Before you go
Sankri with elderly parents: what to know
- Allow a full day for the road from Dehradun and break the journey at Purola or Mussoorie if parents tire easily.
- Spend a night at Sankri before any trek; at about 1,950 m, altitude can cause headaches and poor sleep in the first night.
- Carry cash from Purola or Mori, plus regular medicines and a basic first aid kit, as there are no medical facilities nearby.
- Pack warm layers in all seasons; evenings are cold even in May, and January and February bring snow.
- Choose short forest walks or a visit to Naitwar rather than a full trek unless fitness and medical clearance are good.
- Keep a driver and a plan for road closures, which can occur in monsoon and after heavy snow.
Easiest first
Places in Sankri sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (1)
- Karna Temple, Naitwar (Places of worship · 45-60 minutes) — The temple is a short stop from the road and a good option for travellers who will not trek. Expect a few steps and uneven ground, and wear shoes that slip off easily.
Some walking — plan a break (1)
- Sankri Village (Places to visit · 1-2 nights as a base; an afternoon for a short walk) — The village is on a gentle slope and the lanes are rough, with few handrails. At about 1,950 m, older travellers feel the altitude on the first evening, so rest and drink water. Stays are simple homestays and lodges; check for hot water and bedding warmth in winter.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (6)
- Bali Pass Trek (Places to visit · About 8 days from Sankri to Janki Chatti) — Not suitable for older travellers: it is a high, exposed pass with long days and a steep descent. Older parents can stay in Sankri and walk its village lanes, or travel round by road to Janki Chatti near Yamunotri to meet the trekkers at the end.
- Govind Pashu Vihar National Park (Places to visit · 2 days for short walks; 5-7 days for Har Ki Dun) — Almost all access is on foot, on uneven mountain trails, at altitudes from about 1,900 m upwards. Older travellers are best served by short walks around Sankri rather than the long treks, and by travelling with a doctor-approved plan.
- Har Ki Dun Valley (Places to visit · Usually 6-7 days round trip from Sankri) — This is a sustained trek with long days, uneven stone paths and a climb to about 3,566 m. Older travellers should only attempt it with a medical check, good fitness and an experienced guide; Osla is a more realistic goal.
- Kedarkantha Trek (Places to visit · About 4 days from Sankri) — The summit day involves a long, steep climb in cold air and often snow. Older travellers should not attempt it without fitness, medical clearance and a trusted guide; the early forest stages are a gentler option.
- Osla Village and Someshwar Temple (Places of worship · 2-3 hours for the village; an overnight if you can) — There is no road to the village; the final stretch is a walk of roughly 3.5 to 4 km on uneven ground. Some older travellers manage it at a slow pace, but mules are not guaranteed and there are no medical facilities.
- Rupin Pass Trek (Places to visit · About 7–8 days on foot, plus road travel at each end) — This is a high, committing crossing and is not suitable for most older travellers. Older parents can stay in Sankri or near Naitwar, visit the Karna temple and village lanes, and then travel round by road to meet the trekkers at Sangla, which has an easy riverside setting of its own.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Sankri with parents
Mori and the Tons valleyBest for: River-focused stays in the rafting season
Small decisions
Practical tips for Sankri
- Cash. Withdraw cash at Purola or Mori. ATMs are scarce beyond Mori and homestays usually prefer cash.
- Mobile signal. Signal is patchy and often absent on trek routes. Purola is the last place with a reliably stable signal; share your itinerary before you leave.
- Altitude. Sankri is about 1,950 m. Arrive a day before any trek, drink water, avoid alcohol and descend if symptoms worsen.
- Permits and guides. Forest permits and a registered guide are normally needed for treks in Govind Pashu Vihar. Arrange them through your host or the Sankri forest office.
- Cold. Snow falls in January and February and nights are cold in all seasons. Pack layers, a warm cap and gloves.
- Road. The drive from Dehradun is long and winding; monsoon rain and snow can close sections. Keep a spare day in your plan.
- Dress and etiquette. Dress modestly in villages and temples, remove footwear where asked and ask before photographing people or rituals.
- Waste. Carry rubbish back to Sankri. The park has little waste infrastructure and the trails depend on visitors taking responsibility.
Plan the rest of your Sankri trip
Want help?
Have Sankri planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.