Pithoragarh sightseeing includes visiting the different places of tourist attractions, located in and around Pithoragarh. The various tourist attractions of Pithoragarh include the following:
Munsyari
Munsyari acts as the base camp for treks to Milam, Ralam and Namik Glacier, while Dharachula is the base camp for Kailas Mansarovar Yatra, Adi Kailash Yatra and Narayan Swami Ashram. It stands at an altitude of 2,135 metres above sea level and the entire region is known as Johar Valley. Situated around Munsyari are apline lakes of Maheshwari Kund and Thamri Kund.
Pithoragarh Fort
The Pithoragarh fort is located on top of a hill on the outskirts of Pithoragarh. It was built by the Gorkhas back in the year 1789.
Kapileshwar Mahadev
The Kapileshwar Mahadev cave is located about 3 kms. from Pithoragarh. The cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it provides a beautiful view of the Soar valley and the Himalayan peaks.
Dhwaj Temple
Dhwaj temple is a very famous shrine that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti and is about 10 kms by road and 4 kms on foot from Pithoragarh. It also provides a breathtaking view of the snow capped peaks that surround it.
Nakuleshwara
Situated about 10 kms. from Pithoragarh is Nakuleshwara. Legends have it that the Nakuleshwara temple was built by Nakul and Sahdev (two brothers of Pandavas). The place is located at Athgaon Shilling area.
Askot Sanctuary
This beautiful sanctuary which is located about 54 kms from Pithoragarh nestles at a height of 5412 feet above sea level. It is very popular among wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a haven for snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, chirs, koklas, pheasants and chukors. The lush sanctuary area dotted with temples is also a fine place to view the beauty of the Himalayas.
Chaukori
The small hill town of Chaukori provides a great weather and majestic views of snow capped peaks. The entire area is filled with tea gardens and orchards. It is located about 112 kms from Pithoragarh.
Gangolihat
The sacred site is famous for the Hatkalika Fair held on the ashtami of Chaitra month at the Kalika temple. Devotees visit the shrine during this time with drums and flags to pay homage to Goddess Kalika.
Jhulaghat
This small town on the Indo-Nepal border is named after a hanging bridge on the Kali River. One can enter Nepal through this bridge. The small market here deals in Nepali goods and other electronic items.
Narayan Ashram
The ashram was established by Narayan Swami in 1936, about 136 kms north of Pithoragarh and 14 kms from Tawaghat. This spiritual cum socio educational centre is set at an altitude of 2734 metres amidst scenic surroundings. It has a school for local children and imparts training to local youth. There is also a library, meditation room and samadhi sthal.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar
Patal Bhubaneshwar, which literally means the sub-terranian shrine of Lord Shiva is a cave temple located about 91 kms. from Pithoragarh and 14 kms north of Gangolihat. The way to the temple is through a tunnel which leads into a cave and through a narrow dark passage of water.
The main passage also leads to several small caves where the water oozing from limestone rocks has created various shapes arid figures. Some of them resemble various Gods and Goddesses of Hindu mythology. In fact, the cave temple complex is said to be the abode of thousands of deities and people believe that these deities were dedicated by Adi Shankracharya. Large number of pilgrims visits the shrine during the fair of Maha Shivratri every year.
