Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh:

Picturesque pithoragarh town is a delight for mountaineers, trekkers, adventure seekers, botanists, pilgrims as well as sight seers. It is an important halt on the famous Kailash mansarovar yatra route. The rivers originating are perfect for water sports, while the lush jungles here teem with rich variety of flora and fauna.

Pithoragarh fort:

It is atop a hill on the outskirts of the town. The fort was built by the Gorkhas in 1789.

Around Pithoragarh:

chandak (8kms.) :

The beautiful hill affords a fine view of the himalayas. The manu temple here is highly revered by the locales.

Dhwaj temple:

This famous shrine of lord shiva and mass jayanti is 10kms. by road and 4kms. on foot from pithoragarh. It commands a breathtaking view of the snow capped  peaks.

Thal kedar (16kms) :

This shaivite pilgrim site is also known for its scenic splendour. During the annual fair of shivratri, a large number of devotees flock to thal kedar.

Askot sanctuary:

The scenic sancutary 54 kms. from pithoragarh nestles at a height of 5412ft. in kumaon himalayas and is popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a safe haven for snow leopards, himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors. The lush sanctuary area dotted with temples is also a fine place to view the beauty of the himalayas.

Chaukori:

The small hill town affords balmy weather and great views of snow-clad peaks. The entire area teems with tea gardens and orchards. It is 112 kms. from  pithoragarh via Gangolihat and baring.

Gangolihat:

The sacred site is famous for the hatkalika fair held on the asthma of chaitra month at the kalika temple. Devotees visit the shrine during this time with drums and flags to pay homage to Goddess Kalika.

Chaukori Trekking Routes: Following are the three popular trekking routes.