A Complete Travel Guide to Pithoragarh

Travel to the unpopulated, nicely-established town of Pithoragarh in Northern India to enlighten your senses. 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 kilometers, and it is best recognized 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 amidst the snow-capped mountains of Panchachuli and Nanda Devi, as well as the sound of nature.

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.

The Pithoragarh District encompasses the small town of the same name and covers an area of 7,110 km2 bordering Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north. With the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks, high Himalayan ranges, valleys, waterfalls, and glaciers alluring 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 remain free of commercialization and closer to nature. It is an ideal location for a contemplative vacation, honeymoon, adventurous vacation, or alone getaway. 

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.

History of Pithoragarh

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Pithoragarh District, with its entire northern and eastern borders being international, has significant strategic importance and is, unsurprisingly, a politically sensitive district along India’s northern border. Because the passes of Lipulekh, Kungribingri, Lampia Dhura, Lawe Dhura, Belcha, and Keo open out to Tibbet, it has immense strategic importance as the last district adjoining Tibbet. Pithoragarh’s breath-taking grandeur – the Himalayas, broad expanses of green meadow, perennial streams thundering down the zig-zag path, a tremendous variety of flora, and fauna, and above all, pristine nature yet unsullied – appear to pull the observer into their folds, into a charming realm of virgin beauty.

Following the Chinese incursion, a large chunk of Almora district was divided into Pithoragarh district on February 24, 1960, including extreme border territories and with its headquarters in Pithoragarh town. The Champawat Tehsil, which had previously been part of the Pithoragarh district, was split apart on September 15, 1997. The town of Pithoragarh is situated at an elevation of 1645 meters above sea level. The district is located between the eastern and southern parts of the central Himalayas, between 29.4° and 30.3° North latitude and 80° to 81° East longitude, with the Indo-Tibetan watershed divide in the north and the Kali river.

In the east, it forms a continuous boundary with Nepal. The national limits of Almora, Champawat, Bageshwar, and Chamoli districts surround the Pithoragarh district, which covers an area of 7,217.7 square kilometers. The following are the specifics of the land use:

There are numerous scenic spots to which prospective tourists may plan excursions, including Chandak, Thal Kedar, Gangolihat (77 km) famous for its Kali temple, Patal Bhuvneshwar (99 km), Berinag (Tea Garden of Chaukori – 11 km away from Berinag), Didihat, Munsyari (base camp for treks to Milam, Ralam, and Namik Glacier), Dharchula.

Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh

Visit Pithoragarh, which is located in the state of Uttarakhand, to add a touch of nature to your life. Summer is thought to be the best time to visit because the weather in Pithoragarh is lovely.

Summers in Pithoragarh

Summers in this town are ideal because they are neither too hot nor too chilly. In the summer, the temperature swings between 7°C and 20°C, allowing you to enjoy the tourist attractions and temples in complete comfort. It is, without a doubt, the greatest time to visit Pithoragarh, with the sun shining brightly and making the scenery more pleasant for you.

Monsoon in Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh receives a lot of rain during the monsoon season. Visitors often avoid traveling during this season, when temperatures range from 30°C to 15°C because there is a risk of landslides owing to erratic rains. If you’re considering a vacation to Pithoragarh during the monsoon, it’s a good idea to check the weather prediction first.

Winters in Pithoragarh

Places to visit in Pithoragarh

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Pithoragarh is a tiny district in Uttarakhand that was created out of the Almora district. It is located at an average elevation of 1,514 meters above sea level. The town is located in the heart of a valley known as ‘Soar,’ which is often referred to as a miniature Kashmir Valley. The town serves as the northern gateway to the Himalayas, connecting the key pilgrim destinations of Kailash and Om Parvat, as well as the holy lake Mansarovar. The town is a renowned tourist attraction because of its location among the hillocks of the great Himalayas, and it is known for its old forts and temples. The following is a list of the greatest sites to visit in Pithoragarh.

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

Top 10 places to visit in Pithoragarh

Click on the above link to know the Top 10 places to visit in Pithoragarh.

Places to Visit Nearby Pithoragarh

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As a tourist, you’ll be seeking attractions that set themselves apart from the rest of Uttarakhand. What’s more, what could be better than a trip to Pithoragarh, where not just the town, but the entire district is brimming with tourist attractions that will please you and same are the places to visit nearby Pithoragarh. Let’s know about some amazing places near Pithoragarh.

1. Dharchula
2. Askot Sanctuary
3. Musiyari
4. Chaukori
5. Patal Bhubaneshwar
6. Jageshwar
7. Almora
8. Ranikhet
9. Nainital
10. Bhimtal

Top 10 Places to Visit Near Pithoragarh

Click on the above link to know all the details of the Top 10 places to visit near Pithoragarh.

Hotels in Pithoragarh

Allow yourself to be pampered in the warm environment of Pithoragarh’s hospitality. There are a number of hotels where you can spend your vacation, so peek out from your room and take in the natural ambiance. From 3 star to 1 star select mid-range hotels to budget-friendly options, they all offer excellent amenities and first-class service. Camping is also an option in Pithoragarh and the neighboring areas, where the open sky is ablaze with stars and the Himalayan range adorns the horizon.

How to Reach Pithoragarh

By Train

Tanakpur railway station is located 148 kilometers from Pithoragarh. You can hire a taxi or cab without difficulty after you arrive.

By Air

To go to Pithoragarh, fly to Pantnagar airport. The airport is about 210 kilometers from town, and taxis and cabs are readily available. Aside from that, the Pithoragarh airport will be operational soon, making it easier for travelers to get there.

By Road

Pithoragarh is well connected to all of Uttarakhand’s major cities, as well as to Delhi, via state and private bus services.

Pithoragarh Travel Tips

Pithoragarh, popularly known as “Little Kashmir,” is a beautiful tiny town bordered on the east by Nepal and on the north by Tibet. It’s roughly 135 kilometers from Munsiyari and is ideal for adding a few days to your journey. The community of Darkot, which is known for its weavers, and Mudkot, which is recognized for a hot water spring with medicinal effects, are both close.

1. Pithoragarh has a number of banks and ATMs. However, I still recommend that you don’t rely on the ATM here and bring enough cash with you.
2. BSNL has the finest coverage in this area, which includes the main town and surrounding districts. Other networks, such as Airtel and Vodafone, work great on both prepaid and postpaid plans. However, internet and data access were also slow.
3. In Pithoragarh, there are many petrol stations. Mechanics are also available but only for minor repairs.

4. Pithoragarh is an extremely safe destination to visit as long as you behave appropriately and avoid taking any unnecessary risks or putting yourself in danger. It is a well-known tourist attraction that attracts a large number of people, including families and couples. The residents of the area are simple-minded and humble.

5. Between the latter week of December and the beginning of February, it snows in Pithoragarh. If you want to enjoy snowfall, make sure to plan ahead.

6. In Pithoragarh, tourists can hire a local cab to take them around. It is very useful for those who have arrived in Pithoragarh by bus. The cost of the cab will be determined entirely by the number of locations you desire to visit.

I hope the above information on visiting Pithoragarh, what to see there, and how to effectively arrange your trip proved useful. If you have any questions or require additional information, please ask in the comments box below and I will gladly respond.