Pithoragarh is a picturesque town located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. Surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and glistening rivers, Pithoragarh offers a serene and peaceful retreat to travelers.
Some of the popular tourist attractions in Pithoragarh are:
Pithoragarh Fort: Built in the 14th century by the Chand rulers, the Pithoragarh Fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is situated on the banks of the Sarayu River and is known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including musk deer, bharal, and leopards, the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Thal Kedar: Located at an altitude of 8800 feet, Thal Kedar is a picturesque hamlet famous for its ancient temples and natural beauty.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar: A unique limestone cave system located 14 km from Pithoragarh, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is known for its fascinating rock formations and underground streams.
Chandak: A small village located 17 km from Pithoragarh, Chandak is known for its scenic beauty and traditional handicrafts.
Best Time To Visit Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a picturesque town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green valleys. The best time to visit Pithoragarh depends on the purpose of your visit and your preferences.
The summer months of March to June are the most popular time to visit Pithoragarh when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time for adventure activities like trekking, hiking, and camping.
The monsoon season, from July to September, is not recommended for tourism as heavy rainfall can cause landslides, making it difficult to navigate the hilly terrain.
The winter months, from October to February, are ideal for those who want to experience snowfall and witness the beauty of the snow-capped peaks. The temperature can drop to sub-zero levels during this time, and heavy snowfall can cause roadblocks.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Pithoragarh is during the summer months of March to June if you want to enjoy outdoor activities, while the winter months from October to February are perfect if you want to witness snowfall and enjoy the scenic beauty of the snow-capped peaks.
Things to Do in Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill town located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges and is a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and pilgrims. Here are some of the things to do in Pithoragarh:
Visit the Pithoragarh Fort: Pithoragarh Fort is a historic monument located in the heart of the town. It was built by the Gorkhas in the 18th century and has now been converted into a museum.
Explore the natural beauty: Pithoragarh is blessed with natural beauty. You can explore the beautiful mountain ranges, waterfalls, and rivers. Trekking, camping, and hiking are popular activities here.
Visit the famous temples: Pithoragarh has many ancient temples that are worth visiting. Some of the popular ones include Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, Thal Kedar Temple, and Mostamanu Temple.
Attend the Bikhauti Mela: Bikhauti Mela is a famous fair that takes place in Pithoragarh every year. It is celebrated in the month of April and attracts a large number of visitors.
Visit the Kafni Glacier: The Kafni Glacier is located near Pithoragarh and is a popular trekking destination. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts.
Explore the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary: The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Pithoragarh and is home to a variety of wildlife species. You can go on a jungle safari here and spot animals like leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears.
Enjoy local cuisine: Pithoragarh is known for its delicious local cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include chainsoo, kaphli, and bhatt ki churkani.
Visit the Chandak Hill Station: The Chandak Hill Station is located near Pithoragarh and is a perfect destination for nature lovers. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to relax and unwind.
How to get around in Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a small town and getting around is quite easy. Here are some of the ways to get around in Pithoragarh:
Taxis: Taxis are easily available in Pithoragarh and are the most convenient way to get around the town. You can either hire a taxi for the entire day or for a specific trip.
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are also available in Pithoragarh and are a cheaper option than taxis. They are ideal for short distances.
Local buses: Local buses are available in Pithoragarh and are the cheapest mode of transport. They connect different parts of the town and are a good option if you want to explore the town on a budget.
Walking: Pithoragarh is a small town and most of the attractions are located close to each other. Walking is a good option if you want to explore the town at a leisurely pace and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
It is important to note that the roads in Pithoragarh can be steep and narrow, especially in the hilly areas. It is recommended to hire an experienced driver if you are not familiar with the terrain.
Where to eat in Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India. There are many restaurants in Pithoragarh that offer a variety of cuisines ranging from local Kumaoni dishes to North Indian and Chinese cuisines. Here are some popular eating places in Pithoragarh:
Maa Anandamayee Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant located near the bus stand and is known for its delicious vegetarian food.
Hotel Rajpootana: This restaurant is located near the Pithoragarh Fort and serves authentic Kumaoni food.
Pandey Lodge & Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of the town and is known for its North Indian and Chinese dishes.
Annapurna Restaurant: This is a pure vegetarian restaurant located on the main road and offers a wide range of North Indian and Chinese dishes.
Rajdarbar Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant located near the district hospital and is known for its Kumaoni thali.
Bhagwati Bhojanalaya: This is a local restaurant that serves authentic Kumaoni dishes like rasbhaat, bhatt ki churkani, and mandua ki roti.
Cafe Amigos: This is a trendy cafe located near the main market and is known for its coffee, sandwiches, and burgers.
These are just a few options in Pithoragarh. There are many more restaurants and cafes in the town that offer a variety of cuisines to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Famous street stalls in Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a small hill town in Uttarakhand, India, and is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and delicious food. Here are some famous street stalls in Pithoragarh where you can enjoy local delicacies:
Bhatt Ki Churkani Stall: This is a popular street stall that serves the local Kumaoni delicacy bhatt ki churkani. It is located near the main market area and is a must-visit for those who want to try local cuisine.
Chaat and Golgappa Stall: This street stall is located near the bus stand and is known for its lip-smacking chaat and golgappas. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Jalebi and Samosa Stall: This is a famous stall in Pithoragarh that serves hot and crispy samosas and sweet jalebis. It is located near the main market area and is a favorite among locals.
Momos Stall: This street stall serves delicious momos with a variety of fillings like chicken, veg, and paneer. It’s located near the bus stand and is a popular spot for a quick snack.
Kachori Stall: This is a famous street stall in Pithoragarh that serves hot and crispy kachoris with a variety of fillings. It is located near the main market area and is a must-visit for those who love street food.
These are just a few of the many street food options in Pithoragarh. The town is known for its vibrant street food culture, and you’ll find many more street stalls selling a variety of delicious food items.
Where to stay in Pithoragarh
Luxury accommodation
Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India, and is known for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere, and rich culture. There are several luxury accommodations in Pithoragarh that offer a comfortable stay with modern amenities. Here are some of the best luxury accommodations in Pithoragarh:
Hotel Pine Haven: This is a luxury hotel located in a serene and picturesque location, surrounded by pine trees. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food and a bar that offers a variety of drinks.
Hotel Uday Palace: This is another luxury hotel in Pithoragarh that offers spacious and well-appointed rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food and a bar that offers a variety of drinks.
Chevron Rosemount: This is a luxury resort located on the outskirts of Pithoragarh, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. It offers luxurious and spacious rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and room service. The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious food and a bar that offers a variety of drinks.
Ojaswi Resort: This is a luxury resort located in a peaceful and scenic location, surrounded by mountains and forests. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and room service. The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious food and a bar that offers a variety of drinks.
These are some of the best luxury accommodations in Pithoragarh that offer a comfortable stay with modern amenities.
Where to stay in Pithoragarh
Budget accommodation
Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India, and is known for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere, and rich culture. There are several budget accommodations in Pithoragarh that offer a comfortable stay without burning a hole in your pocket. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Pithoragarh:
Hotel Mall Palace: This is a budget hotel located in the heart of Pithoragarh town. It offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Hotel City Heart: This is another budget hotel located in the heart of Pithoragarh town. It offers basic rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Hotel Royal Residency: This is a budget hotel located near the bus stand in Pithoragarh. It offers basic rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
Panchali Tourist Lodge: This is a budget accommodation located in a peaceful and scenic location on the outskirts of Pithoragarh. It offers basic rooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and room service. The lodge also has a restaurant that serves delicious food.
These are some of the best budget accommodations in Pithoragarh that offer a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
Travel Tips Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, India, and is known for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere, and rich culture. If you are planning a trip to Pithoragarh, here are some travel tips that might come in handy:
Weather: The best time to visit Pithoragarh is from March to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature is moderate.
Accommodation: There are several accommodation options available in Pithoragarh, ranging from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season.
Local Transportation: The best way to explore Pithoragarh is by hiring a taxi or taking a local bus. However, it is recommended to negotiate the fare before hiring a taxi.
Clothing: Pithoragarh is a hill station, so it is advisable to carry warm clothing, especially during the winter months. Also, carry comfortable shoes and raincoats, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Food: Pithoragarh is known for its delicious local cuisine. Do try the local delicacies like bhatt ki churkani, kachori, and momos. However, it is recommended to avoid street food and drink only bottled water.
Culture and Etiquette: Pithoragarh has a rich culture, and it is advisable to respect the local customs and traditions. Also, dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes.
Safety: Pithoragarh is a safe place to visit, but it is advisable to take necessary precautions and be vigilant, especially when traveling alone or at night.
These are some of the travel tips that can come in handy when visiting Pithoragarh.