Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand – An extremely pleasing hill station, where Mother Nature has generously bestowed all forms of natural beauty

Lying in the easternmost part of the Himalayas, Pithoragarh is a beautiful location in the lap of nature. The site is nick-named by the local people as Soar-Ghat. It seems as if Pithoragarh is filled with natural beauty up-to the fullest. The land is dotted with high Himalayan mountains, snow-covered peaks, passes, valleys, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, perennial rivers, glaciers, and cascades. The area is also rich in diverse flora and fauna. Numerous temples and ruined forts of the Chand King’s era are scattered throughout.

During the coldest month of January, tropical ridges and high location along the lesser Himalaya record an average monthly temperature between 5.5°C and 8°C. By the March the temperature begins to rise progressively till early June which is the hottest month every where. Dharchula and Jhulaghat record an average temperature between 30 – 45°C.

Places to see in Pithoragarh: The location offers some historical and religious spots worth visiting. These include:

Pithoragarh Fort

Constructed by the Gorkhas in 1789, Pithoragarh Fort stands on top of the hill in the outskirts of the town.

Dhwaj Temple

The Dhwaj Temple can be reached in two ways. It can be reached either by an adventurous trek of 4km or by driving 10kms . This is a highly revered place for  the localites. This sacred temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti. From the Dhwaj Tempkle, the views of the majestic Himalayas are remarkable. The temple rests at an elevation of 2100mts above sea level.

Thal Kedar

This location is a hub of the Shaiva pilgrims – followers of Lord Shiva. Every year during the Shiv Ratri huge crowds of devotees are seen in this temple.

Kapileshwar Mahadev

Only 3km from Pithoragarh town this is a sacred cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The mesmerizing Soar valley with the snow laden Himalayas looks spell-binding from the Kapileshwar Mahadev.

Chandak

Just 8kms from Pithoragarh the location affords splendid views of the mighty Himalayan range. There is a Manu Temple  holding great importance amongst the locales.

Nearby attractions around Pithoragarh: You can also visit some fantastic nearby locations from here. These include:

Rameshwar  Ghat

36kms from Pithoragarh, Rameshwar Ghat is located at the confluence of the Ramganga and Saryu Rivers. Here are two principal temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. During Makar Sankranti a large fair is held in this region as both the rivers play a vital in Pithoragarh district.

Abbott Mount

The Abbott Mount with a height of 2018mts  offers a peaceful and picturesque environment. Abbott Mount remains covered with the sheets of snow during winters. The Abbott Mount provides a lucrative view of the Himalayan range. This place is away from the cacophony of the city life. 13 isolated cottages are found in this hill. Abbot Mount is situated in 56kms from Pithoragarh offering tranquility with exquisiteness.

Dharchula

On the margins of the Pithoragarh district, Dharchula is located at a distance of 83kms from Pithoragarh town. It is an important destination of the Kumaon region being a part of the route to Kailash Mansarovar and Chota Kailash.

Askot Sanctuary

This sanctuary has not only diverse and rich flora and fauna it equally affords the charming vistas of nature’s beauteousness. Askot Sanctuary located at a distance of 54kms from Pithoragarh and has an elevation of 5412ft above sea level. You can see bharals, monals, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, chirs, koklas, pheasants, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, and chukors.

Things to do in Pithoragarh: Pithorgarh offers you plenty of activities including hang-gliding, paragliding, trekking, skiing, canoeing, river rafting, and fishing adventures. Pay homage at the various temples here. Want to enjoy something exciting and thrilling then plod along the narrow path of the thick forests to spot some snow leopards, musk deer, and peafowl. Tired after all the activity then just sit back and relax on the soft velvety grass.

Best time to visit Pithoragarh: Pithoragarh experiences pleasant climate during the summer season but during the winter season, it can get chilly, hence the best time to visit Pithoragarh is from March to June and then again from September to December.

How to go ?

By Air

The nearest operational airport to Pithorgarh is at Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar. It is about 250 km from Pithorgarh. Taxi services are available from the airport to Pithorgarh for a taxi charge of Rs. 2500. International travelers can get connecting flights from Delhi International airport.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Tanakpur at distance of about 150 km from Pithorgarh city centre. Tanakpur is well connected to major rail heads in North India.

By Road

Pithoragarh is well connected by buses. State owned road transport buses connect Pithorgarh with other cities in and around including Kathgodam, Almora and Haldwani.

Where to stay ?

There are very few accommodation options in Pithoragarh. You can stay at the KMVN tourist lodge. For booking details please contact:

Tourist Rest House KMVN: +91-8650002538

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.