Nestled in the serene hills of Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, the quaint village of Sari is scripting a remarkable success story in rural tourism and self-employment. Located on the popular Tungnath-Chopta trekking route, Sari has transformed from a quiet, lesser-known hamlet into a vibrant tourist hub—thanks to the locals’ innovative adoption of homestays and government-supported tourism initiatives.
A vision that sparked a movement
The seeds of Sari’s tourism success were sown back in 1999, when local mountain guide Murli Singh Negi pioneered the concept of homestays in the village. Recognising the growing influx of trekkers and nature lovers to the region, Negi refurbished his ancestral home to accommodate visitors, offering them a taste of traditional mountain hospitality. His efforts set a powerful precedent, gradually inspiring others in the village to follow suit.
Today, around 50 homestays operate in Sari, offering not just shelter but authentic experiences rooted in the local Garhwali culture. These homestays provide food and lodging aligned with the rural mountain lifestyle, offering guests a warm, immersive encounter with village life.
Employment and empowerment
The growing homestay network in Sari has brought about a significant socio-economic shift in the region. According to local estimates, the initiative has created direct and indirect employment for over 250 people, including cooks, guides, transport providers, and support staff.
Out of the 50 active homestays, 41 are registered with the Uttarakhand tourism department. Many families have also benefitted from government schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Tourist Home Stay Scheme and the Trekking Traction Center Home-Stay Scheme, under which 30 individuals have received grants to support and upgrade their offerings.
Halting migration, reviving the village
Perhaps the most profound impact of the homestay boom has been on rural migration, a longstanding issue in Uttarakhand’s hill regions. In contrast to many nearby villages witnessing depopulation, Sari remains fully alive and thriving.
Local resident G.S. Bhatt shares that in the past year alone, the village hosted over 7,000 tourists, reinforcing its position as a sustainable model of self-reliance. "Because of the employment generated here, very few people are leaving. The youth are engaged, and the village is bustling all year round," he says.
Chief Minister's endorsement
Sari’s success has not gone unnoticed. In December, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the village during his tour of Rudraprayag district. Opting to stay overnight in a local homestay, the CM dined with villagers and experienced their hospitality firsthand.
Praising Sari as a model village, he remarked, “The homestay model is now gaining strong ground in rural Uttarakhand. It is creating livelihood opportunities while preserving local culture. This success story will inspire many others.”
Gateway to scenic treks
Sari is not just a destination but a strategic gateway to several popular treks, making it especially appealing to nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Tungnath Trek, which leads to one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, is about 30 kilometers away. The Chopta Trek, known for its scenic valley and blooming rhododendrons, is approximately 25 kilometers from the village. The picturesque Deoria Tal Trek, a favorite among photographers and spiritual seekers, starts right from Sari and is a short 3-kilometer hike.
Sari village’s transformation is a testament to the power of grassroots entrepreneurship, effective government support, and community spirit. In a region where outward migration once threatened the social fabric, tourism has become a tool for revival, dignity, and growth. As Sari continues to welcome tourists from around the world, it stands as a shining example of how sustainable rural tourism can reshape lives and landscapes.
Follow us
