If you love peaceful hill stations, ancient temples, and raw Himalayan beauty, Pithoragarh should be on your travel list. Located in the eastern Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, this district is known as “Little Kashmir” because of its scenic valleys, snow peaks, and calm rivers.
Unlike Nainital or Mussoorie, Pithoragarh is still less crowded. That’s why travelers looking for an authentic mountain escape prefer this destination. In this guide, you’ll discover the top 5 must-visit places in Pithoragarh, along with real travel tips, route details, and what makes each spot worth your time.
Top 5 Places to visit in Pithoragarh
1. Munsiyari – The Crown Jewel of Pithoragarh
Distance from Pithoragarh town: 125 km
Best for: Trekkers, nature photographers, and peace seekers
Munsiyari is definitely one of those hill stations that manages to win your heart over instantly. Perched at an altitude of roughly 2,200 metres, it’s got the Panchachuli Peaks right there, just a stunning backdrop of five snow-capped mountains that take on a gorgeous pink hue when the sun comes up.
You’ve got loads of options for things to do in Munsiyari – you could trek to the Milam Glacier, have a nose around Darkot village which is famous for its handmade wool shawls, or just stroll around Khaliya Top. Take in the simply breathtaking views. When winter hits, the whole place is blanketed in snow – a true paradise for anyone who loves adventure.
Why Munsiyari is a must-visit:
- The views of the Panchachuli Peaks are absolutely second to none.
- It’s the perfect place to start your Himalayan trek of a lifetime.
- Unlike some of the other hill stations out there, Munsiyari hasn’t been commercialized to death – it’s still a pretty laid back and authentic place to visit
- And the bonus is you can experience real local hospitality through the great homestays and taste the delicious Kumaoni food on offer.
A word of caution from a seasoned traveller:
Visit Munsiyari between March and June or September and November if you can – and make sure to stay for at least two nights so you can take one day to properly explore the place. Another day to just sit back, relax, and take it all in.
2. Patal Bhubaneswar – A Sacred Cave with Mystical Legends
Distance from Pithoragarh town: 90 km
Best for: Pilgrims, explorers, and geology lovers
Patal Bhuvaneshwar isn’t just another temple — it’s a cave that takes you 90 feet below the ground. The limestone formations inside look like deities from Hindu mythology — Shiva, Sheshnag, Ganesha, and others.
According to belief, the Pandavas visited this place during their final journey to heaven, and Lord Shiva himself resides here. When you descend through the narrow tunnel, the cold air and silence give you goosebumps — it’s both spiritual and surreal.
Why visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar:
- Unique underground temple experience
- Natural rock formations shaped like mythological figures
- Important pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand
Traveler tip:
Carry a flashlight and wear good-grip shoes. Photography isn’t allowed inside, so enjoy the moment with your eyes.
3. Thal Kedar Temple – Lord Shiva’s Hill Abode
Distance from Pithoragarh town: 20 km
Best for: Spiritual travelers and short-trek enthusiasts
If you want to mix devotion with adventure, Thal Kedar Temple is the place to go. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple sits on a hilltop and offers a wide view of the Himalayas.
The trek to reach it is moderately challenging but full of scenic spots. Every year, thousands of devotees visit during Maha Shivratri to seek blessings and witness the local fair.
Why visit Thal Kedar:
- Panoramic Mountain View
- Peaceful trekking route
- Strong local faith and culture
Traveler tip:
Start your trek early morning, around 6–7 AM. Carry light snacks and water. You’ll love the sunrise view from the temple steps.
4. Pithoragarh Fort – The Historic Watchtower of the Valley
Location: Near Pithoragarh town center
Built by: Chand Rajas in the 18th century
Before you head to the hills, spend a few hours at Pithoragarh Fort. It’s small but historically rich. The fort stands on a ridge, giving a clear view of the Soar Valley and surrounding villages.
It was originally built for defense but later taken over by the British. Though the structure has aged, the charm remains. The panoramic view from the top makes it a great photography spot.
Why visit Pithoragarh Fort:
- Learn about the region’s Chand Dynasty history
- Watch sunset views from the fort top
- Quick visit near the town
Traveler tip:
Best time to visit is around 4 PM. The golden light adds magic to your pictures.
5. Kamakhya Temple – Peace and Devotion in the Heart of Pithoragarh
Location: Within Pithoragarh town
Best for: Spiritual travelers and locals
Kamakhya Temple is one of the most respected shrines in Pithoragarh. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya (Durga), it’s a peaceful place that attracts visitors throughout the year.
Unlike Assam’s Kamakhya Temple, this one is smaller and quieter. You’ll often see locals lighting diyas and chanting hymns in the morning. During Navratri, the temple turns lively with fairs, rituals, and traditional music.
Why visit Kamakhya Temple:
- Central location, easy to access
- Peaceful environment for meditation
- Culturally rich during festivals
Traveler tip:
Visit early morning for a calm experience. Carry prasad from local shops outside the temple.
Best Time to Visit Pithoragarh
| Season | Temperature | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| March – June | 15°C to 25°C | Pleasant weather, trekking, sightseeing |
| July – September | Heavy rainfall | Lush greenery but roadblocks possible |
| October – November | 10°C to 20°C | Clear skies, festival season |
| December – February | 0°C to 10°C | Snowfall in upper regions like Munsiyari |
How to Reach Pithoragarh
- By Road: You can get to Almora in 122km, Haldwani in 200km and Tanakpur in 150km – regular buses and taxis are available most of the time.
- By Train: Your nearest train station is Tanakpur – thats a 150km trip.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport – its around 210km away.
- By Car: If you’ve got a car and the spirit of adventure then the scenic route from Almora or Bageshwar is a real treat – its perfect for some old fashioned road trippin.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Pack warm clothes, even in the summer – the weather can turn on you in a heartbeat.
- Get your accommodation sorted well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the holidays.
- Don’t forget to respect the local customs and traditions when visiting the temples – its always good to be a considerate visitor.
- Try out some of the local specialties like Bhatt ki Churkani and Aloo Ke Gutke – your taste buds will thank you.
- If you can avoid travelling at night in the monsoon season, do – the fog and landslides make for a pretty hairy journey.
Conclusion
Pithoragarh – it’s not your average commercial hill station , this place is best suited for explorers who actually get out and discover new things. From the snow-capped trails of Munsiyari to the mystical cave of Patal Bhubaneswar, here you can get your fill of both the great outdoors and spirituality all mixed in together.
If you’re after some genuine peace and a real taste of authentic Uttarakhand, then build a few days in here into your plans. When you leave, you’ll have memories to last a lifetime and probably a hankering to get out there and explore more of the hidden gems of the Himalayas.
FAQs About Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is well known for and draws visitors because of its stunning views of the Himalayas, ancient temples, and beautiful valleys. It is referred to as “Little Kashmir” of Uttarakhand due to its beauty and tranquility. Pithoragarh is also an adventure trekking spot, particularly the Munsiyari area.
Pithoragarh Fort is well-known due to its historical significance and scenic views of Soar Valley. Constructed by Chand Rajas in the 18th Century, this fort gives you a peep into the royal history of the region and makes it a great place to take photographs and admire the sunset views.
A 3 to 4 days trip to explore Pithoragarh would be sufficient. You would be able to visit the main attractions of Munsiyari, Patal Bhubaneswar, Thal Kedar Temple, and Pithoragarh Fort in this duration. However, if you plan to experience trekking or even local culture, then you can extend the trip to around 5 days.
Yes, Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It sits at around 1,650 meters above sea level and offers a mix of mountains, forests, and rivers. The pleasant weather and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.
The best time to visit Pithoragarh is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather stays pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid the monsoon season (July–August) as heavy rainfall can cause roadblocks.
Pithoragarh is famous for its natural beauty, temples, and trekking routes to the Himalayas. It’s known as the gateway to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar, making it spiritually and geographically significant. The local culture, fort, and snow views also attract travelers year-round.
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