Chandak refers to a hill that is famous for housing a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity ‘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.
Also known as the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, it is spread across an area of 600 sq kilometers. The elevation of the area differs from 600 meters to 7000 meters above sea level and is a home to various species of flora, fauna and avi-fauna. The various species of wildlife like The Musk deer, Leopard, Brown Bear, and Jungle Cat etc with a plethora of various resident and migratory birds can be found here.
One of the major Himalayan glaciers, The Ralam Glacier is located at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters above sea level. The glacier is one of the popular trek routes in Uttrakhand and attracts several tourists each year. The maximum height of the trek is 3,900 meters above sea level and can be covered in 8-10 days.
4. Jhulaghat
Jhulaghat is located at the Indo-Nepal border and is located 36 kilometers from Pithoragarh. The town is best visited during winters where the climate is cool and the views of the valley are amazing. The Kali River that flows through the town is one of the major attractions of the town and is also known for its rafting spots.
Pithoragarh Fort was built during the reign of the Chand kings and was reconstructed by the Gorkhas in 1789. The fort is located on a hilltop near the outskirts of the Pithoragarh town. Even though the fort today is in ruins and most structures are in a dilapidated condition the location offers some scenic views of the surrounding valley.
A pilgrim spot that is reached through a narrow pathway, the Thal Kedar is nestled at an elevation of 880 meters above sea level. The place is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is mentioned in the ancient text of the Skanda Purana. The location also offers some really amazing views of the valley and is attracts several tourist during the festival of Shivratri every year.
While it is a small town, the various pilgrim spots and other tourist attractions in Pithoragarh make it a popular tourist destination in Uttaranchal. The places mentioned above are a must visit in order to get a unique cultural experience and to enjoy the amazing views of the surroundings.
