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Going from Dehradun in the Garhwal foothills to Pathankot means crossing Uttarakhand, Haryana and Punjab to reach the rail and road gateway to Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The trip is a favorite start for travelers heading deeper into the north-western Himalaya.
Most travelers split the journey at a hub, either Chandigarh or Delhi, and both routes work well.
Dehradun to Pathankot by Bus via Chandigarh
Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses leave Dehradun ISBT for Chandigarh Sector 43. Ordinary buses depart at 11:30 and 22:00,[1] and AC Volvo buses at 07:30, 12:30 and 16:20.[2] From Chandigarh, continue north by road toward Pathankot.
Dehradun to Pathankot by Train via Delhi
The overnight Nanda Devi Express 12206 leaves Dehradun at 23:35 and reaches New Delhi at 05:20. From Delhi, the Dauladhar Express 14035 departs at 22:45 and arrives in Pathankot at 08:20, while train 22429 departs at 08:25 and arrives at 18:30.[3]
Tips for Traveling from Dehradun to Pathankot
- Book trains early: Indian Railways opens reservations 60 days before the journey, and 365 days ahead for foreign tourists.[4]
- Pack a layer: Dehradun can be cool, the plains toward Pathankot are warmer, and air conditioning on buses and trains is often cold.
- Keep your documents handy: Foreign travelers should keep passport and visa accessible for any routine checks on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Dehradun to Pathankot, including current prices and schedules.
Buses from Dehradun ISBT to Chandigarh and a second bus onward are the budget route.
Both routes need a change, in Chandigarh or Delhi, so pick the connection that fits your day. Taking a night train to Delhi saves daylight hours.
Allow a full day or an overnight trip, because the journey needs a change in Chandigarh or Delhi.
Yes. The Nanda Devi Express 12206 leaves Dehradun at 23:35 for New Delhi, and the Dauladhar Express 14035 leaves Delhi at 22:45 for Pathankot.
They leave from Dehradun ISBT, with ordinary and AC Volvo services.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Uttarakhand Transport Corporation: Ordinary service routes. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] Uttarakhand Transport Corporation: AC Volvo service routes. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
- [3] Indian Railways (CRIS): Mail/Express/Superfast Train Names with Details. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [4] Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways: Indian Railways cuts down Advance Reservation Period from 120 days to 60 days w.e.f. 01.11.2024. Retrieved October 29, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.
