Pithoragarh

City Details
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.

Location: Eastern Hills of Uttar Pradesh
Feature: Often Referred as "Miniature Kashmir"
Accessibility: Well Connected by Motorable Road
Languages: Hindi, Kumaoni and English


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