Sari Uttarakhand Travel Guide Treks, Homestays & Village Life
Nestled quietly in the hills of Rudraprayag district, Sari Uttarakhand is emerging as one of Uttarakhand’s finest examples of sustainable rural tourism. Once a sleepy Himalayan hamlet, Sari today thrives as a trekking base, cultural hub, and homestay destination—while still preserving its traditional Garhwali soul.
Located on the Tungnath–Chopta circuit, Sari Uttarakhand offers travelers a rare blend of adventure, village life, and mountain serenity.
🌄 Sari Uttarakhand – Location & Landscape
Sari Village sits at an altitude of ~2,000 meters, around 20 km before Chopta, surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forests and sweeping Himalayan views.
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Distance from Ukhimath: ~12 km
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Distance from Rishikesh: ~225 km
Its peaceful setting and strategic location make Sari an ideal base for multiple treks across the Garhwal region.
🥾 Gateway to Scenic Treks in Uttarakhand
Sari Uttarakhand is much more than a picturesque village—it is a trekking gateway to some of the most iconic trails in Uttarakhand.
Tungnath Temple Trek
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Distance from Sari: ~30 km (road + trek)
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One of the highest Shiva temples in the world
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Combines spiritual significance with dramatic Himalayan views
Chopta Trek
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Sari village to Chopta distance: ~20 km by road
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Famous for alpine meadows and rhododendron forests
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Often called the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand
Deoria Tal Trek
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Distance: 2.5–3 km (one way)
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Starts directly from Sari Village
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Known for mirror-like reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks
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Ideal for beginners, photographers, and birdwatchers
🏔️ Extended Trekking Routes from Sari
For seasoned trekkers, Sari also connects to lesser-known but breathtaking routes:
Deoria Tal to Syalmi via Rohini Bugyal
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Trek Distance: 9.1 km
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Trek Duration: 6–7 hours
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Passes through alpine meadows (bugyals) and forest trails
Syalmi to Chopta Trek
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Trek Distance: 6 km
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Trek Duration: ~6 hours
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Altitude Gain: 7,600 ft to 8,520 ft
⚠️ Note: Rohini Bugyal Trek is accessible only in April–June and September–October, subject to weather, forest permissions, and guide approval.
Sari Village Homestays – Authentic Garhwali Living
When hotels in Chopta close during heavy snowfall, Sari Village becomes the most reliable and welcoming stay option. Today, around 50 homestays operate in the village, offering travelers an authentic mountain lifestyle.
What Makes Sari Homestays Special?
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Traditional Garhwali homes
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Home-cooked local food (mandua roti, dal, sabzi)
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Warm hospitality and cultural interaction
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Peaceful stays away from crowded hill stations
Out of these, 41 homestays are registered with Uttarakhand Tourism, ensuring safe and regulated accommodation.
🌱 Rural Empowerment Through Tourism
Sari Village stands as a model of community-led tourism development in Uttarakhand.
Government Support Schemes:
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Deen Dayal Upadhyay Tourist Home Stay Scheme
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Trekking Traction Center Home-Stay Scheme
Under these initiatives:
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30 villagers received financial grants
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Over 250 locals gained employment as guides, cooks, drivers, and hosts
Tourism here directly supports families while preserving nature and culture.
🔄 Reversing Migration, Reviving Village Life
While many Himalayan villages face depopulation, Sari Uttarakhand tells a different story.
Local resident G. S. Bhatt proudly shares that over 7,000 tourists visited Sari in the past year, resulting in:
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Increased household income
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Youth employment
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A vibrant, self-sustaining village economy
“Because of the employment generated here, very few people are leaving. The youth are engaged, and the village is bustling.”
🌼 Why Visit Sari Uttarakhand?
🌿 Rustic Himalayan Charm
Apple and peach orchards, terraced farms, and snow-clad peaks create postcard-perfect views.
🌿 Untouched Natural Beauty
Sari remains largely crowd-free, offering tranquility rarely found in popular hill stations.
🌿 Cultural Immersion
Experience authentic Garhwali village life—farming, livestock rearing, festivals, and traditions untouched by mass tourism.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife
Located near the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, the region hosts rich birdlife, butterflies, and alpine flora.
🌊 Deoria Tal – The Emerald Lake of Uttarakhand
The Deoria Tal–Chandrashila–Tungnath circuit offers an ideal introduction to Himalayan trekking. From tranquil lakes and alpine forests to panoramic summits, this route blends ease, adventure, and natural diversity into one unforgettable journey.
🧭 Conclusion
Sari Uttarakhand is not just a village—it is a living example of how tourism can empower communities without harming nature. Whether you come for trekking, village life, homestays, or quiet Himalayan mornings, Sari offers an experience that feels genuine and deeply enriching.
If you are looking beyond crowded hill stations and want to experience real Uttarakhand, Sari Village deserves a place on your travel list.
