Dharchula Pithoragarh: Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar
Dharchula Pithoragarh is a town in Uttarakhand, India, located at 940 meters above sea level. It’s surrounded by mountains with the Kali River running through it. The Rung tribe lives here, and the town is known for its vibrant culture and resilience. Dharchula Pithoragarh is an important stop on the routes to Kailash-Mansarovar, Chotta Kailash, and Narayan Ashram. It offers great views of the Panchachuli peak to the west and is on several trekking routes.
Dharchula valley runs along the Kali River, this tranquil town is encircled by towering peaks that reach for the sky. To the west lies the majestic Panchachuli peak, a sight to behold. Dharchula has served as an ancient trade route between India and Tibet, adding to its rich cultural and historical significance.
Dharchula – Lipulekh Pass
The government has recently transformed the traditional trade route into a modern 80-kilometer road, known as the Pithoragarh-Tawaghat-Ghatiabagarh road. This roadway begins at Ghatiabagarh and concludes at Lipulekh Pass, a historical entranceway to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
This 80-kilometer expedition entails a remarkable ascent from an elevation of 6,000 feet to a towering height of 17,060 feet above sea level, offering a thrilling journey through breathtaking scenery.
Suggested Read: Darma Valley Trek in Dharchula, Uttarakhand: “A Complete Guide”
Pithoragarh to Mansarovar ( Old Route)
The updated route entails a drive from Delhi to Pithoragarh, spanning approximately 490 kilometers. From there, the journey continues with 130 kilometers of road travel, followed by a 79-kilometer trek lasting roughly five days, from Ghatiabgarh to Lipulekh Pass across the border. On the other side, a 97-kilometer car ride awaits, followed by a 43-kilometer Parikrama around the sacred site.
The Mythology
History
In ancient times, Dharchula served as a prominent trans-Himalayan trading route, attracting traders from India and Tibet. The Bhootia community has inhabited the town since time immemorial, with sheep rearing serving as their primary occupation. Dharchula was a bustling trade center for traditional clothing, with Tibetan traders flocking to the town to purchase woolen garments and monk’s robes in bulk.
Numerous small-scale manufacturing units, including spinning, weaving, and natural color dyeing of wool, were scattered throughout the village. However, the scenario shifted after the Indo-China War of 1962, prompting the Bhootia people to settle permanently in Dharchula rather than using it as a summer retreat.
Places to visit in Dharchula
Dharchula offers many exciting activities and attractions. Here’s a list to make your trip memorable:
1. Explore Nature and Scenic Beauty
- Kali River: Enjoy the scenic beauty of this river, which acts as a natural boundary between India and Nepal.
- Valley: Dharchula is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by towering mountains.
- Height: 940 meters above sea level.
- Key Attraction: Kali River, Valley.
2. Trekking and Hiking
- Narayan Ashram Trek: A serene trek leading to Narayan Ashram, situated at 2734 meters. Founded by Narayan Swami in 1946, it attracts scholars and adventurers.
- Height: 2734 meters.
- Key Attractions: Narayan Ashram, White Landscape.
3. Explore the Local Market
- Main Shopping Centres: Simalgair, Naya Bazar, Dharamshala, Siltham, Cinema Line, Purana Bazar.
- What to Buy: Coffee, perfumes, jewelry, woolen products like shawls and sweaters, fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional Kumaoni clothing.
- Distance from City Centre: Approximately 2 km.
4. Savor Local Cuisine
- Traditional Dishes: Bal Mithai, Ras Bhaat, Faanda, Chudkani, Joula.
- Restaurants: Rung Razhu, Bamji Restaurant.
5. Visit Nearby Villages
- Darma Valley: Known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural richness. It’s a great place to experience local life.
- Altitude: 3470 meters.
- Key Attractions: Cultural richness, beautiful landscapes.
6. Adventure Activities
- River Rafting: Experience the thrill of rafting in the Kali River. The best time for this activity is from October to December.
- Key Attraction: Water adventure at Kali River.
- Best Time to Visit: October to December.
7. Spiritual Visits
- Om Parvat: A majestic mountain with a snow pattern resembling ‘Om’. It stands as a symbol of spiritual allure.
- Altitude: 5590 meters.
- Key Attraction: Snow pattern on Mount Kailash.
8. Local Festivals and Events
- Jauljibi Mela: A historic trade fair showcasing regional clothing and Ayurvedic medicines. Traders from Nepal bring honey, butter, asafoetida, shilajit, and more.
- Key Attraction: Jauljibi Mela.
- Things of Interest: Honey, butter, asafoetida, shilajit.
9. Visit Vyas Valley
- Vyas Valley: Home to Adi Kailash and OM Parvat. It features scenic villages like Gunji, Kuti, and Nabhi with comfortable homestays.
- Altitude: 3600 meters.
- Key Attractions: Gunji, Kuti, Nabhi.
Dharchula Weather
- Best Months to Visit: May-June and September-December.
- Summer: Warm and fresh.
- Winter: Cold with occasional snowfall (December-February), especially at higher altitudes.
- Climate: Varies from subtropical to alpine, characterized by high rainfall and humidity in lower areas, and a cold, dry climate in high alpine valleys.
Conclusion
Dharchula Pithoragarh offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventurous activities. From exploring the picturesque Kali River and trekking to Narayan Ashram, to shopping for local crafts and savoring traditional Kumaoni cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Adventure seekers can enjoy river rafting, while spiritual visitors can marvel at the majestic Om Parvat. The vibrant local markets and the scenic Vyas Valley provide a glimpse into the region’s unique charm.
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