Pithoragarh - the gateway to the Himalayas OR its unique culture OR Sore Valley OR Mini Kashmir of India

One of the least explored but only one-of-its-kind tourist place of Kumaon, Pithoragarh shares international boundary with China (Tibet) on the north and Nepal on the east. This eastern most district of Uttarakhand is appealingly located in a small valley. Much famous as the Soar Valley, it is situated at the center of four hills, namely, Dhwaj, Chandak, Kundar, not to mention Thal Kedar.

The picturesque but relatively lesser known region of Kumaon was previously a stronghold of the Chand Rajas. The temples and the dilapidated fort at Pithoragarh still remind of their glorious period. The town lay on the old trade route to Tibet and is still en route the blessed trail to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. It is a key resting place on the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route.

This lovely destination much enchants the mountaineers, trekkers, adventure seekers, botanists, pilgrims, besides sightseers. The rivers originating from the Pithoragarh Mountains are just right for adventurous water sports, while the verdant jungles here boast of an amazing and varied variety of flora and fauna. The northern parts of Pithoragarh are dotted with lovely peaks, including East & West Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandakot, Rajrambha and Panchachuli group. The alpine meadows and glaciers below these imposing mountains have made Pithoragarh a haven of sorts for the nature lovers.

Attractions

There are several unique tourist hotspots important from the tourism point of view near and around Pithoragarh which are much visited by the visitors looking for ‘something different’.

Munsiyari

Located about 125 Kms away from Pithoragarh, Munsiyari has lately emerged as an important hilly tourist spot in Uttarakhand. Till the other day, it was a restricted zone in Himalayan inner line jammed in between the international borders of India, China, apart from Nepal. A tour to Munsiyari offers the travelers a wonderful experience.

Chaukori

Chaukori is another nearby tourist attraction. This small hill station is situated amidst the high peaks of the western Himalayan Range, Kumaon. While Tibet is in the north, Terai is in the south. The Mahakali River, flowing along its eastern boundary, defines the Indo-Nepal international border.

Patal Bhubaneshwar

The cave shrine of Lord Shiva, Patal Bhubaneshwar, is located 91 kms away from Pithoragarh. Entry to this religious spot is pretty thrilling, the reason being a narrow dark passage of water through a tunnel leads to the key temple. The USP of this temple complex is that it houses, or so it is believed, thousands of Hindu deities.