Pithoragarh – The Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand
Pithoragarh, often dubbed the Little Kashmir, is a small town nestled in Uttarakhand that teems with the richness of nature. The place is not just its beauty that captures the heart but also its position as a crucial stopover for pilgrims heading to the Kailash Mansarovar. The town's blend of cultural heritage and the serene Himalayan backdrop makes visiting Pithoragarh truly memorable.
Renowned for its myriad cultural and heritage delights, a trip to Pithoragarh is a must. This place's oozing charm offers an unforgettable trip that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Geographically speaking, Nepal flanks this town in the east and Tibet in the north. Keep reading to know more about Pitorgarh!
Geography & Location
Pithoragarh is located in the easternmost part of Uttarakhand, bordering Nepal and Tibet. The Kali River forms a natural boundary between India and Nepal. The town sits at an altitude of 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and dense forests.
History of Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh's history dates back to the Pal Dynasty and includes the rule of the Bam and Chand Dynasties. Several historical landmarks are still standing today.
1. Pal Dynasty
According to history, the Pals were Katyuri kings, and in 1364, Bhartpal, the Rajwar of Uku, conquered Pithoragarh. It is believed that after him, three descendants of Bhartpal ruled these lands and even successfully extended their kingdom to Askot.
2. Bam Dynasty
A brass plate dating back to 1420 was found in a historical excavation site. According to it, Vijay Brahm had taken over the empire as a king. And then, following the death of Gyan Chand, in a conflict with Kshetra Pal, the Pal rajas were able to get back their control.
3. Chand Dynasty
According to historical records, Bharti Chand, an ancestor of Gyan Chand, replaced the Bam kings, who were the rulers of Pithoragarh. In 1790, the Chands built a new fort, which is now a girls' college.
4. Modern History
British rule began in these regions on December 2, 1815. At that time, Nepal was forced to sign the Sugauli Treaty, and Pithoragarh remained a tehsil under the Almora district. By 1997, a part of Pithoragarh was separated to form the New Champawat district.
Places to Visit in Pithoragarh
1. Pithoragarh Fort
A historic fort built by the Gorkhas, offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.
2. Munsiyari
It is a small yet gorgeous town in the Himalayas, situated around 127 km from Pithoragarh. For nature lovers, this is the place to satisfy their travel cravings. Moreover, it is also considered the only gateway to the Himalayan range's Johar region.
3. Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple
A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its religious significance and serene atmosphere.
4. Chandak Hill
Now, this is a place you go to content the traveller inside you. It is located 8 km from Pithoragarh and is a great place to pique the adventurer in you. This hill is situated in the north direction of Soar Valley and is nothing short of a sight for sore eyes.
5. Kafni Glacier Trek
The picturesque beauty of this place is amazing and has a raw, natural bliss about it. The glacier lies on the left side of the Pindar Valley and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to explore something unique and different.
6. Dhwaj Temple
A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Jayanti, located at 2,100 meters and offering breathtaking views.
7. Ralam Glacier
A high-altitude glacier, accessible through a scenic trek, perfect for adventure seekers.
8. Ralam Glacier
A sacred Shiva temple, popular among pilgrims and trekkers.
Things to Do in Pithoragarh
- Trekking & Hiking
- Adventure Activities
- Wildlife & Nature Exploration
- Pilgrimage & Spiritual Journeys
- Sightseeing & Photography
- Shopping & Local Cuisine
Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh
- Summer (March–June): Ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and adventure sports.
- Monsoon (July–September): Lush green landscapes but prone to landslides.
- Winter (October–February): Best for snowfall and winter treks.
How to Reach Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is an immensely beautiful destination where you can experience the sheer visual brilliance of nature like never before. It is located at an approximate distance of 440, 1,718, 1,439, and 2,323 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. Check the details below to learn how you can reach Pithoragarh via the following means of public transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 200 km away. Situated in the Udham Nagar district, it is operated by the Airports Authority of India. From the airport, you can easily traverse to places like Ranikhet, Almora, Nainital, Bareilly, and Jim Corbett National Park by some means of local transportation available. It is advised to take connecting flights from Chandigarh and Delhi to reach here.
- From Delhi - Board Air India flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport
- From Amritsar - Board Air India, IndiGo flights from Amritsar Airport
- From Lucknow - Board Air India flights and fly via Delhi
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Pithoragarh
By Train
The nearest railhead is Tanakpur station (TPU), which is about 150 km away. It is a small railway station in the Champawat district. The station is well equipped with good hygiene facilities. You will need to cover the remaining distance from the station by some means of local transportation.
By Road
You can also consider travelling to Pithoragarh by roadways. It has overall good connectivity with nearby cities and towns. You can consider travelling by interstate/private buses to reach here. Otherwise, you can also consider travelling via your vehicle.
- From Haldwani - 187 km via Pithoragarh Almora Road
- From Nainital - 202 km via Pithoragarh-Almora road
- From Aligarh - 440 km via NH9
Conclusion
Pithoragarh, located in Uttarakhand in India, is a beautiful town often called "Little Kashmir." It's a popular stopover for pilgrims heading to Kailash Mansarovar and is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning Himalayan scenery. Some famous tourist places in Pithoragarh include Munsiyari, Chandak, and the Kafni Glacier Trek. You can reach Pithoragarh by air, train, or road. It's a wonderful place to visit, offering unforgettable experiences and memories.
Plan your trip with Adotrip today. Enjoy a wealth of information and end-to-end travel assistance, and book flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.
With Adotrip, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions about Pithoragarh
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Pithoragarh?
A. Some top tourist attractions in Pithoragarh include the Pithoragarh Fort, the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, the Chandak Temple, and the Khirai Temple.
Q. Why is Pithoragarh famous?
A. Pithoragarh is famous for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage and as a stopover for pilgrims heading to Kailash Mansarovar.
Q. Does Pithoragarh have snowfall?
A. Yes, Pithoragarh experiences snowfall, especially in higher altitude areas during winter.
Q. Which language is spoken in Pithoragarh?
A. The primary language spoken in Pithoragarh is Kumaoni, Hindi, and English.
