Pauri Garhwal is a beautiful hill town located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is known for its scenic landscapes, temples, and peaceful environment. Delhi, the national capital, is a common starting point for travelers heading to Pauri Garhwal for tourism or pilgrimage.

This guide explains the main ways to travel from Delhi to Pauri Garhwal. You will learn about train, bus, car, and other transport options, along with practical travel tips to help you plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Pauri Garhwal – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Delhi to Pauri Garhwal is limited due to the hilly terrain. The nearest railway station is Kotdwara, which connects to Delhi by regular trains. From Kotdwara, you need to take road transport to reach Pauri.

• Delhi to Kotdwara trains depart mainly from New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station, covering approximately 260 km in 6 to 8 hours depending on the train type and route.

• Train fares range from ₹150 to ₹600 for sleeper and second class, making it an economical choice, especially for budget travelers.

• Trains are generally reliable but can get crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and summer holidays, so booking in advance via IRCTC is advised.

• From Kotdwara railway station, taxis and shared jeeps are available to Pauri, which is about 70 km uphill and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.

• Monsoon season can cause delays due to landslides on the connecting roads, so check weather updates before traveling.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to reach Pauri Garhwal from Delhi. Both government and private operators run services connecting Delhi to Pauri via Kotdwara.

• Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar Bus Terminal have direct and connecting buses to Kotdwara and Pauri, with travel times ranging from 9 to 12 hours depending on the service.

• Bus fares typically range from ₹400 to ₹900, depending on the type of bus (ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo) and operator.

• Frequency is good, with several buses departing daily, but seats fill quickly during peak tourist seasons and weekends.

• Night buses are available, allowing you to save daytime for sightseeing, but they can be less comfortable due to hilly roads and sharp turns.

• Road conditions on NH 334 and NH 534 are generally good, but monsoon rains may cause occasional delays and slippery patches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Pauri Garhwal offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views along the route. The journey covers around 300 km and takes approximately 8 to 10 hours.

• The most common route is via NH 334 to Meerut, then NH 534 through Kotdwara, and finally the winding mountain roads to Pauri.

• Fuel stations and rest stops are available along the highway, including popular dhabas near Meerut and Kotdwara for meals and refreshments.

• Toll plazas are present on the highways; expect to pay around ₹200 to ₹400 in total toll fees for the one-way trip.

• Driving in the hills requires caution, especially during monsoon months (July to September) when landslides and fog reduce visibility.

• Car rentals with drivers are common in Delhi and can be booked via Ola Outstation, Savaari, or local travel agents, offering a hassle-free experience.

Flight

There is no direct airport in Pauri Garhwal. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which connects to Delhi by daily flights. From Dehradun, you must travel by road to Pauri.

• Delhi to Dehradun flights take about 1 hour and are operated by multiple airlines with fares ranging from ₹1500 to ₹4000.

• From Dehradun Airport, Pauri is approximately 150 km away and takes 5 to 6 hours by road via NH 7 and NH 534.

• Taxi services and shared jeeps are available at the airport; pre-booking a cab is recommended for comfort and safety.

• Road conditions from Dehradun to Pauri are mountainous and include narrow stretches; travel times may increase during monsoon or winter fog.

• This option is suitable for travelers who prefer flying part of the journey and want to save time on the Delhi to Dehradun leg.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Delhi to Pauri Garhwal. It covers key actions and tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

• Book your train or bus tickets online through IRCTC or official bus portals at least a week in advance to secure preferred seats and avoid last-minute rush.

• If traveling by train, plan to arrive at Kotdwara railway station and arrange a taxi or shared jeep to Pauri; confirm vehicle availability before your arrival.

• If driving yourself, start early from Delhi to avoid city traffic and reach Pauri before dark, as hill roads can be challenging to navigate at night.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the road, especially if traveling by bus or car, since food options are limited on mountain stretches.

• Download offline maps or keep a GPS device handy, as mobile network coverage can be patchy in the hills, particularly near Pauri.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and comfortable shoes to handle changing weather and terrain in Pauri Garhwal.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Delhi and Kotdwara to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in hill regions.

• Book tickets well in advance during peak seasons like summer vacations and festivals such as Navratri to avoid sold-out situations.

• Local transport in Pauri includes shared jeeps and taxis; negotiate fares beforehand or use official stands to prevent confusion.

• Carry minimal luggage as narrow roads and limited vehicle space can make handling large bags difficult on last-mile travel to Pauri.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling, especially in monsoon months, to be prepared for possible landslides or roadblocks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Pauri Garhwal is during the spring and autumn months when weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Avoid heavy monsoon and winter fog periods for safer travel.

Peak tourist seasons can cause crowded transport and higher fares, so plan accordingly. Early morning departures often offer smoother journeys with less traffic.

• Avoid traveling during July to September due to heavy monsoon rains causing landslides and slippery roads in the hills.

• Winter months (December to February) can bring fog and cold temperatures, making early morning travel challenging on mountain roads.

• Festival periods like Diwali and summer holidays see increased passenger traffic, so book tickets and accommodations well in advance.

• Departing early in the morning from Delhi helps avoid city traffic and reach Pauri before dusk, improving safety on winding roads.

Arrival at Pauri Garhwal & What to Expect

When you arrive in Pauri Garhwal, you will find a small town with basic transport facilities. The main bus stand and taxi stands are close to the town center, making it easy to reach your accommodation.

Local transport includes shared jeeps, taxis, and auto-rickshaws, which are affordable and convenient for short distances. Popular areas to stay include the town center near the main market and the scenic areas close to the temples.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not common in Pauri, so agree on fares before starting your journey. Walking is also a good option to explore the town due to its compact size.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Pauri Garhwal from Delhi depends on your priorities. If you want comfort and speed, flying to Dehradun and then traveling by road is best. For budget travelers, trains to Kotdwara followed by road transport offer a good balance of cost and convenience.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for hill travel challenges will ensure a smooth journey. With careful preparation, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and peaceful atmosphere of Pauri Garhwal without stress.