Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh, which lies in the arms of the heavenly Himalayas, is the ideal choice for one who seeks beauty and adventure. This easternmost hill district of the Uttaranchal Pradesh is often referred as 'Miniature Kashmir'. The district of Pithoragarh came into being in 1960 when it was carved out of the district of Almora. It borders with China (Tibet) on the north and Nepal on the east. The northern part of the district is thinly populated and is adorned with many lofty snow covered peaks like Nanda Devi (east), Nanda Devi (west), Trishul, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Panchchuli group and many others. Below these lofty snow bound mountains are many charming mountains are many charming alpine meadowsw and glaciers, the main being Milam glacier, Ralam glacier, Namik glacier and Sunder Dhunga glacier.

Nestling in a small valley 5kms. long and 2kms. wide, the town of Pithoragarh was an important landmark of the chand Rajas of kumaon and was known as soar valley.

Pithoragarh is a treasure house for visitors, mountaineers, botanists & religious minded tourists. The Mansarovar Yatra route is a delight for trekkers and adventure seekers.Many rivers originate from the lofty pithoragarh mountains, thus providing ample scope of water sports. The dense forests around have a wide range of wild flowers & animals including peacocks, elephants, tiger, musk deers and snow leopards. The charming & colourful people of Pithoragarh celebrate all festivals and religious ceremonies with great fanfare & devotion.

Wildlife
Askot Sanctuary
Pithoragarh, the picturesque hill district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, houses amidst its greens, the Askot Sanctuary, which adds more dazzle to its already splendid beauty. Lying in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 5412 ft., snow-capped mountains peaks and fine temples are an integral part of Pithoragarh. The highlights of the sanctuary are snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors.

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Fairs & Festival
Jauljibi and Thal Fairs
Held every year on Makar Sankranti at Jauljibi, 68 km. from Pithoragarh, the confluence of the rivers Kali & Gori. People come even from Nepal to this fair to sell horses, ghee foreign goods & take back foodgrains, jaggery etc. A similar fair is held at Thal on Vaishakh Sankranti (14th April).

Punyagiri Mela
Punyagiri Shakti Peeth (20 km. from Tanakpur) situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali is the site for many fairs. The temple is very crowded during the Navratris of Ashwin and Chaitra months. The Punyagiri fair, starting from Vishuwat Sankranti is the longest fair of Kumaon, lasting for about 40 days.

Hatkalika Fair
This fair is held on the ashtami of Chaitra month in the Kalika temple at Gangolihat. People come with drums and flags to pay homage to goddess Kalika.

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Getting There
By Air
Nearest Airport, Nani Saini, 5 kms

By Rail
Nearest Railhead, Tanakpur, 151 kms

By Road
Well connected by a motorable road.

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Weather
Snow fall in winter, heave rainfall in mansoon. In summer while the valleys are hot, the higher regions remain cool.

Rainfall: 36.7 cm (annual average).

General Information
Best Season: Round the year.

Clothing:
Summer- Cottons/ light woollens,
Winter - Heavy Woollens

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