Traveling from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh to Nainital in Uttarakhand involves a scenic, cross-state journey with several options—by air, train, bus, car, or their combinations. Here’s a practical, current guide covering routes, durations, costs, and travel tips.
Dharamshala to Nainital Distance
- By Road: 600–765km (depending on route)
- Aerial Distance: 435–464km
- Typical Travel Time: 13–20 hours (depending on mode and connections).
Main Travel Options from Dharamshala to Nainital
1. By Flight + Taxi (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
Route:
- Dharamshala (Gaggal/Kangra Airport, DHM) to Pantnagar Airport (PGH, closest to Nainital)
- Pantnagar to Nainital:
- Distance: 70km (1.5–2 hours by taxi)
- Fare: ₹1,100–₹2,500
Sample Itinerary:
| Segment | Mode | Duration | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dharamshala–Pantnagar | Flight (1 stop) | 5–7 hr | ₹9,600–₹16,800 |
| Pantnagar–Nainital | Taxi | 1.5–2 hr | ₹1,100–₹2,500 |
Tips:
- Book tickets 2–4 weeks ahead.
- Pantnagar has limited daily flights; check schedules.
2. By Train (Economical, Not Direct)
There’s no direct train from Dharamshala. You must combine a short taxi to a railway junction, a long train journey, and a final road leg.
Option A: Via Pathankot
- Taxi Dharamshala → Pathankot Cantt (PTKC): ~2–2.5 hours
- Train Pathankot Cantt → Kathgodam (KGM): Weekly service, ~12.5 hours
- Taxi/Bus Kathgodam → Nainital: 34km, 1–1.5 hours
| Segment | Duration | Approx. Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Dharamshala–Pathankot | 2–2.5 hrs | ₹2,000–₹3,500 |
| Pathankot–Kathgodam | 12.5 hrs | ₹350–₹8,000 |
| Kathgodam–Nainital | 1–1.5 hrs | ₹200–₹1,000 |
Option B: Via Haridwar
- Bus: Dharamshala → Haridwar (overnight, ~9 hours)
- Train: Haridwar → Kathgodam (Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti, ~7 hours)
- Taxi/Bus: Kathgodam → Nainital (1–1.5 hrs)
Total Duration: 17–20 hours
Total Cost: ₹1,600–₹6,000 (all legs combined)
3. By Bus (Cheapest Direct Option)
- No direct Dharamshala–Nainital bus; transfers are needed.
- Common Route:
- Bus Dharamshala → Delhi (Kashmiri Gate) ~12h
- Bus Delhi → Nainital (overnight AC sleeper) ~8h
- Total Duration: 19–21 hours
- Typical Fare: ₹1,700–₹3,400 (depending on class).
Tips:
- Online booking available for most long-haul services.
- Buses depart from main stands in Dharamshala and Delhi (Kashmiri Gate).
4. By Private Car or Taxi
- Distance: 600–765km (route via Chandigarh, Haridwar, or Dehradun)
- Travel Time: 11–14 hours (non-stop)
- Fare Estimate: ₹6,300–₹9,200 (varies by class/operator).
- Advantages: Full flexibility; good for groups/families.
Quick Reference Comparison
| Mode | Time | Approx. Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | 7–9 hours | ₹10,700–₹19,000+ | Fastest, few flights/day, via Delhi |
| Train + Taxi | 16–18 hours | ₹2,400–₹12,500 | Book in advance, may need transfers |
| Bus | 19–21 hours | ₹1,700–₹3,400 | Cheapest, requires transfer in Delhi |
| Car/Taxi | 11–14 hours | ₹6,300–₹9,200 | Comfort, flexible, best for groups |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book flights and trains early (2–4 weeks) for best prices and tickets, especially in summer and holidays.
- Travel light if using buses or shared taxi for last-mile.
- Weather: Allow buffer in monsoon/winter; mountain roads may slow travel.
- Check latest bus/train schedules online; timings and fares can vary.
- Pantnagar flights may not operate daily—verify before booking.
FAQs
Q: What is the fastest way from Dharamshala to Nainital?
A: Flight to Pantnagar (via Delhi), then taxi to Nainital, total ~7–9 hours.
Q: Cheapest way to reach?
A: By train (via Pathankot/Haridwar) or multi-leg bus (via Delhi), typically ₹1,700–₹3,400.
Q: Are direct buses available?
A: No, you need at least one change, usually in Delhi.
Q: Is self-drive possible?
A: Yes; expect 11–14 hours, best with two drivers for breaks.
Nainital is easily reached from Dharamshala by combining air, rail, or road options—choose based on your time, budget, and comfort. Direct flights and trains are limited; plan transfers and book early for a hassle-free journey to the lakes and hills of Uttarakhand.
