The drive from Delhi to Almora is 360km and takes between 7 and 9 hours depending on when you leave, which route you take, and how many times you stop. It is one of the most rewarding long drives in northern India — the landscape transforms from flat plains to foothills to genuine Himalayan ridges over a single day. By the time you're winding up the last 40km to Almora, the city feels like it belongs to a different world.
The Two Routes
Route 1: Via Moradabad–Rampur–Haldwani (Recommended)
Delhi → NH9 → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Bhowali → Kosi → Almora
Total: ~360km. Time: 7–8 hours. This is the faster, flatter, most straightforward route. NH9 to Moradabad is excellent highway. The mountain section begins properly at Bhimtal.
Route 2: Via Haridwar–Rishikesh
Delhi → NH58 → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Ramnagar → Kosi → Almora
Total: ~430km. Time: 9–10 hours. Longer but more scenic. The Garhwal foothills, the Ganges at Haridwar, and the Corbett buffer forests make this better if you're not in a hurry.
⏰ When to Leave Delhi
- 4:00–4:30am: Best. Clear of Delhi traffic. Reach Almora by noon.
- 5:00–5:30am: Good. Slightly more Delhi traffic but still manageable.
- 6am+: Moradabad can add 1–2 hours. Not recommended.
- Night drive (10pm departure): An option for those preferring to drive in the dark and arrive early.
Stops Worth Making
Haldwani (260km) — Last Big Town Stop
The last large town before the hills begin. Tank up on fuel, stock water and snacks. The ATMs and pharmacies here are your last chance before Almora.
Bhimtal (290km) — Worth a Short Stop
A quieter alternative to Nainital, just 10km off-route. The lake is smaller, less crowded. Good for a leg-stretch and chai if you're making good time.
The Kosi Bend (335km) — Don't Skip This
As the road descends into the Kosi river valley before climbing to Almora, there's a point where the valley opens up and you suddenly see the snowcapped Himalayan range for the first time. Pull over. It happens very suddenly — you'll know it when you see it.
"The moment you come out of the last forest section and see Almora town spread across the ridge ahead — that's when you know you made the right choice."
The Last 25km — Kosi to Almora
The road from Kosi to Almora climbs steeply through pine and oak forest. Narrow in places, sharp hairpin bends, requires full attention. Your GPS will say 45 minutes. It often takes an hour. Don't rush this section — it's beautiful.
Road Conditions by Season
- October–June: Generally good condition throughout
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Landslides possible on the Bhowali–Almora section. Check road status before leaving.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Possible ice above 1,500m in January. Carry chains if driving in peak winter.
🚗 Tips for the Drive
- Tank up in Haldwani — don't risk running low in the hills
- Download offline Google Maps for Bhowali–Almora — signal is patchy in forest stretches
- Carry cash — tolls on NH9 require it
- Leave music off for the last 40km. The road deserves your full attention.
Soul Kumaon is a modern container retreat on the pine hillsides above Kosi river, Almora. Book your stay →