The distance from Delhi to Sankri, the base village for the Har Ki Dun trek, is about 400 to 450 km by road. The journey can take around 12 to 15 hours or longer, depending on traffic, road work and weather. You cannot drive all the way to Har Ki Dun Valley. First, you must reach Sankri. From there, you travel by road to the trek starting point and walk through the mountains.
Many trekkers take an overnight bus or train from Delhi to Dehradun. They then leave for Sankri early the next morning. Before you travel, check your trek operator’s plan. Some groups start walking from Dharkot, while others use the older route from Taluka.
Delhi to Har Ki Dun Distance and Travel Time
Route | Approximate distance | Travel time |
Delhi to Dehradun | 250 km | 4 to 6 hours or more |
Dehradun to Sankri | 190 to 220 km | 8 to 10 hours |
Sankri to Dharkot | About 24 km by road, where used | Around 2 hours |
Sankri to Taluka | About 12 km by road, on the older route | Around 1 hour |
Har Ki Dun trek | Depends on the route | Usually spread over several days |
These are rough estimates. Travel times can change due to traffic, road work, stops and bad weather. The road journey from Delhi to Sankri may take 13 to 16 hours or more when you add both road sections. The walking distance also depends on your trek plan. Some routes cover about 34 to 35 km, while others may cover 40 to 50 km or more. Ask your trek operator for the full walking distance and daily route.
Delhi to Har Ki Dun Route by Road
The common route from Delhi to Sankri passes through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Dehradun, Purola and Mori.
Route: Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee or Haridwar → Dehradun → Purola → Mori → Sankri.
The first part of the drive passes through the plains. After Dehradun, the road enters the hills. Driving becomes slower because the roads have sharp turns and pass through small towns and villages.
Road section | What to expect |
Delhi to Meerut | City traffic may cause delays |
Meerut to Roorkee or Haridwar | Mostly travel through the plains |
Dehradun towards the hills | The road becomes slower and more winding |
Purola to Mori | A good place to stop for supplies and cash |
Mori to Sankri | Narrow mountain roads and slower driving |
Some drivers may use a different road through the Mussoorie area or the Barkot side, depending on road conditions. Ask your driver which route is best for your travel date. Do not plan your trip around the fastest travel time shown online. Rain, landslides and road repairs can cause delays. If you are driving yourself, start well rested and avoid driving on unfamiliar mountain roads late at night.
Delhi to Har Ki Dun by Bus
Taking a bus from Delhi to Dehradun is one of the cheapest ways to start your Har Ki Dun trek. For the best fare, aim for around ₹300 to ₹500 one way on an ordinary bus. AC and Volvo buses can cost more, sometimes ₹700 or above. Buses leave from places such as Kashmere Gate ISBT. The journey usually takes 5 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and the service you choose.
From Dehradun, you must travel to Sankri by bus, shared jeep or taxi. Keep around ₹400 to ₹700 for the Dehradun-to-Sankri bus journey as a budget estimate, and confirm the current fare and service before travelling. Public transport may be limited, so do not assume you can get a bus at any time of day.
Some trek groups ask travellers to meet at Prince Chowk near Dehradun Railway Station at around 6:00 AM. This is not the pickup point for every trek group. Ask your operator for the exact meeting place and time. You can check bus services and fares on the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation booking portal.
Delhi to Har Ki Dun by Train
There is no train to Sankri. You can take a train from Delhi to Dehradun and continue by road. For the lowest fare, look for a second-sitting ticket from around ₹175, or a sleeper-class ticket from around ₹235 on trains where these fares are available. AC fares are higher. Actual prices depend on the train, class and travel date.
Trains on this route include the Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi AC Express and other services. The Dehradun Shatabdi and Vande Bharat may also be options, depending on your travel date. Check the latest timetable and ticket price before booking. If your trek vehicle leaves Dehradun early in the morning, arriving the previous evening is usually easier. You can stay overnight and begin the road journey after a good night’s rest. Check train availability through the official railway booking system before finalising your plans.
Delhi to Har Ki Dun by Flight
You can fly from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun. For a low-cost ticket, aim for around ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 one way when booking early, although fares can be higher on busy dates or close to departure. The flight takes about one hour, but you must also allow time to travel from the airport to Dehradun and then continue to Sankri.
The road journey from Dehradun to Sankri usually takes around 8 to 10 hours. A flight may not save much time once you include airport travel and the long mountain drive. If you choose to fly, check your arrival time before arranging your Sankri transfer. Arriving in Dehradun the previous day can give you more time and reduce the risk of missing your vehicle.
Delhi to Sankri Travel Cost
The table below gives rough travel costs. These are estimates, not confirmed fares for your travel date.
Travel option | Approximate cost | Best for |
Delhi to Dehradun by bus | ₹350 to ₹1,500 per person | Budget travellers |
Delhi to Dehradun by train | ₹200 to ₹1,600 per person | Travellers who prefer trains |
Delhi to Dehradun by flight | ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 or more per person | Those who find a good fare |
Dehradun to Sankri by shared jeep | ₹700 to ₹1,000 per person | Solo travellers |
Dehradun to Sankri by private taxi | ₹5,500 to ₹7,500 per vehicle | Families and groups |
Delhi to Sankri by private cab | Depends on the vehicle and booking | Those who want a direct drive |
Fares can change with the season, demand and type of vehicle. Ask whether the price includes tolls, taxes and driver charges.
For most budget travellers, a bus or train to Dehradun followed by a shared jeep is the cheaper choice. If you are travelling with friends or family, compare the cost of a private taxi with the cost of separate tickets.
Sankri to Har Ki Dun: Taluka or Dharkot?
Before your trip, check where your trek will begin. This is important because different operators use different routes. Older trek plans often start with a drive from Sankri to Taluka. Trekkers then walk towards the valley. Some newer plans use Dharkot as the roadhead. In these plans, the vehicle travels farther before the trek begins.
This change affects the driving distance and the amount of walking. Do not assume that every Har Ki Dun trek follows the same route.
Ask your trek operator these questions before leaving Delhi:
- Does the trek start from Dharkot or Taluka?
- How far will we drive from Sankri before walking?
- How many kilometres will we walk each day?
- Where will we stay each night?
- Is the road to the starting point open on our travel dates?
Important Tips Before Travelling to Sankri
Take enough cash
Purola is often used as the last main ATM stop before Sankri. However, ATM services can change. It is safer to take enough cash from Dehradun or Purola rather than depend on finding a working ATM later.
Save important details on your phone
Mobile signal becomes weak or may stop working as you travel into the hills. Coverage in Sankri can also vary. Save your hotel details, trek booking, pickup point and emergency phone numbers before leaving Dehradun.
Check the weather and road
Heavy rain can cause landslides and road closures during the monsoon. Snow and ice can also slow travel in winter. Check road and weather updates with your driver or trek operator before leaving.
Choose your trekking season carefully
Har Ki Dun is commonly visited in spring, summer and autumn. Winter trips need more care because snow and cold weather can affect the trail. The monsoon can bring heavy rain, slippery paths and road delays.
Check whether your operator is running the trek on your chosen dates. Trail and road conditions can change from year to year.
Keep one extra day if possible
Road delays may affect the start or end of your trek. If possible, keep one extra day in your travel plan. This gives you more time if you reach Sankri late or return to Dehradun later than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Delhi to Har Ki Dun?
Delhi to Sankri is about 400 to 450 km by road, depending on the route. You then need to travel to the trek starting point and walk to Har Ki Dun Valley.
How long does it take to reach Sankri from Delhi?
Allow around 12 to 15 hours or more for the road journey. The time depends on traffic, stops, weather and road conditions.
What is the cheapest way to reach Sankri from Delhi?
Taking a bus or train from Delhi to Dehradun and then a shared jeep to Sankri is usually the cheaper option. Check the local vehicle times before you book.
Is there a night bus from Delhi to Sankri?
Do not assume that a direct night bus to Sankri is available. A common plan is to take an overnight bus to Dehradun and continue to Sankri the next morning.
