Top 10 Places to Visit in Pithoragarh

Travel to the unpopulated, nicely-established town of Pithoragarh in Northern India to enlighten your senses. Our Travel Guide to Know Top 10 Places to Visit in Pithoragarh will help you to plan your trip accordingly. Pithoragarh, the seat of the same-named district, is located at an elevation of 1514 m and is mothered by Uttarakhand and pampered by the Saur Valley. Because it is a small town, its warmth reaches over 5 kilometres, and it is best recognised for preserving its cultural and traditional characteristics to this day.

The town has retained its rustic charm, and as you trek from one sacred temple to the next, all dedicated to Lord Shiva and other divine deities, you will discover even more reasons to spend your vacation here, surrounded by snow-capped mountains such as Panchachuli and Nanda Devi and the sound of rushing water. Glaciers and alpine valleys like Ralam, Milam, Sundardunga, and Namik are a sight not to be missed once you’ve had your fill of the beautiful mountains. In addition, the town serves as a gateway to the sacred Hindu shrine of Kailash Mansarovar, as well as a hub for adventure activities such as paragliding and trekking.

With the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks, high Himalayan ranges, valleys, waterfalls, and glaciers captivating nature lovers to the fullest, the district is known as Little Kashmir. It is located in the Kumaon region of easternmost Uttarakhand. Chaukori, which offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayan Peaks as well as a quiet atmosphere to relax in while basking in the slightly warm sun, is an important element of this district. It also hosts a number of exhilarating hikes, including the well-known Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and the Snow Leopard Trek in Munsiyari. Pithoragarh is unquestionably one of the most beautiful districts in the Kumaon Region, owing to its ability to maintain its natural beauty.

Most Famous Tourist Places in Pithoragarh

Our Pithoragarh travel book is jam-packed with information on the greatest locations to see and exciting things to do, making it a must-have for anybody searching for a memorable vacation. 

1. Pithoragarh Fort
2. Nag Mandir
3. Gangolihat
4. Kapileshwar Temple
5. Chandak
6. Askot Sanctuary
7. Narayan Ashram
8. Thal Kedar
9. Cinema Line
10. Arjuneshwar Temple

1. Pithoragarh Fort

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Pithoragarh Fort is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions. This fort, which is close to the location, offers amazing views of the Kali Kumaon. According to sources, this fort was built by Gorkhas when the town was invaded in 1789. This fort, which is located near Pithoragarh’s suburbs, was built by the Gorkhas. The fort has historical significance and is a popular tourist destination where visitors can trek to experience the magnificent views of Kali Kumaon.

2. Nag Mandir

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Berinag rests quietly in its tranquil seclusion amidst the formidable Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The small hamlet town is the ideal location for reconnecting with nature and answering the call of the mountains. Nature’s wealth awaits you in this highland village, which boasts incredibly stunning Himalayan views and wonderful uphill roads to explore. Some of the best gems in the crown of the Himalayas, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and others, can be seen here. The Nepal Himalayas can also be seen, however, they are far away and blurry.

Berinag was formerly a colonial settlement. The emerald tea gardens that dot the small town are clear evidence of this. Berinag is a fantastic place to relax and unwind for a couple of days, with so much green, chilly misty weather, and the apparent quiet of the mountains. Despite the fact that there aren’t many tourist attractions to visit, it’s more than enough to entice visitors for a weekend.

Berinag, in contrast to the rush and bustle of Uttarakhand’s city hill stations, lies solitary with its mesmerising natural appeal and a slew of snake legends. In reality, these legends and tales are crucial to the derivation of the name Berinag. Nag is a Sanskrit word that signifies serpent. And, according to its name, the location is home to a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s serpent avatar, Nag Devta. There are also additional stories regarding this location.

3. Gangolihat

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Gangolihat is a small Himalayan hill town known for holding the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Kali. It is a small town near popular tourist destinations such as Patal Bhuveneshwar, Binsar, and Abbott Mount. Many additional temples are also located throughout this small town and are well-known. It is a sanctuary of true worship and natural wonders, perched at an altitude of 1800 metres above ground in the picturesque Himalayan perspective.

Gangolihat is a small Himalayan hill town known for holding the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Kali. It is a small town near popular tourist destinations such as Patal Bhuveneshwar, Binsar, and Abbott Mount. Many additional temples are also located throughout this small town and are well-known. It is a sanctuary of true worship and natural wonders, perched at an altitude of 1800 metres above ground in the picturesque Himalayan perspective.

4. Kapileshwar Temple

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This cave shrine dedicated to Lord Mahadev offers spectacular vistas of the Soar Valley as well as equally enchanting views of the huge Himalayan peaks clad in snow.

The cave, located 3 kilometres from Pithoragarh, contains multiple closed passageways leading to the temple. One must travel 10 metres into the cave to venerate the deity enshrined in the complex. Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is roughly half a kilometre away.

5. Chandak

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Chandak is a small hill on the north side of the Soar Valley that offers a little walk. This picturesque site, located 8 kilometres from Pithoragarh, also provides its guests with a taste of adventure in the form of hang gliding.

Aside from that, the Mostamanu Temple is only around 2 kilometres distant on foot. During August and September, when a fair is held, this temple receives a large number of tourists.

6. Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary

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Askot sanctuary is home to a diverse diversity of plants and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife and botany enthusiasts. This area is surrounded by rich and beautiful surroundings and is located at a height of 5412 metres and 54 kilometres from Pithoragarh.

Animals such as chirs, pheasants, koalas, bharals, Himalayan black bears, chukars, snow leopards, and musk deers can be seen. Ascot is home to a diverse range of fauna as well as numerous temples.

7. Narayan Ashram

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Imagine Zen, nature, culture, and some light literature gathering in the hills for an early brunch. Assume you’ve decided to join them. A visit to the Narayan Ashram can only be described in this way.

While the solitude on the hill can be too unsettling to bear on your own, the Ashram encourages one to rejoice in it. The blossoms around the Ashram are at their peak, and the Ashram itself includes a library and a meditation area. A socio-education centre is a place where you may learn in the midst of tranquilly and nature, rounding off your trip.

8. Thal Kedar

9. Cinema Line

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To say the least, shopping in Pithoragarh’s Cinema Line is a fantastic experience. Everything from local handloom and handicrafts to brass items and woollen clothes can be found there. Aipan (Alpana) relics, clay idols, Jatra masks, and rugs and carpets are also on display.

10. Arjuneshwar Temple

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Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is said to have been built by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas. Arjuneswar Temple is located at an elevation of 6000 feet and approximately 10 kilometres west of Pithoragarh. It can be reached by road or by trekking.

Pithoragarh is historically significant. During the reign of the Kumaon Chand Rajas, it was one of the most important centres of authority. Pilgrims begin their journey to the sacred sites of Mansarovar and Kailash from this location.