Sarmoli is a serene village located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas. It is known for its organic farming, beautiful landscapes, and peaceful environment, attracting travelers seeking nature and culture.

This route is commonly traveled by tourists and nature lovers coming from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Kathgodam. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Sarmoli using different transport modes, along with practical travel tips and step-by-step planning advice.

Getting from Major Cities to Sarmoli – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular option to reach the closest railway stations near Sarmoli, offering comfort and affordability. However, the final leg requires road travel as Sarmoli has no direct rail connectivity.

• The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam, about 160 km from Sarmoli, connected by trains from Delhi and other northern cities. Trains like the Ranikhet Express run daily.

• From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pithoragarh, which is approximately 130 km and takes around 5-6 hours by road.

• Train fares from Delhi to Kathgodam range from ₹300 to ₹800 depending on class, with journey times around 8-10 hours, making it an economical choice for many travelers.

• During monsoon and winter, train delays can occur due to fog and landslides, so plan with buffer time especially between July and February.

• Book tickets in advance via IRCTC, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and festivals, to avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses are a common and budget-friendly way to travel to Pithoragarh district, but direct buses to Sarmoli are rare. You will need to combine bus travel with local transport.

• State-run buses from Delhi ISBT to Pithoragarh run daily, taking approximately 12-14 hours and costing ₹500-₹800, with overnight services available.

• From Pithoragarh bus stand, shared jeeps or local taxis can be hired to reach Sarmoli, which is about 20 km away and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

• Private Volvo or deluxe buses are available on the Delhi-Pithoragarh route, offering more comfort but higher fares around ₹900-₹1200.

• Bus frequency can reduce during winter months due to snowfall and road conditions, so check schedules beforehand.

• Bus stops in Pithoragarh are crowded; it is advisable to book local taxis in advance or use trusted local operators for the last leg.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Sarmoli offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic Himalayan routes. It is suitable for travelers comfortable with mountain driving and narrow roads.

• The route from Delhi to Sarmoli covers around 520 km via NH9 and NH309, taking approximately 12-14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Key waypoints include Haldwani, Almora, and Pithoragarh, with well-maintained highways up to Pithoragarh, but expect narrower roads and hairpin bends beyond.

• Toll plazas are present on NH9 and NH309, so keep cash handy; toll charges can total around ₹300-₹500 for the entire route.

• Plan stops at towns like Haldwani and Almora for meals and fuel; local dhabas offer authentic Kumaoni cuisine.

• During monsoon, landslides and slippery roads are common, so check weather updates and avoid night driving in hilly sections.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Delhi or Kathgodam, with daily rates starting from ₹2000, but ensure the vehicle is suitable for mountain terrain.

Flight

There is no airport in Sarmoli or Pithoragarh district. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which connects to Delhi and other cities, but requires further road travel.

• Pantnagar Airport is about 200 km from Sarmoli, with flights mainly from Delhi lasting about 1 hour.

• From Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pithoragarh, which takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.

• Flight fares between Delhi and Pantnagar range from ₹2500 to ₹4500 depending on the season and booking time.

• Road conditions from Pantnagar to Sarmoli include highways and mountain roads; expect tolls and some narrow stretches.

• Flights can be affected by fog in winter months, so plan accordingly and have backup travel options.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Sarmoli, helping you organize your journey smoothly from major cities.

• Step 1:

  Book your train or flight tickets to Kathgodam or Pantnagar early via IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats and better fares. This ensures a confirmed start to your journey.

• Step 2:

  Upon arrival, arrange local transport to Pithoragarh. Pre-book taxis or check bus timings at the station to avoid waiting in crowded stands.

• Step 3:

  From Pithoragarh, hire a shared jeep or taxi to Sarmoli. Confirm the fare beforehand and carry small change for local payments.

• Step 4:

  Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and warm clothes, especially if traveling in winter or monsoon seasons.

• Step 5:

  Use offline maps or GPS apps with downloaded maps of Uttarakhand, as network coverage can be patchy in remote areas.

• Step 6:

  Inform your accommodation in Sarmoli about your expected arrival time for smooth check-in and possible pick-up arrangements.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water in remote areas to prevent stomach issues common in hilly regions.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance during summer holidays and festivals like Diwali and Holi to avoid sold-out situations.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available, especially in Kathgodam and Pithoragarh, for safer and fair rides.

• Keep your luggage light and secure; mountain roads can be bumpy, and porters may not be available in small villages like Sarmoli.

• Be cautious of weather changes; carry rain gear during monsoon and warm clothes in winter, as temperatures can drop sharply at night.

• Try local food at trusted eateries in Pithoragarh and Almora, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Sarmoli is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, while monsoon brings heavy rains and landslides.

Travel conditions vary seasonally, so plan your trip to avoid peak monsoon and heavy snowfall periods for safer and more comfortable journeys.

• Avoid traveling during July and August due to frequent landslides and slippery roads caused by monsoon rains.

• Winter months from December to February may have fog and snow, causing delays and difficult driving conditions.

• Depart early in the morning to avoid night driving on mountain roads, which can be risky due to poor visibility and narrow paths.

• Festival periods like Navratri and Diwali see increased traffic on highways and local roads, so book transport and accommodation well in advance.

Arrival at Sarmoli & What to Expect

When you arrive in Sarmoli, you will find a small, peaceful village with limited public transport. Most travelers rely on pre-arranged taxis or local shared jeeps for last-mile connectivity.

Accommodation options include homestays and small guesthouses, often located near the village center. Local transport is minimal, so walking or hiring a bicycle is common for exploring nearby areas. Prepaid taxis or app-based cabs are generally unavailable in the village itself.

Conclusion

Traveling to Sarmoli requires a combination of train or flight to nearby hubs, followed by road travel through scenic but sometimes challenging mountain routes. The most efficient option is to take a train to Kathgodam and then hire a taxi or bus to Pithoragarh and Sarmoli.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport in advance will help you have a smooth and enjoyable journey. With proper preparation, you can confidently explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sarmoli village.