About Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is a district in Uttarakhand and serves as a gateway to the mighty Himalayan ranges. It is located in the beautiful Soar Valley, bordered by the Almora District in the north. The Kali River separates it in the east from the neighboring country Nepal. Most of the ancient temples and forts were constructed here during the reign of the Pal and Chand dynasties.

Kumaoni is the language spoken by the tribes living here. The region is rich in natural resources like limestone, copper, magnesium, and slate. It's surrounded by lush green coniferous, sal, chir, and oak forests. The region is home to the Himalayan chamois, sambar, & tiger, along with several birds and reptiles. Tourist planning to explore Pithoragarh can visit the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva.

Tourist Attractions In Pithoragarh : 16

1: Pithoragarh Fort

Pithoragarh Fort is a major tourist attraction located close to Pithoragarh Town. Tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the Kali Kumaon from here. Pithoragarh fort, according to records, was constructed by the Gorkhas in 1789 after invading the town. Pithoragarh Fort is one of the most sought-after destinations in this town.

2: Dhwaj Temple

Dhwaj Temple is a famous shrine located near Pithoragarh. This temple complex is nestled 2100 meters above sea level & offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks of the mighty Himalayan ranges, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva and Goddess Jayanti.

3: Mahakali Temple

Mahakali Temple is one of the most famous shrines in Gangolihat, 35 km from Chaukori. The temple gained prominence after being chosen by Adi Guru Sankaracharya to set up the Mahakali Shakti Peetha. This temple is also known as Haat Kalika Mandir among visitors. The famous Haat Kalika fair is held here when the place gets drenched in color and vibrates to the beat of drums. The Chamunda Temple is also a worth-visiting shrine located at a distance of 2 km from here.

4: Ghunsera Devi Temple

Ghunsera Devi Temple is inside the Ghunsera caves perched on a hilltop. The Asurchula Temple is also nearby. These temples are enshrined with stone images of various gods and goddesses. According to beliefs, these stone statues were installed by the Khol kings of the Kartikeya Pura. Among all the statues, two of them date back to the Gupta period.

5: Ulka Devi Temple

Ulka Devi Temple is a famous shrine on the Pithoragarh Chandak motor road. A tourist rest house and a memorial dedicated to martyrs are located near the temple. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Soar Valley from this place.

6: Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary

Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is a popular tourist hotspot 54 km from Pithoragarh. This sanctuary was set up with the prime objective of conserving musk deer, scientifically known as Moschus leucogaster. Apart from musk deer, other animals found in the park are leopard, jungle cat, civet cat, barking deer, serow, goral, brown bear, snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and bharal, among others. Besides, this sanctuary offers an opportunity to observe various species of birds, like snow cocks, monals, pheasants, and chukors. There are many temples located in the vicinity.

7: Chirkila Dam

Chirkila Dam is a hydropower plant located at a distance of 20 km from Dharchula. This dam has been constructed over the river Kali and produces 1500 kW of electricity. Tourists can see a beautiful lake connected to the dam. This site is a popular picnic spot among visitors.

8: Kali River

Kali River emerges from the greater Himalaya at Kalapaani. This place is 3600 meters above sea level in the Pithoragarh District. There is a Kali Temple here from where the river got its name. The river acts as a natural divider between India and Nepal, & in India, the river flows through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, where the name changes to River Sharda. After joining the river Gori Ganga at Jauljibi, it finally merges with the holy river Ganga. Tourists can enjoy white water rafting in various challenging tracks of the Kali River.

9: Narayan Ashram, Pithoragarh

Narayan Ashram is a popular tourist destination nestled 2734 meters above sea level. It is at a distance of 44 km from Pithoragarh, established by Sri Narayan Swami in the year 1936. The ashram organizes various spiritual and social activities for its members. There are accommodation facilities available for 40 people at the ashram. The ashram remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.

10: Om Parvat

Om Parvat, perched at an altitude of 6191 meters, is one of the mountains of the Himalayan mountain range. This mountain is also known as Little Kailash, Adi Kailash, Baba Kailash, and Jonglingkong Peak. Located in the vicinity of the Indian-Tibetan border, this mountain offers a splendid view of the snow-enveloped peaks of Annapurna. During the Adi-Kailash yatra, travelers can enjoy the magnificent view of the River Kali, waterfalls, dense forests, and Narayan Ashram. Gauri Kund, situated at the foot of the mountain, is famous for the water, which reflects the image of the mountain. Adventure lovers can enjoy trekking in the region; starting and ending point of the journey is Tawaghat, which is the meeting point of the River Kali and Dhauli.

11: Kamaksha Temple

Kamaksha Temple is a hilltop temple located at a distance of 7 km from Pithoragarh. Tourists can enjoy a panorama of the nearby mountain ranges from the hillock.

12: Nagmandir Of Berinag

Nagmandir of Berinag is a shrine located in the Berinag village. This temple is a snake temple bordered by trees and ravines. It's believed that the Pants of Maharashtra came here in the 14th century to settle down & they saw various colorful snakes in large numbers in this place & which led to the construction of a snake temple named Nagmandir. According to another popular belief, after defeating the Kalinag, Lord Krishna advised him to leave the River Yamuna.

13: Patal Bhuvaneshwar

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a cave temple situated 1350 meters above sea level in the village of Bhuvneshwar. Though this temple is primarily devoted to Lord Shiva, it's believed that the cave is an abode of 33 crore Gods and Goddesses. A thin tunnel leads to the cave, where numerous stalagmite rock formations and intricately carved images of various Gods. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is located at a distance of 16 km from the northeast direction of Gangolihat and offers spectacular views of Rajrambha, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Khat peaks. The religious fervor of the place is so high that it is considered by many as being equivalent to the holy Char Dham.

14: Thal Kedar

Thal Kedar is a pilgrimage site located 8 km from Pithoragarh. A narrow pathway leads to the temple, nestled at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level. During the Hindu festival, Shivaratri, several devotees visit this shrine. Travelers can reach the shrine by trekking from Pithoragarh, Nakuleshwar Temple, and Aincholi.

15: Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple

Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple is a noted shrine located in the Soar Valley, close to the Takaura and Takari villages. It is situated 10 meters inside a cave and is devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva. According to a legend, the famous sage Kapil meditated at this site. This temple is only 3 km from the town and offers alluring views of the mighty Himalayan ranges.

16: Chandak

Chandak is at a distance of 8 km from the town of Pithoragarh. This beautiful hill is situated in the northern area of the Soar Valley, accessible by an uphill climb. This place offers tourists an opportunity to enjoy hang gliding.

How To Reach Pithoragarh

By Air - The Pantnagar Airport is the nearest air base to Pithoragarh, which is located at a distance of 250 kms.

By Rail - The Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest railhead, located at a distance around 150 kms from Pithoragarh. This railway station is well connected to major cities of North India. Taxis are available from this railway station to Pithoragarh.

By Road - Tourists can reach the destination by buses. The state owned buses connect the town of Pithoragarh to different places like Kathgodam, Almora, and Haldwani.

Local Transport - Commuting within the town of Pithoragarh is quite easy. Being a small urban town, getting a taxi is the best option. Make sure to avoid visiting the place during rainy season as frequent landslides can spoil the trip. The town is quite refreshing during the summers while winters offer some breathtaking views.

Traditional Food (Regional cusine of Pithoragarh)

Famous Dishes in Pithoragarh:

1.Aloo Ke Gutke: A beloved breakfast dish made with diced potatoes cooked to perfection, seasoned with local spices, and served with a side of steaming puris.

2. Kafli: Delight in the flavors of Kafli, a traditional dish prepared by stuffing wheat dough with spices, herbs, and ghee, creating a unique and satisfying culinary experience.

3. Baal Mithai: Savor the sweetness of Baal Mithai, a delectable dessert made from khoya and coated in sugar balls, presenting a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

4. Singal: A popular snack made from deep-fried dough, Singal is best enjoyed with tangy chutneys, offering a burst of flavors in every bite.

Top Places to Relish these Delicacies in Pithoragarh:

1. Himalayan Elegance - Pithoragarh Palace: Dine like royalty at Pithoragarh Palace's exquisite restaurant, where you can indulge in both local specialties like Aloo Ke Gutke and continental delights in a regal setting.

2. Garden of Flavors - Alpine Retreat: Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Alpine Retreat's garden restaurant, offering an array of traditional dishes like Kafli, along with a glimpse of Pithoragarh's culinary heritage.

3. Riverside Delight - Ramganga Resort: Situated along the tranquil Ramganga River, this restaurant serves an enticing selection of local delicacies such as Baal Mithai, allowing you to savor the essence of Pithoragarh's flavors.

4. Mountain Vista - Sojourn Cafe: Unwind at Sojourn Cafe, a cozy spot where you can enjoy Singal and other snacks while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

5. Charming Retreat - Majestic Morsels Cafe: This quaint cafe beckons with its assortment of delectable treats, including Singal, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere to relish the local flavors.

Immerse yourself in Pithoragarh's culinary tapestry through these renowned eateries and iconic dishes, weaving a gastronomic tale that resonates with the region's rich heritage.

Weather & Quick Info Of Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh serves as a gateway to the mighty Himalayan ranges & is a tourist destination perfect for nature admirers & wildlife lovers.

The best Months To Visit are from April to June & August to November.

The ideal time required to explore Pithoragarh is 2-3 days.

Pithoragarh has many nearby tourist destinations like Dharchula (91 km), Almora (121 km), Berinag (86 km) & many more.

Best Hotels In Pithoragarh

Hotel Pandey Lodge

Price: ₹ 550.00

Updated Jan 9

Lodge

view Point, Munsyari, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India
Star Rating:
Near By: Munsyari
Hotel Detail

Share / View Experiences :
Amenities: Parking, Restaurant or Fine Dine Area, Laundry Facilities
369 km

273.7 km

published on 2024-01-09

Misty Mountains Banjara

Price: ₹ 6161.00

Updated Jan 9

Home Stay

jhaltola Estate Near Chaukori And Patal Bhuvaneshwar Near Ram Mandir, Jadapani, Gangolihat, Pithoragarh 262534,uttarakhand, India
Star Rating:
Near By: Gangolihat
Hotel Detail

Share / View Experiences :
Amenities: Restaurant or Fine Dine Area
179.1 km

published on 2024-01-09

Best Travel Agents In Pithoragarh

Currently no Tour Packages available for Pithoragarh .Will be updated soon.