Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is a quiet little hill station located in the Eastern Hill of Uttarakhand. Located at an altitude of 1,650mts above sea level, it is surrounded by Nepal to the east and Tibet to the north. The famous pilgrimage Kailash-Mansoravar trail lies on this hillstation and the 6 passes to Tibet are on this district. On the south, Pithoragarh district touches the Tarai area of Nainital.

Pithoragarh, is not only a hill station but also it is incorporated by valley. It is about 5 kms long and 2 kms wide flanked by four hills Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar and Kundar.

The easternmost hill district of Uttarakhand, Pithoragarh is a gateway to the marvelous Milan, Ralam, Meola, Balati, Chota Kailash and Namik glaciers.

Known for its exquisite natural beauty, Pithoragarh is often referred to as ' Miniature Kashmir'. The hillstation also has lot of historical importance. It has many temples and ruined forts to testify to its erstwhile position as a stronghold of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. Till 1960, Pithoragarh remained a Tehsil of Almora District and it was in the year 1962 it became an independent district.

Pithoragarh has quite a number of important places of interest to attract adventure enthusiastics, mountaineers, trekkers, river rafters, pilgrims and excursionist.

Tourists can enjoy river rafting and canoeing at areas close to Pithoragarh. Khaliya Top and Batulidhar are perfect was skiing and other sports. It also offer many good spots for Trout fishing.

On the way to Pithorgarh one can view the magnificent valleys, plateaus and the majestic Himalayas. One can get an excellent view of the snow-capped mountains of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and Appi of Nepal from Chandak Hill located a height of 2000 mts.

The weather is salubrious throughout the year. The best time to visit this hillstation is during the summer or winter months. Not to go in Rainy season as there are a lot of landslides throughout the way. Carry light woolens in summers and carry heavy woolens in winters.

Apart from sightseeing, one can also shop for Kumaon handicrafts. Pithoragarh is famous for wooden, woolen and acne handicrafts. It offers many items to be purchased from a range of exotic herbs and spices like Jambu and Thoya, handicrafts and woolen products like chutka, carpets and thulma, electronic goods and savour the local delicacy - Bal Mithai and Singaudi.

Pithoragarh is famous for its cultural-religious fairs.

Pithoragarh Fort
A magnificent fort, built by Gorkhas in 1789 is situated at the top of the hill at Pithoragarh.

Kapileshwar Mahadev
Located on the outskirts of the city it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. From here, one can get a picturesque view of the Soar Valley and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Ulka Devi Temple
It is located on a hill top and is dedicated to Ulka Devi incarnation of Shakti. Adjacent to it is an obelisk in memory of war heroes.

Chandak
Located 7 km from Pithoragarh, Chndak offers a panoramic view of the Pithoragarh valley and the surrounding Himalya. It is 1.830 meters in altitude. An important fair is held at the Mostmanu temple in August.

Dhwaj
Dhwaj is 28 km from Pithoragarh. It also provides a wide view of the majestic snow-peaks of the north. It boasts temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti.

Thal Kedar
This scenic place is 15 kms from Pithoragarh. This place is of much religions importance. A big fair is held every year during Shivaratri