beautiful. Some people also say that this bird is even more colorful than a peacock.

Connectivity and Facilities

• Mobile Network: Mobile networks are generally not available here, but BSNL networks are available, but it is also patchy sometimes.

• Hospital Facility: Basic medical facilities are available in Sankri but if there is any critical condition the nearest hospital is in Purola.

• ATMs: ATMs are not available in Sankri, the larger town near Sankri is Purola which is about 30km from Sankri and has ATM facilities. 

Extra Tips:

• Book in advance during peak seasons (October to December)

• Electricity can be limited, so carry a power bank.

• Pack 5-6 layers as the temperature drops to minus.

• Hot water is not available everywhere carry your thermal flask.

• Avoid plastic use to keep the place clean and eco-friendly.

• Don’t litter - carry your waste with you.