Are you planning a spiritual and adventurous journey from the sacred Tungnath temple 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.
Tungnath to Almora Distance
The road distance between Tungnath (specifically, Chopta, the base for the trek to Tungnath) and Almora is approximately 240 to 247 kilometers. The travel time typically ranges from 8 to 9 hours by road, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make. The mountainous terrain means roads are winding, and travel can be slower.
How to Reach Almora from Tungnath
Due to the remote and high-altitude location of Tungnath, direct public transport options are limited. Road travel is the primary way to get from the Chopta region (Tungnath base) to Almora.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Most Common and Convenient)
Travelling by road is the most practical choice for this route, offering stunning views as you wind through the Himalayan ranges.
- Tungnath (Chopta) to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 240 to 247 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 8 to 9 hours. This can vary significantly based on road conditions, traffic, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: You will start by descending from Chopta, likely passing through areas like Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Gwaldam, and then through Kausani or Ranikhet before reaching Almora. The entire route is through winding mountain roads.
- 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 continuous winding mountain roads for this duration can be tiring for the driver.
- Tips: Start very early in the morning from Chopta to maximize daylight driving and avoid potential road blocks. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition, especially the brakes and tires. Carry motion sickness medication if needed.
- Tungnath (Chopta) to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 240-247 km.
- Travel Time: Around 8 to 9 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are usually available from Chopta or Ukhimath. It’s advisable to pre-book or arrange a taxi for this long journey.
- Fares for a one-way trip can vary significantly, but expect them to start from around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 as per kilometer rates (e.g., ₹8-12/km with a minimum of 250 km applies, plus driver’s allowance). Total cost could be around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 or more depending on the vehicle type (Hatchback, Sedan, SUV) and the operator.
- Pros: Very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A professional driver handles the challenging mountain roads.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public transport options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any extra charges like driver’s allowance and tolls, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted local service provider.
2. By Bus / Shared Transport (Less Direct, More Time)
Taking a bus or shared jeep/taxi is a more economical way to travel, but it will involve multiple changes and take considerably longer.
- Tungnath (Chopta) to Almora by Bus / Shared Transport:
- Distance: Approximately 240-247 km by road.
- Travel Time: This can be significantly longer than a direct taxi, potentially 10 to 14+ hours, as it involves multiple changes and waiting times.
- Route: You would typically take a shared taxi or local bus from Chopta to Ukhimath, then from Ukhimath to Rudraprayag or Karnaprayag. From there, you’d need to find another bus or shared jeep towards Ranikhet or directly to Almora. Direct buses all the way from Chopta to Almora are highly unlikely.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: The journey is very long and can be less comfortable. It involves multiple transfers, which can be inconvenient with luggage. Schedules can be unpredictable, and connections might be difficult to find at all times.
- Tips: Inquire extensively at local bus stands in Ukhimath or Rudraprayag about connections. Be prepared for a long journey with potential waiting times. This option is best for budget-conscious and flexible travellers who don’t mind a slower pace.
3. By Train (Not Practical)
Tungnath is not connected by rail, and the trek to the temple starts from Chopta. Almora also does not have a railway station. Traveling by train from the Tungnath region to Almora is not practical. It would involve a very long road journey from Chopta to the nearest railway station, then a train journey, and finally another road journey to Almora, which is highly inefficient.
- Nearest Railway Station to Tungnath (Chopta): Rishikesh (RKSH), approximately 205-255 km away by road. Haridwar and Dehradun are also significant railheads.
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 80-90 km away by road.
- Overall: This multi-step process is much less practical than simply taking a direct road transport from Chopta to Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Neither Tungnath nor Almora has an airport suitable for commercial flights. The nearest major operational airport for the Kumaon region is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). While Pantnagar Airport is about 115-127 km from Almora, and approximately 220-260 km from Tungnath/Chopta (depending on the specific route and measurement), flying for this inter-hill station route is not practical or economical.
- Nearest Airport to Tungnath (Chopta): Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 220-279 km away.
- 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 Tungnath (Chopta) 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: Shared taxis/jeeps or local buses (with multiple transfers) are economical choices, but require considerable time and patience.
Given the challenging yet incredibly scenic mountainous route, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the journey from Tungnath (Chopta) to the serene hills of Almora. Enjoy your travels:)