Are you planning a spiritual and scenic journey from the tranquil Kainchi Dham ashram to the beautiful hill station of Almora? This guide will help you understand all the easy ways to travel by road, making your trip simple and enjoyable. Almora, located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is famous for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and calm atmosphere. Kainchi Dham, with its renowned ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, is a significant spiritual center nestled amidst lush green hills.
Kainchi Dham to Almora by Road Distance
The road distance between Kainchi Dham and Almora is approximately 90 to 110 kilometers, depending on the specific route you choose. This makes it a comfortable medium-distance road trip through the winding Himalayan roads. The travel time typically ranges from 3 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes by car or taxi, and potentially longer by bus, depending on road conditions, weather, and the number of stops.
How to Travel by Road from Kainchi Dham to Almora
Direct road travel is the most practical and common way to get from Kainchi Dham to Almora.
1. By Car or Taxi (Most Recommended & Convenient)
Travelling by car or taxi is the most popular and efficient way to get from Kainchi Dham to Almora. The drive is scenic, offering beautiful views as you move through the hills.
- Kainchi Dham to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 90 to 110 km.
- Travel Time: The driving time is typically around 3 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Primary Route Options:
- Via Bhowali: This is a common route, approximately 90 km. You would go from Kainchi Dham to Bhimtal (10 km, ~20 min), then Bhimtal to Bhowali (15 km, ~30 min), and finally Bhowali to Almora (65 km, ~2-2.5 hrs).
- Scenic Route via Ranikhet: This route is longer, around 110 km, but offers different views. You’d travel from Kainchi Dham to Ranikhet (70 km, ~2.5 hrs), and then Ranikhet to Almora (40 km, ~1.5 hrs).
- Pros: Complete flexibility for stops, breaks, and sightseeing. Comfortable and private journey. Allows you to enjoy the winding mountain roads at your own pace.
- Cons: Requires careful driving, especially on mountain roads with hairpin bends.
- Tips: Drive carefully, especially on descents, and honk before blind curves. Avoid night driving due to fog and potential wildlife. Ensure your vehicle’s brakes, coolant, and tire pressure are checked.
- Kainchi Dham to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 90-110 km.
- Travel Time: Around 3 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available near Kainchi Dham, often through local taxi stands or your accommodation. You can also find them from nearby larger towns like Nainital or Bhimtal.
- Taxi Fare Estimates (one-way, approximate):
- Standard Sedan (e.g., Dzire, Etios): Starting from ₹2,800 – ₹3,200. Some services might quote around ₹11-₹12 per km.
- SUV (e.g., Innova/Xylo): Starting from ₹3,500 – ₹4,000. Some services might quote around ₹15-₹19 per km.
- For a 45 km segment (Almora to Kainchi Dham, indicating a shorter direct route estimate), some services quote as low as ₹11/km for a hatchback.
- Pros: Relax and let a professional driver handle the journey. Door-to-door service. You can often find shared jeeps for a more economical option.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than public bus options, especially for solo travellers.
- Tips: Always confirm the fare, including any potential extra charges like tolls, before starting your journey. It’s recommended to reserve in advance, especially during peak season.
2. By Bus (Economical Option)
Taking a bus is an economical way to travel from Kainchi Dham to Almora.
- Kainchi Dham to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 90-110 km by road.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys will generally take longer than private cars, possibly 3.5 hours to 5 hours or more, due to multiple stops and differing routes.
- Starting Point: You can typically catch buses from the Kainchi Dham main road itself, or from the nearby Bhowali bus stand (which is a major junction).
- Bus Types: You’ll mostly find Non-AC Seater buses operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) or Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited (KMOU).
- Bus Fare Estimates: Fares are very affordable, typically ranging from ₹120-₹150 for an ordinary bus and ₹180-₹220 for a semi-deluxe bus.
- Frequency: These buses are fairly frequent, with about 6-8 daily buses from the region (e.g., from Haldwani/Nainital side passing through Bhowali). The last bus departure from Kainchi Dham to this region might be around 3:30 PM.
- Pros: Most affordable option. Provides a local travel experience.
- Cons: Longer travel time compared to private taxis. Can be less comfortable. May have limited space for large luggage.
- Tips: Inquire about the exact bus schedule at Kainchi Dham or Bhowali bus stand. If a direct bus isn’t available, take a bus to Bhowali, which is a major junction, and then find a connecting bus or shared jeep to Almora.
3. By Train (Not Applicable for Direct Travel)
Almora does not have its own railway station, and Kainchi Dham also doesn’t have a direct train connection.
- Nearest Railway Station to Kainchi Dham & Almora: Kathgodam (KGM) is the closest major railway station to both locations. It’s about 37 km from Kainchi Dham and 81-90 km from Almora.
Therefore, a direct train journey between Kainchi Dham and Almora is not possible. You would rely on road transport from/to Kathgodam if you choose to include a train journey to or from a distant city.
4. By Air (Not Applicable)
Neither Kainchi Dham nor Almora has an airport.
- Nearest Airport to Kainchi Dham & Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH). It is approximately 70 km from Kainchi Dham and 115-127 km from Almora.
Therefore, flying between Kainchi Dham and Almora is not a practical option. You would use road transport from Pantnagar Airport if flying from a distant city.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel by Road
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Kainchi Dham depends on what matters most to you:
- For quickness and comfort: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is the best option.
- For budget travellers: The local bus or a shared jeep is the most economical choice.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from the spiritual haven of Kainchi Dham to the cultural heart of Almora will be a beautiful and memorable experience through the stunning Kumaon hills. Enjoy your travels.
