PITHORAGARH

THE MINI KASHMIR
The easternmost hill district of uttranchal , Pithoragarh is often referred to as “Miniature Kashmir”. Nestling in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, the town also known as Sore Valley was an important landmark of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon.

It is situated at an altitude of 1,650 m above sea level and has the facility of three spoken languages, namely Hindi, Kumaoni and English.

Pithoragarh is the district headquarters and its government buildings are housed in the hill fort of Pithoragarh at a distance of 7 kms. from the main town.

From the Chandak Hill located at around 2000 metres, one gets a panoramic view of snow range extending from Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli group and mount Appi of Nepal.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Fairs
Devidhura Fair:
The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha Bandhan in August, at the Varahi Devi Temple. Devidhura is situated at the trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh & Nainital districts.

Others
Chandak - 7 km
Chandak, at an elevation of 6000 ft, is noted for its scenic beauty and landscape. Lately Chandak has also assumed importance as a magnesite industry centre. Chandak commands a panoramic view of extensive Pithoragarh valley.

Dhwaj :
18 km on the Dharchula road, the 7000 ft high point of Dhwaj commands a wide and close view of the silvery majesty of the Himalayan ranges. It is one of tghe famous spots of scenic beauty in the district of Pithoragarh.

Other noteworthy picnic spots in and around Pithoragarh include Hanumangarhi (2 km), Ulka Devi Temple (1 km), Radha Krishna temple (0.8 km), Rai Gufa (1 km), Bhatkote (1 km).

The Hills:
Pithorgarh boasts of majestic peaks like Nanda Devi East, Nanda Devi West, Trishul, Hardeol, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Bambadhura, and the Panchchuli group amongst others.

Glaciers:
Pithoragarh has its fair share of magnificent glaciers too, like the Milam, Namik, Ralam, Meola and Balati glaciers. From these flow the mighty rivers of Kuti, Dhauli Ganga (East), Gori Ganga, Ram Ganga (East), Saryu and Kali (Sharda), which provide ample scope for rafting and canoeing.

EXCURSIONS

Rameshwar: (36 kms.)
Situated at the confluence of rivers Ram Ganga (East) and Saryu. A large fair is held every year in the temple of lord Shiva on Makar Sankranti (Jan/Feb).

Thal Kedar: (16 kms.)
An important religious centre also noted for its natural beauty. A large fair is held on Shivratri (Jan/Feb) every year.

Munsiyari: (154 kms.)
The center as well as the gateway of Johar region, it is situated at an elevation of 2298 m. Snuggled in the folds of snow clad mountains, Munsiyari is the base camp for treks to Milam, Ralam and Namik glaciers.

Punyagiri Temple:
Punyagiri temple is one of the most well-known temples in the Kumaon region. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the shrine during April to June. The site is around 20 km from Tanakpur, out of which 6 km is to be trekked.

Lohaghat
At an elevation of 1706 metres, 62 km from Pithoragarh along the motor road to the North-Eastern Railway terminus of Tanakpur, Lohaghat is a centre of historical and mythological importance. P.W.D. Inspection House, Zila Parishad Dak Bungalow and Tourist Bungalow offer stay arrnagements for visitors.

Abott Mount
Perched 2001 metres above sea level Abott Mount, (56 km) from Pithoragarh in the suburb of Lohaghat, ranks among the principal spots of scenic beauty in Kumaon Himalayas. A number of bungalows, offering modem facilities, are dotted along the spot.

Champawat
76 km from Pithoragarh, the 1615 metres, high spot of Champawat, in the Lohaghat sub-Divison of the District, was at one time capital of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. The ancient fort at the place now houses headquarters of the Tehsil Office. A historical spot, Champawat has many well known temples of high artistic value. The BaleshwarTemple is the noted attraction of Champawat. The Nagnath Temple at Champawat is also an excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon. A tourist bungalow is available for comfortable stay. You Can Advertise Here

Punyagiri Mela
Punyagiri Shakti Peeth (20 km. from Tanakpur) situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali, the site for many fairs. It is supposed to be the longest fair of Kumaon region.

Gangolihat
One of the important religious centres of the Kumaon hills, Gangolihat, 77 km from Pithoragarh, harbours an ancient temple of Kali where annual fairs are held twice a year during the Navratras. The famous Paatal Bhuvaneshwar caves lie 14 km, out of which 6 km is jeepable. At Bhuvaneshwar itself there is a group of ancient temples, which have a definite archeological and architectural value P.W.D. Inspection House and the Zila Parishad Dak Bungalow are available to visitors.

Berinag (2134metres)
96 km from Pithoragarh amidst tea gardens, Berinag offers an enchanting view of a wide range of the Himalayas. P.W.D. and Forest Rest House provide stay.

Chaukori (2010 metres)
112 km from Pithoragarh is famous for its fabulous view of the Himalayas. One feels just like touching the Himalayas from Choukori. Ranking among the prized spot of the uttranchal hills, the spot offers unsurpassable scenic beauty. Climatically also, Choukori is unbeatable. While at Chaukori stay at T.R.H.

Jauljibi
68 km from Pithoragarh, a fair of considerable importance is held at Jauljibi annually at the confluence of the mountain rivers of Gori and Kali.

Trekking Options in Pithoragarh: Pithoragarh - Lipulekh Trek Pithoragarh - Sinla Pass Trek

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Naini Saini (Pithoragarh), 5 kms.

Rail : Nearest railhead is Tanakpur 151 kms.

Road : Well connected by a motorable road.

Local Transport : Buses and Taxis.

PLACES TO STAY

KMVN Tourist Lodge, Chandag Road and private accommodations are available at Pithoragarh.

NEARBY CITIES

Chandak: 7-km
Thal Kedar: 16-km
Lohaghat: 62-km
Jauljibi: 68-km
Champawat: 76-km
Chaukori: 112-km
Munsiyari: 154-km
Berinag: 98-km
Tanakpur: 151-km

GENERAL INFORMATION

Area : 6.47 sq. km.
Population : 27753 (1991 census).
Altitude : 1,650 meter above sea level.
Clothing : Summer: Light Woolens.
Winter: Heavy Woolen.