Night Drive to the Kumaon Hills: A 5-Day Mukteshwar, Almora & Ranikhet Road Trip

Dec 6, 2025

—

Travelers looking for a peaceful Himalayan holiday often end up crowding popular destinations. If you want serenity, pine forests, panoramic views, and slow mountain life, a road trip to Mukteshwar, Almora, and Ranikhet is the perfect alternative. This blog outlines a 5-day road trip from Noida by cab, starting overnight, covering quiet hill towns and hidden gems—strictly excluding Nainital and Bhimtal.

This itinerary is ideal for families, couples, and working professionals who want a relaxed yet immersive Uttarakhand experience.

Why Choose This Route?

This route focuses on elevated hill stations with less tourist pressure:

Mukteshwar: Known for Himalayan views and apple orchards
Almora: Cultural heart of Kumaon
Ranikhet: Cantonment town with golf courses and forest walks

The journey avoids overtourism while still offering scenic beauty, temples, wildlife, and local culture.

Travel Overview

Details	Information
Starting Point	Noida
Transport	Private Cab
Duration	5 Days / 4 Nights
Best Time	March–June, September–November
Route Type	Hill Road Trip
Crowd Level	Low to Moderate

Night Before Day 1: Noida to Mukteshwar (Overnight Drive)

Departure Time: 9:00–10:00 PM
Distance: Approx. 360 km
Driving Time: 9–10 hours

Start from Noida at night to avoid traffic and reach the hills by early morning. The overnight drive ensures you save a day and wake up surrounded by mountains.

Suggested Route:
Noida → Hapur → Rudrapur → Haldwani → Mukteshwar (hill ascent after Haldwani)

Stop once for tea near Rudrapur and fuel up in Haldwani before starting the climb.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Mukteshwar

Early Morning Arrival: 6:00–7:00 AM

After checking into your hotel, rest for a while before stepping out to explore Mukteshwar.

Places to Visit in Mukteshwar

Attraction	Why Visit
Mukteshwar Temple	350-year-old Shiva temple
Chauli Ki Jali	Cliff-edge viewpoint
Sunset Point	Himalayan range views
Local Forest Walks	Peaceful pine trails

Mukteshwar sits at around 7,500 feet, offering stunning views of Nanda Devi on clear days. The area is perfect for digital detox and slow travel.

Overnight Stay: Mukteshwar

Day 2: Mukteshwar to Almora via Scenic Villages

Distance: 50 km
Driving Time: 2–2.5 hours

Take a relaxed breakfast and start late morning. The road between Mukteshwar and Almora passes through apple orchards and small Kumaoni villages.

En-Route Experiences

Stop	Experience
Local Tea Stalls	Kumaoni chai
Fruit Orchards	Seasonal apples/pears
Hill Views	Valley photography

Almora Sightseeing (Half Day)

Place	Highlights
Bright End Corner	Sunrise and sunset
Chitai Golu Devta Temple	Bell offerings
Lala Bazaar	Local handicrafts

Almora is more cultural than touristic, making it ideal for understanding Kumaon’s heritage.

Overnight Stay: Almora

Day 3: Almora to Ranikhet with Local Exploration

Distance: 30 km
Driving Time: 1.5 hours

This short drive allows ample time to explore both locations without rush.

Places to Visit in Ranikhet

Attraction	Description
Chaubatia Gardens	Apple orchards
Jhula Devi Temple	Ancient bells
Ranikhet Golf Course	Open views
Cantonment Walks	Pine forests & calm roads

Ranikhet’s military presence ensures well-maintained roads, cleanliness, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Overnight Stay: Ranikhet

Day 4: Leisure Day in Ranikhet & Nearby Areas

This day is deliberately kept open and flexible for relaxation or slow exploration.

Optional Activities

Activity	Benefit
Morning Walks	Clean air & birdwatching
Local Cafes	Mountain food
Short Drives	Hidden viewpoints
Photography	Snow peaks in clear weather

Avoid rushing into multiple attractions. Use this day to absorb the environment.

Overnight Stay: Ranikhet

Day 5: Ranikhet to Noida (Return Journey)

Departure Time: Early morning (6:00–7:00 AM)
Distance: Approx. 350 km
Driving Time: 9–10 hours

Descend towards Haldwani and continue back to Noida. Morning departure helps avoid hill fog and evening city traffic.

Approximate Travel Costs (Indicative)

Expense	Estimated Range
Cab (5 Days)	₹22,000–₹28,000
Hotels (Mid-Range)	₹2,500–₹4,000 per night
Food	₹800–₹1,200 per day
Total Budget	₹30,000–₹40,000 per person (approx.)

Costs vary by season and hotel choices.

Travel Tips for This Route

Carry motion-sickness medicine for hilly roads
Avoid night driving in hills after Day 1
Mobile networks may be patchy in Mukteshwar
Keep cash for local shops
Pack warm clothes even in summer

Who Is This Trip Best For?

Travelers avoiding crowded destinations
Families seeking safe, calm hill stations
Couples wanting scenic stays
Remote workers looking for serenity

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Mukteshwar–Almora–Ranikhet circuit is an excellent alternative to overcommercialized hill stations. Starting with a night drive from Noida maximizes your time while keeping the schedule relaxed. With scenic roads, cultural depth, and peaceful landscapes, this trip delivers a true Kumaon experience.

Disclaimer

This travel plan is for informational purposes only. Road conditions, weather, travel times, and accommodation availability may vary based on season and local circumstances. Travelers are advised to verify details and take necessary safety precautions before planning their journey.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.