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Flora and Fauna

Although one does not find an abundance of  flora and fauna  in Pithoragarh but  these are remarkable for their sheer variety. The biological diversity
is very important in many aspects.

Bugyal :  Passing along  the   route of  Chhota Kailash,  a  lover of  adventure moves into the enchanting  world surrounded by the lush stretches of
velvetty grass bugyals (alpine meadows) such as Chhiplakot and Vyans Valley.

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 Chhiplakot - Bugyals

 
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                                    Vyans Valley - alpine meadow

Since the district possesses  a great range of   elevation there  is a  remarkable diversity  in  its  natural  vegetation. In addition  climatic  variations,
particularly in temperature and precipitation associated  with   the alignment and altitudes of ranges and nature  of  valleys, determine the altitudinal
growth and variety of vegetation. The northern hilly zone  is covered with dense forests, particularly on northern slopes, with the diverse flora upto an
elevation of about 14,000 ft.
Brahmakamal found above 14,000 ft.     Globe Artichoke
Brahmakamal  [Flower above 14,000 feet]     Globe Artichoke

The flora of this district may be classified into tropical, Himalayan sub-tropical and sub alpine and alpine vegetation.
Monal Pheasant     Jambu Flower
Chura flower

                                                   
The alpine and sub-alpine zones which include Milam, Ralam, Garbyang, Martoli etc, are very rich in the medicinal herbs and are considered as the
most natural abode of  the largest number of medicinal plants.The sub-alpine zones are a natural sanctuary for Leopard, Chital, fleet little Monkeys,
Parceli plant     Musk Deer (Kastura)
Parceli     Musk Deer (Kastura)

Langoor, Bear, Kakar or barking deer, Ghoral etc. Whereas  the  high altitude zones abound in Musk deer, popularly called  Kastura, Snow
Leopard, Blue Sheep, Thar etc.
Jhainpu (A kind of cow found in Dharchula region)
Photo : Lalit Verma

 
The entire  zone   is  rich  in  a  remarkable variety of  birds possessing plumage of  magnificent design and colours  like  Peacock,   which
include Grey  Quail,  Kala Titar, Whistling Thrush, Chakor, Monal Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant etc.

Excursions


Chandak :  Situated 7 Kms away by bus through an uphill climb Chandak constitutes the northern of Soar Valley.The famous temple of Mostamanu
is 2 Km. from Chandak. Chandak offers a fascinating view of the Himalayan ranges and the sprawling Soar Valley. It is a potential hang gliding resort
and the magnesite mining factory is located too here.
A Panoramic view of Soar         
   Panoramic view of Soar valley                                                                                  Thal Kedar :  Known  for   its famous temple  of Mahadev. 16 Km from Pithoragarh.  Jayanti Temple of Dhwaj  21 Km via Totanaula. Cave   temple  of Kapileshwar. Cave temple  at Rai , Ulka Devi Temple, Kailash Ashram  Wadda  ,  Hanuman Temple etc.

Gangolihat :     An   important religious place and rich  in  folk culture and  ancient  myths ,  is  situated  77 Km   from  Pithoragarh .  It  is  particularly  well   known   for   the      famous Mahakali  temple  where  the Shakti  Peeth  was  installed  by   Shankaracharya   himself. During   Navratries  a  fair    is   held    on  the occasion of  which devotees offer  pujas-along

with sacrifices.  2  Km  from  Gangolihat  near   the  Mankeshwar  temple are the ruins of the fort which once belonged  to the Mankotis -an obscure
dynasty of  Kumaon region.  2  Km away  is Uprara,  the  native village of   poet  'Gumani',  the first Kumaoni poet, who also wrote in Hindi, Sanskrit
and Nepali   with  great dexterity and command.  4  Km  east from Uprara, near the village of Tamanauli is the Bharbhyo cave.
An old temple near Gangolihat
An old temple at Gangolihat     Accommodation :  P.W.D. Rest House, Gopal Tourist Lodge, Shah Tourist Lodge.

Places of Tourist Attraction :  Mahakali Temple , Chamunda Temple ,    Mankeshwar  Temple ,  Cave  Temple    of       Patal Bhuvneshwar.

Berinag :  A  small   township  facing  the  glorious  snow  clad pieces of   Himalayas. Berinag  is  situated at a distance of 102 Km from Pithoragarh at an elevation of 1720 meters.

Accommodation :Tourist Rest House(Chaukori), P.W.D. Rest House, Hotels Kailash Darshan and Kamal Vihar.


 
Sunrise from Berinag
Sunrise from Berinag                                                          Photo : Deep Chauhan

Places of Tourist Attraction :  Snake Temples, Tripura Devi Temple, Cave Temple of Koteshwar, Tea Gardens of Chaukori,
Chaukori : Eleven  Km  away  from Berinag, Garaun  water falls four Kms  to   the  east of
the Berinag,  Musk Deer Farm at Kotmanya,
Him Darshan Kutir  at Dharamghar.

Thal : An important transit station for Mun-
syari  and  Chaukori (Berinag).  Thal  is  62 Km  away from Pithoragarh and is situated
on the banks of Ram Ganga.

Places of Tourist Attraction : Ek Hatiya
Temple,  a  monolithic  shrine  in   Amiya
village is  2  Km away from the motor road.
    Himalayas from Chaukori A View of Himalayas from Chaukori

Kot Gari Devi :  Situated  about  9 Kms from Thal the temple of  Kotgari  is held  to be the final divine court of appeal for the deprived and the victim
of cruelty and injustice.

Didihat : 55 Kms from Pithoragarh, Didihat is situated at an elevation of 1725 meters.
Accommodation : P.W.D. Rest House, Tourist Rest House.
Hotels : Anand Hotel, Kumaun Hotel, National Hotel, Sharma Hotel.
Places of Tourist Interest : Seerakot fort cum Temple : 3 Km from Didihat Govt. Sericulture Garden is situated near G.I.C.

Munsyari :  Munsyari, the center  as  well  as  the  gateway of Johar  region  is situated  154 Km  from Pithoragarh  at an elevation of  2298 meters
and  is snuggled in the folds of snow clad mountains.
Panchchuli from Munsyari

                                                                   Panchchuli from Munsyari            
Safu Udiyaar (Munsyari)

                                                   Safu Udiyar (Munsyari)
Kalamuni at Munsyari    Kalamuni at Munsyari                                                              Photo : Deep Chauhan     Accommodation :  P.W.D.  Rest House, Tourist Rest House.
Hotel :  Himani Tourist Lodge, Zara Residency.

Places of Tourist Interest : Munsyari is  the base station  for   traks  to   Millam,  Ralam  and  Namik Glaciers.






Dharchula : Situated at the banks of  Kali river at the border of Pithoragarh district,  Dharchula is 94 Km from Pithoragarh and is an important camp
along the Kailash Mansarovar, Chotta Kailash and Narayan Ashram route.
Narayan Ashram     Narayan Ashram                                                                    Photo : Deep Chauhan     Accommodation :      N.H.P.C.   Guest   House ,  P.W.D. Rest House , Tourist  Reception  Centre and Hotel Yash.

Places of Tourist Attraction

Narayan  Ashram  :   Established  by    Narayan  Swami   in  1936 , Narayan   Ashram  is  situated  at  a  distance  of  17  Kms  from  Tawaghat.  The  Ashram   is   a    spiritual   cum  socio-educational centre.




Jauljibi :  A point of confluence of  the river Gori and Kali and   of  three different  cultures,  is  situated  at  a distance of  77  Km  from  Pithoragarh.
During  the  autumn   season  Jauljibi  pulsates  with  an  important  trade  fair  which  is an indication  of  the cultural and commercial  prosperity of
Kalapani near Gunji
  Kalapani Near Gunji                                                             Photo : Deep Chauhan     Jauljibi Jauljibi, the confluence of the rivers Kali & Gori

the  region.  Along  the  Kailash  Mansarovar  route,  from  Gunji (3500 m),  one  can  move  along   the  quieter  Kali  to  walk  to  10  Km  to   reach
Kalapani (3600 m). There are pine, bhojpatra and juniper forests in this region. Although the river has been coming all  the  way  from  Lipulekh pass,
the small   pool formed under a huge rock is considered to be the source of the  Kali. There are snow -clad mountains all around and Vyas's cave  is
to be found on  the mountain  in  front  of  Rishi Vyas  that the region is known as Byans. There  is  also  a   hot  water spring at Kalapani.

Adventure Spots :  The department   of   tourism proposes  to  create and  provide necessary  infrastructure,  equipments and the allied facilities for
adventures sports like:

(a) Hang Gliding,   (b) Para Gliding
Hang Gliding at Pithoragarh
Hang Gliding                           

Gliders can be made available on hire and conveyance to the gliding point and  first  aid facilities can be provided.  Chandak, Munakot and Dwaj have
been proposed into gliding points.

Temples

Mahakali Temple of Gangolihat : Tehsil and block Gangolihat  is   at a distance of  77 Km. from  Pithoragarh. It  is rich in folk culture, music and
religious traditions and had been chosen by Sankaracharya  for  the installation  of  Mahakali shaktipith. Amidst the cluster of pine trees is situated
Mahakali Temple at Gangolihat
Maha Kali Temple, Gangolihat          

the  shakti  temple. The Goddess  Kali  as  represented  in  her fierce form conquering  the  demon, is  offered sacrifices of  lambs and goats. In the
direction opposite of  the Kali  temple about 2 Km. away is   situated  the Chamunda  temple which  is  believed  to  be  in  the  centre  of an area of
wilderness exclusively possessed by spirits and  demons conquered by  the Goddess in her  fierce aspect. The temple has an aura of mystery and
weird charm and during the dark hours of night the spirits are believed to have a free sway outside the temple premises.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar : The exposure  of Patal Bhuvaneshwar (Lord Shiva in  the  underground temple complex)  is one of  this unique way to help
mankind. 16 Km. to  the north-east of  Gangolihat and 20 Km. to the south of Berinag is situated the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple. It is 91 Km.
away from the district head  quarter and situated  at a height  of  1350  meters above sea level. The temple place comes under village Bhuvneshwar
which is in the tehsil Didihat.The way to the temple is through a narrow  tunnel shaped cave,  giving  a very thrilling experience.  The main  passage
way opens into several small caves which have in them  the stone carvings  of  many  traditional Gods & Goddesses and can evoke weird romantic
fancies and images in the religiously inclined person. The cave temple of Patal Bhuvaneshwar is traditionally believed to be the abode of thirty three
crore deities.
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Bhuwneshwar Cave Temple

Mostamanu :  Some six Km. by  bus and  then 2 Km. on  foot  to  the north of Pithoragarh  is situated  the temple dedicated  to  Mosta God. The
temple premises are a center of a big lively fair held in August  - September every year.
Mostamanu temple at Chandak
Mostamanu Temple

Nagmandir of Berinag : About one Km uphill  to the south of  Berinag proper  in a romantic setting flanked in the north by a  cluster  of  trees and
to  the   further south by a ravine,  is the location of the famous snake temple which is  dedicated  to  one of  several manifestations of Lord Vishnu.  
Legends  say  that  the   place  was  named  Berinag  after  the  Nagveni King Benimadhava.  It is believed  that when  the pants from  Maharashtra
came to settle here they saw coiled snakes of allcolours in a very large  number and  as a mark  of   reverence  to  them  they built a snake   temple
sometimes in  the fourteenth century. It is a popular  belief that Lord Krishna after conquering  Kalinag advised him to leave  river Jamuna  and settle  
somewhere  amidst  the  snowy peaks,  and  that, Kalinag followed  by  many  others  came  to a  place somewhere around here.
Lateshwar temple at Barabe
Lateshwar Temple, Barabe                                 Photo : Deep Chauhan

Sirakot : Built by Reka Kings, the Sirakot fort cum temple is situated at a distance of 2 Kms away from Didihat town which is some 52 Kms from
the district headquarters.The outer part of the fort was used by the King as household accommodation
Sirakot temple near Didihat
Sirakot Temple                                                                      Photo : Deep Chauhan     where the temples of Shiva  &  Bhairab    were built  in  the  inner part.  They are now in  a state  of ruins.  The  hilltop   on    which    the    fort     is   situated    offers  a remarkably  clear    and    fascinating   view    of   the Himalayan ranges.

Ghunsera Devi Temple :  The  Ghunsera   caves  are located in the middle of a lofty hill on the top of which is situated the Asurchula  temple. The  stone  images  of Gods  and  Goddesses  are  believed   to   have    been installed by the  Khol  kings of Kartikeya pura. Two  of the stone images found here are said  to belong  to the Gupta period.

Thal Kedar :  Eight Kms on motor roads to the  south  of Pithoragarh and thence  after a  climb along a narrow pathway  flanked   by   dense  vegetation  is    reached  the Kedar  temple situated at a height of 2000 meters.

Nakuleshwar Temple : This temple has  its location at a place about two km. removed from the village Shiling which it self is  about four Km away
from  Pithoragarh. The word Nakuleshwar  is   derived  from  a  combination  of  two  words : Nakul
Statue of Mahishasur Mardini at Nakuleshwar     meaning  Himalaya   and Ishwar meaning God and hence, Shiva  the Himalaya God. The architectural design  of   the  main temple  is splendid and appears to have been modeled on  the stylistic pattern of Khajuraho. In all, there are some thirty eight   stone  images  of  Shiva-parwati, Uma-Vasudev,  Nauvarga, Surya, Mahishasur  mardini, Vaman, Kurma, Narsingh etc. many of  which are broken and disfigured because of neglect and age.

Kamaksha Temple :  To  the north east  of  Pithoragarh at a distance of about  7  Kms near  the  army  contonment base  is  situated  the  Kamaksha temple on  the  top  of  a hillock over looking the surrounding mountain ranges.

Kapileshwar Mahadev :   In   the  Soar   Valley  right   above  the  villages  of Takaura and Takari overlooking Pithoragarh town, is situated the  cave  temple dedicated to  Mahadeva.  The legend goes that the great sage kapil  meditated here. The  passage through the cave is very long and branches  out   to several indeterminate destinations and has hence been closed. The temple  is situated some  ten  meters  deep  inside the cave.  There  is another cave temple of this kind also dedicated to Mahadev at a place called Rai  which is about half a Km to the north-east on Dharchula-Pithoragarh road.




<--  Mahishasur Mardini at Nakuleshwar

Ulkadevi Temple :  On  Pithoragarh chandak  motor  road  close  to   where  the tourist rest house is situated stands the Ulkadevi temple besides
which has also been built a memorial  for the martyrs who laid down their lives in defense of the mother land. The temple offers a remarkable view of
the sprawling Soar Valley.
Ulka Devi temple near TRC guest house (PTH)
UlkadeviTemple           
Photo: Mrigesh Pandey

Jayanti Temple Dhwaj : Eighteen Km from Pithoragarh on Didihat road  is situated  a place called Totanaula  from where after a 3 Km long  steep
and  tough climb  is  reached  the  Jayanti temple. On  the  way,  some  200  ft.   below   the  main
temple, is situated  the cave
temple  of  Lord  Shiva. From
the hill top where the Jayanti
temple is situated the Panch-
chuli  and  Nandadevi peaks
of   Himalayas   in   all   their
splendour    can   be  clearly sighted.

Arjuneshwar : Ten Km from
the west of  Pithoragarh town
on the top of a hill at a height
of   6000  ft.  is  situated  the
Shiva  temple  called  Arjune-
shwar believed  to have been
built   by  Arjuna   the   great
warrior & the supreme archer.     Dhwaj temple near Didihat
Dhwaj Temple                                                                                      Photo : Mrigesh Pandey

The  principal  among   them are   Laxminarayan  temple  and Shivalaya  in  the town  and Shiva,   Hanuman,  Chatkeshwar, Gurna Devi and Igyara
devi around  the town.
Budha Temple near Sukoli (PTH)
Buddha Temple, Sukoli (Pithoragarh)

Then  again  there  are temples dedicated  to  local Gods  like Gangnath, Bhumia, Airi, Chamu, Badan, Haru, Balchan, Churmal, Gabila, Chipla and
so on. These latter Gods are a class apart from the divine order and are Gods restricted to specific areas, families and castes.

KOT GARI Devi : Situated about 9 Kms from Thal the temple of  Kotgari   is held to be the final divine court of appeal for the deprived and the victim

 
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Aatwar at Kot Gari                                                                                              

Mrigesh Pande

of cruelty and injustice.

International Trade & Travel Links

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
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To the Hindus, the Himalayas are central to their cosmology. The peaks  are the petals of the Golden Lotus which lord Vishnu created as a first step in the formation of the universe. On one of these peaks - Mount Kailash, sits Shiva in a state of perpetual meditation, generating the spiritaul force that sustains the cosmos.

The ancient text, Rigveda has a mention of the Himalayas, their formation and sacredness. The most sacred peak in the Himalayan range, Mount Kailash, is said to have been formed 30 million years ago during the early stages of the formation of the Himalayan chain.

According to the Jains, at the dawn of history their first law giver, Rishabhdev attained Nirvana on Mount Kailash.

Mount Kailash is situated in Tibet where it is given the dignified title of  'Kang Rampoche' meaning 'Precious Jewel'. Near Mount Kailash, during the geological shift in the initial statges of the formation of the Himalayan mountain chain four rivers arose from the area, flowing in four different directions : the Indus flowed north, the Karnali south, the Yarlung Tsangpo flowed east and Sutlej travelled west.

People have been visiting Kailas - Mansarovar for centuries. Almost all the major passes of Uttarakhand lead to Kailas-Mansarovar. Because of the
Indo-chinese  border  dispute,  Indians  were not  allowed  to visit  Kailas -  Mansarovar  for  nearly  two decades.   However,  since 1981, under the
auspices  of  the Indian Ministry of  External  Affairs and  with  the  cooperation  of   the  Chinese Government,  Kumaun Mandal  Vikas Nigam has
been conducting  trips  to  Kailas- Mansarovar  through  the  Lipulekh pass.  Even   though  only  a  limited  number  of  people  are allowed to visit

Kailas - Mansarovar today, the  very  fact   that  the  trips have been resumed raises hopes that, in the near future, more Indian pilgrims will be allowed to
visit Western Tibet, the region of sacred mountains and  lakes. It is because  of  Kailas - Mansarovar,   which is 865 Kilomet.  from Delhi,  that  Kumaon  is  sometimes  called  'Manaskhand'.    Many of  our myths are associated with
this unusual mountain and lake. The Buddhists, the Jains and the Bonpas of
Tibet too,  consider this abode of  Lord Shiva and   Parvati  and  the lake  born  from  the  mind  of  Brahma to be a sacred place.

Therefore, it is not surprising that one often  comes across Om  Mani  Padme  Hum  (hail  to  the  Jewel  (of   creation)
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"There are no mountains like the
Himalaya, for in them are Kailas
and Mansarovar. As the dew is
dried up by the morning Sun, so
are the sins of mankind dried up
by the sight of the Himalaya."


                        -Skanda Puran     Kailas Mansarovar
Mount  Kailash

                                                

in  the lotus)  written on  stones (the Buddhists), people making anti-clockwise  pilgrimage around  Mt. Kailas (the Bonpas) or a few  ones specially
visiting Astpaad near the southern face of Kailas, (the Jains) in the Kailas - Mansarovar region.

Rakastal & kailas
  Rakastal & Kailas
    One  has  to  walk  53  Km   to go around  the  Mount  Kailas  ( 6675 m ),   which    is   also   known  as  the  centre of   the   universe   in  the   Hindu  Puranas and the  Buddhist   texts ,  Astpaad    in  Jain   texts  and  Yungdruk  Gu Tseg ( nine storey  Swastika Mountain)  in  Bonpa tradition.  Its highest point is   Polmapass at 19000  feet  (4515 mtrs).  South  of   Mount Kailas are Rakastal (4515 m), Mansarovar (4530 m), and  further  south  the   peaks   of    Gurla   Mandhata   (7683m).  The circumference of Mansarovar is  90 Km, its  depth  is 90 m and total area is 320 Sq. Km.The lake freezes in the winters  and    melts only   in   spring.  It   looks unbelievably    fascinating   on    moonlit    nights. The circumference  of   Rakastal ,  also   known  as Ravan Hrid, is 22 Km from the corner of which originates the

Sutlej river.  A  6  Km  long channel -Gangachhu- connects Manas with Rakastal. From Tanakpur or Kathgodam one can reach Kailas- Mansarovar
via   Dharchula - Tawaghat - Lipulekh Darma  and Johar  valleys.
Sunset on Mansarovar
  Sunset on sacred Mansarovar

However,  at present one can  go only  through the route chosen by the two governments,  and  join  the pilgrimage conducted  by the  Kumaon
Mandal Vikas Nigam (Indian Territory) and Tourist Co. of  Ali (in Tibet),  from  June  to  September, after one has completed all formalities.

Peaks and Passes

Peaks : Reach Tawaghat along the Kailas - Mansarovar route. From here trek along the Dhauli E to reach Dugtu/ Dantu or along  the  Gori   (along
Jauljibi)  to   reach  Madkot  and  then  along   the  Mandakini   or Mandkanya  river  upto  the base camp.  From  these   two points mountaineers
can climb the Panchchuli peaks. Various  peaks  like  Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda  Devi, Nand Kot and  Panchchuli  can  be  clearly viewed from
Chaukori which is 112 Km (via Gangolihat) and  75 Km (via Thal) from Pithoragarh.
A view of Panchchuli from Pithoragarh   
   Panchchuli                                                                     Photo : Deep Chauhan     The highest peak of Panchchuli  The Highest Peak of Panchchuli
Nanda Kot
Nanda Kot     Nanda Devi  Nanda Devi  

 
A view of Nanda Devi from Ashurchula (PTH)
Nanda Devi from Ashurchula Temple (Pithoragarh)

Passes : The area to the north beyond the main zone of Himalaya with a range of altitude between  5300 - 6500 meters,  possesses  the following
well known passes :
Sinla Pass
Sinla pass                                                                                Photo : Lalit Verma

In Gori Gunkha Valley - Belcha Dhura (5,384 m), Kungri Bhingri (5,564 m), Keo Dhura (5,439 m)

In Dhauli E Valley - Lwa Dhura (5,564 m)

In Kali Valley - Lipu Lekh (5,122 m)

In Kuti Valley - Lampiya Dhura (5,553 m), Nuwe Dhura (5,650 m)

Legends and Design Formations

The entire Kumaun region by virtue of its proximity   with  the Himalayas,  has  by  tradition and legends been associated with  numerous  gods  and   
goddesses.  Pithoragarh district commencing  its boundaries just at  the foot of the Himalayas has acquired  the unique distinction of being the holy
land of gods and therefore,  temples of very large variety dedicated to  diverse gods including  local  deities and demons of  restricted   influence  are
spread over the whole expanse.These temples either possess the architectural features of great interest to a scholar or provide sustenance   to  faith
Laxmi Narayan at Kasni         Shiva-Parvati at Nakuleshwar
Laxmi Narayan, Kasni                              Shiva Parvati, Nakuleshwar         
Photo: Deep Chauhan

                                                                          

through setting local, associated legends or fantastic design  formations. The  urge to comeback to them is irresistible in  as much as they exercise
an impact on human psyche that beats all scientific logic.  Apart from this  these temples are of  great  interest  to  a  casual  tourist  from  the point
of view of design, land scape around and several other features unique to them.
Pandav Fort at Kuti     Kushan sculpture at Shera
Pandav Fort at Kuti     Kushan Sculpture at Shera (Pithoragarh)
                   
Carpet weaving at Pithoragarh
Carpet weaving at Pithoragarh

ADI-KAILASH (CHHOTA KAILASH)

OM PARVAT

Adi Kailash is an ancient holy place in the Himalayan Range, similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet. This abode of Lord Shiva ina remote area is worth to
have a Darshan. Trekking to Adi Kailash in the Himalayan ranges of Kumaun region near the Indo Tibetan Border in district Pithoragarh.

Upto Gunji the route is same.  One   walks  14 km,  first  to the left of  Kuti and then to the right, to reach Jollingkong (4572 m). The river Kuti and its
bridge will perhaps may  be under a thick blanket of snow.

    Rivers, Water Sources and Lakes

The district abounds in rivers some of which originate within the fold of  the district and,assuming a peripheral course along the borderline, enter the
Garhwal region and eventually merges into the Ganga and have thus been geographically grouped under the rivers of the Ganga system. These are:

Girthi : This  river  has a short  course  in  the extreme NW of  Pithoragarh and,  moving along Kungribingri range in a west and south west course,
finally enters in the Garhwal region.

Keogad :  To  the north of Girthi and alike having  a short course  in Pithoragarh  the   Keogad river moving along the inner enclosures of the district
enters the Garhwal region.

Then again, there are rivers  so  gigantic and dominating  that  they have, infact, become a  way of life. They thunder through the district, determine
geographical borders with  the neighbouring country, nourish cultures along their course and cause economic boom or recession according as they
are kind or playful.

Kali : The river Kali originating from trans Himalayan zone forms  the continuous border with Nepal all through its course from Kalapani to Tanakpur
where terminating  its  serpentine hilly course it  finally enters plains and is then called Sharda. Along its vast catchment in the  entire northern and
eastern parts of Pithoragarh, the Kali is almost a human presence,masterful yet benign.The Kali river possesses an immense potential for irrigation
and hydro electric generation and a project for the construction of a massive dam at Pancheswar is pending under political negotiations with Nepal.
River Garbyang
Garbyang, confluence of the Kali & the Tinkar

                                                           

Gori : Originating from a dual source in a  glacier near south of  Untadhura ridge feeding the eastern branch, and another glacier near Milam feeding
the western branch, the Gori river joins the Kali at Jauljibi.
Snow bridge on the river Gori
Snow bridge on the river Gori

Dhauli : Dhauli is, infact, a combination of two head  waters namely Dharamganga and Lassar with the glacier close to Darma pass as their source
and,  taking a south eastern course, finally joins Kali and serves as its important tributary.

Kutiyangti : This river originates from a small glacier along the southern base of Lumpiyadhura Pass and is a tributary of Kali.

Sarju : Originating from the extreme south  of  adjacent  Almora district,  the  river  Sarju   makes  the south  west  boundary between
Pithoragarh and Almora and, finally,  at a point at Pancheswar, it  joins Kali along with Panar river.

Ram Ganga : Forming the boundary between   Almora and Pithoragarh  districts  the  Ram Ganga  originates from   the  Namik glacier. The river is
fed by numerous small and big rivers and finally joins Sarju at Rameshwar.There are scriptual evidences which bearout that the great sage Vasistha
ramganga.jpg (5493 bytes)
Ramganga at Ghat

 
also performed penance here and that the river Sarju originating from the feet of Lord Vishnu has journeyed to  the  ashram of Vasistha.The
river  is  held  in great  reverence and is traditionally  associated  by the Hindu population of  the district with the belief that it is gifted with the power
of condoning their sins and hence is a preferred spot for cremation.

Average annual surface flow of the rivers of district Pithoragarh :
Rivers     Av. Annual flow
Milliard m³     Discharge
recorded at     Source region
Dhauli     2.6     Nyu     Greater Himalaya
Gori     3.8     Bangapani     Greater Himalaya
Ram Ganga (E)     3.1     Thal     Greater Himalaya
Sarju     5.8     Shera     Greater Himalaya
Kali     23.2     Pancheshwar     Greater Himalaya
Traditional Drinking water Sources and natural  lakes

The human settlements  in  different  remote regions of  Pithoragarh were  principally based upon  the factor of   the easy availability of  pure drinking
water and  it is a notable feature   of  all upland habitations that  the under ground water reservoirs capable  of  supplying  drinking  water perennially
either  in the  forms of guided springs called dharas  or covered storages called Naulas,  have been a  primary source  of  water supply. Some of the
underground reservoirs are so enormous that they emerge as rivers in lesser Himalaya and are continuously replenished either by the snow melts or
by the rain water.
    
Nandikund         Kedar Kund

             There are a number of such spout springs (dharas) and covered storages (Naulas) which  over a  long period have gathered  legends around
them due either to their topography,  architecture or  location special, so much so that they have now become chosen picnic spots e.g., to the north
of  Dharchula is situated a hot water spring at the bank of  Kali  in a place called Tapowan and another in Madkot.                                                                                                    
Gauri_Kund.jpg (19690 bytes)         Parvatital

         Perhaps heights and lakes  do not make a very probable combination but be  lying the normal belief,  Pithoragarh possesses wonders of natural
lakes  in the form of  Jollingkong and Ancherital at an elevation of 4634 and 3658 meters respectively.  

Cultural Heritage

Paintings, the art of 'aipan' and other art forms

The Aipan (Alpana)  is a popular art  form of   Kumaun, and walls, papers and pieces of cloth are decorated by the drawing of various geometric and
other figures belonging to gods, goddesses and objects  of  nature Pichhauras or dupattas are also decorated in this manner. At the time of  Harela
Alpana (Aipan)     Alpana
Alpana (Aipan)                                                                                      Photo : Mrigesh Pandey

   there  is  a  tradition  of making clay idols (Dikaras).
Folk Art     Folk Dance

The Shaukas use their own and Tibetan knitting  art   form to  decorate mattresses known  as  Dans.  In these woolen goods we find the   influence
of  the Kumaoni and Tibetan styles.  Pithoragarh also has a distinctive style of making different baskets called Doka. The art of  hilljatra  mukhotas
(masks)  is   also worth mentioning.
Urban lady in traditional dress

Urban Lady in traditional Kumaoni Dress
        A local festival (Hariyala)

Harela (Yellow leaves)

                                                                                         
Lady in local ornaments Local Ornaments           Lady of Munsyari Lady of Munsyar                    Photo : Deep Chauhani

                                                          
                                      

Lady in traditional dress
Lady in traditional dress     Rural lady carrying 'Doka'

Rural Lady carrying   'Doka'       
Photo : Mrigesh Pandey

Fairs

The fairs of Pithoragarh are not only an expression of the religious,social and the cultural urges of the people but have also sustained the folk culture
and have been central to the economic activities of  the people. Jauljibi and Thal fairs are primarily trade fairs. During the navratri fair at the Mahakali
temple at Gangolihat the devotees turn up in a very large number and thus these fairs are manifestly religious in nature. The other famous fairs of the
region are :
Mostamanu fair held in Aug. - Sept.

Kapileshwar fair held on Shivratri.

Krishna Janmastami fair held at
Kalapani and Gunji

Kanar Devi fair at Baram in Gori
Valley.

Honkra Devi fair at Birthi

Dhanlekh fair at Askot
Lacchar fair at a place Naini Patal.

    Nanda Devi Festival (Johar) Nanda Devi Festival - Johar

The Nandadevi fair

The Nandadevi fair is held  at  Almora, Nainital, Kot (Dangoli) and also  in  the  far flung villages  of  Johar   ( like Milam and Martoli). In Johar, people
come from far and  wide to Danadhar, Suring, Milam and Martoli in order to worship the Goddess.

Chhipla Jaat

Chhiplakote is situated in the heart land of Kali and Gori rivers,south of Panchchuli mountains.The highest point of this mountain-Najurikund (4497m)
- is the seat of Chhipla Kedar.

The people of  15 - 20 villages of Dharchula and Gorikhal regions reach Kedardwe and Najurikote  every third year on  Bhado Purnmasi. The principal
yatra starts from  village Khela  near Tawaghat. It goes  through thick forests, rocky lands and Bugyals. People go there barefoot even in these days.
The dhami burha or bonia  (folk priest)  finalizes the dates of the jaat (journey).  With  folk  drums, bhankaras (metalic pipe instrument) and neja (the
flag  of  red  cloth pieces collected from all the families of  the villages) the jaat goes to Barmano,  which is 6 Km from Khela. On the second day the
yatris go through a thick oak forest. After crossing Bunga,Garapani, Mangthil gwar, Ganbhujdhura (the blooming bugyal) comes Brahmkund (18 Km).
Around 100 people can stay at  the  udiyar (cave)  of   Brahmkund.  From this  point one  can  have a glimpse of  Chaudans region and the peaks of
W. Nepal. On the third day the route is on the back of Najurikote, which is full of buggi grass and brahmkamals (Saussurea obvallata). At Kedardwe
pond sacred dips are taken and the worship is performed.

Chaittol : In  the village of  Aath-gaon Shilling, Bin, Saatshiling, Chaunser etc., chaittol  is   celebrated on the Astami and Nawmi of Chaitra. On this
occasion the deity Deval samet  who in fact  is a  human  medium  possessed  by the  deity,  is  taken   around  in a dola (palanquin).  The temples
dedicated  to  this  God are situated in Bin, Chensor, Kasni, Jakhni and Bharkatia  villages.  The fair in fact is an extension of  a  convention among
the inhabitants  of  Kumaon, enjoining upon  a brother to make to his sister on endowment,  in the month of  Chait every year, in cash or kind called
Bhitola or Bhetna in local dialect.

Chaittol
Chaittol                                                                                                                                                                
Photo:   Mrigesh Pandey

At the beginning and end of Chaittol  the   villages assemble, sing  in  chorus and  join  hands  in rustic dance to the beat of  the drums and hurka in
gay abandon and  the whole process of merry-making is called Khel in local dialect.

The whole paraphernalia of  the chaittol includes Dola (palanquin),  Chattra, nissan (Symbol),  golden Janevo  (holy  thread) ,   morpankh  (peacock
feathers), tails of the chanwar  gay (cow),  silver Dhagula (bracelets), Chunni, traditional costumes including jhagula (frock) for dhami,  the cover over
the chatra   and a  length of  rope.  With  the brush  made  of  the tail of chanwar cow  the deity exorcises evil spirits and  the rope  is used  to raise
and  lower the dola when carried through  the difficult mountainous terrains. The deity Deval samet, i.e. the  possessed  medium, is  danced  in  the
mode of Tandava Nritya in 22 villages.

Kandali : In the Chaudans region of  Pithoragarh district,  a  flower - Kandali (Strobilenthes wallichii) - blooms once every 12 years (last in 1999 and
next in 2011) and the people celebrate Kandali festival between the  months of  August  and  October.   In the  week long  festival  the  local people -
Shaukas or  the Rangs - participate  with  gaiety  enthusiasm  in  different  villages  of  the region.  Some stories  are   associated with  this  festival,
Kandali Festival
Kandali Festival                                                                                                                                             Photo : Mrigesh Pandey

associated with this festival, which express the marital tradition of the Shaukas. In  the first story, it is said that by tasting the  poisonous flower  of
the  Kandali  the  only son of  a widow died.  In  the second story,  this flower is the symbol of famine and poverty.  According to the third and most
popular story, the region was once attacked while the menfolk were away for trade. The brave women repelled  the enemy,  who hide in the Kandali
bushes, and they attacked the bushes and  destroyed  the enemy.  The  festival commemorates  their  bravery  and  the  women  therefore destroy
the  plant  ceremonially to remind the local people of the incident and to prevent further mishaps.
Worship before commencement of Kandali Festival
Worship before commencement of the Kandali Festival

The festival begins with the worship of a Shiva Linga  made  of  barley and  buck  wheat  wheat  flour mixture. Local liquor is traditionally used during
this festival. Every household performs it in a decorated corner of the courtyard. People   pray  for prosperity. The individual  pujas  are  followed by a
community feast. Then,  the women and men,  in their traditional dresses and laden with gold and silver ornaments,  assemble around  a tree on the
sacred ground of the village. Strips of white cloth are tied to the tree and a flag is raised.

A procession is formed behind the  flag.  The women  lead  the procession, each  armed  with  a ril (an implement used in compacting carpet on the
loom)  followed  by children and men  armed with swords and shields. As they sing and dance their music echoes in the valley.  On approaching the
blooms, war like tunes are played and war cries uttered and women attack the bushes with  their  rils.  The  menfolk then come to their aid,  and the
bushes are hacked with swords.  They  uproot  the  bushes  and   take  them back  as the  spoils of  the war. Festivity, dancing and music continue
throughout the night.                          

Hilljatra : A festival of pastoralists and agriculturist  hilljatra  came to Pithoragarh valley from West Nepal and at once found fevour  in Kumaour and
Bajethi  and in its modified form as Hiranchital at Kanalichina and Askot.  It is associated  with ropai (paddy transplantation) and   allied agricultural
activities of  rainy season. In was introduced in Soar by the Chand king 'Kuru'
Hilljatra
Hilljatra (A local festival in Pithoragarh)

and  is,   in  fact,  an elaborate  masquerade under  the   open  sky where in various pastoral and agricultural  activities are  represented.  The  folk
legends based on  the  victory  of   traditional  deities   over   the  demon  are  enacted   in    a    fantastic masquerade   replete  with  the  chiming   
of    bells  and   hymns   in    the  local   dialects  supported   by loud instrumental music and the booming dhool nagara (drums).
    

Trekking Routes

                    Milam Glacier : Munsyari is the point from where the trek to Milam glacier commences :

                    From                                      To                                     Distance                 Accommodation

                    Munsyari (2290 m)                     Lilam                                      12 Km                      P.W.D. Rest House
                    Lilam (1810 m)                          Bagudiyar                                13 Km                      -----
                    Bagudiyar (2450 m)                   Rilkote                                     12 Km                      -----
                    Rilkote (3350 m)   

December - March

December - March -> 30(°C) - Winter
March - June -> 30(°C) - Summer
September - November -> 8(°C) - Autumn

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