Picturesque Pithoragarh town is delight for mountaineers, trekkers, adventure seekers, botanists, pilgrims as well as sightseers. It is an important halt on the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. The rivers originating from the Pithoragarh mountains are perfect for water sports, while the lush jungles here teem with rich variety of flora and fauna.
This eastern most district of Uttaranchal popularly called as 'Miniature Kashmir', shares international boundary with China (Tibet) on the north and Nepal on the east. The northern parts are studded with majestic peaks like Nanda Devi (east), Nanda Devi (west), Trishul, Nandakot, Rajrambha, Panchachuli group etc. The alpine meadows and glaciers below these majestic mountains has made the district a virtual paradise for nature lovers.
Pithoragarh Stats
Area: 7110 sq km
Total Population: 462,289
Literacy: 76.48%
Places to Visit in Pithoragarh
It is set atop a hill on the outskirts of the town. The fort was built by the Gorkhas in 1789.
Kapileshwar Mahadev (3 kms):
The cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva affords fine view of the Soar valley and lofty Himalayan peaks.
Chandak (8 kms) :
The beautiful hill affords a fine view of the Himalayas. The Manu Temple here is highly revered by the locales.
Dhwaj Temple:
This famous shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti and is 10 kms by road and 4 kms on foot from Pithoragarh. It also commands a breath taking view of the snow capped peaks.
Thal Kedar (16.3 kms) :
This Shaivite pilgrim site is also known for its scenic splendour. During the annual fair of Shivratri large number of devotees flock to Thal Kedar.
Nakuleshwara (10 kms):
It is believed that Nakuleshwara Temple was built by Nakul and Sahdev (two brothers of Pandavas). The place is located at Athgaon Shilling area.
Askot Sanctuary:
The scenic sanctuary 54 kms from Pithoragarh nestles at a height of 5412 ft. in Kumaon Himalayas and is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a safe haven for snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, mona/s, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors. The lush sanctuary area dotted with temples is also a fine place to view the beauty of the Himalayas.
Chaukori:
The small hill town affords balmy weather and great views of snowclad peaks. The entire area teems with tea gardens and orchards. It is 112 kms from Pithoragarh via Gangolihat and Berinag.
Gangolihat:
The sacred site is famous for the Hatkalika Fair held on the ashtami of Chaitra month at the Kalika temple. Devotees visit the shrine during this time with drums and flags to pay homage to Goddess Kalika.
Jhulaghat :
This small town on the Indo-Nepal border is named after a hanging bridge on the Kali river. One can enter Nepal through this bridge. The small market here deals in Nepali goods and other electronic items.
Narayan Ashram :
The ashram was established by Narayan Swami in 1936, about 136 kms north of Pithoragarh and 14 kms from Tawaghat. This spiritual cum-socio educational centre is set at an altitude of 2734 metres amidst scenic surroundings. It has a school for local children's and imparts training to local youth. There is also a library, meditation room and samadhi sthal.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar :
Patal Bhubaneshwar, literally means the sub-terranean shrine of Lord Shiva. The cave temple is 91 kms from Pithoragarh and 14 kms north of Gangolihat. The way to the temple is through a tunnel which leads into the cavern through a narrow dark passage of water. The electrified sanctum sanctorum is deep inside the cave. The main passage also leads to several small caves where water oozing from limestone rocks have created various shapes arid figures. Some of them resemble various gods and goddesses of Hindu pantheon. In fact cave temple complex is said to be the abode of thousands of deities and people believe that these deities were consecrated by Adi Shankracharya. Large number of pilgrims visit the shrine during the fair of Maha Shivratri.
Munshyari :
Munshyari a small Himalayan township about 127 kms north of Pithoragarh and 66 kms from Jauljibi. It nestles at an elevation of 2135 metres. and the entire region is known as Johar valley. Munsiyari is a base for treks to Milam and Namik glaciers. The trek from Munshyari to Milam Glacier, the source for Goriganga river is fascinating. Around Munshyari are alpine lakes of Maheshwari Kund and Thamri Kund. Munshyari Bugyal, an alpine meadow full of wild flowers is enchanting. Khalia Top and Betulidhar are suited for skiing.
How to reach Pithoragarh
By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Tanakpur (151 kms).
By Road: Pithoragarh is well connected by road with important towns of the region and other states as well.
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