Pithoragarh is the easternmost district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Himalayas and has an area of 7,110 km2 (2,750 sq mi) and a population of 483,439 (as of 2011). The town of Pithoragarh, located in Saur Valley, is its headquarters. The district is within the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand state. The Tibet plateau is situated to the north and Nepal is to the east. The Kali River originates from Kalapaani and flows south, forming the eastern border with Nepal. The Hindu pilgrimage route for Mount Kailash-Lake Manasarovar passes through this district via Lipulekh Pass in the greater Himalayas. The district is administratively divided into six tehsils: Munsiari; Dharchula; Didihat; Berinag; Gangolihat; and Pithoragarh. Naini Saini Airport is the nearest civil airport, but it does not have regular scheduled commercial passenger service. The mineral deposits present in the district are magnesium ore, copper ore, limestone, and slate. There are 11 tehsil.
Tourist attractions
Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary
Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is a 599.93 km2 wildlife sanctuary located around Askot near Didihat, in Pithoagarh district of the Himalaya of Kumaon in Uttarakhand, India.
Dharchula
Dharchula is a Tehsil and a nagar panchayat in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Dharchula is a valley surrounded by mountains. An ancient trading town for the trans-Himalayan trade routes, it is covered by high mountains and is situated on the banks of the river Kali. Dharchula is about 90 km far away from Pithoragarh and it lies on the route to the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage tour. The town is virtually split between India and Nepal near the border with Tibet. The Indian side of the town is known as Dharchula whereas its Nepalese counterpart is known as Darchula.
Didihat
Didihat, 54 km from Pithoragarh, has views of the Himalaya ranges, especially the Panchchuli range. The Shira-kot Temple of Lord Malay Nath is nearby, and was built by Reka Kings. Nearby, ten km away from here Narayan Swamy Ashram at Narayan Nager is situated.
Patal Bhubaneshwar
It is a place 77 km from Pithoragarh at Gangolihat, and has an ancient Temple of Goddess Kali-Mother Deity of Indian Army's Kumaon Regiment. Hatkalika Temple was established by Sankaracharya as a Mahakali Shakti Peeth at Gangolihat. At a distance of 14 km from Gangolihat, there is a village located in Tehsil Didihat, named Bhubneshwar, where a cave of Patal Bhubaneshwar, the subterranean shrine of Lord Shiva is situated with sprawling interiors exist. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated.
Dhwaj
Fifteen kilometres from Pithoragarh near Totanaula, there is a mountain called Dhwaj, elevation 2134 m. It is an abode of Goddess Jayanti or Durga and Lord Shiva, atop the hill. Hindu legends tell that at this place 'Chanda and Munda' demons were killed by Devi. Dense forest about the mountain is considered sacred and sacrosanct, so it is in an excellent state of conserved biome with a large number of endemic plants.
Jauljibi
This is a significant trading centre bordering Nepal and 68 km from Pithoragarh. Situated at the confluence of rivers Gori and Kali, it turns into a lively fairground annually. In the fair Bhotiya tribes use to sell their woolen articles. A hanging rope bridge across Kali links this place to Nepal. From Jauljibi tribal country of the district actually begins.
Rai Gufa
This cave provides an excellent example of peculiar limestone formations and situated near Pithoragarh.
Munsyari
Munsiari is situated in the northern part of the Pithoragarh district, distance is 124 km. This small town is located at the foot of the main Himalayan peaks, which are covered with snow throughout the year. Munsiyari is in the base for the track routes to Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, and Namik Glacier, at the base of majestic Himalayan peak Trishuli (7,074 m). This place is also known for the Khalia Bugyal, an alpine meadow. The forest ponds of Mesar Kund and Thamri Taal, close to Munsiari are also popular with tourists. The valley from Munsiari to Milam is known as Johar Valley.
Madkot
Madkot, 22 km from Munsiari, has hot water springs which are supposed to cure rheumatism, arthritis, and skin ailments.
Adi-Kailash (Chhota Kailash)
At an altitude of 6,191 M on Indo-Tibet border in Byans valley of Tehsil Dharchula, Adi-Kailash (Chota Kailash) or is situated. Trekking from Mangti to Jollingkong via Chialekh (Chaetoh), Garbyang, Gunji and Kuti one can reach Adi Kailash. If one goes towards kalapani from village Gunji, one can go further to Nabhidang just beyond Kalapani and see the sacred Hindu peak named Om Parvat, elevation 6,191 M.
Narayan Ashram
An Ashram established by Shri Narayan Swamy near village Sosa in the Chaudans valley in 1936, on the way to Lipu Lekh, is full of wild flowers and rare varieties of fruits and number of waterfalls. The Ashram was primarily made to help Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims. The ashram has been engaged in socio-spiritual works.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Hindu pilgrimage tour to Kailash-Mansarover passes through the district. From Mangti pilgrims have to move on foot.
Pithoragarh Fort
It is set atop a hill on the outskirts of the town. The fort was built by the Gorkhas in 1789. The fort has served as a tehsil headquarters in past but now it has been completely renovated and is used as a museum.
Kapileshwar Mahadev
The cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva affords the fine view of the Saur valley and lofty Himalayan peaks. This temple is three kilometres from Pithoragarh.
Thal Kedar
This ancient Shiva Temple is also known for its scenic splendour. During the annual fair of Maha Shivratri a large number of devotees and pilgrims flock here. Situated at 16 km from Pithoragarh.
Nakuleshwar
It is believed that Nakuleshwara Temple was built by Nakula and Sahadeva (Pandavas). The place is located near Pithoragarh town.
Jhulaghat
This small town on the banks of river Kali at Indo-Nepal border is named after a hanging rope bridge across the Kali river. Previously it was called 'Juaghat'. Cross-border trade with Nepal takes place through this bridge.
Chandak
A place, 7 km from Pithoragarh, at an altitude of 6,000 feet (1,830 m), one can see panoramic and a breath-taking view of the Pithoragarh Soar Valley, from here. According to legends, it is a place where demon 'Chandghat' was killed by Goddess Durga.
The temple of Mostamanu of Lord Shiva is a locally adored place in Chandak. Every year the Mostamanu fair is organised by the local people here and is very popular. There is a long swing about 20 feet where people enjoy it. One person can ride this swing at one time.
Chhipla Kedar
Chipla Kedar is 34 km from Tawaghat situated 4626 meters (15,177 ft) above sea level.
Berinag
A small town located 102 km from Pithoragarh, Berinag is at an altitude of 2010 m. Berinag places from where Himalayan snow-clad peaks can be viewed. The area has a number of Nag (snake) temples of Dhaurinag, Feninag, Kalinag, Bashukinag, Pinglenag, and Harinag. Other tourist spots are Tripura Devi Temple, Cave Temple of Koteshwar, Garaun waterfalls, and Musk Deer Farm at Kotmanya. The Berinag is named after the Nagveni King Benimadhava.
Jhaltola
A small village between Chaukori and Patal Bhuvanshwar, it was an erstwhile tea estate and is at an altitude of 2100 meters to 2600 meters asl. There is an old Shive temple at the top of the mountain known as Lamkeshwar Mahadev, it is an upcoming offbeat destination for tourists interested in nature, Himalayan views and birding. The village is surrounded on three sides by fabulous mixed forests and has the widest range of Himalayan views in Kumaon and a vibrant flora and fauna. The only place to stay here is The Misty Mountains retreat.
Chaukori
Probably the perfect tourist destination to have a full panoramic view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Pithoragarh. It is situated 10 km from Berinag and has an altitude of 2010 m. This place is also has tea gardens and orchards.
Belkot
Belkot is a small village in Pithoragarh District, around 10 km from Berinag. Located in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, it is known for its salubrious climate and is home to the famed Bhagwati Temple.
Thal
Surrounded by Kalinag, Sundarinag and Dhaulinag, Thal is situated on the bank of the Ramganga river. Thal Valley has its own history main attractions are the ancient temple of Lard Shiva and Ek Hathia Devalaya "Which means - Made with one hand" this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.(temple carved by one stone and by one person in a single night). Gaucher is a nice place which is 2 miles (3.2 km) away from Thal market in the route of Munsiari and Kailash Manas Sarovar.
Languages
Kumaoni, with its several dialects, is the most widely spoken language. Hindi is the common language between the locals and outsiders, and English is spoken by some people, especially teachers, lecturers, and students in tertiary education.
Several Sino-Tibetan languages of the West Himalayish branch are spoken by small communities. These include the three closely related languages of Byangsi, Chaudangsi and Darmiya, as well as Rangkas and Rawat. The Van Rawat tribe speaks their own variety of Kumaoni.
Assembly Constituencies
Dharchhula
Didihat
Pithoragarh
Gangolihat (SC)
Languages
Kumaoni, with its several dialects, is the most widely spoken language. Hindi is the common language between the locals and outsiders, and English is spoken by some people, especially teachers, lecturers, and students in tertiary education.
Several Sino-Tibetan languages of the West Himalayish branch are spoken by small communities. These include the three closely related languages of Byangsi, Chaudangsi and Darmiya, as well as Rangkas and Rawat. The Van Rawat tribe speaks their own variety of Kumaoni.
Assembly Constituencies
Dharchhula
Didihat
Pithoragarh
Gangolihat (SC)
Himalayan peaks of Pithoragarh
Peak Height (m)
Sunanda Devi 7,434
Hardeol 7,151
Trishuli 7,099
Rishi Pahar 6,992
Panchchuli II 6,904
Nanda Kot 6,861
Chiring We 6,559
Rajrambha 6,537
Chaudhara 6,510
Sangthang 6,480
Panchchuli V 6,437
Nagalaphu 6,410
Suitilla (Suj Tilla West) 6,374
Suj Tilla East 6,393
Panchchuli I 6,355
Bamba Dhura 6,334
Burphu Dhura 6,334
Panchchuli IV 6,334
Changuch 6,322
Nanda Gond 6,315
Panchchuli III 6,312
Nanda Pal 6,306
Suli Top 6,300
Kuchela 6,294
Nital Thaur 6,236
Kalganga Dhura 6,215
Jonglingkong or Baba Kailash 6,191
Lalla We 6,123
Kalabaland Dhura 6,105
Telkot 6,102
Bainti 6,079
Ikualari 6,059
Nagling 6,041
Menaka Peak 6,000
Trigal 5,983
Yungtangto 5,945
Sankalp 5,929
Laspa Dhura 5,913
Sahdev 5,782
Ralam Dhura 5,630
Gilding Peak 5,629
Shivu 5,255
Tihutia 5,252
Draupadi Peak 5,250
Rambha Kot 5,221
Panchali Chuli 5,220
Mountain passes of Pithoragarh
International passes to Tibet
Pass Height (m)
Lampiya Dhura 5,530
Lipu-Lekh pass 5,450
Lowe Dhura 5,562
Mangshya Dhura 5,630
Nuwe Dhura 5,650
Intra-district Himalayan passes
Pass Height (m)
Ghantesh Baba 5,164
Kungri Bhingri La 5,564
Nama pass 5,500
Sinla pass 5,495
Ralam pass 5,630
Keo Dhura 5,439
Belcha Dhura 5,384
Kalganga Dhura 5,312
Traills pass 5,312
Gangchal Dhura 5,050
Birejrang Dhura 4,666
Ghatmila Dhura
Unta Dhura pass
Yangkchar Dhura 4,800
Rur Khan 3,800
Bainti Col 5,100
Longstaff Col 5,910
Valleys of Pithoragarh
Daramaganga or Darma valley
Goriganga valley
Kali valley
Kuthi valley
Lassar Yangti valley
Ralam valley
Kuthi Yangti valley
Johar Valley
Kalabaland valley
Byans valley
Chaudans valley
Saur valley
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pithoragarh_district
