How To Reach Sari Village Uttarakhand?

To reach Sari Village (Saari Village), you must first travel by road to Ukhimath in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The nearest major hub is Rishikesh (approx. 190 km away). The closest railway station is Rishikesh and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. From Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun, you must take a taxi or bus to Ukhimath, and then take a short, 14 km local jeep ride to Sari Village. It is the base camp for the 2.5 km trek to the famous Deoria Tal Lake.

As someone who has spent the last decade exploring every valley in the Kedarnath region, I can tell you that Sari is special. It’s not a destination; it’s an introduction. While Guptakashi and Sonprayag are the bustling gateways to Kedarnath, and Chopta is the starting point for the Tunganath trek, Sari Village (often spelled Saari Village) is the quiet, humble storyteller.

Perched at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,561 ft), this tiny, picturesque hamlet is more than just a cluster of houses. It is the main base camp for the breathtaking Deoria Tal, a high-altitude lake famous for its crystal-clear reflection of the entire Chaukhamba mountain range.

When you ask, “How to reach Sari Village?” you are asking for the path to one of the most serene and visually stunning experiences in Sari, Uttarakhand. 

Why Is Sari Village So Famous? (The “Why” Before the “How”)

Before we start the car, let’s understand why Sari is worth the journey. Knowing this helps you plan your trip, accommodation, and even what to pack.

The Deoria Tal Trek (The Crown Jewel): This is the #1 reason. Sari is the starting point for the easy 2.5 km trek to Deoria Tal. The lake itself is stunning, but it’s the reward at the top that is priceless: a panoramic, 180-degree view of peaks like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, and Kedar Dome.

The Famous Reflection: On a clear, windless morning, Deoria Tal provides a flawless, mirror-like reflection of these Himalayan giants. It’s a photographer’s dream.

The Winter Magic (Deoria Tal in Winter): While many treks close, Sari and Deoria Tal in winter are pure magic. The village gets covered in snow, and the lake often freezes over, creating a white wonderland.

A Base for Chopta: Many travelers get confused. The Sari Village to Chopta distance is about 30 km by road. Many people (including groups like Chandrashila Indiahikes) use Sari as their first night’s halt to acclimatize before driving to Chopta Village to start the Tunganath and Chandrashila trek.

Authentic Homestay Culture (Sari Village Homestay): Sari is the place for a real Garhwali homestay. There are very few large hotels in Sari Village, Uttarakhand. Instead, you stay with local families, eat simple, delicious Garhwali food, and experience their warm hospitality. This is the accommodation in Sari Village, Uttarakhand that I always recommend.

Birdwatching Paradise: The trail from Sari to Deoria Tal is a renowned spot for birdwatching, home to Monals (the state bird) and hundreds of other species.

How to Reach Sari Village by Road (The Main Journey)

This is the only way to reach Sari Village. The journey is long but breathtakingly beautiful. The roads are paved all the way to the village.

Your journey will always have two parts:

1. Reaching the gateway city (Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun).
2. The mountain road journey from the gateway city to Sari.

How to Reach Sari Village from Rishikesh (190 km / 7-8 hours)

This is the most common and recommended starting point.

The Route: Rishikesh -> Devprayag -> Srinagar -> Rudraprayag -> Kund -> Ukhimath -> Sari Village

Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (140 km): You’ll follow the beautiful Alaknanda River, passing the holy confluences at Devprayag (Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi) and Rudraprayag (Alaknanda meets Mandakini). Rudraprayag is a major town and the last place for a wide variety of services.

Rudraprayag to Kund (36 km): At Rudraprayag, you leave the Badrinath highway and take the left turn for the Kedarnath highway (NH-107). You will follow the Mandakini River. Kund is a small settlement just before Guptakashi.

Kund to Ukhimath (8 km): At Kund, you take a sharp left turn, leaving the main Kedarnath highway, and climb up 8 km to reach the town of Ukhimath.

Ukhimath to Sari Village (14 km): From the main Ukhimath market, you take another narrow, but fully paved, road that winds its way up to Sari. This last 14 km stretch is the final leg.

How to Reach Sari Village from Haridwar (215 km / 8-9 hours)

The route is identical to the Rishikesh one, just with an added 25 km at the beginning.

The Route: Haridwar -> Rishikesh -> Devprayag -> Srinagar -> Rudraprayag -> Ukhimath -> Sari Village

Expert Tip: If you arrive in Haridwar, you can find many direct buses and shared taxis heading towards Rudraprayag or Guptakashi from the main bus stand near the railway station.

How to Reach Sari Village from Dehradun (235 km / 9-10 hours)

This route is slightly longer as it involves coming to Rishikesh first.

• The Route: Dehradun -> Jolly Grant Airport -> Rishikesh -> (Follow the same route as above)
• Details: From Dehradun, you will drive approx. 45-60 minutes to Rishikesh and then begin the main 7-8 hour mountain journey.

Your Transport Options for the Road Journey

You have four main ways to cover this long road distance.

1. By Private Taxi (The Easiest Way)

• How: You can hire a private taxi from any of the gateway cities (Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun) to take you directly to your sari village homestay or hotel.
• Pros: Most comfortable, fastest, and most flexible. You can stop for photos at Devprayag and Rudraprayag.
• Cons: Most expensive. Expect to pay between ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 for a one-way drop.
• My Expert Advice: For a family or group, this is the best value. Ask the driver to stop at the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple on the way.

2. By Shared Taxi (The Local’s Way)

• How: This is a budget-friendly but more adventurous option. You will have to “break” your journey in stages.
  1. Stage 1: Find a shared jeep from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag.
  2. Stage 2: From Rudraprayag, find another shared jeep going to Ukhimath.
  3. Stage 3: From Ukhimath market, find a local jeep going to Sari Village.
• Pros: Very cheap (the whole journey might cost ₹700-₹1000).
• Cons: Takes a long time (waiting for jeeps to fill), can be very cramped, and it’s difficult to manage if you have large luggage.

3. By Public Bus (The Budget Traveler’s Way)

• • How: This is the most common question I get. There is no direct bus to Sari Village.

• My 10-Year Expert Strategy:

• • Go to the Rishikesh ISBT (bus stand) very early (by 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM).
  • Find a bus going towards Guptakashi or Sonprayag (the Kedarnath route).
  • Buy a ticket to Ukhimath. You will have to get off at the main Ukhimath market square.
  • From the Ukhimath market, ask for the “Sari gaon” jeep stand.
  • Take a local shared jeep for the last 14 km. This last jeep ride is frequent but may stop after 4:00 PM.
• Pros: The cheapest possible way.
• Cons: Longest travel time (9-11 hours), and you must start early or you will be stranded in Ukhimath overnight.

4. By Self-Drive (The Adventurer’s Way)

• How: You can rent a car and drive yourself. The road is scenic and paved, but it is a mountain road.
• Expert Tips (Please, Read This):
  • NEVER drive in the hills at night. Start from Rishikesh by 6 AM and aim to reach Sari by 4 PM.
  • Fuel: Fill your tank in Rudraprayag. There are petrol pumps after that, but they can be unreliable.
  • The Ukhimath-Sari Road: This final 14 km stretch is narrow and steep. Drive slowly and use your horn at every single turn.
  • Road Condition: The road is 99% fine, but be very careful during monsoons (July-August) as this entire region is prone to landslides.

How to Reach Sari Village by Train

This is a common query, so let’s be very clear.

There is no railway station in Sari Village or Ukhimath.

• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh .
  • Distance: Approx. 190 km from Sari.
  • How: Once you get off at Rishikesh station, you must follow one of the road options (taxi, bus) as described in Section 1.
• Best Railway Station (My Recommendation): Haridwar .
  • Distance: Approx. 215 km from Sari.
  • Why? Even though Rishikesh is closer, Haridwar is a much bigger railway hub. It has direct train connections from all over India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, etc.). It’s much easier to find a train to Haridwar.
  • How: The Haridwar bus stand and taxi stand are right outside the railway station, making your onward road journey very convenient.

How to Reach Sari Village by Air

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
  1. Distance: Approx. 210 km from Sari.
  2. Details: This is the only commercial airport in the Garhwal region. It has good flight connectivity from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other cities.
• How to Proceed from the Airport:
  1. Private Taxi (Easiest): You can book a taxi from the airport prepaid counter directly to Sari Village. This is the fastest and most direct way (approx. 8 hours, ₹7,000-₹9,000).
  2. Budget Option: Take an airport taxi to the Rishikesh ISBT (bus stand) (approx. 30-40 mins, ₹1,000-₹1,500). From there, take a public bus towards Ukhimath/Guptkashi.

Accommodation, Weather, and Best Time to Visit

Reaching Sari is just half the story. Here’s what to do when you get there.

Accommodation: Sari Village Homestay vs. Hotel in Sari Village

As an expert, I must tell you: Sari is a village of homestays.

Homestays: This is the best way to experience Sari. You’ll get a clean room, a shared bathroom (usually), and amazing, home-cooked Garhwali food (like Mandue ki roti and jhangore ki kheer). The hospitality is what makes it special.

Hotels/Guesthouses: In recent years, a few small hotels in Sari Village, Uttarakhand have opened. These are not luxury resorts. They are “guesthouses” with slightly more amenities than a basic homestay, like private bathrooms and a small restaurant menu. Sari village in Uttarakhand is comfortable, but basic and rustic.

Weather & Temperature: When to Go?

The sari village weather and sari village temperature change dramatically by season.

• Spring/Summer (April – June):
  • Temperature: 15°C to 25°C in the day. Nights are cool.
  • Why Go: The weather is perfect. The Deoria Tal trek is pleasant, and the rhododendron flowers (Buransh) are in full bloom, painting the forests red.
• Monsoon (July – August):
  • Temperature: 12°C to 22°C.
  • Why Go: The valley is unbelievably green and misty. It’s magical.
  • Warning: This is landslide season. The main highway (especially near Rudraprayag and Srinagar) can get blocked. Travel is risky.
• Autumn (September – November):
  • This is the BEST time to visit.
  • Temperature: 10°C to 20°C. Nights start getting cold in October.
  • Why Go: The monsoon has washed the sky clean. You will get crystal-clear, guaranteed views of the Chaukhamba peaks and their reflection in Deoria Tal. The sari village Uttarakhand current temperature in November will be chilly, so pack woolens.
• Winter (December – March):
  • Temperature: -5°C to 10°C. Nights are freezing.
  • Why Go: This is for snow lovers. The trek to Deoria Tal in winter is a famous snow trek. The lake is frozen, and the village is a white paradise.
  • Warning: The Ukhimath-Sari road can be blocked by heavy snow for a day or two. Accommodation will be very basic, and you must have proper snow gear.

Connecting Sari to Other Places

• Sari Village to Chopta Distance: The road distance is 30 km (approx. 1.5 hours) from Sari to Chopta Village. Many people stay in Sari, trek to Deoria Tal in the morning, and then drive to Chopta in the afternoon to prepare for the Tunganath trek the next day.
• Sari Village to Auli Uttarakhand: This is a long journey. You would have to drive from Sari back to Rudraprayag, then to Karnaprayag, and then up to Chamoli/Joshimath/Auli. This is a full-day drive (7-9 hours).
• Sari Village to Srinagar Uttarakhand: This is on your way back. The distance is about 100 km and takes 3-4 hours.
• Temple near Sari Village: The main temple in Sari itself is small. The most important nearby temple is the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath (14 km away), the sacred winter seat of Lord Kedarnath.

My Final 10-Year Expert Advice

1. Pack Out Your Trash: Sari is pristine. Be a responsible tourist. Bring all your plastic wrappers back with you.
2. Acclimatize: Don’t rush. Spend a night in Sari (2,000m) before trekking. It helps your body prepare for the higher altitudes of Chopta (2,600m) and Tunganath (3,680m).

Let Us Be Your Guide

Planning a trip to a remote Himalayan village like Sari can feel complex. You have to line up the bus, find a reliable taxi, book a good homestay, and know the local conditions.

At Kedarnath Tourism, we are not just operators; we are locals. We have been crafting perfect Garhwal experiences for over a decade. We can arrange a comfortable, verified taxi to pick you up from Haridwar, book you into the most welcoming sari village homestay, and even organize your onward journey to Chopta or Auli.

Conclusion:

Reaching Sari Village is, in itself, the first step of a beautiful pilgrimage. The journey by road, winding through the holy river valleys, prepares you for the tranquility that awaits. Sari is the real, untouched Garhwal—a place of simple living, warm smiles, and mountain views that can change your life. It is the perfect start to your adventure to Deoria Tal and beyond.

Travel safely, and may you be blessed with a clear reflection.