Tourist Spots in Pithoragarh

Tourist Spots in Pithoragarh

Tourist Spots in Pithoragarh : Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand state is blessed with natural beauty and serenity. Surrounded by hills and the majestic Himalayas, the district offers a visual treat to tourists. From lofty snow-clad peaks to verdant valleys, gurgling rivers to diverse flora and fauna, ancient temples to modern amenities, Pithoragarh has something for every traveler.

The top tourist spots in Pithoragarh district include:

Chandak

Perched at an altitude of 2,100 meters, Chandak is a picturesque hill station offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. The main attraction here is the ancient Chandika Devi temple. Trekkers also flock here for the scenic 6 km trek from Gangolihat.

Thal Kedar

Thal Kedar, located 77 km from Pithoragarh town, is known for the ancient Shiva temple and stunning valley views. The 3 km trek from Jauljibi is popular among adventure enthusiasts.

Gangolihat

Home to the revered Kali temple, Gangolihat attracts pilgrims and history buffs. The sleepy town situated along the Kali River also serves as a basecamp for treks to Pindari Glacier and Kafni Glacier.

Several other tourist spots like Patal Bhuvaneshwar caves, Birthi Falls, and Munsiyari also dot the district. Read further for a detailed guide on major tourist attractions in Pithoragarh.

Chandak Hill Station

Location – Chandak is located about 77 km from Pithoragarh town in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,100 meters. The nearest railhead is at Tanakpur, about 177 km away.

How to Reach – The hill station can be reached by road from Pithoragarh via Gangolihat, which is 66 km away. Shared taxis are available from Pithoragarh bus stand. The drive takes about 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit – March to June and September to December are ideal months to visit Chandak. Winters can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below freezing point.

Significance – Chandak is a less explored but highly picturesque hill station in Pithoragarh district. The main highlight here is the ancient Chandika Devi temple that draws pilgrims and tourists alike with its intricate stone carvings and serene environs.

Perched atop a hill, the temple complex offers sweeping vistas of the Himalayan peaks like Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, and Nanda Devi among others. The 6 km uphill trek from Gangolihat to the temple is quite popular among adventure junkies.

Attractions in Chandak

• Chandika Devi Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Chandika Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, this stone temple dates back to the 9th century. The intricate carvings depicting various Gods and Goddesses on the walls and pillars showcase excellent ancient craftsmanship.
• Trek to Chandak – The 6 km long uphill trek from Gangolihat town near Pithoragarh is frequented by adventure enthusiasts. Passing through dense oak and rhododendron forests, the trail offers stunning mountain views all along.
• Sunrise and Sunset Views – Watching the first rays of sun paint the Himalayan peaks gold or the crimson hues of dusk fade into the night sky is an ethereal experience from Chandak top.
• Paragliding – Adventure junkies can enjoy paragliding over the verdant hills and valleys of Chandak, under expert supervision.

Accommodation

Limited accommodation options are available in Chandak. The Irrigation Department Guest House has a few rooms for overnight stay. Camping near the temple premises is possible with prior permission.

Alternatively, one can stay in hotels, resorts or government guest houses in Gangolihat, just 6 km downhill.

Food

Local food options are scarce in Chandak. Travelers are advised to carry their own supplies. Simple meals are provided at the Irrigation Department Guest House if informed in advance.

Thal Kedar Valley

Location – Thal Kedar valley is located in the southern part of Pithoragarh district, about 77 km from Pithoragarh town.

How to Reach

By Road: Thal Kedar is connected by motorable roads to major towns like Pithoragarh and Almora. Shared taxis are available from Pithoragarh bus stand, 66 km away. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.

By Train: The closest railway station is at Tanakpur, about 177 km from Thal Kedar.

By Air: Pantnagar Airport (119 km) is the nearest airport.

Best Time to Visit – March to June and September to December are the best months to visit Thal Kedar valley. The winter months can be extremely cold. Landslides may block the roads during monsoons.

Significance

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the serene Thal Kedar valley in Pithoragarh district derives its name from the ancient Thal Kedar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mythology says Pandavas stayed here during their exile and built the temple.

The valley offers stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks and the river Gori Ganga flows through it. The 3 km trek from Jauljibi town to the temple is quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Thal Kedar valley also serves as the base camp for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Attractions in Thal Kedar

• Thal Kedar Temple – The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies in ruins now except for the main sanctum. Intricate stone carvings depicting various Hindu deities adorn the sanctum walls. The temple architecture showcases excellent craftsmanship of the early Katyuri rulers.
• Trek to Thal Kedar Temple – The 3 km uphill trek from Jauljibi passing through oak and rhododendron forests offers a rejuvenating experience. One can also trek from nearby town Baram.
• Gori Ganga River – The river flowing through the valley is held sacred by locals. Taking a dip here is considered holy.
• Panchachuli Peaks View – The Panchachuli massif comprising of five Himalayan peaks above 6,000 meters can be viewed up and close from the valley. The sight leaves one awestruck.

Accommodation

Limited stay options are available in Thal Kedar Valley. The Thal Kedar Temple Trust provides basic accommodation for pilgrims near the temple. Camping in the valley is possible with prior permission.

Alternatively, one can stay in budget hotels in nearby towns like Jauljibi and Baram.

Food

Simple vegetarian food is available near Thal Kedar temple. It’s better to carry your own supplies. Local dhabas in Jauljibi offer Indian veg fare.

Gangolihat

Location – Gangolihat town is located about 66 km from Pithoragarh, along the Pithoragarh-Gangolihat state highway.

How to Reach

By Road: Frequent buses and shared taxis connect Gangolihat to Pithoragarh and other major towns in Kumaon region. The drive from Pithoragarh takes about 2 hours.

By Train: Tanakpur (177 km) is the nearest railway station.

By Air: Pantnagar Airport (119 km) is the closest.

Best Time to Visit – March to June and September to November are ideal to visit Gangolihat. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures plummeting below zero degrees.

Significance

An important pilgrimage site in Pithoragarh district, Gangolihat attracts devotees due to the highly revered Kali Temple situated along the banks of river Kali. The sleepy town with its pristine surroundings also serves as the basecamp for treks to Pindari, Kafni, and Sunderdhunga Glaciers.

Gangolihat offers stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks and acts as the gateway to lesser known hill stations like Chandak and Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

Attractions in Gangolihat

• Kali Temple – One of the Shakti Peethas, the temple complex houses the stone idol of Goddess Kali said to be over 1,000 years old. Intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling. The temple was built under the Chand kings’ rule.
• Trekking – Gangolihat is the starting point for treks to Pindari, Kafni Glacier and Sunderdhunga Glacier. Treks to hill stations like Chandak also begin here.
• Panchachuli Viewpoint – Panchachuli peaks can be viewed in full glory from Gangolihat town especially during clear weather conditions. The sight leaves one awestruck.
• River Kali – The gushing blue-green waters of River Kali lend a scenic backdrop to Gangolihat town. Taking a dip here or sitting by the riverside is a calming experience.

Accommodation

Several hotels, government lodges and budget guest houses provide decent accommodation in Gangolihat for all budgets. Camping by the riverside is also possible.

Food

Most hotels have their own restaurants offering Indian veg cuisine. Small eateries and dhabas near the bus stand provide cheap food. One can also relish Garhwali cuisine at select places.

Other Major Tourist Spots in Pithoragarh

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple

Located around 99 km from Pithoragarh, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple 160 meters below ground level. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave structure houses intriguing stalactite and stalagmite rock formations that resemble Hindu deities. It is believed to be connected to the pilgrimage site Char Dham.

Birthi Falls

About 34 km from Pithoragarh town lies the spectacular Birthi Falls. The 125 meters high waterfall cascades down from an immense height and the pool below makes for an excellent picnic spot.

Munsiyari

Perched at 2,298 meters height lies the picturesque hill station of Munsiyari, also known as Little Kashmir. It serves as the basecamp for treks to glaciers like Milam, Namik and Ralam. The Panchachuli peaks, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Rajrambha peaks can be viewed from here.

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to endangered species like musk deer and snow leopard, Askot wildlife sanctuary spans over 5,000 sq km in Pithoragarh district. Trekking routes also pass through this area.

Ralam Glacier

One of the largest glaciers in the Kumaon region, Ralam glacier offers stunning views on the 19 km trekking route from Munsiyari. The glacier lies enroute the ancient Milam-Ralam trade route between India and Tibet.

Dharchula

A picturesque town situated at an altitude of 1,950 meters, Dharchula serves as the basecamp for the Kailash Mansarovar yatra. It also offers views of the Panchachuli and Api peaks. The scenic trek to Jauljibi also begins here.

Jauljibi

A small town located on the India-Nepal trade route, Jauljibi offers majestic mountain vistas. It is the starting point for treks to Thal Kedar temple and Khaliya top. One can also cross over to Nepal from here.

How to Plan your Pithoragarh Trip

Here are some tips to plan your Pithoragarh trip:

• Best Time – March to June and September to December are ideal to visit Pithoragarh district. Summers are pleasant while winters can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below zero degrees Celsius.
• Duration – 4-5 days are enough to explore Pithoragarh’s top tourist attractions including Gangolihat, Chandak, Patal Bhuvaneshwar etc. For extensive trekking expeditions, plan a longer 10-12 day trip.
• Travel – Fly to Pantnagar airport and drive to Pithoragarh by cab. Alternatively, take a train to Tanakpur and continue the onward journey by road. Luxury buses also ply to Pithoragarh from major North Indian cities. Shared taxis can be hired for sightseeing.
• Stay – Decent accommodation options in all budgets are available at tourist spots like Gangolihat and Munsiyari. Limited stay facilities are there at remote places like Chandak and Thal Kedar. Camping is also possible in some areas with permission.
• Food – Most hotels have their own restaurants. Roadside dhabas offer simple Indian fare. Local Garhwali cuisine can be enjoyed at select eateries. It’s better to carry your own supplies when trekking or visiting remote temples.
• Safety – Check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, especially during monsoons when landslides are common. Carry adequate warm clothing as temperatures can fluctuate widely. Hire experienced guides for trekking and adventure activities. Keep emergency contacts handy.

Conclusion to Tourist Spots in Pithoragarh

Tourist Spots in Pithoragarh, Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, history, culture and mythology for all types of travelers. While the pilgrimage sites like Gangolihat Kali temple and Thal Kedar valley cater to traditional travelers, the area also appeals to adventurous souls with its extensive trekking routes and stunning mountain landscapes.

Less explored hill stations like Chandak showcase the region’s untamed natural splendor and hidden gems like Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple intrigues travelers with its unique architecture and mythological linkages. Majestic sights of the Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and other Himalayan peaks leave one awestruck throughout the journey.

With state-of-the-art connectivity, accommodation and eating options, Pithoragarh promises a memorable travel experience. So pack your bags and set out to explore Pithoragarh’s natural bounty and rich cultural legacy. The destination will not disappoint you!

FAQs:

What are the top places to visit in Pithoragarh district?

The top tourist attractions in Pithoragarh district are Chandak hill station, Thal Kedar Valley, Gangolihat town, and Patal Bhuvaneshwar caves. Other attractions include Birthi Falls, Munsiyari, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and Ralam Glacier.

Which hill station is located near Pithoragarh?

Chandak is a picturesque hill station situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters, about 77 km from Pithoragarh town. It offers stunning mountain vistas and ancient Chandika Devi temple.

What is Gangolihat town famous for?

Gangolihat town along the Kali River banks houses the highly revered Kali Temple, which is one of the Shakti Peethas. It serves as the basecamp for treks to Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga Glaciers.

How to reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar caves?

Located 99 km from Pithoragarh, Patal Bhuvaneshwar limestone caves can be reached by road. Shared taxis are available from major towns. The nearest railhead is at Tanakpur, about 177 km away.

What is the best time to visit Pithoragarh district?

The ideal time is from March to June and September to December. Winters can get extremely cold while summers are pleasant.