Planning a journey from Nepal to the peaceful hills of Almora in Uttarakhand is an exciting prospect, but it’s important to understand that this is an international trip involving crossing a border and a significant distance. This guide will help you understand the various ways to travel, making your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Almora, nestled 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.
Nepal to Almora Distance
The distance from different parts of Nepal to Almora varies significantly. For instance, from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Almora, India, the road distance is approximately 600 to 750 kilometers, depending on the border crossing point and specific route taken. This is a very long international journey. The travel time typically ranges from 18 to 26 hours or more by road, not including border crossing times or potential overnight stops.
How to Reach Almora from Nepal
Given the international border and the long distance, reaching Almora from Nepal involves a multi-modal approach, often combining road travel with potential train or flight segments within India. There are no direct trains or flights from Nepal to Almora.
1. By Road: Bus / Shared Transport (Most Common and Economical)
Traveling by bus or shared transport is the most common and economical way, though it is a very long journey with border formalities.
- Nepal to Almora by Bus / Shared Transport:
- Distance: Approximately 600-750 km by road (from Kathmandu).
- Travel Time: This can be very long, typically 20 to 26 hours or more, as it involves multiple transfers, border crossing procedures, and significant waiting times.
- Route: You would typically take a bus or shared taxi from your starting point in Nepal (e.g., Kathmandu, Pokhara) to a border town like Banbasa (near Mahendranagar/Kanchanpur in Nepal), or Raxaul (near Birgunj in Nepal).
- From the Indian side of the border (e.g., Banbasa or Sunauli/Gorakhpur), you would then need to find another bus or shared transport towards major Indian cities like Rudrapur, Haldwani, or Kathgodam in Uttarakhand.
- From Haldwani or Kathgodam, frequent buses and shared taxis are available to Almora (approx. 80-90 km, 3-4 hours drive).
- Pros: It’s generally the most affordable way to travel internationally and then within India.
- Cons: The journey is extremely long and can be quite tiring. It involves multiple transfers, border formalities (requiring valid ID/Visa as applicable), and uncertain schedules, leading to long waits.
- Tips: Carry all necessary travel documents (passport/valid ID). Be prepared for long hours on the road and potential discomfort. Break the journey if needed.
2. By Road: Private Car or Taxi (Direct, but Expensive and Requires Planning)
Hiring a private car or taxi for the entire journey from Nepal to Almora is possible, but it will be very expensive and requires careful planning, especially regarding border crossings and vehicle permits.
- Nepal to Almora by Private Car/Taxi:
- Distance: Roughly 600-750 km (from Kathmandu).
- Travel Time: The continuous drive could be 18 to 22 hours, but it’s highly advisable to plan an overnight stop. This doesn’t include border crossing time.
- Booking: It’s crucial to arrange this through reputable travel agencies that specialize in cross-border travel between Nepal and India. Ensure the vehicle has all necessary permits to cross the border and travel within India.
- Pros: Most convenient and comfortable, offering door-to-door service. You have flexibility for stops and breaks.
- Cons: Extremely expensive. Border crossing with a private vehicle can be complex due to customs and permit requirements.
- Tips: Ensure the driver is experienced with cross-border journeys and familiar with Indian roads. Confirm all costs, including permits, tolls, and driver’s allowances, upfront.
3. By Air + Road (Fastest within India, but Costly and Multi-Legged)
While there are no direct flights to Almora, flying from Nepal to an Indian airport and then taking road transport is the fastest way to cover the long distance.
- Step 1: Fly from Nepal to an Indian City:
- Route: Fly from Kathmandu (KTM) or other major Nepali airports to a major Indian airport like Delhi (DEL) or Lucknow (LKO).
- Duration: Flights are typically 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Step 2: Connect from Indian City to a Kumaon Airport:
- Route: From Delhi, you can take a connecting domestic flight to Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is the nearest airport to Almora.
- Duration: Flight from Delhi to Pantnagar is about 1 hour.
- Step 3: Road Journey from Pantnagar to Almora:
- Distance: Approximately 115-127 km.
- Travel Time: Around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours by taxi.
- Options: Taxis are readily available at Pantnagar Airport.
- Pros: Significantly reduces overall travel time.
- Cons: Most expensive option due to multiple flights. Involves multiple transfers (airports, terminals, road transport), which can be time-consuming and add hassle. Flight schedules might not align perfectly.
- Tips: Book all flights and airport transfers well in advance. Check baggage allowances for all flight segments.
4. By Train + Road (Indirect and Time-Consuming for the Nepal Leg)
There are no direct train connections from Nepal to India. You would first need to cross the border by road and then board a train in India.
- Step 1: Road Journey from Nepal to an Indian Railway Station near the Border:
- Route: Take a bus or taxi from Nepal to a border town in India, such as Raxaul (if coming from eastern Nepal) or Banbasa (if coming from western Nepal).
- Step 2: Train from Indian Border Town to Kathgodam:
- Route: From a major railway station accessible from the border (e.g., Gorakhpur or Delhi if you travel further into India), take a train to Kathgodam (KGM), which is the nearest railway station to Almora.
- Duration: This train journey can range from several hours to overnight, depending on the starting point.
- Step 3: Road Journey from Kathgodam to Almora:
- Distance: Approximately 80-90 km.
- Travel Time: Around 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes by taxi or bus.
- Pros: Can be more comfortable for long distances within India compared to buses.
- Cons: Involves multiple transfers and border crossing on land before even getting on a train. Overall, it’s a very long and multi-leg journey.
Choosing Your Best Way to Travel
For travel from Nepal to Almora, consider these factors:
- Most Economical (but longest): Bus/shared transport all the way, involving border crossing and subsequent Indian transport.
- Most Convenient (but expensive and complex): A pre-arranged private taxi for the entire journey, or a combination of flight + taxi (flying to Pantnagar via Delhi).
- Balance of Cost and Comfort: Fly from Nepal to Delhi, then take a train to Kathgodam, and finally a taxi/bus to Almora.
Given the international nature of this journey and the long distances, careful planning, consideration of border formalities, and booking key segments in advance are crucial for a smooth trip from Nepal to the serene hills of Almora. Enjoy your journey:)
