Sari Village (also spelled Saari) is a peaceful Himalayan village nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Located at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, it offers breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas and serves as a serene base for several popular treks.
The village is known for its warm hospitality, scenic beauty, and traditional Garhwali lifestyle. With its proximity to Chopta and Deoriatal, Sari Village has become a sought-after destination for both nature lovers and trekkers.
From the very entrance of Sari, one can catch a stunning glimpse of Tungnath and the Chandrashila summit towering in the distance. It glows beautifully during sunrise and sunset, giving trekkers their first visual motivation before the journey begins.
Gateway to Deoriatal Lake
Sari Village is best known as the starting point of the Deoriatal Trek, a short and scenic 2.5 km hike to a pristine lake surrounded by dense forests and towering Himalayan peaks. The trek is beginner-friendly and can be completed in 2-3 hours.
Deoriatal is famous for its mirror-like reflection of the Chaukhamba peaks, especially during sunrise. Many trekkers prefer to camp near the lake for a magical stargazing experience under the clear Himalayan sky. One can stay at Heaven Hills Camps (The partner company of Montaxe) near Deorital lake.
The trail from Sari to Deoriatal is well-marked and passes through rhododendron forests, small meadows, and occasional glimpses of local wildlife. It’s one of the most accessible and picturesque short treks in Uttarakhand.
At Deoria Tal, there is a small temple dedicated to the local deity Deoria Nag Raj, revered by villagers from the surrounding region. Every year, on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, a traditional mela (fair) is held at the lake, where locals gather to offer prayers, celebrate with music and food, and honor the deity.
Local Culture and Lifestyle
The residents of Sari Village belong to the Garhwali community and practice a simple, mountain-based lifestyle. Most families are engaged in farming, animal husbandry, and tourism-based activities like running homestays or guiding treks.
Traditional stone-and-wood homes, colorful temples, and terraced fields dominate the village landscape. Festivals like Harela, Phooldei, and Igaas Bagwaal are celebrated with folk music, dance, and rituals passed down through generations.
The villagers speak Garhwali and Hindi, and visitors often experience heartfelt hospitality and locally cooked organic meals, usually made from ingredients grown locally.
Sari as a Trekking Base
Sari is not just a gateway to Deoriatal; it also acts as a hub for several offbeat and high-altitude treks. From here, trekkers can venture toward Jhandi Top, a lesser-known viewpoint offering panoramic Himalayan views.
Another beautiful destination is Rohini Bugyal, a vast meadow surrounded by forests, perfect for camping. Beyond that lies Bisudi Tal, a hidden alpine lake for trekkers looking for solitude and wilderness.
Adventurous trekkers can also link their journey from Deoriatal to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak, combining culture with adventure. This route is part of the extended Chopta–Chandrashila trek and offers views of major peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath.
Places to Visit Around Sari Village
Sunset Point, just a short hike from the village, offers panoramic sunset views over the Himalayas. The golden light falling over the mountain ranges makes it a must-visit.
Bhim Pathar is a local site associated with the legend of Bhima from the Mahabharata and draws visitors with its unique rock formations.
Omkarratneshwar Temple is a centuries-old shrine revered by locals for its spiritual significance.
Nearby towns like Ukhimath serve as the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples. Makkumath is the winter abode of the deity from Tungnath Temple. Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is just a short drive away. Kalimath is a sacred site and one of the Shakti Peeths in India.
Things to Do in and Around Sari Village
Go for a short hike to Sunset Point or a full-day trek to Deoriatal and Rohini Bugyal. The region is perfect for bird watching, especially during early morning hours when the forest comes alive with Himalayan bird calls.
The Valley is home to the vibrant Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Barbet, Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Golden Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Scarlet Minivet, Verditer Flycatcher and many migratory birds.
Take a village tour to explore traditional Garhwali homes, step farms, and ancient temples. Learn about local customs, architecture, and even try your hand at local crafts or cooking.
If visiting during local festivals, enjoy folk dances, regional food, and temple fairs.
How to Reach Sari Village
Sari Village is well connected by road and lies about 20 km before Chopta. The nearest major town is Ukhimath, and the last motorable road ends at the village itself.
Buses and shared cabs are available from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Ukhimath. From there, a local taxi can take you to Sari. During peak season, pre-booking transport is recommended.
How To Reach Sari
By Air:
The nearest airport to Sari Village is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 210 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sari Village, a journey that typically takes around 7–8 hours.
By Train:
The closest major railway stations are Haridwar Junction and Rishikesh Railway Station, located about 190 kilometers from Sari Village. Both stations are well-connected to major cities across India. From either station, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Sari Village, with the journey taking approximately 7–8 hours.
By Road:
Sari Village is accessible by road and is well-connected to several towns and cities in Uttarakhand.
- From Rishikesh: Approximately 200 kilometers away, the journey takes around 7–8 hours via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Kund, and Ukhimath.
- From Dehradun: About 220 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 8–9 hours following the same route through Rishikesh.
- From Haridwar: Approximately 190 kilometers distant, taking around 7–8 hours via the same route.
Regular buses and shared taxis operate from Rishikesh and Haridwar to Ukhimath, which is about 12 kilometers from Sari Village. From Ukhimath, local taxis or shared vehicles can be hired to reach Sari.
How to reach Sari from Delhi:
If traveling from Delhi, you can take a direct bus to Ukhimath from ISBT during the evening. If direct buses are unavailable, consider traveling to Rishikesh or Rudraprayag first, then proceeding to Ukhimath and finally to Sari Village. The total distance from Delhi to Sari is approximately 450 kilometers, with a travel time of around 12–13 hours.
Local Transportation:
Once in Ukhimath, Sari Village is a short 12-kilometer journey. Local taxis and shared vehicles are readily available for this final leg.
Note: Travel times can vary based on road conditions and traffic. It’s advisable to check the current schedules and road conditions before planning your journey.
Distances from Major Cities
- Dehradun – 225 km (approx. 8–9 hours by road)
- Rishikesh – 200 km (approx. 7–8 hours)
- Haridwar – 220 km (approx. 8 hours)
- Delhi – 450 km (approx. 12–13 hours)
- Chandigarh – 460 km (approx. 13 hours)
Places to Stay: Heaven Hills Cottages by Montaxe
Heaven Hills Cottages is the most recommended stay in Sari Village, operated by Montaxe, a leading adventure travel company in Uttarakhand. The cottages offer cozy wooden rooms, attached washrooms, local food, and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re heading to Sari Village for the scenic Deoriatal trek or preparing to visit the sacred Tungnath Temple—the highest Shiva temple in the world—Montaxe is here to guide your experience. With expert-led treks, cozy stays at Heaven Hills Cottages, and local insights, we make sure your journey is safe, memorable, and meaningful.
Don’t forget to check the Tungnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates for 2025 and plan your adventure accordingly.
