Pithoragarh is the easternmost district of Uttarakhand, neighbouring Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east. A place of exquisite natural beauty and serenity, Pithoragarh is popularly known as the ‘Little Kashmir’. This captivating town with fascinating forests around it is located at an impressive height of 1,645 m and is nestled in a small valley. Pithoragarh town is a historical landmark. It was a major center of power during the regime of the Chand Kings in Kumaon.From here, pilgrims take their journey to the holy shrines, Kailash and Mansarovar.This valley also nestles the snow-crested peaks Nanda Devi East (7,434 m) and West (7,817 m). Below these mighty peaks lie the alpine valleys and glaciers like Milam, Ralam, Namik and Sundardunga.

                               
https://mypithoragarh.com/foods/meghana-restaurant-resort-in-chandak
    
Languages:  Kumaoni, Hindi
Best Season:  Mar – Jun, Oct – Jan
Weather:  Summer 15-30°C,
Winter:  0-5°C

Beautiful Pics of Pithoragarh

How to reach

By Train
Tanakpur or Haldwani is the nearest railhead, at a distance of 150-200 km.

By Road
Pithoragarh is well connected by a good network of roads with all the major towns in the area. The distance from the nearest major town Champawat is 75 km, Lohaghat is 62 km, Munsyari 135 km and Tanakpur 151km. 

By Bike or Car
Reach by bike or car is really an adventure road trip. A long hill journey approx 520 Km from Delhi has breath taking view. Actual hill journey start from Tanakpur and than you need to pass by Champawat, Bot mount, lohaghat, tharkot etc. 


Best Place to Visit in Pithoragarh

Munsiyari : Often referred to as "Little Kashmir", Munsiyari is a cosy hamlet located in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 2298 metres, the pretty little hill town is known for its panorama of snow-capped Himalayan Range and some adventurous trekking trails.
Perched between the borders of India, Tibet and Nepal, Munsiyari is a base for three glaciers namely Namik, Milam and Ralam Glaciers. The scenic village is often seen romancing with brilliant weather throughout the year and the stunning backdrop of Panchachuli (the five peaks), Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Also dubbed 'Gateway to Johar Valley', Munsiyari is the starting point of Johar Valley which was the ancient trade route between Tibet and India.

Dharchula : Another must visit place in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, Dharchula is where one can see a great reflection of the rich and diverse culture in the state. Situated in the Pithoragarh District, on the bank of River Kali, Dharchula is known to people as a major stopover en route Kailash Mansarovar and Chhota Kailash Yatra. This tiny town is home to the Kumaonis and Bhotiyas that together give this place a culture that is different from the other parts of Uttarakhand. Dharchula is also quite scenic, and this is why it makes an excellent place for nature lovers to explore. The Panchuli Peaks also makes a special appearance here whenever the sky is clear and the place is replete with rich flora that of course enhances its beauty.
Trekking, of course, is the major adventure activity that can be enjoyed here with it being one of the major base points for Kailash Mansarovar and several short and long treks.
Our Dharchula travel guide is overflowing with information on best places to visit and amazing things to do, which makes it quite essential for the travellers looking for an impeccable travelling experience. Also, handcrafted for you are the varied holiday packages by Tour My India that ensure a vacation unlike any other.


Gangolihat : Gangolihat is at a distance of 77 kms from Pithoragarh, which is known for its rich culture of folk and ancient myths. Gangolihat, has Mahakali temple where Shankaracharya established the Shakti Peeth.. This place is dedicated to lord Shiva. During, the Navaratri festival, a fair is held where pujas and sacrifices are offered.

The Mankeshwar temple and the fort, near Gangolihat are found in a dilapidated condition. The Kumaoni poet Gumani belongs to Uprara village, which is at a small distance from the Gangolihat. .  Gangolihat is also famous for the Kalika temple and the Hatkalika fair where the Nepali goods are sold.


Patalbhuvaneshwar : Uttarakhand never fails to shower blessings on the devotees who trudge to this paradisiacal destination in search of the divine. With so many spots and places attracting devotees one of the sacred spot residing in the Pithoragarh district of  Kumaon Region in Uttarakhand is a sacred cave named Patal Bhuvaneshwar, located in the village of Bhuvaneshwar at an altitude of 1350 m. It is a natural cave that is revered by Hindu devotees who come here to perform pilgrimage. According to the local belief, it is said that this underground cave enshrines Lord Shiva and forms of Sheshnaag, Kaal Bhairav, Lord Ganesh and 33 crore gods of the Hindu pantheon. This popular tourism destination in Uttarakhand was first discovered by king Ritupurna who ruled Ayodhya in  Surya Dynasty during the Treta Yuga and these caves are also mentioned in 103 chapters of ‘Manas Khand’ of ‘Skand Puran.’ During the 1191 AD, Adi Shankaracharya visited this cave which marked the beginning of the modern pilgrim history at Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
It is said by the pilgrims that the journey inside the cave has to be carried in feeble lights holding protective iron chains. It is also believed that worshipping at Patal Bhuvaneshwar is equal to worshipping at Char Dham of Uttarakhand. With so much backing it’s history, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a must visit place for devotees as well as those who wish to go for nature sightseeing. This cave has a depth of 90 ft. and a length of 160 m. from the point of its entrance. Patal Bhuvaneshwar temple is not just one cave but a series of caves that are situated one inside the other. There are total 4 entrances through which one can go inside the cave namely, Randwar, Paapdwar, Dharamdwar,  and Mokshadwar. The two of these doors were closed, first during the death of Ravana and the second one after the epic battle of Mahabharata and now just 2 of them are functional.


Chaukori : A lesser known hamlet that boasts a jaw-dropping view of the Himalayan Peaks, Chaukori is everything that a nature lover is looking for in a place for holidaying. Part of Pithoragarh District in the Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand, Chaukori, which is situated at an elevation of 2010 m above sea level, is a paradisiacal destination that has still retained its rustic charm. A perfect vacation destination, it is known for its several Hindu temples, an excellent opportunity of nature photography, and tranquil environment that can provide immense peace of mind.
This beauteous village in Uttarakhand is particularly an allurement for those aspiring to sight the magnificent view of Himalayan Peaks like Nand Kot and Panchachuli.
An ideal tourist destination, Chaukori is covered with forests of deodar, pine and rhododendron and fruit orchards, and is indeed a perfect haven for numerous birds that make a great sight to catch. One can relish leisurely walks and arduous treks, both offering a spectacular view of the landscape in Chaukori. A honeymoon couple, shall enjoy spending some lone time amidst the pristine beauty, as the place still remains a lesser known destination in Uttarakhand.
Our Chaukori travel guide is overflowing with information on best places to visit and amazing things to do, which makes it quite essential for the travellers looking for an impeccable travelling experience. Also, handcrafted for you are the varied holiday packages by Tour My India that ensure a vacation unlike any other.


Chandak : Chandak is  a hill situated at a distance of 8 km from Pithoragarh. The Manu temple  is found here. Chandak provides an uphill climb and is in the northern part of the soar valley.

The Himalayan ranges and the widely extending soar valley are visible from Chandak and tourists usually trek this hill. Magnesite mining factory is located in this hilly place and this place offers good potential for hang gliding. Famous temple of Mostamanu is located at a distance of 2 kms from this town.


Askot Sanctury : Askot sanctuary is found at a distance of 54 km from Pithoragarh Township and is at a height of 5412 feet in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is inhabited with Musk deers, black beers, snow cocks, chirs, bharals, koklas, snow leopards, chukors, etc.

Many temples are  situated in the landscape of this sanctuary. With ravine in this area, the tourists can view the Himalayas from the top. With large number of Musk Deer in this forest area, the sanctuary is also known as the Askot Musk Deer sanctuary.


Jauljibi : Jauljibi is known for the confluence of Gori and Kali Rivers, is situated at a distance of 77 kms from Pithoragarh. Kalapani hill can be reached from this place along the Kali River and Kailash Mansarowar trek route, which is at a distance of about 10 kms.

Hot spring flows from Kalapani, which is said to have medicinal properties. The source of the River kali which is formed by a small pool under a huge rock amidst the pine, juniper and Bhojpatra forests can be found here. Vyas cave also known as byans, where Rishi Vyas meditated can be found in this region.


Pithoragarh fort : The Gorkhas gave structure to this fort which is situated near the suburbs of Pithoragarh. The fort holds great historical importance and is a tourist attraction where people trek to enjoy the scenic view of Kali Kumaon.


Nag Mandir : Make your way to the open doors of spiritual chimes here at Pithoragarh in Nag Mandir. Perched up on a hill, the shrine is devoted to Lord Shiva and is sculpted in the form of a snake. Throughout the year visitors come here to get absorbed in the various festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Nag Panchami.


Kapileshwar Temple : Another addition the beauty of Pithoragarh is Kapileshwar Temple. Located in a 10 m gaping cave, this Shiva Temple is dearly attached to Pithoragarh which is just 3 km away. Visit the Temple during Mahashivratri and spot the endless charm of snowy mountains as you chant mantras with other devotees.