If you are planning the Kedarkantha Trek, Dehradun Railway Station is the closest and best railway station. It is about 190 km from Sankri, the base village of the trek. From here, you can easily get a shared taxi, bus, or trek pickup to Sankri.
Many people spend a lot of time comparing Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh before booking their train. We have seen trekkers book a ticket to Haridwar because more trains stop there. Later, they find out they still have a longer road trip ahead. Choosing the right railway station from the start saves both time and effort.
Why Dehradun Is the Best Railway Station for Kedarkantha Trek
When people search for the railway station closest to Kedarkantha Trek, they usually want the easiest way to reach Sankri. That is why Dehradun is the best choice. It is the last major railway station before you enter the Uttarkashi district. Almost every trek operator asks trekkers to report in Dehradun. If you are starting your journey from the city, our Kedarkantha Trek from Dehradun guide explains the complete route in detail. Shared taxis, buses, and private cabs are also easy to find here.
The road trip from Dehradun to Sankri takes about 8 to 10 hours. In winter, heavy traffic, fog, or snowfall can make the drive a little longer. It is always a good idea to keep some extra time in your plan.
Why Do Different Websites Show Different Distances?
You may have noticed something confusing while planning your trip. One website says Sankri is 186 km from Dehradun. Another says 190 km. Some even mention 200 km or more. So, which one is right? The truth is that most of these numbers are correct.
Different websites measure the distance from different places. Some start from Dehradun Railway Station. Others measure from the city centre, ISBT, or Jolly Grant Airport. Some also use a different mountain route.
For you, this does not make a big difference. Whether the distance is 190 km or 205 km, the drive still takes about 8 to 10 hours. It is better to plan your trip based on travel time instead of the exact distance.
Dehradun, Haridwar or Rishikesh: Which One Should You Choose?
Many travellers also compare the nearest railway station for Kedarkantha, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh before booking tickets.
Railway Station | Distance to Sankri* | Road Time | Best For |
Dehradun | About 190 km | 8 to 10 hours | Best choice for almost everyone |
Haridwar | About 220 km | 9 to 11 hours | Good if you cannot get a train to Dehradun |
Rishikesh | About 210 km | 8.5 to 10.5 hours | Good if you also want to visit Rishikesh |
The distance may change a little depending on the route. For most people, Dehradun is still the best option. It is closer to Sankri, and almost all trek groups start from here. You will also find more taxis and shared vehicles going towards the mountains.
Is Haridwar a Good Option?
Yes, it is. Haridwar has trains from many cities across India. During December and January, trains to Dehradun fill up fast. If you cannot get a confirmed ticket, Haridwar is the next best choice. From Haridwar, you can take a taxi, bus, or local train to Dehradun. Some people also hire a taxi straight to Sankri, but this costs more. So, if your ticket is already booked to Haridwar, there is no need to worry. You can still have a smooth trip.
Should You Choose Rishikesh?
Rishikesh is another option, but it is not the first choice for most trekkers. The railway station has fewer long-distance trains than Dehradun or Haridwar. Many people come here because they want to spend a day by the Ganga or visit the cafés before going to the mountains. If your main goal is the Kedarkantha Trek, it is better to get off at Dehradun.
How to Reach Sankri from Dehradun Railway Station
After reaching Dehradun, your next stop is Sankri. This small village is where the trek begins. If you are planning the complete journey yourself, our How to Reach Kedarkantha Trek guide explains every travel option.
You can choose the travel option that suits your budget.
- Shared taxi: Around ₹900 to ₹1,500 per person.
- Private taxi: Around ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 for the whole car.
- Bus and shared jeep: Around ₹500 to ₹900 in total.
- Trek operator pickup: Many trekking companies offer shared transport from Dehradun.
These prices can change during the peak trekking season, but they are a good estimate while planning your budget.
Where Do Buses and Shared Taxis Start?
Many first-time visitors think they will find buses outside the railway station. That is not usually the case. Most buses to Purola and Mori leave from Dehradun ISBT, the city’s main bus stand. It is about 5 to 6 km from the railway station. Buses usually leave between 5:30 am and 8:00 am. Shared taxis also start filling up around the same time.
If your train reaches Dehradun late in the day, getting to Sankri on the same day may not be easy. That is why many trekkers stay in Dehradun for one night and leave early the next morning. We also suggest staying overnight before the long drive. A good night’s sleep makes the first day of your trip much more comfortable.
A Simple Route to Remember
The journey to Kedarkantha is easy once you know the route.
- Reach Dehradun Railway Station.
- Travel by road to Sankri.
- Stay overnight in Sankri if your trek starts the next day.
- Begin your Kedarkantha Trek.
Once you know these four steps, planning your trip becomes much easier. The next thing to decide is which train to book and when to reach Dehradun. That can make a big difference to how relaxed your trek begins.
Which Train Should You Book?
Dehradun has good train links with many big cities in India. If you are travelling during the winter trekking season, try to book your tickets early. December and January are the busiest months, and trains can fill up weeks in advance.
Some popular trains to Dehradun are:
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express from New Delhi.
- Nanda Devi Express from New Delhi.
- Mussoorie Express from Delhi.
- Upasana Express from Kolkata.
- Kochuveli Dehradun Express from Kerala.
Train timings can change during the year, so always check the latest schedule on the IRCTC website or app before booking.
When Should You Reach Dehradun?
Try to reach Dehradun one day before your trek starts. Many people plan to arrive in the morning and leave for Sankri on the same day. This can work if everything goes as planned. But trains can get delayed, especially in winter when fog is common in North India.
If you reach a day early, you can relax, buy any last-minute items, and start the road trip feeling fresh. A little extra time can save you a lot of stress later. We also recommend keeping a Buffer Day After Kedarkantha Trek if your return train or flight is important.
Should You Take a Flight Instead?
Flights are a good choice if you are coming from places that are far from Uttarakhand. If you are travelling from South India or East India, flying to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun can save many hours. From the airport, you can take a taxi or join your trek operator’s pickup to Sankri.
If you are coming from Delhi or nearby states, the train is often the better choice. It usually costs less, and you do not have to worry about baggage limits for your trekking gear.
Plan Your Return Trip Too
Many trekkers only plan how to reach Kedarkantha. They forget about the return trip until the last day. Most group treks reach Dehradun between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm on the final day. Sometimes the drive takes longer because of traffic, bad weather, or road work.
To stay safe, keep these tips in mind:
- Do not book a train before 9:00 pm on the last day.
- An overnight train is usually the safest option.
- If your train leaves early the next morning, stay one more night in Dehradun.
It is always better to wait a few extra hours than to miss your train.
A Simple Travel Plan
If this is your first Kedarkantha Trek, this plan works well for most people.
- Day 1: Reach Dehradun and stay overnight.
- Day 2: Drive to Sankri.
- Day 3: Trek to the first campsite.
- Day 4: Trek to the next campsite.
- Day 5: Climb to the Kedarkantha Summit and return.
- Day 6: Drive back to Dehradun.
Read our detailed guide on: Kedarkantha Summit Day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time trekkers make the same mistakes. A little planning can help you avoid them.
- Booking the cheapest train without checking its arrival time.
- Choosing Haridwar just because more trains stop there.
- Reaching Dehradun late and expecting to leave for Sankri the same day.
- Booking a return train with very little extra time.
- Not checking the weather before travelling.
Avoid these mistakes, and your trip will be much easier from the start.
Final Thoughts
For almost every traveller, Dehradun Railway Station is the best starting point for the Kedarkantha Trek. It is the closest major railway station, has good train connections, and offers the easiest road trip to Sankri.
Before you book your tickets, think about your full travel plan instead of only the train. Reach Dehradun with some extra time, choose the right transport to Sankri, and keep a buffer for your return journey. These small choices can make your trek much more relaxed.
FAQs
Which is the railway station closest to Kedarkantha Trek?
Dehradun Railway Station is the closest and best railway station for the Kedarkantha Trek. It has the easiest road route to Sankri.
Is Haridwar better than Dehradun?
No. Haridwar has more trains, but Dehradun is closer to Sankri and is the meeting point for most trek groups.
How far is Sankri from Dehradun Railway Station?
The distance is about 190 km. Some websites may show a different number because they measure from different places. The drive usually takes 8 to 10 hours.
Can I reach Sankri by train?
No. There is no railway station in Sankri. The last part of the trip is always by road.
Are buses available from Dehradun to Sankri?
Yes. Morning buses leave from Dehradun ISBT for towns like Purola and Mori. From there, you can take a shared jeep or taxi to Sankri. Many trekkers also book a shared taxi or pickup through their trek operator.
