Situated in the quiet yet beautiful Kumaon area, Pithoragarh is a place is home to stunning scenery, historical temples, and diverse cultures. Referred to as ‘Little Kashmir’, Pithoragarh is nestled within the towering Himalayas and perfectly exemplifies tranquillity and adventure. With breathtaking views and remarkable forts to visit, Pithoragarh impresses the visitors.
Pithoragarh Fort
The Pithoragarh Fort is a commanding example of the dynamic past that the town is part of the Chand Dynasty, it is built on the top of a mountain, which overlooks the valleys and the snow-capped mountain. Given its location, it would be equally appropriate to highlight that this fort may have been one of the fortifications in earlier times. In the modern day this fort serves as a brilliant amalgamation of both history and nature, one thing to take note of is that make sure that you have your camera handy as the views around the fort are breathtaking.
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple
This popular temple owes its stunning architecture to Lord Shiva is located in the middle of the town and is enclosed in a forest which adds value to the beauty of the venue. If you are a spiritual sage or just a tourist in Soar Valley, you will look for the Kapileshwar Mahadev temple because of its peaceful environment. Make sure to go to the temple during Shivratri, as the temple area is decorated for the occasion.
Dhwaj Temple
This temple honors both Shiva and Goddess Jayanti and is located at approximately 2100 meters above sea level. Its location offers several captivating hiking paths for adventurers. The moderately challenging hike through the thick woods is quite enjoyable. Besides the stunning Himalayan scenery, the isolated setting is a perfect place for quiet reflection and meditation.
Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary
This beautiful deer and wildlife sanctuary is set in the mountains and will leave nature enthusiasts and photographers in awe. This sanctuary is home to snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears. On the list of every wildlife enthusiast’s places to visit is the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary! Wildlife can be best viewed in the early hours of the day so make sure you are out at that time.
Chandak Hill
For an idyllic day trip or chilled-out picnic, Chandak Hill makes for an ideal destination. A beautiful viewing point from which the entire town and the several farming valleys surrounding it can be seen at once account for its great attractiveness for photographers. On the other hand, if you like to, you can also try paragliding. There are many charming villages in the area, which provide visitors with a glimpse of the Kumaoni way of life. The stunningly cool breeze on a hot day is sure to be enjoyed to the maximum by any tourist, this makes the area vividly charming.
Thal Kedar
About 15 kilometers away from the main town of Pithoragarh, exists a shrine dedicated to Shree Kedareshwar which is an ancient temple of the Hindu lord Shiva. It is famous among the people in Pithoragarh District and is one of their major pilgrimage sites. Among the charming aspects of this temple is its artistic sophistication as well. To get to the temple, devotees have to use steep rugged paths that wend through dense scrub woodland, and from about mid-February to the beginning of March, it is busy.
Narayan Ashram
As an ashram designed to promote social outreach and spirituality, Narayan Ashram was founded in the year of 1936 by Narayan Swami. The site is very quiet, and as such the ashram can be classified as the perfect location for tourists who enjoy full and undisturbed peace. It also acts as a great base for individuals wanting to do mountain climbing in the surrounding ranges. It is also worth mentioning that the ashram has a library, living quarters, and beautiful gardens.
Jhulaghat
Jhulaghat is a small locality that is noted along the Indo-Nepal border and this place also has a suspension bridge that connects the two countries. In this high place, the Kali river meanders, and there is also a breathtaking view of it. Tourists can participate in boating or even shopping for local materials plus enjoy the view. The place has diverse cultures because it is from both Nepal and India, and in addition to that its history draws in many tourists because of the food they offer.
Ralam Glacier
Anyone passionate about travel can’t help but decide to go on a trek to the Ralam glacier, since there is something new to discover almost every few minutes. This glacier trek will allow you to visit some remote villages as well as high meadows and dense forests and provide you with experiences of a lifetime. The blue sky and the ice surrounding the glacier create a spectacular scene on their own. The time from May to October is the most suitable for visits since the weather is good and the routes are cleared.
Munsiyari
Although it is a little distant compared to Pithoragarh, it is one of the locations that you must see. Munsiyari sources aid in trekking expeditions and are known as the ‘Gateway to the Johar Valley’. The Panchachuli Peaks also have an unbeatable sight. Trekkers, skiers, and even mountaineers can pursue their hobbies while nature enthusiasts may relish the bountiful plants and wildlife in the region.
Conclusion
The Pithoragarh town located in Uttarakhand is the desired place for someone wanting an ideal amalgamation of adventure, beauty, and spiritualism. The town has a plethora of options available for nature lovers, adventure fanatics, and history enthusiasts. The excellent hospitality and soothing environment are sure to create an impact on you. So get set to tour Pithoragarh as we ensure you that there will be a constant desire to explore the town.
FAQs
The best months to travel to Pithoragarh skies would be March to June and September to November. This period of the year is quite ideal for sightseeing and trekking expeditions due to the pleasant climatic conditions. While winters are quite cold, for those who like snow, the snow-covered landscape is breathtaking despite the cold.
Pithoragarh is well connected through the road network across all major cities within northern India as well as other regions of Uttarakhand. In terms of air travel, the nearest airport is in Pantanagar which is around 250km away.
Yes, to put it bluntly, Pithoragarh is one of the best tourist destinations with an abundance of activities for the elderly temples and heritage sports, and various types of activities for the youth. Additionally, the peace of the town is perfect for spending time with family.
Certainly, Pithoragarh’s range of accommodations includes guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and even resorts. When weather permits, certain hotels offer breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains. Because this is a popular tourist season, we recommend that you make your reservations as early as possible.
Aloo Ke Gutke, Bhatt Ki Churkani, and Baadi are some quintessential dishes of Pithoragarh along with the local Kumaoni cuisine, and do not forget to treat yourself to the delectable Bal Mithai dessert while you are there.
