Kedarkantha is one of the easiest winter treks to plan, but the trip from Delhi confuses almost everyone the first time. There is no direct train, no direct flight and no bus that takes you to the trek start. You have to change vehicles at least twice, and if you miss one early morning bus, your whole day goes.
The good news is that the route is simple once you see it in one line. You go from Delhi to Dehradun, then from Dehradun to Sankri, and the trek starts from Sankri. Most of the trouble comes from bad timing, not from a hard route.
In this blog, you will know about the easiest way to go from Delhi to Sankri, how much time it takes, what it costs, which option suits a solo traveller or a group, the best time to travel, and the small mistakes that ruin the first day.
Quick Overview: Delhi to Kedarkantha
| Detail | What to Know |
| Trek starting point | Sankri village, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand |
| Delhi to Dehradun | About 250 km, 3 to 7 hours depending on how you travel |
| Dehradun to Sankri | About 200 km, 8 to 10 hours |
| Delhi to Sankri total | About 450 km |
| Nearest railway station | Dehradun |
| Nearest airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
| Height of Sankri | About 6,400 feet |
| Height of Kedarkantha summit | About 12,500 feet |
| Easiest plan | Night train or Volvo bus to Dehradun, then an early morning ride to Sankri |
| Permit | A forest permit is needed. Trek organisers usually arrange it |
The Route in One Line
Delhi → Dehradun → Purola → Sankri → Juda Ka Talab → Kedarkantha Base Camp → Summit
Some vehicles go straight from Dehradun to Sankri, while shared jeeps often stop at Purola, where you change to another vehicle. That is normal, so do not panic if your driver says “Purola” and not “Sankri”.
Step 1: Delhi to Dehradun
Dehradun is the base city for this trek. Every trekker passes through it, so getting this part right saves you a lot of stress. Here are your options.
| Way to Travel | Time | Rough Cost | Best For |
| Overnight train | About 6 to 7 hours | About ₹500 to ₹800 (3AC) | Solo travellers and groups who want proper sleep |
| Overnight Volvo bus | About 6 to 7 hours | About ₹500 to ₹1,000 | Budget travellers |
| Taxi | About 2.5 to 3 hours on the expressway | About ₹5,000 for a 4-seater | Small groups and families |
| Flight | Short flight, but long airport time | Usually costs more | Only if you are already flying in from another city |
By Train
This is the most comfortable choice. Two night trains run from Delhi, the Nanda Devi Express and the Dehradun Express. They leave at night and reach Dehradun early in the morning, so you wake up in the city and can leave for Sankri straight away. Winter seats fill fast, especially from December to February, so book early.
By Bus
Night Volvo buses leave from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate, and some run from other pick-up points too. You reach Dehradun’s bus stand early in the morning. It is cheap, and you save one night of hotel cost.
By Taxi
The new Delhi to Dehradun expressway has cut the journey a lot. A taxi makes sense if you are four to six people and want to leave at a time that suits you.
By Flight
Honestly, this is not worth it from Delhi. By the time you reach the airport, finish security, fly, and travel from Jolly Grant to the city (about 30 km), you have spent as much time as a road trip, and you have paid more.
Travel Tip: Try to reach Dehradun between 5 AM and 6 AM. The buses and shared jeeps to Sankri leave early, and this timing gives you the best chance to catch one.
Step 2: Dehradun to Sankri
This is the long part. It is around 200 km of hill road, and it takes 8 to 10 hours with breaks. You will pass Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, Purola and Mori on the way. You have four options.
Option 1: State Bus
A government bus leaves Dehradun early in the morning, around 6:30 AM to 7 AM. The ticket costs about ₹400, which makes it the cheapest way. In winter, seats fill up quickly, so buy your ticket the evening before if you can.
Option 2: Shared Jeep via Purola
Most shared jeeps take you only up to Purola, which is a small hill town. From there, you take another shared cab to Sankri. The first part costs roughly ₹400 to ₹500 and the second roughly ₹200 to ₹300. It works, but you may have to wait at Purola for the next vehicle, so keep some extra time.
Option 3: Private Tempo Traveller (Best for Groups)
If you are 8 or more people, a private tempo traveller is the smartest choice. It picks you up from the railway station or your hotel and goes straight to Sankri, so there is no seat problem and no change at Purola. A 12 to 14 seater usually costs about ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 for the trip, which comes to roughly ₹700 to ₹1,000 per person for a full group. Book at least 3 days early for winter weekends.
Option 4: Self-Drive
It is possible, but only if you are a confident hill driver. The road is fine till Purola, but the last stretch after Mori is rough, and in winter you can find snow and broken patches. Parking in Sankri gets tight in December and January.
Safety Tip: Try not to drive this road in the dark, especially in winter. If your bus or train reaches Dehradun late, it is better to stay one night in the city and start fresh in the morning than to rush on mountain roads at night.
A Simple Plan That Works
Night 0 (Delhi): Take the night train or bus and sleep on the way.
Day 1 morning (Dehradun): Reach by 5 to 6 AM. Have tea, keep your bag close and go straight to your Sankri ride.
Day 1 evening (Sankri): Reach by 4 to 6 PM. Check in to a guesthouse and rest.
Day 2 onwards: The trek begins from Sankri towards Juda Ka Talab, then the base camp, then the summit at about 12,500 feet.
Most trek organisers pick you up from Dehradun early in the morning, so ask them the exact pick-up point and time before you book your train or bus.
What to Do When You Reach Sankri
Sankri is a small village with simple guesthouses and homestays, and a shared room usually costs about ₹300 to ₹600 per person. Do not expect fancy rooms. They are simple and warm, which is all you need. Sankri is also the starting village for other treks, like the Har Ki Dun trek, so you will meet trekkers heading in different directions.
Here is how to spend the evening:
- Eat light food like dal chawal, khichdi, or parathas with tea.
- Take a short walk around the village. This helps your body get used to the height.
- Charge your phone, fill your water bottle and pack your bag for the next morning.
- Sleep early. The first trek day starts early, and a tired body feels the climb more.
Travel Tip: Keep your ID proof handy. Forest permits and entry forms need it, and organisers usually collect it in Sankri.
Best Time to Go to Kedarkantha
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Winter | December to February | Deep snow, cold nights and the classic snow trek. Most crowded, so book transport early |
| Late winter | March | Still some snow, fewer people and easier planning |
| Spring | April to May | Snow melts, days feel warmer and forests look green |
| Monsoon | July to September | Heavy rain, slippery trails and road delays. Not a good time for beginners |
| Autumn | October to November | Clear sky, cold air and good mountain views with little or no snow |
Snow lovers go in December and January, while people who want lighter bags and fewer crowds pick March or April. If you want to compare more snow options, here are some other winter treks near Delhi. Nights at the campsite get very cold, so this guide on how to pack for a winter trip will help you layer up the right way.
Rough Travel Budget from Delhi (Per Person)
These are approximate numbers. Prices change by season and by how early you book.
| Expense | Rough Cost |
| Delhi to Dehradun (train or bus) | ₹500 to ₹1,000 |
| Dehradun to Sankri (bus or shared jeep) | ₹400 to ₹800 |
| Night stay in Sankri | ₹300 to ₹600 |
| Food on the way | ₹300 to ₹500 |
| Travel cost, one way | About ₹1,500 to ₹2,900 |
Trek package costs are separate. A basic package usually covers stay, meals, permits, guide and camping, and prices change with the season and what is included.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Reaching Dehradun late. After 9 AM, the road becomes slow and you may not reach Sankri the same day. An extra hotel night is a cost most people forget to plan.
2. Booking a return train or bus for the same night. After the trek, you usually reach Dehradun late at night, around 10 PM. Book your return for the next morning, or keep a hotel for that night.
3. Thinking there is a direct vehicle to Sankri. Many people are surprised when the jeep stops at Purola. Keep this in mind and keep some cash for the second cab.
4. Not carrying cash. ATMs and card machines are limited in Sankri, and the network can be weak. Take enough cash for the last part of the route.
5. Packing heavy. You will carry your bag on a steep trail, so take only what you need. Our Kedarkantha trek packing list tells you what to keep and what to leave at home.
6. Ignoring altitude signs. Headache, feeling sick or trouble breathing are real signals. Rest, drink water and tell your trek leader.
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarkantha from Delhi is easy once you break it into two parts. First, get to Dehradun on a night train or bus. Second, take an early morning ride to Sankri and keep the evening free for rest. If you plan your timing well, the journey feels smooth and the trek starts on a good note.
If this is your first Himalayan trek, you can also look at these beginner-friendly Himalayan treks and pick the one that suits your time and budget. And if you want help with the route, timing or a group plan, message TripGuruGo on WhatsApp and our team will guide you. We plan group trips across the Himalayas, and we always tell first-time travellers the same thing: sort your travel timing first, and the rest becomes easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I reach Kedarkantha from Delhi?
Take a train or bus from Delhi to Dehradun, then a bus, shared jeep or private vehicle from Dehradun to Sankri. The trek starts from Sankri.
2. What is the distance from Delhi to Kedarkantha?
Delhi to Sankri is about 450 km by road. Delhi to Dehradun is around 250 km, and Dehradun to Sankri is around 200 km.
3. How long does it take to reach Sankri from Delhi?
Usually one full day. The night journey to Dehradun takes about 6 to 7 hours by train or bus, and the ride to Sankri takes another 8 to 10 hours.
4. Which is the nearest railway station to Kedarkantha?
Dehradun Railway Station. From there, you take a road journey to Sankri.
5. Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Sankri?
No. Most people go to Dehradun first and then take a separate vehicle to Sankri.
6. Can I reach Kedarkantha in one day from Delhi?
You can reach Sankri on the same day if you leave Delhi at night and start from Dehradun early in the morning. The trek itself takes a few more days.
7. What is the best way to go from Delhi to Dehradun?
The night train is the most comfortable, and the Volvo bus is the cheapest and most flexible. A taxi is good for small groups.
8. Do I need a permit for Kedarkantha?
Yes, a forest permit is needed. Most trek organisers include it in their package.
Anshra Zafar explores the mountains of Himachal Pradesh & Uttrakhand and writes detailed travel guides about Manali, Kasol, Sissu, Jispa.chopta and kedarnath trek She focuses on scenic road trips, backpacking experiences, café culture, snowfall destinations, and adventure activities in the Himalayas. Her content helps travelers plan smooth and memorable mountain journeys.
