Pithoragarh, the eastern most district of Kumaon, is bordered by Tibet on the north and Nepal on the east. The town is situated in a small valley 2 Km by 5 Km. Popularly known as the Soar Valley, it lies at the center of four hills - Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar and Kundar. This lesser known part of Kumaon is very picturesque and often referred to as ‘Mini Kashmir’.

Pithoragarh was once a stronghold of the Chand Rajas, and the temples and ruined fort bear witness to their rule. The town lay on the old trade route to Tibet and is still en route the sacred trail to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.

Chandak

Situated 7 km away Chandak, on the northern frontier of the Soar Valley, offers a fascinating view of the Himalayan ranges and the sprawling meadows of

Pithoragarh. It is a potential hang gliding resort. The Famous temple of Mostamanu is just 2 Km away. Chandak can be reached by taxi or by a short uphill trek.

Dhwaj

28 Km. Commands a wide view of the majestic snow - peaks of the north. Also important for temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti.

Kailash Ashram

7 km. A religious Ashram of historical interest.

Kamaksha Mahadev

7 km. Another religious spot and viewing point, the temple is accessible by a motor road and a hiking trail.

Kapileshwar Mahadev

This ancient cave-temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev is just 4 km. from Pithoragarh town.

Thal Kedar

16 km. An exceptionally beautiful haunt of tourists and pilgrims alike. During Shivaratri a large fair is held here every year.

Other places of interest are Rai Gufa and Ulka Devi Mandir.

General Information

• Area : 6.47 sq. km.
• Population: 27753 (1991 census)
• Altitude: 1650 meter above sea level.
• Season: April to June and September to October
• Clothing: (Summer) Light Woolens; (Winter) Heavy Woolen
• Language: Kumaoni, Hindi and English
• Local: Transport Buses/Taxis
• STD Code: 05964

Accessibility

Rail
Nearest Railway Stations :

• Tanakpur : 151 Km.
• Kathgodam : 212 Km.

Some of the important trains connections for Kathgodam are Ranikhet Express (5013) and Shatabadi Express.

Road
The whole district is well connected by all - weather motorable roads. The principal road links to the district are from the railway terminals at Tanakpur and Kathgodam. Road distances to some important centers are :
Delhi - 503 Km, Bareilly - 268 Km, Pilibhit - 215 Km, Nainital - 188 Km, Haldwani - 218 Km and Lohaghat - 62 Km.

Rameshwarghat

36 km Situated at the confluence of the rivers Ramganga and Saryu, the two principal temples here are those of Shiva and Rama. During Makar Sankranti, a large fair is held here.

Ritha Sahib

62 km. from Lohaghat. an important Center for Sikhs. It is believed that the bitter ritha turned sweet after the touch of the Guru here.

Abbot Mount

64 km. Abbot Mount, a suburb of Lohaghat, is a place of exceptional beauty and offers a panoramic view of the northern Himalayan ranges. A popular haunt of nature lovers since British times, it still has a number of colonial style bungalows.

Jauljibi

68 km. A picturesque location at the confluence of the two rivers - Gori and Kali. Every year, in the month of November, a fair is held which attracts people from far and wide, especially from Nepal.

Gangolihat

77 Km. 1800 meter above sea level. Once an important religious center of the Kumaon hills, it has an ancient temple dedicated to Kali. 14 Km away are the famed Patal Bhuvaneshwar caves.

Dharchula

96 km. Situated on the Kali river on the border of Pithoragarh district, it is an important camp along the Kailash Mansarovar, Chota Kailash and Narayan Ashram route and is accessible by road.

Berinag

102 km. At a height of 1720 meter, offers an excellent view of the snow - capped mountains and is accessible by road. It was once known for its tea estates.

Munsyari

154 Km. Nestled in the snow - clad mountains of the Johar region, at 2298 meter above sea level, Munsyari is the famous base camp of trekkers to the Milam, Ralam and Namik Glaciers.

Shyamlatal

132 Km. set around a lake at 1525 meter. The Swami Vivekanand Ashram is located here.

• Chaittol - celebrated on the Ashtami and Navami of Chaitra month
• Hill Jatra - celebrated in the month of August- Sep.

• Neel Kanth Hotel, Bus Station.
• Uttaranchal Deep Hotel, Bus Station.
• Samrat Hotel, Bus Station.
• Ulka Priya Darshini, Siltham.
• Raja Hotel, Tanakpur Road.
• Ranjana Hotel, Bus Station.
• Hotel Trishul, Siltham.
• Alankar Hotel, Siltham.
• Rest House, Chandak Road.
• Forest Rest House, Chandak Road.

UP Tourism Accommodation

• Ulka Devi Tourist Rest House.

Restaurants

A variety of Vegetarian and non - vegetarian cuisine is available at several restaurants and wayside eateries.

• Cooks Restaurant, Link Road.
• Nagarkoti Bojanalay.
• Satkar Restaurant.
• Meghana Restaurant.

The main shopping centers in the town are Simalgair, Naya Bazaar, Dharamshala, Siltham, Cinema Lines, Purana Bazaar.

Banks

• Nainital Bank .
• Punjab National Bank.
• State Bank of India.
• Central Bank of India.

Post Office

• Head Post Office.

Hospital

• Badri data Pandey District Hospital.

Tourist Information

• Tourist Office, Pithoragarh.
• District Information Office.

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