Pithoragarh Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Pithoragarh

Mostamanu Temple is a noted religious site, located in the vicinity of the Pithoragarh Town. This temple can be reached by covering a distance of 6 km by bus and the remaining 2 km on foot from the town. This temple is devoted to the Mosta God. A fair is organised here in August-September every year.

Munsiyari is a small town, located at a distance of 127 km from Pithoragarh. This place serves as a gateway to the Johar region situated in the Himalayan ranges. The Millam, Namik and Ralam glaciers are located in proximity to this town. This town is encircled by the lakes of Maheswar Kund and Thamri Kund. Furthermore, the Gori Ganga river emerged from this place. A wild flower meadow, called the Munsiyari Bugyal, surrounds the town.

Pithoragarh Fort is a major tourist attraction, which is located close to the Pithoragarh Town. Tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the Kali Kumaon from here. According to records, this fort was constructed by the Gorkhas in the year 1789, after invading the town.

Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple is a noted shrine located in the Soar Valley, close to the Takaura and Takari villages. It is situated 10 m inside a cave and is devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva. According to a legend, the famous sage Kapil meditated at this site. This temple is only 3 km away from the town and offers alluring views of the mighty Himalayan ranges.

There is another cave temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, located in proximity to the town.

Arjuneswar Temple is a major religious site, which is nestled at an elevation of 6000 ft above sea level. It is located at a distance of around 10 km from Pithoragarh and can be reached by trekking. This temple is devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva. According to folklore, this temple was built by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas (the mythological characters of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata). Arjuna was considered as a great warrior and the best archer of the bygone era.

Thal Kedar is an important pilgrimage site, which is located at a distance of 8 km from Pithoragarh. A narrow pathway leads to the temple, which is nestled at an elevation of 2000 m above sea level. During the popular Hindu festival, Shivaratri, a large number of devotees visit this shrine. Travellers can reach the shrine by trekking from Pithoragarh, Nakuleshwar Temple and Aincholi.

Chandak is located at a distance of 8 km from the town of Pithoragarh. This beautiful hill is situated in the northern area of the Soar Valley and can be reached by an uphill climb. This place offers tourists an opportunity to enjoy hang-gliding. Besides, a shrine named Manu Temple and a magnesite mining factory are located here.

Dhwaj Temple is a famous shrine located near Pithoragarh. This temple complex is nestled at an elevation of 2100 m above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks of the mighty Himalayan ranges. It is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva and Goddess Jayanti.

Jauljibi is a noted tourist attraction, located at a distance of 68 km from the town of Pithoragarh. This place is famous as the meeting point of two rivers, namely Gori and Kali. Besides, a popular fair is held here annually, which attracts people across India and Nepal. This fair is held on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. According to records, this fair was first held in November, 1914.

Another tourist attraction, Kalapani Hill, is located at a distance of 10 km from Jauljibi. There is a hot spring here, which is believed to have medicinal properties. The nearby Vyas Cave is also visited by tourists in large numbers.

Nakuleshwar Temple is a noted religious site, which is located at a distance of 4 km from the Pithoragarh town and 2 km from the Shiling village. The term Nakuleshwar is a combination of two words – nakul and eshwar. The Nakul statue of Mahishasur Mardini refers to the mighty Himalaya and "eshwar" is the Hindi word for "god". Therefore, it collectively refers to the god of the Himalaya (Lord Shiva).

This temple was built in the Khajuraho architectural style and enshrines 38 stone images of different Hindu gods and goddesses, including Shiva-Parvati, Uma-Vasudev, Nauvarga, Surya, Mahishasura Mardini, Vaman, Kurma and Narsingh. According to a legend, this temple was constructed by two Pandavas, namely Nakula and Sahadev (the mythological characters of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata).

Kotgari Devi Temple is a famous religious spot located at a distance of 9 km from Thal. This temple is considered as the final divine court where deprived devotees come to appeal to god to fulfil their wishes.

Narayan Ashram is a popular tourist destination, which is nestled at an elevation of 2734 m above sea level. It is located at a distance of 44 km from Pithoragarh and was established by Sri Narayan Swami in the year 1936.

The ashram organises various spiritual and social activities for its members. There are accommodation facilities available for 40 people at the ashram. The ashram remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall.

Didihat is a serene tourist site located in the district of Pithoragarh. This place serves as a nagar panchayat and is located at a distance of 54 km from the Pithoragarh Town. It is nestled at an elevation of 1725 m above sea level on a hilltop named 'Digtarh'. Moreover, the name of the place is derived from the Kumaoni word ‘Dand’, which means a tiny hillock.

The river Charamgad, also known as Bhadigad, flows below. The beautiful Haat Valley is also situated nearby. There is a temple known as Sirakot (devoted to Lord Shiva) located at this place. A large number of tourists also visit another temple located in the Nanpaupu Village.

Jhulaghat is a village located at a distance of 36 km from Pithoragarh. This village is situated on the Indo-Nepal Border. The river Kali flows east to west along the Indo-Nepal Border. There is a small suspension bridge built over the river Kali, which connects India and Nepal.

A large number of tourists visit the Mahesani Temple located beside the Kali river. Besides, tourists can enjoy rafting in the Kali river. The Taleshwar Mahadev Temple, located around 4 km from Jhulaghat, is also worth visiting. Another important shrine, the Tripura Sundari Temple, is located around 8 km from here, in Nepal.

Skiing is popular among tourists visiting Pithoragarh. Betuli Dhar is regarded as the most popular ski-slope of Pithoragarh. Tourists can also enjoy skiing in Chiplakot, which is nestled at an elevation of 3090 m above sea level. Khalia Top, a beautiful alpine meadow, is another popular skiing destination.