The small bustling town in the state of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful examples of what mother nature has blessed us with. This little place known as Pithoragarh is one of the main tourist attractions of Uttarakhand. Tourism in Pithoragarh is one of the most blissful experiences and is also very beautiful. Pithoragarh is so beautiful that it is often referred to as ‘Chota Kashmir’ or ‘Little Kashmir’. From far-stretching green lush valleys to Snow capped the Himalayas this Little Kashmir is a wonderful place.

While all other hill stations are also beautiful but Pithoragarh seems to be blessed. The rivers here and valleys tell all the tale. It is so alluring that it has got itself a place in our list of top 7 hill stations near Nainital. Pithoragarh is also a trekkers paradise. From Mansarover Yatra to Om Parvat Trek Pithoragarh is a hub.

Why should You visit Pithoragarh?

Pithoragarh is the perfect destination for those looking for a budget hill station. This place is a beautiful valley itself surrounded by the Himalayas which makes it your next stop. For those who seek peace and pleasant atmosphere Pithoragarh is the perfect destination.

While many hill stations in Uttarakhand are expensive tourism in Pithoragarh remains affordable. Many hill stations in Uttarakhand are crowded in peak seasons but Pithoragarh is far from so. This place is a little far from big cities like Delhi but the journey is worth it.

How to reach

Roads to Pithoragarh are the best option as Train and Air service is very far from Pithoragarh.

By road

The only way Pithoragarh is accessible is via road. Pithoragarh is well connected to Delhi and Nainital. From Delhi take NH 9 and then AH 2 to reach Pithoragarh.

By Train

The nearest railhead is Tanakpur which is 138 km from here. From Tankpur railway station there are several taxis and buses for Pithoragarh.

By Air

The nearest airport is Patnagar which is 240 km from here. From Patnangar one can find buses and taxis for Pithoragarh, Also you can find taxis and buses from Haldwani which is gateway to Kumoun.

Best Places To Visit In Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is filled with beautiful places. This place is very well famous for its treks. While in this topic we will be only covering the best places in Pithoragarh and few treks. If you wish to know more about Treks in Uttarakhand you can by clicking here.

Munsiyari

Munsiyari a cozy little place in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. This little town is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas. While the whole Pithoragarh is very beautiful but the first destination you should visit should be Munsiyari. Munsiyari is in the borders of Uttarakhand. Munsiyari is also the gateway to Nepal from Uttarakhand.

This small little Hamlet is a trade center for Nepali and Local Indians. While Trekking is a famous activity but local shopping can also be done. If you are a little cultural buff like us then there is a beautiful community here. The Rongpa tribe of Uttarakhand mainly reside here. The community here is lovely and you can try out local cuisine too.

Munsiyari is so famous that many films have also been shot here. Not only films but this place is a trekker’s paradise. From Johar valley trek to Darma valley many beautiful trek start from Munsiyari. Munsiyari is the star of Tourism in Pithoragarh and Uttarakhand.

Askot Sanctuary

Pithoragarh is said heaven abode and one of the main reasons is Askot sanctuary. The wildlife of the Askot is very unique. The flora and fauna of the Askot is very lovely. This small heavenly place hosts black bear, musk deers, and even snow leopards.

Askot is a paradise for wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This sanctuary is at a height of 5400 m at 50 km from Pithoragarh’s main town. Askot sanctuary also inhabits koklas, bharals, chirs, and many other local animals. This place is also great for birdwatchers too. There are many seasonal birds coming which come here.

Chandak

If you don’t want a full-fledged trek like Darma valley you can do this small one. This small trek in Pithoragarh takes you to the Mostamanu temple. Chandak is only 8 km from Pithoragarh town. From town only you can trek up to there or you can trek towards Mostamanu temple.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar

This limestone cave is in Gangolihat of Pithoragarh. Patal Bhuvaneshwar is 14 km from Gangolihat. This cave is 160m long and 90 feet deep. This cave has a historic and religious value.

It is said that Raja Ritupaurna discovered it. He was the king of Ayodhya during Treta Yug. Pandavas from Mahabharat mediated here only. Mahabharat Warriors went on to their last journey from here only. Patal Bhuvneshwar also has a reference in Skandapuran.

” He who wants to feel the presence of eternal power should come to this sacred place near the confluence of Ramganga, Saryu, and Gupt-Ganga “. This reference is in Manaskhand, Skandpuran.

While this place has historic value it is very beautiful too. This cave is very long and filled with inscriptions and writings. There is a temple also nearby. Uttarakhand Tourism has named Patal Bhuvaneshwar as The Shrine Beneath. With Uttarakhand Tourism Pithoragarh also host thousands of tourist due to Patal Bhuvneshwar

Didihat

Didihat is another beautiful little place here in Pithoragarh. The place is blessed with green lush valleys and wildlife. One can also see the mighty himalays view from Didihat. Didihat is a small town which is for peaceful and pleasent adventure. Himalayan peaks such as Panchuli are easily visible from here.

Didihat also remains an important destination for trek. The famous Mansarover kailash Yatra goes from here only.

Haat Kalika Temple

Haat Kalika temple is in Gangolihaat only. This Shaktipeeth was established by Guru Adi Shankaracharya. Guru Adi Shankaracharya established this Shaktipeeth more than 1000 years ago. Haat Kalika remains an important holy site in the whole Uttarakhand. People from all over Uttarakhand come over here to visit this temple. There is a seasonal fair operated by Pithoragarh Tourism here.

Pithoragarh Fort

While you are already in Pithoragarh so you must visit this small fort. Though this is not a big armored fort but still is worth to visit. This fort though offers some of the most spectacular views. From the top of the fort of Pithoragarh you can see the Kali Kumoun range. This fort was established in 1789. The gorkhas invaded the town and made this.

Adventure sports in Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh is also pretty famous for its adventure activities. This place though is small but activities here are innumerous. From rafting to trekking there are thousands of activities which can be done here.

Some of the most famous adventure activities in Pithoragarh are

• Trekking
• River Rafting
• Paragliding
• Skiing in winters
• Fishing
• Nature walks
• Rock climbing

Culture and Cuisine

Pithoragarh is home to the famous Rongpa tribe. This tribe has a great history with Tibet. The community here is known as the Bhotia tribe. The people here weave woolen yarn and live in high altitudes. While Rongpa people have their own language many also speak Kumouni too. With local languages everyone here can also speak Hindi too.

This tribe also has a great cuisine from Traditional pahadi to Indian chineese. Main dishes though remains Momo, Jya, sattu and rice with curry.

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