Are you planning a journey from the modern city of Gurgaon 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.
Gurgaon to Almora Distance
The road distance between Gurgaon and Almora is approximately 368 to 407 kilometers, depending on the specific route you take. The travel time typically ranges from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your mode of transport, road conditions, and any stops you make.
How to Reach Almora from Gurgaon
You have several choices for getting from Gurgaon to Almora. Each option has its own benefits, whether you prefer comfort, cost-effectiveness, or a quicker journey.
1. By Road: Car or Taxi
Travelling by road is a popular choice for this route, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes as you transition from the plains to the hills.
- Gurgaon to Almora by Car:
- Distance: Roughly 368 to 407 km.
- Travel Time: The drive usually takes about 6 hours to 8 hours 30 minutes. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and the number of stops you make.
- Route: You’ll typically head through Delhi and then towards Uttar Pradesh, connecting to roads that lead into Uttarakhand, often via Bareilly, Haldwani, or Rudrapur, before ascending to Almora. The initial part of the journey is on national highways, but as you approach the Kumaon region, the roads become winding and offer beautiful views of the mountains, requiring careful driving.
- Pros: You have the freedom to stop whenever you want, take photos, and explore small towns along the way. It’s an excellent option for families or groups who prefer a private and flexible journey.
- Cons: It can be a long and potentially tiring drive for the person driving, especially on the winding mountain roads. You’ll also need to consider fuel costs, tolls, and parking.
- Tips: It’s a good idea to start very early in the morning from Gurgaon to avoid city traffic and to cover a good portion of the distance during daylight hours. Make sure your car is in good condition, especially the brakes and tires, for mountain driving.
- Gurgaon to Almora by Taxi/Cab:
- Distance: Similar to driving your own car, around 390-407 km.
- Travel Time: Around 6 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours.
- Booking: Taxis are readily available in Gurgaon. You can book them through local taxi stands or online taxi services like Goibibo, EaseMyTrip, or Savaari. Many services offer one-way or round-trip options to Almora. One-way taxi fares can start from approximately ₹5,339 for a hatchback, ₹5,454 for a sedan, and ₹8,162 for an SUV.
- Pros: Very convenient as you don’t have to worry about driving. You can simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It offers comfortable door-to-door service, and a professional driver handles the long and sometimes 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 tolls or night driving fees, before starting your journey. Book from a trusted service provider.
2. By Bus
Taking a bus is an economical and practical way to travel from Gurgaon to Almora, especially for budget-conscious travellers.
- Gurgaon to Almora by Bus:
- Distance: Approximately 284 km to 390 km by road, depending on the specific route buses take.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys are typically long, ranging from 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes, often involving an overnight journey.
- Starting Point: Buses usually depart from major boarding points in Gurgaon like IFFCO Chowk, Jharsa Chowk, or various others.
- Bus Types: You’ll find AC Seater/Sleeper buses from private operators like Mahalaxmi Travels. Some routes might involve transfers or drop-offs at Kathgodam, from where you’d take a sharing taxi to Almora.
- Pros: It’s generally an affordable way to travel, with fares starting from around ₹2,399 to ₹2,499.
- Cons: The journey is quite long and can be less comfortable than a train or private car. Schedules can occasionally be delayed.
- Tips: Book your tickets in advance, especially during festive seasons or holidays. For a more comfortable journey, inquire about AC or sleeper buses if available. Carry enough water and snacks for the trip.
3. By Train (to Nearest Station + Road)
While Almora doesn’t have its own railway station, you can take a train from Gurgaon (or nearby Delhi) to the nearest railhead and then continue your journey by road. This is often a comfortable option for covering a significant portion of the distance.
- Gurgaon to Kathgodam by Train:
- Nearest Railway Station to Almora: Kathgodam (KGM), which is about 82-95 km from Almora. Lal Kuan (LKU) is also a nearby station.
- Travel Time (Gurgaon to Kathgodam): There is a direct daily train, the Ranikhet Express (15013), which takes about 9 hours 3 minutes from Gurgaon to Kathgodam. If taking a train from New Delhi (a short drive from Gurgaon), the Kathgodam Shatabdi (12040) is faster, taking about 5 hours 35 minutes.
- Key Trains: Ranikhet Express (15013) departs from Gurgaon. Other options like Shatabdi Express (12040) and Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti (15035) depart from Delhi stations (New Delhi or Old Delhi).
- Train Fare: Fares vary by class: Sleeper Class (SL) starting from around ₹210, 3rd AC (3A) around ₹565, 2nd AC (2A) around ₹800, and 1st AC (1A) around ₹1,320.
- Pros: Train travel is often more comfortable and relaxing for longer journeys, allowing you to move around. It’s generally a safe and reliable option.
- Cons: You will need to arrange for onward travel from Kathgodam to Almora.
- Tips: Book your train tickets well in advance, as popular trains and routes get booked up quickly. 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.
4. By Air (Flight + Road – Recommended for Speed)
This is often the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Gurgaon to Almora, despite involving a road segment.
- Gurgaon (via Delhi – DEL) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) by Flight:
- Nearest Airport to Almora: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 115-127 km from Almora. While Gurgaon doesn’t have its own commercial airport, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the closest major hub.
- Travel to Airport: You’ll need to travel from Gurgaon to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which is a short taxi ride away.
- Flight Options: There are direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar, typically operated by airlines like IndiGo. The flight duration is usually around 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Flight Fare: One-way flight fares from Delhi to Pantnagar can start from around ₹3,591 and go upwards, depending on booking time and airline.
- Pros: This is the quickest way to cover the major part of the distance by air. It minimizes travel fatigue compared to long train or road journeys.
- Cons: Generally the most expensive option. 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.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
Your ideal way to reach Almora from Gurgaon depends on what matters most to you:
- For the fastest travel time: Flight to Pantnagar + Taxi is the most efficient, despite the transfer.
- For a balance of comfort and budget: A train to Kathgodam + Taxi is a good option, offering a comfortable long-distance journey before a shorter road trip into the hills.
- For budget travellers: The bus is the most economical choice, though it’s a long journey.
- For maximum flexibility and directness: Hiring a private taxi or driving your own car is ideal, though it’s a long drive.
No matter which way you choose, the journey from Gurgaon to Almora will lead you to a charming destination known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy your travels to the serene hills of Almora:)
