Pithoragarh

Pithoragarhis one of those rare locations that keep their untouched beauty alive despite a high tourist footfall. Located in the Soar Valley of Uttarakhand, it is also known as Little Kashmir and shares India’s international border with Nepal and Tibet. The quaint little region also opens the gateway to various trekking locations of the Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh

Summers witness the most pleasant Pithoragarh weather, spanning April to June ideally, with pleasantly sunny days and cosy nights. To witness snowfall in the region, it is preferable to visit the city in the early or late winter months of November and March.

If you want to experience chilly Himalayan winter here at its best, you can choose to travel in January and February as well.

How to Reach Pithoragarh

Roadways offer the best connectivity when travelling to this hilly town as it is easily accessible via Delhi and surrounding regions by road. The absence of any railway connectivity in the city makes the Tanakpur Railway Station the nearest at 138 km.

When travelling by air, you need to book an airline ticket up to Pantnagar, which has the nearest airport from here at 241 km.

What are the Things to See and Do in Pithoragarh?

With a tranquil ambience tucked neatly in the lap of the Himalayas, this hilly townis a divinity visualised and comprises a picturesque landscape. Serene waterfalls and dense forests made of pines and oaks create their natural cover. The city is also well-known for its numerous small temples and opens up to various trekking and hiking trails.

Places to Visit in Pithoragarh

When in this hilly town, get set to mesmerise your senses with the unique combination of thriving natural landscapes amidst localised settlements.

Pithoragarh Fort

Built during the Chand period, this fort, also known by the name of Gorkha Killa, reflects the rich heritage and the ancient regal lifestyle of this region.

Askot Sanctuary

One of the best places to witness the region’s vast faunal and floral variety is Askot Sanctuary. Its high altitude placement at 5412 m also makes it a great spot to get a bird’s eye view of the Soar Valley.

Mostamanu temple

One of the most popular Pithoragarh tourist places, this revered temple is dedicated to Lord Mosta. A local fair also takes place here in August-September.

Kapileshwar Mahadev Cave Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Kapileshwar Cave Templeis perched atop a hill and opens to a breathtaking glimpse of the Himalayan range which makes it one of the top places to visit in Pithoragarh.

Restaurants in Pithoragarh

Saraswati Sweet and Restaurant

An eatery with a pleasant ambience, Saraswati Sweet and Restaurantserves delicious food from local as well as North Indian cuisine, offering gastronomic meals.

Jyonar Palace Restaurant

If you are looking to dine at a multi-cuisine restaurant amidst welcoming staff overlooking a view of the mountains, Jyonar Palace Restaurantis the place for you.

Meghna Restaurant

Meghna Restaurantis a popular eatery in the region serving delicacies from across various Indian and Asian cuisines amidst a homely set-up.

Places to Stay in Pithoragarh

Plaza Hotel

Located near the Naini Saini Airport, Plaza Hotel accommodates some plush amenities along with comfortable furnishing to make your stay enjoyable.

Hotel Punetha Inn

Hotel Punetha Inn, situated in Tildhukari, is a great accommodation that you can pick for its delicate placement overlooking the valley, cutting-edge amenities and welcoming staff.

Sun and Water Resort

To enjoy a luxurious stay in this hilly town, Sun and Water Resort is a great option. This accommodation features some plush furnishing and pampers guests with modern amenities.

Food to Try in Pithoragarh

The food habits of locals in this hilly town comprise preparations using locally sourced herbs and the culinary expertise of the Garhwali region to create a warming gastronomy of flavourful dishes. Bhatt ki Churkhani, Kafuli, Mandua Roti, Bhang ki Chutney, Thhatwani, Kandalee ka Saag and Gulgula comprise some popular dishes that you can try when in the city.

Things to Buy in Pithoragarh

Simalgair

This popular market of the city is resplendent with local products, including Kumaoni handicrafts, woollen knits, delicately designed clothes, jewellery and brass artefacts.

Cinema Line

One of the oldest marketplaces in the city, Cinema Line is thronged by tourists for its vast collection of local artefacts along with decoratives. The streets are also lined with stalls selling street food in variety.

Purana Bazaar

Take a trip to the Purana Bazaar here, one of the oldest markets in the region, to find some interesting antique shops, jewellery stores, Kumaoni handicraft collections and other souvenir shops.

Pithoragarh Overview

Conclusion

This hilly town upholds a tranquil embrace of the Himalayan climate and is home to some of the rarest Himalayan herbs, plants, and animals along with the popular Pithoragarh Fort that can be explored. When visiting here, it is best to create an itinerary and arrange local transportation beforehand to commute from one tourist locale to another.