Are you planning a beautiful journey from the scenic town of Pithoragarh 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.
Pithoragarh to Almora Distance
The road distance between Pithoragarh and Almora is approximately 115 to 122 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Pithoragarh
Due to the mountainous terrain, road travel is the most direct and common way to get from Pithoragarh to Almora.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Common and Convenient)
Travelling by road is the most popular choice for this route, offering stunning views as you wind through the Kumaon hills.
- Pithoragarh to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 115 to 122 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and any stops you make.
- Route: The journey involves scenic mountain roads. You’ll pass through charming landscapes as you head towards Almora, possibly via routes like NH9 and NH309A.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking views. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: Driving on winding mountain roads requires careful attention.
- Tips: Drive carefully, especially on curves. The roads are generally well-maintained but can be challenging for those not used to mountain driving.
- Pithoragarh to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 115-122 km.
- Travel Time: Around 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Pithoragarh. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Goibibo, EaseMyTrip, or SpTaxi Service.
- Fares can vary, but generally start from around ₹3,890 for a hatchback, ₹3,900 for a sedan, and ₹5,475 for an SUV (EaseMyTrip). Some services quote prices from ₹12/km (SpTaxi Service).
- 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, and a professional driver handles the mountain roads.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public transport options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any extra charges like tolls, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical way to travel from Pithoragarh to Almora.
- Pithoragarh to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 115-122 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically around 4 to 5 hours.
- Starting Point: Buses are available from Pithoragarh’s bus stand. You might find services directly to Almora or to nearby major towns like Haldwani, from where you’d connect to Almora.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: Fewer options compared to taxis, and schedules might be limited. Buses can be less comfortable than private cars, especially on winding roads.
- Tips: Inquire about bus timings and availability at the local bus stand in Pithoragarh. Shared taxis are often a good alternative if bus timings don’t suit, offering a balance of cost and convenience.
3. By Train (Not Direct, Not Recommended)
Pithoragarh does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway station to Pithoragarh is Tanakpur (approx. 138 km away), and the nearest major railway station for Almora is Kathgodam (approx. 82-95 km away). Since both towns are primarily accessed by road and the train journey would involve multiple transfers and backtracking, taking a train is not a practical or efficient option for this route.
- Nearest Railway Station to Pithoragarh: Tanakpur (TPU).
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM).
- Overall: This multi-step process is much less practical than simply taking a direct bus or taxi from Pithoragarh to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical for Direct Travel)
Pithoragarh has its own Naini Saini Airport (PGH), but it has limited commercial flights, primarily connecting to Dehradun. The nearest major operational airport for the Kumaon region is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is also about 115-127 km from Almora. While both Pithoragarh and Almora are relatively close to Pantnagar Airport, there are no direct flights between Pithoragarh and Almora. Flying for such a short distance within the same region is not practical or economical.
- Pithoragarh’s Naini Saini Airport (PGH): Around 125 km from Almora by road.
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH): Around 115-127 km from Almora by road.
- Overall: Not a viable option for this short inter-hill station travel.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Pithoragarh and Almora, the choice is clear and simple:
- For convenience, comfort, and speed: A taxi or private car is the best option.
- For budget travellers: The bus or shared taxi/jeep is a good and economical choice.
Given the relatively short distance and scenic route, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the beauty of the Kumaon region as you move from Pithoragarh to Almora. Enjoy your journey to the serene hills of Almora:)
