Andaman Nicobar
Andra Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Bengal
Bihar
Chandigarh
Chattisgarh
Dadar Nagar Haveli
Daman Diu
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu Kashmir
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Lakshdweep
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
New Delhi
Orrisa
Poondicheri
Punjab
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tamilnadu
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh
uttaranchal
West Bengal
more places 
Pithoragarh uttarachal
Pithoragarh General Information
Introduction :: The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal in the East and Tibet on the North, Pithoragarh is often called 'miniature Kashmir'. Nestling in a small valley. barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, the town was an important landmark of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon in mediaeval times. The remnants of old fortifications stand in mute testimony of that past. From the earliest times Pithoragarh was an important centre of Kumaon. Trade routes to eastern Nepal passed through the area. And, perhaps, more important is the pilgrim trail to the holy Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, which are held in reverence by the Hindus, Buddhists and Bons, that winds along the valleys of the region. Pithoragarh and its environs are known for the abundant natural beauty and many a fine temple that are important pilgrimages. However, the district being a border region entry of visitors to certain areas is restricted.
Area
6.47 sq. km (City area).
Altitude
1650 metres (5400 feet).
Temperature
Summer :- Max 32.5ºC, Min ---
Winter :- Max ---, Min 0.5ºC.
Rainfall
36.7 cm (37") average yearly.
Pithoragarh Sightseeing
Chandak :: Chandak 7 km. Commanding a panoramic view of the Pithoragarh valley, Chandak, 1.830 mt. is noted for its scenic beauty. An important fair is held at the Mostmanu temple in August.
Thal Kedar :: Thal Kedar 16 km. An important religious centre and also noted for its natural beauty. A large fair is held on Shivratri.
Dhwaj :: Dhwaj 28 km. Commands a wide view of the majestic snow-peaks of the north. It is also important for temples devoted to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti.
Didihat :: Didihat, Pithoragarh55 kms from Pithoragarh, situated at an elevation of 1725 metres Didihat is presently the pilgrim route to Kailash Mansarovar. Didihat is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by green attractive ridges and offers a facinating view of Panchchuli peaks.
Pithoragarh Excursions
Dharchula :: Dharchula, Pithoragarh ExcursionSituated on the banks of river Kali, Dharchula is 96 kms from Pithoragarh. Dharchula is an importangt camp along the Kailash Mansarover, Chotta Kailash and Narayan Ashram route. Dharchula is at an elevation of 915 meters. It is popular for wool and woollen products.
Lohaghat :: Lohaghat 62 km. An important historical centre of the area.
Abbot Mount and Mayawati :: A suburb of Lohaghat, Abbot Mount is noted for its beauty and an exceptional view of the northern hill ranges. The place received recognition from the British nature lovers of the Raj period. A number of bungalows of the time are still dotted around the countryside. Mayawati, headquarters of Adwait Ashram, was sanctified by Swami Vivekanand and is also known for its scenic surroundings.
Champawat :: Champawat 76 km. Once the capital of Chand Rajas, whose fort now houses a government office, the town has many architecturally beautiful temples. Of these, Baleshwar and Nagnath temples are noteworthy. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam maintains a tourist bungalow at Champawat.
Berinag :: Berinag, Pithoragarh ExcursionBerinag 102 km. Set amidst tea gardens. it is noted for the grand views of the Himalayas.
Devidhura :: Devidhura 45 km from Lohaghat. At 2,500 mt, Devidhura is known for its scenic beauty and temple of Devi, site of an important fair.
Gangolighat :: Gangolihat 77 km. An important religious centre. Kali temple is centre of important fairs. 14 km from Gangolihat is Patal Bhuvaneshwar, an important archaeological and religious site
Punyagiri :: Punyagiri 20 km from Tanakpur. Perhaps, the most important religious centre around Pithoragarh, Punyagiri temple, devoted to Maa Punyagiri, atop a rocky pinnacle is a noted pilgrimage. Accommodation facilities are available in the many dharamshalas.
Adventure Tourism :: The upper reaches of Pithoragarh district provide thrilling treks like Trail's pass, Milam Glacier, Ralam Valley, Chhota Kailash, Sinla etc. All these lie above 300 mts. These are good not simply for treks but some great skiing during winter. Several snow peaks like Mount Hardeol challenge the most intrepid of mountaineers. The Gori and Sharda rivers are wonderful for river rafting while the lakes and rivers in the lower reaches are apt for angling. Pithoragarh is one of the best sites for hang-gliding.
Pithoragarh Travel Information
Rail :: The nearest raiway station is Tanakpur. 151 km.
Road :: Pithoragarh is well connected by road with all major centres of the state.
Some important cities distance from Pithoragarh
Delhi 503 kms.
Bareilly 268 kms.
Pilibhit 215 kms.
Nainital 188 kms.
Haldwani 218 kms.
Fairs and Festivals
Festivals and religious ceremonies take place in all parts of the district all year around. The festival of Devi Dhura is famous for its large scale stone-pelting by two rival teams. Some of the ritualistic festive events of Beas, Chaudas and Darma Valley takes place once in 12 years. The festival of Kanar-Chhiplakot is another major event in this area. The temple of Punyagiri on the banks of the river of Sharda is frequented by thousands of devotees from the plains of Uttar Pradesh throughout the year.
Hilljatra :: The Hilljatra, which is being celebrated in some parts of Pithoragarh district, is essentially the festival of pastoralists and agriculturalists. In the developmental process, the aathon (eighth day of bhado) and Gawra Visarjan also became the part of Hilljatra. The festival, which basically came to the Sor valley from the Sorar (Mahakali) region of West Nepal, was first introduced in Kumaour village. The Jatra was also accepted by the people of Bajethi, another village near Pithoragarh town and with some modifications it was introduced in Kanalichhina and Askot regions as Hiran Chital.The Hilljatra is related to ropai (the plantation of paddy) and other agricultural and pastoral labours of the rainy season (Hill = mud, Jatra = Jaat). It has also been connected with the victory of the Champawat ruler. There is another story that Kuru, the representative of a Chand King, who went to Sorar (Nepal) to participate in the hilljatra, was able to sacrifice a buffalo with horns covering the neck. The people became happy and wanted to present Kuru a gift.Kuru thought of introducing this festival in Sor valley and asked for four masks, Lakhiabhoot, Halwaha, two bullocks, and one implement - the Nepali plough. In this way, the hilljatra was introduced in Sor.In the first part of jatra, worship and the ritual sacrifice of goats is performed, and in the second part, different pastoral and agricultural activities are presented in a dramatic way. The masks are very expressive and this is the most entertaining part of the festival.In the third and last part, the songs are recited with the performance of circle dance (Chanchari). It continues late into the night. The songs are traditional as well as new and popular. The hilljatra is a living tradition and all care should be taken to preserve its style in a rapidly changing society.
