Pauri Garhwal is a beautiful hill town located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Known for its scenic views and peaceful environment, it attracts many travelers seeking a quiet getaway. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Pauri Garhwal using different modes of transport.

You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips and a step-by-step plan to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Getting from Major Cities to Pauri Garhwal – Main Options

Train

Train travel to Pauri Garhwal is indirect but popular for those coming from northern India. The nearest major railway stations connect you to road transport for the final leg.

• The closest railway station to Pauri Garhwal is Kotdwara, about 90 km away, connected by broad gauge lines from Delhi and Dehradun, with frequent trains available daily.

• From Kotdwara station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pauri, which takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions and weather.

• Train fares from Delhi to Kotdwara typically range from ₹200 to ₹600 depending on class, and trains run regularly but may be crowded during festivals and holidays.

• During monsoon season, landslides can cause delays on the connecting roads from Kotdwara to Pauri, so plan accordingly and check local weather updates.

• IRCTC booking is recommended for trains to Kotdwara, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and winter holidays.

Bus

Buses are a common and economical way to reach Pauri Garhwal from nearby cities. State-run and private buses operate regularly, offering various comfort levels.

• Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs direct buses from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Kotdwara to Pauri, with journey times ranging from 4 to 6 hours depending on the starting point.

• Private buses and Volvo coaches are available from Delhi to Kotdwara, where you can switch to local buses or taxis for Pauri, making the total travel time about 8 to 10 hours.

• Bus fares vary from ₹150 to ₹500 depending on the type of bus and distance, with more expensive options offering better comfort and fewer stops.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and festival seasons, so booking tickets in advance at bus depots or online through the official UTC website is advisable.

• Roads can be narrow and winding; during monsoon, landslides may cause delays or cancellations, so check weather and road conditions before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Pauri Garhwal offers flexibility and comfort, especially for travelers who want to explore the region at their own pace. The roads are scenic but require careful driving.

• Pauri is accessible via National Highway NH534 from Kotdwara, with the total distance from Delhi around 270 km, usually taking 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through towns like Haridwar and Kotdwara, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering food and refreshments along the way.

• Driving during daylight is recommended because mountain roads can be narrow and challenging, especially after dark or during monsoon rains.

• Self-drive car rentals are available in Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar, with daily rates ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 depending on the vehicle type and season.

• Parking is available in Pauri town, but narrow streets can be congested, so plan to park in designated areas and walk to your accommodation.

Flight

Pauri Garhwal does not have its own airport, but the nearest airports connect you to road transport for the remaining journey.

• The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 150 km from Pauri, with regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.

• From Dehradun airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pauri, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Flight fares to Dehradun vary widely, typically between ₹2000 and ₹6000 one way, depending on the airline and booking time.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Dehradun airport, but shared taxis to Pauri are more economical though less frequent.

• Booking flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and winter holidays, is advisable to get better fares and availability.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This travel plan is designed for first-time visitors to Pauri Garhwal, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute price hikes.

• If traveling by train, reach Kotdwara station and pre-arrange a taxi or check bus schedules to Pauri to avoid waiting long at the station.

• For bus travelers, arrive at the main bus depot early in the morning to get a seat on direct buses to Pauri, especially during peak seasons.

• If driving, start your journey early in the day to avoid night driving on mountain roads and plan rest stops at towns like Haridwar or Kotdwara.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the road, as some stretches have limited food options, and mobile network coverage can be patchy in hilly areas.

• Upon arrival in Pauri, use local shared taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach your accommodation, and confirm fares beforehand to avoid confusion.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a copy of your ID and travel tickets, as police checkpoints are common on mountain roads for security and vehicle verification.

• Drink bottled water and avoid street food unless you are sure of its hygiene to prevent stomach issues during your trip.

• Book bus and train tickets online in advance during festivals like Diwali and Holi, when demand is very high and tickets sell out fast.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs where available to avoid overcharging, especially from stations and airports.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, as temperatures can drop significantly in the hills, especially at night and in winter.

• During monsoon (July to September), check local news for landslide warnings and road closures before starting your journey to Pauri.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Pauri Garhwal is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer. Winters are cold but clear, while monsoons bring heavy rain and possible travel disruptions.

Traveling during festivals can be crowded but offers a unique cultural experience. Avoid peak holiday weekends if you prefer less crowded travel.

• Avoid traveling during July and August due to heavy monsoon rains causing landslides and roadblocks on the route to Pauri.

• Plan your journey early in the morning to avoid fog-related visibility issues common in winter mornings on mountain roads.

• Festival periods like Navratri and Diwali see increased traffic and higher prices for transport and accommodation, so book well in advance.

• Summer months (April to June) offer the best weather for comfortable travel with clear skies and moderate temperatures.

Arrival at Pauri Garhwal & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pauri Garhwal, you will find a small but well-connected town with basic amenities and friendly locals. The main bus stand and taxi points are close to the town center.

Local transport options include shared jeeps, auto-rickshaws, and taxis that can take you to hotels or nearby attractions. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are limited, so agree on fares before starting your ride. Popular areas to stay include the town center near the main market and areas offering views of the Himalayas.

Conclusion

Traveling to Pauri Garhwal is best done by combining train or flight to nearby hubs with road transport for the final leg. The Kotdwara railway station and Dehradun airport are key gateways, while buses and taxis connect you to the hill town. Driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning due to mountain roads.

Booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and planning your arrival transport will ensure a smooth journey. With these tips, you can confidently plan your trip to Pauri Garhwal and enjoy its serene beauty without travel stress.