Are you planning a journey from the beautiful valley town of Didihat 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.
Didihat to Almora Distance
The road distance between Didihat and Almora is approximately 147 to 148 kilometers. The travel time typically ranges from 2 hours 27 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes by road, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Didihat
Due to the mountainous terrain, road travel is the most direct and common way to get from Didihat 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.
- Didihat to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 147 to 148 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 2 hours 27 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, likely passing through areas like Sheraghat and Berinag. The roads are generally well-maintained but can be winding.
- 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. It’s a good idea to start early to avoid traffic and enjoy daylight views.
- Didihat to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 147-148 km.
- Travel Time: Around 2 hours 27 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are usually available in Didihat. You can book them through local taxi stands. Online services might be less common for this specific route but can be explored.
- Fares can start from around ₹2,500 to ₹3,000.
- 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 Didihat to Almora.
- Didihat to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 147-148 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of stops and the specific service.
- Starting Point: Buses and shared jeeps/taxis are usually available from Didihat’s local bus stand. You might find direct buses or services that involve a change at a hub like Pithoragarh or Bageshwar.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: Fewer direct bus options might be available compared to major routes, and schedules can 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 Didihat. Shared taxis or jeeps 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)
Didihat does not have its own railway station. The nearest railway stations to Didihat are Kathgodam (about 195-228 km away) and Tanakpur (about 198 km away). Almora also doesn’t have a railway station, with Kathgodam being its nearest major railhead (about 82-95 km away). Taking a train from Didihat would involve significant road travel to a railway station, a train journey, and then another road journey to Almora, making it highly inefficient and impractical for this route.
- Nearest Railway Station to Didihat: Kathgodam (KGM) or Tanakpur (TPU).
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM).
- Overall: This multi-step process is much less practical than simply taking a direct road transport from Didihat to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Didihat has its own Naini Saini Airport (PGH) in Pithoragarh, but it has limited commercial flights. The nearest major operational airport for the Kumaon region is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). While both Didihat (around 250 km) and Almora (around 115-127 km) are connected to Pantnagar by road, there are no direct flights between Didihat and Almora. Flying for such a relatively short distance within the same mountainous region is not practical or economical.
- Nearest Airport to Didihat: Naini Saini Airport (Pithoragarh), or Pantnagar Airport (PGH).
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH).
- Overall: Not a viable option for this inter-hill station travel.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Didihat and Almora, the choice is clear and simple:
- For convenience, comfort, and directness: 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 scenic route, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the beauty of the Kumaon region as you move from Didihat to Almora. Enjoy your journey to the serene hills of Almora:)
