Pithoragarh is a small town in Uttarakhand and is locally known as the Mini Kashmir. It shares its international borders with Tibet in the North and with Nepal in the East. Travelers treat this place as a stopover destination while traveling to Kailash Mansarovar. Pithoragarh lies in the Saur Valley in the center of four hills Chandak, Dhwaj, Kumdar, and Thal Kedar. Pithoragarh is also surrounded by some of the glaciers such as the Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, Namik Glacier, and Sunder Dhunga Glacier.

This beautiful city is a virtual paradise for nature lovers and experiences the magnificence of the great Himalayas. The cultural and heritage charm of this place offers its visitors an unforgettable trip that will be a cherishing and lifetime experience for them. The Mini Kashmir has many important places of interest to attract its visitors.

Places To Visit In Pithoragarh City

Pithoragarh Fort

Pithoragarh Fort is a historic architecture situated on a hilltop in the outskirt of the city and it is one of the major attractions in this city. The fort was built in 1789 by the Gorkhas during their rule on Garhwal. During Britishers time it was known as the London Fort. The place also offers an eye-catching view of the mighty Kumaon Himalayan ranges and the beautiful view of Kali Kumaon River from the fort. The Fort is very close to Pithoragarh city and can be easily covered by trekking by its visitors.

Thal Kedar

Thal Kedar is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at a distance of about 15 km from Pithoragarh city on a hilltop. It is an important religious place famous for its scenic beauty and holy Shiv Linga offering a good view of the Kumaon Himalayas. According to Himalayan geologists, the structure of Lord Shiva is approximately 1000 million years old.

The temple is situated at a height of 8300 feet on a mountain of Soar Valley in the Eastern Kumaon Himalayas. Thal Kedar temple is a center of faith and devotion that attracts a large number of devotees. This holy temple is visited by locals and pilgrims round the year in large numbers. To reach the temple which is 16 km away from the main city, travelers have to go through a narrow path, surrounded by dense forest.

Maharajke Park

Maharajke Park is a beautiful park built to honor brave Kumaon regiment soldiers who fought and captured Maharjke Park in Kashmir during the 1965 War. Naik Ganesh Dutt of the 9 Kumaon was awarded the Vir Chakra for his role in capturing Maharjke Park against Pakistani forces. A patriotic place to visit in the region.

The park has beautiful trees that perfectly depict the natural beauty of the place. There is also a striking memorial to honor the martyrs of the Kumaon regiment during the battle of Maharajke in the park.

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary located at a distance of around 54 km from Pithoragarh city. It was established in 1986 to protect the endangered Musk Deer and its habitat.

It is popular among wildlife and nature lovers. It is also a heaven for some other animals like the Himalayan black bear, jungle cat, Indian leopard, barking Deer, lemurs, bison, civet cat, pheasants, and chukors. The sanctuary is located at a small hamlet called Askot in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.

Dhwaj Temple/Dhwaj Shikhar

Dhwaj Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Jayanti. It is located 10 km away from Pithoragarh and is located at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level. Dhwaj temple is situated at the peak of the highest mountain Dhwaj Shikhar in Pithoragarh and it has an amazing view of the Himalayas. Devotees can easily visit the temple as it is only 10 km away from Pithoragarh.

Chandak Hills

Chandak Hills is a famous mountain range in Pithoragarh (Soar Valley) that offers a stunning and gorgeous landscape view of this place. The place is situated at a distance of about 8 km away from Pithoragarh. It offers a good trekking spot for the trekking lovers and also provides a beautiful scenic view of the Soar Valley. Basically, Chandak is a small valley that is stretched to the Nepal border. The weather of the Chandak valley usually remains pleasant with comparatively colder nights.

Transport

Airway

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is situated at a distance of about 200 km. Local and private transports are available from the airport to places like Ranikhet, Almora, Nainital, and Jim Corbett National Park.

Railway

The nearest railway station is Tanakpur station which is situated at a distance of about 150 km away. Local and private transports are available from the station to pursue further journeys for its visitors.

Roads

Overall Pithoragarh city has good road connectivity with nearby places. Travelers can consider traveling by interstate/private buses to reach Pithoragarh.

Climate & Best Time To Visit

The weather in Pithoragarh is pleasant with a moderate climate during the summer season. Winters are cold and chilly while monsoon season falls during July and August. So summers are the best time to visit but if you like winters then you can plan your journey during winter. Monsoon season should be avoided as it experiences heavy rainfall and there may be chances of landslides.