Are you planning a journey from the bustling city of Ghaziabad to the peaceful hills of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your trip easy and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination.
Ghaziabad to Almora Distance
The road distance between Ghaziabad and Almora is approximately 250 to 342 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 7 to 9 hours, but can extend to 10-12 hours depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Ghaziabad
You have several choices for getting from Ghaziabad to Almora. Each option has its own benefits, whether you prefer comfort, cost-effectiveness, or a quicker journey.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Travelling by road is a popular choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the plains to the hills.
- Ghaziabad to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 250-342 km. A common distance cited is 317 km or 342 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 7 to 9 hours. Some routes, especially via Jim Corbett (Ramnagar), can be quicker, around 8 hours. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: Common routes involve heading towards Rudrapur or Kashipur. Another option involves going through Ramnagar (near Jim Corbett National Park), which can offer a more direct path to the hills. The initial part of the journey is on relatively flat highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It can be tiring for the person driving, especially on the winding mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s a good idea to start early in the morning from Ghaziabad to avoid any potential traffic and enjoy the pleasant weather in the hills. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Ghaziabad to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 250-342 km.
- Travel Time: Around 7.5 to 9 hours. For example, a trip covering 337 km is estimated at 7 hours 23 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Ghaziabad. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Uber, MakeMyTrip, or Bharat Cab. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. You can expect taxi fares for a sedan to start around ₹5,500 to ₹7,499 for a one-way trip. SUVs will be more expensive, starting around ₹7,500 to ₹9,500.
- Pros: Very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It offers comfortable door-to-door service.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public transport options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any extra charges like tolls or night driving fees, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical and practical way to travel from Ghaziabad to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Ghaziabad to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 237-342 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys typically take around 8.5 to 11.5 hours. For example, some buses take about 9 hours 50 minutes.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from boarding points like EDM Mall, World Square Mall Mohan Nagar, or ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Ghaziabad (or Delhi, a short distance away).
- Bus Types: You’ll find various buses, including AC Seater/Sleeper options, often operated by private companies like Mahalaxmi Travels or Zingbus Plus. UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) buses also operate on routes that connect to the Kumaon region.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹1,261 to ₹2,999. Buses often offer direct connectivity to Almora.
- Cons: The journey can be long and sometimes less comfortable, particularly on ordinary buses. Schedules can occasionally be delayed.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during festive seasons or holidays. For a more comfortable journey, inquire about AC or sleeper buses. Carry enough water and snacks for the trip.
3. By Train
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, you can take a train from Ghaziabad to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable way to cover the first part of the journey.
- Ghaziabad to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), located about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel Time (Ghaziabad to Kathgodam/Lal Kuan): Train journeys from Ghaziabad to Kathgodam typically take around 5 to 6 hours. For example, the Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040) takes 5 hours. Some trains to Lal Kuan can be as fast as 4 hours 45 minutes.
- Key Trains: Several trains run daily, including KATHGODAM SHTBDI (12040), UTR SAMPRK KRTI (15035), and RANIKHET EXP (15013) to Kathgodam.
- Train Fare: Train tickets can range from ₹110 for 2S (Second Seating) to ₹810 for CC (AC Chair Car) or ₹1,260 for EC (Executive Class) on the Shatabdi.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing than a long bus journey, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You will need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora, adding an extra step to your journey.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak times, as seats can fill up quickly. Once you reach Kathgodam, you’ll easily find shared taxis, private cabs (fares from Kathgodam to Almora can range from ₹2,900 to ₹5,900), and local buses that will take you the remaining 2.5 to 3 hours to Almora.
4. By Air (Flight + Road)
This option involves flying to the nearest airport and then continuing by road.
- Ghaziabad (Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi – DEL) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora. Ghaziabad is very close to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which is the major hub for flights to Pantnagar.
- Flight Options: There are direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar, typically operated by airlines like IndiGo. The flight duration is usually around 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance.
- Cons: You will need to travel from Ghaziabad to Delhi Airport first, and then from Pantnagar Airport to Almora. This adds significant travel time and cost. Flight fares can vary, starting from around ₹3,696.
- Tips: From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi to Almora. Taxi fares from Pantnagar to Almora for a sedan can range from ₹4,973 to ₹6,730. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Ghaziabad depends on what matters most to you:
- For budget travellers: The bus or a train to Kathgodam followed by a bus are the most economical choices.
- For comfort and a balanced journey: A combination of train to Kathgodam and then a taxi is a good option.
- For maximum flexibility and a direct route: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car gives you the most control and can be quite fast.
- For the fastest overall travel time (if willing to pay more and manage connections): A flight from Delhi to Pantnagar followed by a taxi is technically the quickest for the air leg, but less direct from Ghaziabad itself and generally more expensive.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Ghaziabad to Almora will lead you to a charming destination known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora!
