There is no such town in the state of Uttarakhand in India that gets more tourism attention than Askot. It is a place with beautiful scenery and infinite cultural values. Away from the hustles and bustles of life, Askot with its thick forests, rivers, and Himalayan ranges has never left a disappointing moment for anyone. The town is home to various picturesque lands, with charming structures of architecture, and homely people to cater to the needs of the visitors. If one is eager to know more about the history of the place or wants to go for the hikes and treks, this virgin territory awaits you.
History Of Askot
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The ancient history of the Himalayan region says that the town has existed for a long time. Askot became important for the first time in the medieval era when the Katyuri rulers, present-day Uttarakhand, held Askot as their operational military frontier. Afterwards, Askot was seen in terms of sociopolitical development with the coming of the Gorkhas and Chand dynasties. The Gorkhas, especially the Gurkhas, followed a longer impact while complementing the general contour of the region. In the end, Askot was transformed into the newly carved state of Uttarakhand and is strategically situated, making it a tourist attraction and historical place.
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Places To Visit Near Askot
Askot is located in Pithoragarh district, in the state of Uttarakhand, India, and is quite photogenic with amazing scenic views of the Himalayas surrounding it. Here are a few noteworthy locations close to Askot to visit:
1. Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary
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The Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is a major wildlife park that was mainly set up to conserve the endangered musk deer. It is located in the picturesque city of Askot, in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The sanctuary covers an area of over 600 square kilometres, from an altitude of 1600 meters to 6905 meters above sea level, with diverse ecosystems ranging from sub-alpine to alpine hectares. Among others, this includes the elusive musk deer as well as snow leopards, serows, Himalayan black bears, and even leopards. Within it, there are many species of birds like monal or crimson pheasants that bird-watchers can spot. This spectacular landscape encompasses snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and deep forests which suit well with the abundant fauna in this sanctuary.
Distance: Within Askot
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
2. Pithoragarh
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Pithoragarh, which is known as Little Kashmir, is an enchanting town tucked away in the Soar Valley of Uttarakhand. Other than serving as the district office, it also holds a significant historical and cultural value. The town provides an expansive view of the grandeur of the Himalayas that encompass peaks like Panchachuli and Nanda Devi. The town has many temples for instance Dhwaj Temple and Kapileshwar Mahadev that both attract pilgrims and tourists. Trekking paths leading to Ralam and Milam glaciers are worth exploring for those interested in adventure.
Distance: Approximately 54 km from Askot
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to October
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3. Dharchula
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Dharchula is a small town situated on Kali River, about 90 kilometers away from Askot, marking the international border between India and Nepal. Pilgrims and adventure seekers travel to Dharchula since it is the starting point of treks to Adi Kailash and Kailash Mansarovar’s renowned destinations. Dharchula is known as a popular tourist spot lying close to Askot, with its calm atmosphere, diverse cultural attraction centers, and convenient connectivity to major trekking routes. Chaukori is a serene hilltop town famous for its tea gardens and extensive views from the Himalayan peaks of spots like Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli, some 100 km away from Askot.
Distance: Approximately 45 km from Askot
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
4. Munsiyari
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It’s a secret place in Uttarakhand, which is approximately 135 miles from Askot and offers amazing views of the Panchachuli Peaks. Located at an elevation of 2,298 meters, this beautiful hill station has a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Munsiyari is the base camp for exploring glaciers such as Ralam, Namik, and Milam. The rich cultural heritage includes the traditional music and dance of the Pahari people. Furthermore, bird watchers from all over the world have found solace in Munsiyari.
Distance: Approximately 107 km from Askot
Best Time to Visit: March to June and October to November
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5. Chaukori
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Chaukori abounds in thick forests consisting of rhododendrons, oak trees, and pine trees and therefore makes an ideal spot for bird watching or walking in nature. At night, there are no clouds, so one can see and take full advantage of the beautiful views of the clear skies and sparkling stars. Many Hindus visit here and view it as a sacred place because of some of the significant temples like Nag Mandir, which brings tourists interested in history. Visiting Chaukori will give one the best of both worlds- beautiful landscape and divine peace. The area is famous for its rich historical culture, serene environment, and undulating scenery.
Distance: Approximately 90 km from Askot
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
6. Didihat
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At 1725m above sea level, Didihat is a beautiful village located approximately 60 kilometers from Askot. It offers a breathtaking sight of Panchachuli and Trishul, two snow-capped Mountain ranges. The village is calm, scenic, and captivating amidst thick forests and terraced fields. From Malaynath Mandir to Sirakot Temple, several ancient temples add to the charm of this town. Additionally, it works as an entry point for hikers and trekkers, who can use various trails leading to nearby peaks as well as valleys in the region. This place gives an understanding of local customs as well as various regional crafts made in the district.
Distance: Approximately 35 km from Askot
Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Uttarakhand
How To Reach
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Askot is a small town located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It has several attractive spots such as the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary along with its mind-blowing topography.
Below is how to get to Askot:
By Air
Pantnagar Airport is about 240 kilometers away as the nearest airport one can reach. One will have to take a bus or hire a taxi going towards Pithoragarh and Pantnagar, and ask for a drop off at Pantnagar from where one can continue its way toward Askot.
By Train
Tanakpur, which lies approximately 200 kilometers away from Askot, is the closest railway station. From Tanakpur, one can catch a cab or bus that goes to Pithoragarh and subsequently Askot.
By Road
Delhi is almost 490 miles far from Pithoragarh. From there, one can either use a car or take a bus to get to Askot. The distance between Pithoragarh and Askot is about 55 miles.
From Kathgodam/Haldwani: The Kumaon region has these towns as key gateways into it. To access both Pithoragarh and Askot, one can use buses or taxis that are available for rent in this area.
Local means:
To go from Pithoragarh to Askot, one may choose either the shared jeep option or the hiring of local cabs. The drive from Pithoragarh to Askot along the road is a scenic and steep one.
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This is your opportunity to start one of the most exciting adventures of exploring nature; pack for your trip to Uttarakhand now. The nature and the countryside itself are extremely beautiful and calm, and it has a lot to explore. Even if the tourists are planning for a long walk through the fabulous forests or visiting the historic temples, this place has it all. What are you waiting for? It is time to book your tickets.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Askot
Where is Askot located?
Askot is located in the Indian region of Uttarakhand.
Specifically, how has Askot contributed to the history?
It has historical importance as most dynasties such as Katyuris and the Gorkhas used the Askot Fort as their headquarters.
What is the primary attraction of Askot?
This area is full of interesting things to see and do; there are the Himalayan mountains, and the air is very pure with mesmerizing views of the environment.
Is there anything that one can do or participate in Askot?
There are activities like trekking, watching animals, and, or engaging in cultural activities of the communities found in the region.
When is the perfect time to go to Askot?
It is preferable if one visits the area during spring and summer because the climate in Askot is highly cooperative during these seasons.
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