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Location:
Eastern Hills of Uttar Pradesh
Feature: Often Referred as "Miniature
Kashmir"
Accessibility: Well Connected by Motorable
Road
Languages: Hindi, Kumaoni and English
The easternmost hill  district
of Uttar Pradesh, Pithoragarh is often referred to as “Miniature
Kashmir”. Nestling in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide,
the town also known as Sore Valley was an important landmark of the
Chand Rajas of Kumaon. It is situated at an altitude of 1,650 m above
sea level and has the facility of three spoken languages, namely Hindi,
Kumaoni and English. Pithoragarh is the district headquarters and its
government buildings are housed in the hill fort of Pithoragarh at a
distance of 7 kms. from the main town.
From the Chandak Hill located at around 2000 metres, one gets a
panoramic view of snow range extending from Trishul, Nanda Devi,
Panchchuli group and mount Appi of Nepal.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Fairs
Devidhura Fair:The Devidhura Fair is held on the day of Raksha
Bandhan in August, at the Varahi Devi Temple. Devidhura is situated at
the trijunction of Almora, Pithoragarh & Nainital districts.
Others Chandak
- 7 km
Chandak, at an elevation of 6000
ft, is noted for its scenic beauty and landscape. Lately Chandak has
also assumed importance as a magnesite industrycentre. Chandak commands
a panoramic view of extensive Pithoragarh valley.
Dhwaj : 18 km on the Dharchula road, the 7000 ft high point of
Dhwaj commands a wide and close view of the silvery majesty of the
Himalayan ranges. It is one of tghe famous spots of scenic beauty in the
district of Pithoragarh.
Other noteworthy picnic spots in
and around Pithoragarh include Hanumangarhi (2 km), Ulka Devi Temple (1
km), Radha Krishna temple (0.8 km), Rai Gufa (1 km), Bhatkote (1 km).
The Hills: Pithorgarh
boasts of majestic peaks like Nanda Devi East, Nanda Devi West, Trishul,
Hardeol, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Bambadhura, and the Panchchuli group
amongst others.
Glaciers: Pithoragarh has
its fair share of magnificent glaciers too, like the Milam, Namik, Ralam,
Meola and Balati glaciers. From these flow the mighty rivers of Kuti,
Dhauli Ganga (East), Gori Ganga, Ram Ganga (East), Saryu and Kali (Sharda),
which provide ample scope for rafting and canoeing.
EXCURSIONS
Rameshwar: (36 kms.) Situated at the confluence of rivers Ram
Ganga (East) and Saryu. A large fair is held every year in the temple of
lord Shiva on Makar Sankranti (Jan/Feb).
Thal Kedar: (16 kms.) An
important religious centre also noted for its natural beauty. A large
fair is held on Shivratri (Jan/Feb) every year.
Munsiyari: (154 kms.) The
center as well as the gateway of Johar region, it is situated at an
elevation of 2298 m. Snuggled in the folds of snow clad mountains,
Munsiyari is the base camp for treks to Milam, Ralam and Namik glaciers.
Punyagiri Temple: Punyagiri
temple is one of the most well-known temples in the Kumaon region. Lakhs
of pilgrims visit the shrine during April to June. The site is around 20
km from Tanakpur, out of which 6 km is to be trekked.
Lohaghat At an elevation
of 1706 metres, 62 km from Pithoragarh along the motor road to the
North-Eastern Railway terminus of Tanakpur, Lohaghat is a centre of
historical and mythological importance. P.W.D. Inspection House, Zila
Parishad Dak Bungalow and Tourist Bungalow offer stay arrnagements for
visitors.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Naini Saini (Pithoragarh), 5 kms.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Tanakpur 151 kms.
Road : Well connected by a motorable road.
Local Transport : Buses and Taxis
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