Are you planning a long and scenic journey from the vibrant town of Kasol in Himachal Pradesh to the peaceful hills of Almora in Uttarakhand? This guide will help you understand all the ways to travel, making your trip easy and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can reach this lovely destination.
Kasol to Almora Distance
The road distance between Kasol and Almora is substantial, approximately 680 to 860 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. This is a long inter-state journey. The travel time typically ranges from 13 to 22 hours by road, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make. Given the distance, this journey often requires an overnight stop or significant driving time.
How to Reach Almora from Kasol
Given the significant distance and mountainous terrain in parts of both states, road travel is the primary method, though multi-modal journeys involving buses, trains, and even flights are possible for those seeking alternatives.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi (Long but Direct)
Travelling by road is a common choice for those who prefer a direct journey, offering extensive views across two different Himalayan regions.
- Kasol to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 680 to 860 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 13 to 17 hours of continuous driving. However, for a comfortable journey, it’s highly recommended to break it down into two days with an overnight stop.
- Route: The journey will take you from Kasol, likely through Bhuntar to Mandi, then towards Chandigarh/Ambala, before heading into Uttarakhand via cities like Haridwar/Moradabad/Rudrapur and then ascending to Almora. This involves a mix of national highways and winding mountain roads.
- Pros: You have the most flexibility to stop, rest, and enjoy the diverse landscapes. It’s suitable for groups or families.
- Cons: It’s a very long drive that can be tiring. Driving through plains and then ascending into the hills requires varying driving skills.
- Tips: Plan for an overnight stop. Ensure your vehicle is serviced and fit for a long journey. Carry all necessary documents and an emergency kit.
- Kasol to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 680-860 km.
- Travel Time: Around 13 to 17 hours of driving. You might want to hire a taxi for the entire journey, potentially with a driver who can manage such long distances.
- Booking: Taxis can be booked from local taxi stands in Kasol or through online services. For such a long inter-state trip, it’s highly advisable to discuss the itinerary, overnight stays, and full fare structure in advance.
- Fares for a one-way trip can be substantial, starting from around ₹9,000 to ₹11,000. The cost will vary based on the vehicle type (sedan or SUV) and the operator.
- Pros: Most convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. A professional driver handles the long and varied road conditions. Comfortable door-to-door service.
- Cons: This is the most expensive option.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including all extra charges (tolls, driver’s allowance, potential overnight stay charges for the driver) before starting your journey. Book from a reputable service provider.
2. By Bus (Most Economical, but Longest)
Taking a bus is the most economical way to travel, but it will be a very long journey and will likely involve changes.
- Kasol to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 680-860 km by road.
- Travel Time: This can be very long, typically 20 to 24 hours or more, as it involves multiple transfers and significant waiting times.
- Route: You would usually start by taking a local bus or shared taxi from Kasol to Bhuntar. From Bhuntar, you can find buses to major hubs like Delhi or Chandigarh. From Delhi, you would then need to find another bus (often overnight Volvos) to cities like Kathgodam or Haldwani, and then a local bus or shared taxi to Almora.
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel.
- Cons: The journey is extremely long and can be quite tiring. It involves multiple transfers, which can be inconvenient, especially with luggage. Bus schedules can be unpredictable, leading to long waits.
- Tips: Book tickets for major legs (e.g., Bhuntar to Delhi, Delhi to Kathgodam) in advance. Carry adequate snacks, water, and entertainment for the long journey.
3. By Train (Indirect, Not Recommended)
Neither Kasol nor Almora has a direct railway station. Traveling by train would involve multiple transfers and is not a practical direct option for this route.
- Nearest Railway Station to Kasol:
- Joginder Nagar (JDNX): A narrow-gauge station, about 144 km away.
- Pathankot (PTK): A broad-gauge station, about 150 km away, offering better connectivity.
- Chandigarh (CDG): A major railway hub, further away (around 300-310 km), but with excellent connectivity.
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora:
- Kathgodam (KGM): About 80-90 km away, well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi.
- Overall Process (Example): You would need to take a taxi/bus from Kasol to Pathankot or Chandigarh, then a train to Delhi, and then another train to Kathgodam, followed by a taxi/bus to Almora. This multi-step process is very time-consuming and often more expensive than a direct road journey.
4. By Air (Fastest, but Costly and Requires Transfers)
Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance, but it’s often the most expensive and involves multiple transfers.
- Nearest Airport to Kasol:
- Kullu Manali Airport (KUU) in Bhuntar: Approximately 31 km from Kasol. It has limited flights, mainly to Delhi.
- Nearest Airport to Almora:
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH): Approximately 115-120 km from Almora. It also has limited connectivity.
- Overall Process: You would fly from Kullu (Bhuntar) to Delhi (DEL), and then potentially take another flight from Delhi to Pantnagar. From Pantnagar, you would need to hire a taxi to Almora.
- Pros: Significantly reduces travel time.
- Cons: Most expensive option. Involves multiple airport transfers, which can be time-consuming and add to the hassle. Flight schedules might not align perfectly.
- Tips: Book flights well in advance for better fares. Consider the time taken for transfers between flights and between airports/destinations.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel between Kasol and Almora, consider these factors:
- For convenience, comfort, and directness (though long): A private car or taxi is the best option, ideally with an overnight stop.
- For budget travellers who have ample time: Buses with multiple transfers will be the most economical, but also the longest and most physically demanding.
- For speed, despite cost and transfers: A combination of flight + taxi might be considered, but it’s not a straightforward journey.
Given the significant distance and diverse terrain, carefully plan your journey from the Himachali charm of Kasol to the serene Kumaoni hills of Almora. Enjoy your travels:)
