Chandak - the viewpoint!

Chandak refers to a hill that is famous for housing a temple dedicated to the Hindu God ‘Manu’ and is situated at a distance of 8 kilometers from Pithoragarh. The location is one of the best spots for hang gliding and the magnetite mining factory is also located near the valley. Chandak is a hill with an opportunity for a small trek situated on the north side of the Soar Valley. Located at a distance of 8 kilometers from Pithoragarh, this beautiful place also offers its visitors a taste of adventure in the form of hang gliding. Apart from this, the Mostamanu Temple is also found here almost 2 kilometers away on foot. This temple attracts a lot of visitors. 

The Meghna Hotel, Chandak Pithoragarh

There is a famous restaurant in Chandak which is popular for the 360 panoramic views of the city Pithoragarh ‘Meghna Restaurant”.  If you want to see the whole city from one place, you can’t miss Meghna Restaurant at any cost. Though the quality and variety of food here is average but the breathtaking view from the lobby of this restaurant is worth the money you’ll pay. A two-wheeler ride from main Pithoragarh city to Chandak is a traveler’s paradise; fresh cold air with a beautiful view of the city makes it the most popular tourist place in Pithoragarh.

Chandak Road
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

How to reach Chandak Hills from Pithoragarh Bus station?

Chandak hills are located 8 km away from the main city of Pithoragarh. You can go for a local taxi from Siltham via Ghantakaran to Chandak. The daily commuting taxis are available from Laash Ghar Road to Chandak with a fare of 20rs. It takes hardly 20 mins to reach Chandak from main Pithoragarh city. 

Chandak aaye or cross ke samne photo nhi li to kya chandak aaye !!

Pithoragarh Fort aka- “The Gorkha Kila”

Pithoragarh Fort, an 18th-century fort built by the Gorkhas located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Pithoragarh is a Nepali-Tibetian locality bordering Nepal and Tibet. This small town located at a height of 1600ft is a breath of fresh air and bears resemblance to Kashmir. Hence it is also known the Little Kashmir or Kashmir of Uttarakhand. The Gorkhas made this fort in 1789. Since then it has been a significant part of their history and heritage. Here in this part, the Chand and the Pal Dynasty rulers had clash with the Gorkhas and hence lays the conflicting history. However, the fort which is a sign of Gorkha dominance of the town offers an interesting insight into the history of the land and the artistic skills of that time. It is one of the foremost venues depicting Gorkha architecture. Hence architecture and history enthusiasts are drawn to this place.

front view of The Pithoragarh fort
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Apart from historic significance and architecture enthusiasts, the quaint town with its serene and pleasuring landscape offers an attractive destination for nature lovers. For photographers, little Kashmir is truly a paradise offering an all in one package – architectural masterpiece standing on a hilltop offering a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. Pithoragarh Fort is one of the most sought after destination of this town. Located in the proximity to the place, this fort affords spectacular views of the Kali Kumaon.

Inside the fort
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Located in the middle of the city Pithoragarh Fort is easy to access for tourists. It is open from 9 in the morning till 6 in the evening. The night view from the fort is so breathtaking; the whole Pithoragarh city can be seen glittering in the light. The area is quite vast and covers undulating roads, wear comfortable shoes and clothes if you’re not a regular mountaineer.

If you’re planning to visit Pithoragarh, spring and autumn are the most beautiful time to visit the town. The ideal time is from March to May and Oct to Dec. 

Chhaliya Dance – the pride of Kumaon!

Chhaliya dance is the most popular dance of folk dances of Uttarakhand. This dance is used as a symbol of war, in which male men wear antique soldiers and dance like war with sword and shield which includes folk instruments of Uttarakhand, Dhol, Damau, Ranasing Triumph, and Mashakbeen also. Jugalbandi of all these instruments and Chhaliya dancers is such that you will be forced to press the fingers under your teeth. In Pithoragarh, an annual event is organized in the name of "Chhaliya Mahotsav", in which apart from Uttarakhand, Chhalia Dal competes to become the best party from Himanchal and Nepal. This event has been organized by local people in the last 10 years with the help of Uttarakhand Government. But in recent years this annual event has vanished like an old oak table, all thanks to the district administration. Slow claps!!

Challiya Dancers Performing in a Kumaoni marriage
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Chhaliya Dance has its origins in the Khasiya Kingdom of Khasdesh, where marriages were performed at the point of the swords. They were united by the Chand kings who arrived on the scene in the 10th century. In Nepal, the word Khasa is still a synonym for Kashatrya, and in Khasdesh too, they took on the customs of the Rajputs, who were themselves honorary Kshatriyas. 

The Dhol and the Damua
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Keeping the old tradition alive, the Rajputs dance this at their weddings as a part of the marriage procession itself, led by the male dancers who go on dancing till they reach the bride's house. Performed by the Rajputs with sword and shield in pairs, the drummers are usually Harijans called Dholies, while the Turi and Ransing are played by Bairagis.

The Chhaliyas chilling in the free time
Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Donning the traditional Kumauni attire white churidar pajama, the taanka on their heads, the chola, and face covered with sandalwood paste as if ready for battle equipped with tulwar swords and brass shields. Their costume resembles the costume of the ancient martial warriors that inhabited Kumaun.

The Kumaoni weddings are considered incomplete without Chhaliyas and the Chabelis (type of Kumoani shayaris) 

"Pahadi shadi matlab Challiya wala scene hai "

Guiding you to the “Soar Valley”

By Bus

Pithoragarh is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand. Buses are easily available from Anand Vihar, New Delhi to Pithoragarh, Tanakpur, and Haldwani. Being one of the most beautiful and serene hill stations of Uttarakhand, a road trip can give you a beautiful experience to treasure. From Delhi, taking NH-24 will lead you to Moradabad from where NH-27 leads to Kathgodam, Haldwani. Taking district roads from there one can easily make it to Pithoragarh.

Uttarakhand Roadways Bus
Source: Google Images

Online UTC ticket booking website: https://utconline.uk.gov.in/

By Train

The nearest railway station to Pithoragarh is Tanakpur, about 151kms. Another option is Kathgodam railway station about 212 km from Pithoragarh. Kathgodam is a much-preferred railway route as it is well connected with major destinations. Taxis and buses are easily available from both the railway stations. Trains from major neighboring cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Lucknow, Punjab, etc are well connected to Kathgodam. 

Kathgodam Railway Station, Haldwani, Nainital
Source: Google Images

Book your train tickets through https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/

By Air

Naini Saini is the nearest airport from Pithoragarh (5kms from the city). The commercial flight from Hindon airport to Pithoragarh started on October 11, 2020. It takes hardly 1 hour to reach Pithoragarh from Delhi if you manage to get tickets as the flight being operated by Air Heritage Ltd. is just a 9 seater plane. According to the officials, the flight operates all days except Thursdays but the service is quite irregular, passengers in the past have faced unwanted cancelation of flight. Well, that’s your luck if you manage to fly over the Soar Valley with no delays or cancellation. The air heritage flight operates to Pithoragarh from Hindon, Dehradun, and Pantnagar.

Flight taking off from Naini Saini Airport, Pithoragarh
Source: Google Images

Online Flight booking website: https://www.airheritage.in/ebooking/home/

Pithoragarh - an overview!

At 1514 meters above sea level, Pithoragarh is a well-kept secret of majestic The Himalayas. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations with great potential in Uttarakhand. The town in the center of the valley known as “Soar”, and is often called by the name “Soar Valley”. Pithoragarh is the easternmost district of Uttarakhand, sharing boundaries with China and Nepal. Pithoragarh lies in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Pithoragarh is at the center of an arena surrounded by four hills, Chandak , Dhwaj , Thal Kedar and Kumdar. From here the pilgrimage takes their journey to the holy Himalayas, towards the Kailash Mansarovar. A place of exquisite natural beauty and serenity, Pithoragarh is known as “Mini Kashmir of India”.

The breathtaking view of City Pithoragarh

Photo by - Amit Kalpasi

Pithoragarh is a full package of being a hilly tourist spot. Pithoragarh town is situated in a very nice valley surrounded by green hills, mostly covered in snow during winters. Other than town there are small towns and villages nearby, like Munsyari, Dharchula, Gangolihat, Jhulaghat, Didihat, Askote, Chaukori, Berinag, and many more.

The majestic Panchachuli Peaks bordering the Pithoragarh city
Photo By - Amit Kalpasi

It has a lot of temples and that too in very good locations that also doubles up as picnic spots. Hindi and Kumaoni and the major languages are spoken by the people. Other languages spoken in the region are Garhwali, Punjabi and English. People of all religions live together in peace and close harmony with each other. Almost all Hindu festivals are celebrated here in Pithoragarh. As it falls in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand Fuldeyi, Bikhauti, Harela, Ghee Sankranti, Khatarua, Holi Uttaraini are most celebrated throughout the region. Pithoragarh offers peace and provides an escape from the pain of bustling city life where one can relax in the laps of Mother Nature.

Glittering colors of "Soar Valley" Pithoragarh
Photo By - Amit Kalpasi