Pithoragarh is the easternmost hill district of
Uttaranchal, lying in the arms of the heavenly
Himalayas. It assumes a great strategic significance as its entire northern and eastern boundaries are international. It shares its borders with the districts of
Almora,
Champawat,
Chamoli, and
Bageshwar. The total geographical area is 7,110 sq km. The region experiences snowfall in winter and heavy rainfall during the monsoon.
Hindi, Kumaoni, and English are the widely spoken languages.
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. The important fair and festivals are the
Jauljibi and Thal fairs, Kang Dali Festival, Punyagiri Fair, and Hatkalika Fair.
Pithoragarh is a treasure house for visitors, mountaineers, botanists and religious minded tourists. Many rivers originate from the lofty Pithoragarh Mountains providing ample scope of water sports. The major tourist destinations are Chaukori, Dharchula, Didihat, Chandak Hills, Munsiyari Valley, Narayan Ashram, Namik Glacier, Patal Bhuwaneshwar and Thal Kedar temple.
