Abbott Mount

Abbot Mount, a highly recommended as a tranquil hill station is situated about 8 km away from Lohaghat, in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 7,000 ft above sea level in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills, near the Kali river border, between Uttarakhand and Nepal. One can also see Nepal on a clear day. Abbot Mount is a less exploited destination, far away from the maddening crowds and hullabaloo of cities.  

Abbot Mount was a retreat for an English businessman Mr.John Harold Abbott of Jhansi and there are thirteen secluded cottages built by him spread over the hill. Situated amidst a thick forest of oak and deodar, the hill is dotted with innumerable picnic spots. Ambott gives an awe-inspiring panoramic views of the 600 km-long Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Maiktoli, Nandakot, Nandaghunti and Nanda Devi. 

Things to see

With its superb walks and lovely picnic spots under the deodar and pine trees, Abbott makes the picnicker spell bound. It also has several trekking trails around it, which is a delight for the adventure people. Abbott is also ideal romantic getaway for the honeymoon couples. An ideal place for birding, according to forest officials, one can find variety of Himalayan birds at Abbott Mount.

Abbott Mout's chief attraction is the Ancient Cricket Pitch with an unsurpassed view of the mountains. The famed cricket grounds is just a short walk up the hill from the famous Snow View Cottage. Known as the second highest cricket pitch after Chail, the view of the surrounding peaks from here is truly awesome. One can see a picturesque church set amidst the forest, at the eastern end of this pitch. It is here, John Abbott, the founder of the destination, is buried. 

About 6 km from the Abbott is the Lohaghat, an important historical center. Situated at an elevation of 1,754 metres, this tiny town is surrounded by pine and deodar trees. During summers it get filled with Burans (Rhododendron) flowers. The town boast Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan which is a worth visit. Here one can get old silver smiths, local handicrafts and tasty amla and mango pickles.

Abbott also serves as a base camp for anglers who wish to fish Mahseer at Pancheshwar, a confluence of Saryu and Mahakali rivers. From March to the beginning of the Monsoons, The Golden Mahasheer, a sporting fish is to be found. For this one need to get permission from the officer in charge of the area. Pancheshwar is 36 km via Lohaghat. Forms the borders with Nepal it is famous for the temple of Chaumu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that a dip at the confluence of the rivers is very sacred. Thousands of people visit this place every year.

22 km from Abbott Mount is Champawat another historic town. The town is believed to the place where the Kurmavtar (the turtle incarnation of Lord Vishnu) took place. The Sri Baleshwar Temple built by the Chand rulers is an excellent monument with splendidly carving works.