Saur Valley

Pithoragarh town (also called the headquarters of this district) is situated in this valley. The gorge is surrounded by beautiful mountains, slopes gently to the south-east, while is bisected into north & south by a tube-shaped ridge of greenstone, limestone and slate initiating in the foothills to the north-west while splitting down to the south-east. The altitude is 1,650 m (5,410 ft) above sea level. One can have panoramic views of the wide snow range spreading across Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, and Trishuli along with Adi of Nepal from the region named Chandak, located on a neighboring 2,000 m (6,600 feet) hill.

The breathtakingly beautiful view of the snow clad Nanda Devi, Panch Chulhi, and Nanda Kot is visible from the high altitude locations of Pithoragarh. This town is located in the Saur Valley which is surrounded splendidly by the four hills Chandak, Dhwaj, Kumdar and Thal Kedar.  The Saur Valley stretches to the Jhulaghat in the South, and the Kali River separates it from the barren and infertile Nepal hills. The four kots Unchakot, Udaikot, Dungerkot and Bhatkot nestle it impeccably into its folds. China, Tibet and Nepal border are at the North and East sides respectively. Pithogarh is also called as The Gateway to the Himalayas. It acts as a pathway for pilgrims from the North who trek through this town to reach the Om Parvat, Lake Manasarovar and the Kailash.

Because of the Chand rulers, Pittoragarh is filled with forts and temples belonging to ancient period. The town has two forts, out of which one is demolished and the place is being occupied by the Government Girls Intermediate College building. Construction of the other fort possesses the tahsil and the treasury. Few other tourist attractions in Pittoragarh are Kali mandir of Gangolihat, Munsiyari, Dharchula, Dewalthal, Chandak and Patal Bhuvaneshwar. About 5 km far from this place, there is a less discovered and exquisite place known as Chandag which is an inhabitant for a refuge for lepers.

Saur was initially ruled by the Katyuri Kings. Some leftovers of their fortifications of Dunikot, Dewarkot, Bamuakot, Sahajkot, Dumarkot, Udaypurkot, Bailerkot, Bhatkot, Unchkot and Ajayemerukot are still there. In the year 1449, the Chand kings conquered the gorge, and Prithivi Gosaein built a castle named PithoraGarh.

Tourism

Wonderful views of the environment, sheltered village ambiance, vast stretch of lush green mountain hills and respected religions activities. Pithoragarh displays the greatest example for an eye-catching tourist destination with an astonishing natural beauty. The long lush mountain ranges together with the panoramic sight of the downward landscapes make this town one of the hot spot destinations for tourists.

This mountain town surrounded with thick and dense forests and demanding ripple terrains is a perfect location for daring sports like trekking and skiing. It is the foundation of numerous rivers and inhabits remarkable flora and fauna. It is real worthy destination for nature lovers, mountaineers, as well as the botanists.

Pithoragarh fort, situated at top of the hill, is a main attraction here. This beautiful fort constructed in 1789 by the rulers Gorkhas. It delivers an eye catching view of beautiful Himalayan ranges. Chndak hills, Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple, Thal Kedar, and Dhwaj Shikhar are the significant attractions in the close by regions of Pithoragarh. Chandak hills located at a height of 2,000 m deliver amplaces in and near the Pithoragarh city. Along with the forts and temples, Pithoragarh is blessed with nature’s gift. Kapileshwar Mahadev, a prominent cave temple containing Lord Shiva is the main temple in Pithoragarh.

How to Reach

Air Transport

The closest operational airport to Pithoragarh is at Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar. It is situated about 250 km from Pithoragarh. Taxi services are readily available from airport to Pithoragarh at a cost of Rs.2500. International travelers can get connecting flights from Delhi international airport.

Railways

The nearest railway station is at Tanakpur at a distance of about 150 km from Pithoragarh city centre. Tanakpur is well connected to all major railway stations in India. Taxi services are available from railway station to Pithoragarh at a cost of about Rs. 1500. Kathgodam railway station is also closest to the Pithoragarh at a distance of 198 km.

Road Transport

Pithoragarh is well connected by buses. State owned transport buses connect Pithoragarh with other cities in and around including Kathgodam, Almora and Haldwani.

Photo Gallery