How to Reach Pithoragarh by Train, Flight & Road (2026 Guide)

Every year, hundreds of pilgrims land in Delhi full of excitement for the Adi Kailash Yatra — and then ask us the same question: "Okay, but how do we actually get to Pithoragarh?"

It's a fair question. Pithoragarh isn't on the map the way Delhi or Dehradun is. There's no big railway station, no busy airport with dozens of daily flights. And yet, this quiet little town in the Kumaon hills is the gateway to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat — every yatra passes through it.

So let us break it down for you, honestly — the way we'd explain it to a friend over chai. No sugar-coating, no confusion.

First, Where Exactly Is Pithoragarh?

Pithoragarh sits in the eastern corner of Uttarakhand, close to the India–Tibet border, at around 1,650 metres above sea level. It's often called "Mini Kashmir" by locals — and once you see the valley, you'll understand why.

For yatris, it matters for one simple reason: Dharchula, the last major town before the Adi Kailash route begins, is just 90 km ahead. Everything starts from here.

Option 1: By Train — Cheapest, But Not Door-to-Door

Here's the truth: Pithoragarh has no railway station. The nearest railheads are:

Our honest take: Tanakpur is closer, but Kathgodam has more trains and better connectivity.

Popular trains to consider:

• Run from Delhi: 12035/12036 Kathgodam Shatabdi, 15013/15014 Ranikhet Express (or fly directly from Sept 2026)
• The overnight Ranikhet Express is a pilgrim favourite — you sleep in Delhi and wake up in the hills.

From the station onwards: Taxis and shared jeeps are available outside both stations. From Kathgodam, expect a 6–7 hour drive through Bhimtal, Almora, and scenic hill roads. From Tanakpur, it's around 5–6 hours along the Sharda River — and trust us, the river views on this route are worth staying awake for.

💡 Pro tip from our team: If you're booking train tickets during yatra season (June–October), book the moment bookings open. Tatkal is a gamble you don't want to play before a pilgrimage.

Option 2: By Flight — Fastest, But Plan Around the Weather

Yes, Pithoragarh has an airport — Naini Saini Airport (NNS). It's small, and flights here are limited and weather-dependent, so treat this option as convenient when it works.

Your flying options:

• Direct to Naini Saini: Occasional flights operate from Dehradun and Delhi — check current schedules before banking on this, as frequency varies by season.
• Fly to Pantnagar (PGH): The more reliable choice. Regular flights connect Delhi to Pantnagar. From there, Pithoragarh is a 5–6 hour drive.

Our honest take: Flying saves you a full day of road travel, but mountain weather doesn't care about your itinerary. Always keep a backup plan (we'll get to what we recommend below).

Option 3: By Road — What Most Yatris Actually Do

Let's be real — almost everyone doing the Adi Kailash Yatra ends up on the road at some point. So it's worth knowing your routes well.

Route 1: Delhi → Haldwani → Almora → Pithoragarh
Distance: ~490 km | Time: 12–14 hours
The most common route. Smooth until Haldwani, then winding hill roads. Beautiful, but tiring in one stretch.

Route 2: Delhi → Bareilly → Tanakpur → Pithoragarh
Distance: ~460 km | Time: 11–13 hours
Slightly shorter, and the Tanakpur stretch along the Sharda River is stunning.

Our recommendation: Don't drive it all in one go. Break the journey with a night halt in Almora or Haldwani. You'll arrive fresh — and at altitude, your body will thank you.

Regular buses (Uttarakhand Roadways and private) run from Delhi's Kashmere Gate ISBT to Pithoragarh daily. Budget-friendly, but a long ride — choose a Volvo or semi-sleeper if you can.

So Which Route Should YOU Choose?

Here's how we'd sum it up:

For most pilgrims, our advice is simple:

• Tight budget? → Train to Kathgodam/Tanakpur + shared taxi
• Short on time? → Fly to Pantnagar + private cab
• Coming as a group? → Book a private vehicle from Delhi or Kathgodam. Split between 6–8 people, it often costs less than you'd expect — and you travel together, on your schedule.

One Last Thing: Let Us Handle the Logistics

Here's something we tell every yatri: the journey to Pithoragarh is just the beginning. From Dharchula onwards, you're entering border territory — where permits (full ILP guide here), timings, road conditions, and local knowledge make all the difference.

At Rudraansh Yatra, our Adi Kailash packages include pickup from Delhi, Kathgodam, or Tanakpur, so you never have to figure out connections on your own. You focus on the yatra; we'll handle the roads.

Have questions about your route? Reach out — we answer honestly, because we've driven these roads ourselves, many times.

📞 +91 76176 17651  |  🌐 Contact Rudraansh Yatra Team

FAQs

Q: What is the nearest railway station to Pithoragarh?
Tanakpur (~150 km) is the closest, while Kathgodam (~200 km) offers more train options. Both connect onward to Pithoragarh by taxi or bus.

Q: Is there an airport in Pithoragarh?
Yes — Naini Saini Airport, with limited, weather-dependent flights. Pantnagar Airport (~5–6 hours by road) is the more reliable option.

Q: How far is Dharchula from Pithoragarh?
About 90 km — roughly a 3-hour drive through the beautiful Dhauliganga valley. It's the last major stop before the Adi Kailash route.

Q: Can I reach Pithoragarh directly from Delhi in one day?
Yes, by road (12–14 hours) it's possible.