Almora to Pithoragarh Distance: A Scenic Kumaon Road Trip Guide

The Almora to Pithoragarh distance is approximately 116 km by road, and the journey usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This route through the Kumaon Himalayas is not just about reaching the destination—it’s a memorable drive packed with temples, wildlife, heritage sites, and ancient art.

Whether you’re planning a leisure trip or a cultural exploration, the road from Almora to Pithoragarh offers several must-visit attractions along the way.

Distance Between Almora to Pithoragarh

• Almora to Pithoragarh distance: ~116 km

• Travel time: 4–5 hours

• Road condition: Mostly good, hilly and scenic

• Best route: Almora → Barechhina → Jageshwar Road → Pithoragarh

Enroute Attractions from Almora to Pithoragarh

🦌 Mrig Vihar Zoo (Deer Park)

Located just 3 km from Almora, Mrig Vihar Zoo is a great first stop.

• Home to Himalayan black bear, musk deer, leopard, and white monkey

• Surrounded by natural forest habitat

• Ideal for families and nature lovers

• About 2 km from Almora main market

🛕 Kasar Devi Temple

Around 5 km from Mrig Vihar Zoo, the sacred Kasar Devi Temple sits atop a hill overlooking Almora and Hawabagh Valley.

• Believed to date back to the 2nd century

• Current structure rebuilt in 1948

• Mentioned in Skanda Purana and Devi Bhagwat Purana

• Known for strong meditative and geomagnetic energy

• Offers panoramic views of the Kumaon hills

🔱 Jageshwar Dham – Valley of Gods

A short detour brings you to Jageshwar Dham, one of Uttarakhand’s most important Shaivite sites.

• Cluster of 125+ stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva

• Heritage site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• Dates back over 2,500 years, mainly from the Katyuri dynasty era

• Set amidst deodar forests and the Jata Ganga stream

• Major events: Jageshwar Monsoon Festival (August) and Shivratri Mela

Best time to visit: April–June and September–November

🛐 Chitai Golu Devta Temple

Situated about 9 km from Almora, Chitai Golu Devta Temple is among the most revered temples in Kumaon.

• Dedicated to Golu Devta, an incarnation of Lord Shiva (Gaur Bhairav)

• Famous for fulfilling devotees’ wishes

• Known for thousands of bells and written petitions

• Considered the most sacred Golu Devta temple in the region

🎨 Lakhudiyar Rock Paintings

Near Barechhina village, the ancient Lakhudiyar Rock Paintings offer a glimpse into prehistoric life.

• Located on the banks of the Suyal River

• Stone Age cave paintings depicting animals, humans, and symbols

• Made using black, red, and white natural pigments

• One of the most important archaeological sites in Kumaon

Pithoragarh to Almora Distance (Return Journey)

• Pithoragarh to Almora distance: ~116 km

• Travel time: 4–5 hours

• The return route is equally scenic and ideal for relaxed exploration

How to Reach Almora

• By Road: Well connected to Haldwani, Nainital, and Delhi

• By Train: Nearest railway station – Kathgodam

• By Air: Nearest airport – Pantnagar Airport

Other Useful Distances

• Haldwani to Pithoragarh distance via Almora: ~220 km

• Almora to Mussoorie distance: ~330 km

• Pithoragarh to Almora: Same route, same distance (116 km)

Conclusion

The road journey from Almora to Pithoragarh is much more than a simple drive—it’s a cultural and natural exploration of Kumaon. From wildlife encounters at Mrig Vihar Zoo and spiritual serenity at Kasar Devi and Chitai Golu Devta, to the ancient grandeur of Jageshwar Dham and prehistoric art at Lakhudiyar, every stop adds depth to your travel experience.

If you enjoy slow travel, heritage, and Himalayan landscapes, this route is one of the most rewarding road trips in Uttarakhand.