pithoragarh
Location: Uttaranchal.
Attractions: Jaul Jibi, Rameshwar.
Best Season: April to June & September to October.
Language/Dialect: Kumaoni, Hindi and English.
The Mini Kashmir the easternmost hill district of Uttaranchal, 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 meters, one gets a panoramic view of snow range extending from Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli group and mount Appi of Nepal.
PRIME SITES
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, and 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.
Gangolihat: Gangolihat, an important religious site, lies 77 km from Pithoragarh. At the ancient Kali temple, a colorful fair is held during Navratris. The famous Patal Bhuvneshwar caves are located 14 kms away.
EXCURSIONS
Jauljibi: (68 kms.) A large fair is held annually at the confluence of rivers Gori and Kali, in the month of November. It is also popular with people of Nepal.
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.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Naini Saini (Pithoragarh), 5 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Tanakpur 151 kms.
Road: Well connected by a motorable road.
Local Transport: Buses and Taxis.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:6.47 sq. km.
Population: 27753 (1991 census).
Altitude: 1650 meter above sea level.
Clothing
summer: Light Woolens.
Winter: Heavy Woolen.
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