Are you planning a beautiful journey from the adventure hub of Auli 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.
Auli to Almora Distance
The road distance between Auli and Almora is approximately 253 to 266 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 7 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 Auli
Due to the mountainous terrain, road travel is the primary way to get from Auli to Almora. There are no direct trains or flights, and you will primarily rely on road transport.
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 Himalayan ranges.
- Auli to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 253 to 266 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 7 to 9 hours. This can vary significantly based on road conditions, traffic (especially in tourist seasons), and the number of stops you make.
- Route: The journey will involve descending from Auli to Joshimath, and then following routes through towns like Chamoli, Karnaprayag, Gairsain, and Ranikhet or bypassing some of these to reach 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 early in the morning from Auli to maximize daylight driving and avoid potential road blocks or heavy traffic. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires. Carry motion sickness medication if needed.
- Auli to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 253-266 km.
- Travel Time: Around 7 to 9 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available from Joshimath (the base for Auli). You can book them through local taxi stands. Online services might require pre-booking or calling local operators.
- Fares for a one-way trip from Auli (Joshimath) to Almora can vary, but generally start from around ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the type of vehicle (sedan or SUV) and the specific operator. Given the distance and mountain driving, rates might be higher per kilometer than in plains.
- 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, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted local service provider in Joshimath.
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 likely involve changes.
- Auli to Almora by Bus / Shared Transport:
- Distance: Approximately 253-266 km by road.
- Travel Time: This can be significantly longer than a direct taxi, potentially 9 to 12+ hours, as it involves multiple changes and waiting times.
- Route: You would typically take a shared taxi or local bus from Auli/Joshimath down to a major hub like Karnaprayag or Rudraprayag, then find another bus or shared jeep towards Ranikhet or directly towards Almora. Direct buses all the way might be rare.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: The journey is long and can be less comfortable. It involves multiple transfers, which can be inconvenient with luggage. Schedules can be unpredictable.
- Tips: Inquire extensively at local bus stands in Joshimath about connections. Be prepared for a long journey with potential waiting times. This option is best for budget-conscious and flexible travellers.
3. By Train (Not Practical)
Neither Auli nor Almora has a railway station. The nearest major railhead for this region is Kathgodam (KGM). While you can reach Kathgodam by train from many parts of India, traveling from Auli to Almora via train is not practical. It would involve a very long road journey from Auli to Kathgodam, and then another road journey from Kathgodam to Almora, which is inefficient.
- Nearest Railway Station to Auli: Rishikesh (RKSH), approximately 250-255 km away by road.
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), approximately 82-95 km away by road.
- Overall: Not a viable option for direct travel between Auli and Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Neither Auli nor Almora has an airport suitable for commercial flights. The nearest major airport for the Kumaon region is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). While Pantnagar Airport is about 115-127 km from Almora, and approximately 300-320 km from Auli, flying for this inter-hill station route is not practical or economical.
- Nearest Airport to Auli: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 270-279 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 Auli 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 transfers) are economical choices, but require more time and patience.
Given the mountainous terrain and scenic beauty, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the journey from Auli to Almora. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora! Are you planning a beautiful journey from the adventure hub of Auli 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.
Auli to Almora Distance
The road distance between Auli and Almora is approximately 253 to 266 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 4 hours 47 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes 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 Auli
Due to the mountainous terrain, road travel is the primary way to get from Auli to Almora. There are no direct trains or flights, and you will primarily rely on road transport.
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 Himalayan ranges.
- Auli to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 253 to 266 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 4 hours 47 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes. This can vary significantly based on road conditions, traffic (especially in tourist seasons), and the number of stops you make.
- Route: The journey will involve descending from Auli to Joshimath, and then following routes through towns like Chamoli, Karnaprayag, Gairsain, and Ranikhet or bypassing some of these to reach 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 early in the morning from Auli to maximize daylight driving and avoid potential road blocks or heavy traffic. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires. Carry motion sickness medication if needed.
- Auli to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 253-266 km.
- Travel Time: Around 4 hours 47 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available from Joshimath (the base for Auli). You can book them through local taxi stands. Online services might require pre-booking or calling local operators.
- Fares for a one-way trip from Almora to Auli (Joshimath) can start from around ₹10,538 for a sedan. From Auli, taxi services generally charge around ₹10-12 per kilometer for sedan and SUV cabs, which would translate to a similar overall cost for the distance.
- 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, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted local service provider in Joshimath.
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 likely involve changes.
- Auli to Almora by Bus / Shared Transport:
- Distance: Approximately 253-266 km by road.
- Travel Time: This can be significantly longer than a direct taxi, potentially 9 to 12+ hours, as it involves multiple changes and waiting times.
- Route: You would typically take a shared taxi or local bus from Auli/Joshimath down to a major hub like Karnaprayag or Rudraprayag, then find another bus or shared jeep towards Ranikhet or directly towards Almora. Direct buses all the way might be rare.
- Pros: It’s generally a very affordable way to travel.
- Cons: The journey is long and can be less comfortable. It involves multiple transfers, which can be inconvenient with luggage. Schedules can be unpredictable.
- Tips: Inquire extensively at local bus stands in Joshimath about connections. Be prepared for a long journey with potential waiting times. This option is best for budget-conscious and flexible travellers.
3. By Train (Not Practical)
Neither Auli nor Almora has a railway station. The nearest major railhead for this region is Kathgodam (KGM). While you can reach Kathgodam by train from many parts of India, traveling from Auli to Almora via train is not practical. It would involve a very long road journey from Auli to a railway station, a train journey, and then another road journey from the railway station to Almora, which is inefficient.
- Nearest Railway Station to Auli: Rishikesh (RKSH), approximately 250-255 km away by road. Haridwar (273 km) and Dehradun (294 km) are also nearby options.
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 80-90 km away by road.
- Overall: Not a viable option for direct travel between Auli and Almora.
4. By Air (Not Practical)
Neither Auli 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 300-320 km from Auli, flying for this inter-hill station route is not practical or economical.
- Nearest Airport to Auli: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, approximately 270-279 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 Auli 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 transfers) are economical choices, but require more time and patience.
Given the mountainous terrain and scenic beauty, traveling by road is the ideal way to experience the journey from Auli to Almora. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora:)
