Khirsu is a beautiful hill station located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its lush green landscapes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Traveling from Delhi to Khirsu is a popular route for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to escape the city’s hustle.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Khirsu from Delhi, including trains, buses, car travel, and flights. You will also find practical tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Khirsu – Main Options

Train

Taking a train is a comfortable and affordable way to start your journey from Delhi towards Uttarakhand. However, Khirsu does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• Board a train from New Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station to Dehradun, the nearest major railhead to Khirsu, covering around 240 km in approximately 5–7 hours depending on the train type and route.

• Popular trains include the Dehradun Shatabdi Express and Jan Shatabdi, which offer comfortable seating and frequent departures, especially in the mornings and evenings.

• Train fares range from INR 300 to INR 1,200 depending on class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC), with IRCTC online booking recommended to avoid last-minute rush and ensure confirmed seats.

• From Dehradun Railway Station, you will need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Khirsu, which is about 75 km away and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by road on NH 7 and local highways.

• Note that during monsoon season, landslides can cause delays on connecting roads, so plan extra travel time if you travel between July and September.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical option for traveling from Delhi to Uttarakhand hill stations. However, there is no direct bus to Khirsu, so you will travel in stages.

• Take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh or Dehradun, which takes about 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and costs between INR 500 and INR 1,000.

• From Rishikesh or Dehradun, catch a local bus or shared taxi towards Pauri or Lansdowne, the nearest towns to Khirsu, covering 60–80 km in 2 to 3 hours on hilly roads.

• Local buses from Pauri or Lansdowne to Khirsu are infrequent, so pre-booking a taxi or arranging private transport is advisable for the last leg of the journey.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance through MSRTC or private operators’ websites is recommended.

• Rest stops on the route include popular dhabas near Roorkee and Haridwar, offering local food and refreshments during the long journey.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Khirsu is a flexible and scenic option, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. The route covers approximately 300 km and takes around 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The most common route is via NH 334 and NH 7, passing through Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Pauri before reaching Khirsu, with well-maintained highways up to Rishikesh and hilly roads thereafter.

• Expect toll plazas on the national highways, with toll charges ranging from INR 100 to INR 300 depending on vehicle type and distance covered.

• Driving through the hills requires caution, especially during monsoon months when roads can be slippery and prone to landslides; check weather and road updates before departure.

• There are multiple rest stops and dhabas along the way, including popular spots near Haridwar and Rishikesh, where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi with providers like Zoomcar and Revv, offering options from INR 2,000 to INR 4,000 per day depending on the vehicle type and rental duration.

Flight

There is no airport in Khirsu, but the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which connects Delhi with Uttarakhand by air. Flying can save time but requires road travel after landing.

• Multiple daily flights operate between Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, with flight times around 1 hour and fares ranging from INR 1,500 to INR 4,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Dehradun Airport, Khirsu is approximately 75 km away, reachable by taxi or rented car in about 2.5 to 3 hours on NH 7 and local roads.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Dehradun Airport, but booking a private cab in advance is recommended for a fixed fare and hassle-free transfer.

• Flight schedules may be affected by fog during winter months (December to February), so check weather conditions and flight status before booking.

• Combining flight and road travel is ideal for travelers short on time but comfortable with multiple transport modes.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Khirsu, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight ticket from Delhi to Dehradun well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to secure confirmed seats and better prices, especially during peak seasons.

• Arrange local transport from Dehradun to Khirsu by pre-booking a taxi or car rental online or through trusted local operators to avoid waiting and last-minute price hikes.

• Pack light but include essentials like warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable shoes as Khirsu’s weather can be cool and rainy, especially during monsoon and winter.

• Start your journey early in the morning to avoid Delhi’s heavy traffic and reach Dehradun or Rishikesh by afternoon, allowing ample daylight for the hill drive to Khirsu.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local buses, and small purchases, as remote areas may have limited digital payment options.

• Download offline maps or keep a local SIM card with data for navigation and communication, as network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid or app-based taxis from railway stations and airports to avoid being overcharged by local drivers unfamiliar with fixed rates.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your trip and eat at well-reviewed dhabas or restaurants to avoid stomach issues common in hill travel.

• Book bus and train tickets online in advance, especially during weekends, festivals, and holiday seasons, to secure seats and avoid last-minute cancellations.

• For local travel in Khirsu, walking is common due to narrow roads; if hiring taxis, confirm fares beforehand and prefer local guides for sightseeing.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags or covers, as sudden rains are common in the hills, especially during monsoon from July to September.

• Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications, as medical facilities in Khirsu are limited and require travel to larger towns for serious issues.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Khirsu depends on weather and road conditions. Summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather and clear views, while monsoon and winter require caution.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, making road travel risky. Winter months can be cold with fog causing flight delays and reduced visibility on roads.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when Delhi roads and transport hubs are crowded, causing delays and higher fares.

• Monsoon months (July to September) can cause landslides and slippery roads in Uttarakhand, so check weather forecasts and local advisories before traveling.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Dehradun or Rishikesh before afternoon, allowing safer hill travel in daylight.

• October to June is generally the best period to visit Khirsu, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and trekking.

Arrival at Khirsu & What to Expect

When you arrive in Khirsu, you will find a small, peaceful town with limited public transport. Most visitors rely on pre-arranged taxis or local jeeps to reach their hotels or guesthouses.

Accommodation options are mostly hillside cottages, homestays, and small hotels near the main market area. Local shops and eateries offer simple meals, so it is advisable to carry some snacks if arriving late.

For local travel, walking is the easiest way to explore Khirsu’s scenic spots. If you need a taxi, negotiate fares in advance as meter taxis are rare. Mobile network coverage can be patchy, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Khirsu from Delhi is to combine train or flight travel to Dehradun with a pre-booked taxi for the hill drive. This balances comfort, time, and cost effectively. Self-driving is also a good option if you prefer flexibility and scenic stops.

Plan your journey carefully by booking tickets in advance, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport ahead of time. With these tips and detailed guidance, you can confidently enjoy a smooth and memorable trip from Delhi to the serene hills of Khirsu.