Are you planning a journey from the popular hill station of Mussoorie to the peaceful town of Almora? This guide will help you understand how to travel between these two beautiful spots, making your trip easy and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its stunning scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination from Mussoorie.
Mussoorie to Almora Distance
The road distance between Mussoorie and Almora is quite significant, approximately 330 to 387 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The journey involves a long drive through varying terrains and typically takes around 6 to 10 hours.
How to Reach Almora from Mussoorie
Given the distance, a direct road journey or a combination of train/flight and road are the main options.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Flexible)
Travelling by road is a common choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the western to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
- Mussoorie to Almora by Car/Taxi:
- Distance: Roughly 330-387 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 6 hours 24 minutes to 10 hours. This can vary significantly based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: You’ll typically travel from Mussoorie to Dehradun, then head through the plains of Uttar Pradesh (often via Haridwar, Moradabad, or Rudrapur/Haldwani) before ascending into the Kumaon hills towards Almora. The mountain roads in the latter part of the journey are winding and scenic, requiring careful driving.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Mussoorie. You can book through local taxi stands or online services.
- Taxi Fare: One-way taxi fares can range from approximately ₹3,300 to ₹11,000, depending on the car type (sedan, SUV) and service provider. For instance, some services quote around ₹9,000-₹11,000 for a taxi, while others suggest ₹3,300-₹4,900 for driving. This wide range indicates the importance of confirming the fare beforehand.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore towns along the way. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It’s a long and potentially tiring drive, especially for the person driving. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s highly recommended to start very early in the morning to avoid traffic in the plains and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours, especially before entering the hilly terrain. Ensure your car is in good condition, particularly brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
2. By Train (to Nearest Station + Road)
While Mussoorie doesn’t have a train station, you can travel to Dehradun (the nearest major railway station to Mussoorie) and then take a train to the nearest railhead for Almora, followed by a road journey.
- Mussoorie to Dehradun (Road):
- A short taxi or bus ride (approx. 32 km, 1-1.5 hours) from Mussoorie.
- Dehradun to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km from Almora.
- Travel Time (Dehradun to Kathgodam): Train journeys from Dehradun to Kathgodam typically take around 7 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours 55 minutes.
- Key Trains: Options include the DDN KGM EXP (14120) and DDN JANSHTB EXP (12091).
- Train Fare (Dehradun to Kathgodam): Fares vary by class; Sleeper Class (SL) around ₹230-₹270, 3rd AC (3A) around ₹650-₹1,800.
- Pros: Train travel is generally more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s often a more economical option than flying for the long stretch.
- Cons: Requires multiple transfers (Mussoorie to Dehradun, train to Kathgodam, then road to Almora), increasing overall travel time.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Once you reach Kathgodam, you can easily find shared taxis, private cabs (taxi fares from Kathgodam to Almora start from around ₹1,312 for an AC Sedan and ₹1,968 for an AC SUV), or local buses to Almora. The drive from Kathgodam to Almora is scenic and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
3. By Air (Flight + Road – Fastest Overall)
This is often the quickest way to travel from Mussoorie to Almora, despite involving multiple segments.
- Mussoorie to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant – DED):
- Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is the nearest airport to Mussoorie (approx. 60 km, 2-3 hours drive). You would take a taxi or bus from Mussoorie to the airport.
- Dehradun Airport (DED) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora.
- Flight Options: There are often no direct flights between Dehradun and Pantnagar. You would likely need to fly from Dehradun to Delhi (DEL) and then take a connecting flight from Delhi to Pantnagar.
- Flight Duration: A direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. The total travel time, including transfers and layovers, will be significantly longer.
- Airlines: IndiGo is a common airline operating flights on these routes.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive option. Requires multiple transfers and managing baggage. You still have a significant road journey from Pantnagar to Almora.
- Tips: Book your flights well in advance for better fares. From Pantnagar Airport, you can easily hire a taxi to Almora. The taxi ride from Pantnagar to Almora takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
4. By Bus (Economical, but Long)
Direct bus services might not be frequent due to the distance and the nature of travel between these two specific hill stations, often requiring a change.
- Mussoorie to Almora by Bus:
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically long, potentially 5 hours 15 minutes or more for direct services, if available. Many routes would involve multiple changes (e.g., Mussoorie to Dehradun, Dehradun to Haldwani/Kathgodam, then to Almora).
- Bus Fare: Fares can start from around ₹2,000 for some direct-ish routes or be significantly less if taking local buses with transfers.
- Pros: Generally the most affordable option.
- Cons: This will likely be the longest and potentially least comfortable option, involving multiple transfers and long travel times.
- Tips: Check with local bus stands in Mussoorie or Dehradun for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Road Conditions:
The roads between Mussoorie and Almora, particularly the mountain sections, are winding. While generally well-maintained, care should be taken while driving. During the monsoon season (typically July to September), there can be risks of landslides, which might cause temporary blockages or require detours. As of July 3, 2025, Uttarakhand is experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to reports of numerous roads being blocked across various districts due to landslides and debris. It is advisable to check local news and road advisories for the most current information if you are traveling during the monsoon season. Plan your journey during daylight hours as much as possible, and be prepared for potential delays.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Mussoorie depends on what matters most to you:
- For the fastest overall travel time: Flight (via Delhi, if needed) to Pantnagar + Taxi is the most efficient, despite the transfers.
- For a balance of comfort and budget: A train from Dehradun to Kathgodam + Taxi is a good option for covering the long distance comfortably.
- For maximum flexibility and directness (if you prefer road travel): Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a long journey.
- For budget travellers (with patience for longer travel): The bus (likely with transfers) is the most economical choice.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Mussoorie will lead you to Almora, a charming destination known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the stunning views on your way:)
