A number of adventure sports are possible and
there are private operators and camps in Pithoragarh who organize them. Hang gliding,
paragliding, trekking, skiing, canoeing, river rafting and fishing escapades await the
audacious.
For the nature lover and wildlife enthusiast, there are hikes through Pithoragarh's thick
forests where you can spot snow leopard, musk deer and peafowl. The rolling meadows
surrounding the town are soft with velvet grass and wild flowers - lovely for a lazy day
in the sun! Pithoragarh was the medieval bastion of the Chand rulers, who were great
builders of temples. Many of them lie in ruins, but pilgrims still visit the others and
festivals are celebrated here in a big way. Visit
the Kapileshwar Temple, an ancient cave-temple dedicated to Shiva; the Kamaksha
Temple; and the Kailash Ashram. The Mostamanu
is a famous temple near Chandak, 7 km from Pithoragarh, from where you can get a
spectacular view of the snowy Himalayas - the peaks of Nanda Devi, Panchuli
and Trishul. A 29 km trek uphill from the Soar valley takes you to Dhwaj
and the temples of Shiva and Parvati. Thal Kedar, 16 km, is another pretty spot with Shiva
temples where there is a grand Shivratri celebration each year.
Getting to Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is 503 km from Delhi, 330 km from Nainital, 212 km from Kathgodam, and 150 km
from Tanakpur. Buses and taxis are available from Kathgodam and Tanakpur, the two nearest
railheads. Pithoragarh has a small hill airstrip at Naini Saini, 5 km from town. If you
are driving in from Delhi, breaking journey at Kathgodam or Nainital is convenient. Almora
and Bageshwar are the main gas refuelling halts en route.
Best time to visit Pithoragarh
The months of March to June and mid-September to October are ideal for visiting
Pithoragarh, while July to early September is the rainy season. Light woollens and rain
protection is needed in summer, while heavy woollens are called for in winter.
Accommodation in Pithoragrh
Pithoragarh has a range of accommodation options, from the Forest Rest House and KMVN
Tourist Rest House, to private hotels, resorts and campsites. For further information
contact the Tourist Office, Pithoragarh, Tel 05964-25527, or District Information Office,
Pithoragarh, Tel 05964-22549. |
