An idyllic hill station Chaukori in Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of approximately 2,010 metres above sea level. It is in the Pithoragarh district and is part of the Western Himalayan Range, just south of Tibet. Moreover, on its eastern side flows the Mahakali River which also happens to form the Indo-Nepal border. Owing to its spectacular views of the majestic snow-capped Himalayas, its dense forests, lush greenery and serene environment, it makes for an excellent holiday destination. It is also close to a number of temples.
An Overview Of Chaukori In Uttarakhand- A Travel Guide
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Chaukori is part of the Western Himalayan mountain range in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. It lies at an altitude of about 2,010 metres and flanking its eastern border is the Mahakali River which also separates India and Nepal. It is within the Kumaon Division and to its north is Tibet. This hill station is very popular because of it offers unparalleled views of the snow-clad mountains and is surrounded by green valleys, deodar trees and also rhododendrons. Moreover, Chaukori also has splendid fruit orchards and vast stretches of tea gardens.
This hill station is called Chaukori because it is somewhat in the shape of a bowl nestled in the midst of the Himalayas. Because of its serenity and pleasant weather, Chaukori is perfect for a calm and relaxing holiday. It is also a great place for watching sunsets or sunrises. This is an especially incredible experience since you can see the magnificent Nanda Devi, Panchachuli peaks, and Nanda Kot from here. Bird watching and hiking are very popular here.
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Top Tourist Attractions In Chaukori In Uttarakhand
Here are the top must-visit places in Chaukori in Uttarakhand to enjoy the secenic beauty and mesmerising view in 2024.
Patal Bhubaneshwari
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Visiting Patal Bhubaneshwari is a must-visit when in Chaukori. It is believed that the Pandavas, along with Draupadi, stayed here for a short while. It is a cave-cum-santuary and what is special about it is that it is not a single cave but several caves within each other. There is also a small water body inside. However, this might not be the best option for those with heart issues since it can be a confining space.
Location: M3QV+4J7, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Rd, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Uttarakhand 262522
Entry fees: no fees
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day
Gangolihat
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About 35 km away lies Gangolihat, which is home to the Haat Kalika Temple, along with a few others like Chamunda Mandir and Vaishnavi Mandir, which overlook the Himalayas. It is said that this is where Adi Shankaracharya did his penance to please Adi Shakti. This place is the home to the goddess Kali, where one can attain spirituality for the eternal peace.
Location: NA PITHORAGARH, UTTARAKHAND, 262522
Entry fees: no fees but depends on the temple or tourist site you visit
Timings: open 24 hours
Nag Mandir
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You must visit Nag Mandir in Berinag about 10 km from Chaukori. The temple is dedicated to Sheshnag who is said to keep the earth stable and also is also Lord Vishnu’s bed. Berinag owes its name to this temple. It is believed that the Pandavas built the temple upon seeing a number of snakes intertwined in this spot. Moreover, you can also attend some of its festivities like Ramleela, Berinag Kautik and Berinag Mahotsav where you can witness local folk music and dance.
Location: Q3C2+Q32, Berinag, Uttarakhand 262531
Entry fees: NIL
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Related Post: Hotels In Chaukori
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple
Another temple that you can visit nearby is the Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple. It is located about 3 hours from Chaukori and is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadev. The deity is kept about 10 metres into the cave. This temple is also very popular because it overlooks Soar Valley and the snow-clad Himalayas. Nestled in the heart of Chaukori, this temple is one of the must-visit among the others.
Location: H693+75F, Ghighar Kholi, Uttarakhand 262530
Entry fees: NIL
Timings: 5:00 am to 6:00 pm
Things To Do In Chaukori In Uttarakhand
There are several things you can do in Chaukori, and some of them are as follows:
Hiking And Trekking
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You can undertake the short trek to the Hanging Rocks, which is essentially a small hill that offers a clear view of 13 himalayan views stretching from India to Nepal. On your way to the top, you will come across different species of birds, and you can also take some lovely photographs here. This trek is especially good in the morning or evening so that you can catch the sunrise or sunset. However, enjoying walking and trekking around the picturesque landscape of tea gardens, forest and other natural trails. This is One of the best things to do in chaukori in Uttarakhand.
Popular spots for hiking and trekking: Pindari glacier trek, Kafni glacier trek and hanging rocks.
Trekking difficulty: Moderate
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Photography
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Immerse into the breathtaking vistas of beautiful landscapes, lush green forests, himalayan peaks and beautiful scenery. One can capture the stunning panoramic views of the Snow-capped Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli group of mountains. Make sure that you planned the photography session during the best time.
Popular spots: Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, gangoli hat, baijnath temple, jageshwari dam.
best time for photography: sunrise and sunset
Bird Watching
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Undoubtedly, Chaukori is the heaven for the bird watchers to enjoy the scenic view of the nature and diverse range of birds. The peaceful environment and the dense forest make it an excellent spot for bird watching. Look out for the birds like Himalayan griffon, the monal pheasant and the lammergeier which usually spread across the environment of Chaukori. Observing them in the natural habitat and the desnse forest is the real treat for the bird lovers.
Popular spots for bird watching: Binsar wildlife Sanctuary, Kausani, Mukteshwar, Almora, Berinag, etc
Best time for bird watching: March to June and September to November
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Visiting Temples
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Now you are aware that this place is filled with different ancient temples and that are worth visiting on your trip in 2024. All the temples are steeped in Uttarakhand’s religious, political and spiritual pasts. which showcases traditional architecture and treasure troves of folklore. However, you can experience the peaceful places for meditation, self reflection, relaxation and prayer against scenic backdrops.
Popular Temples: Kapileshwar Mahadev temple, Mahakali temple, Nag devta temple, Arjuneshwar temple
Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, timings may vary according to the temple
Best time to visit: Early morning for the bliss of morning arti and less crowd
Tea Gardens In Chaukori
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Nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, chaukori is the home of sprawling green tea gardens and orchards. During the British rule in India, Chaukori like many other parts of Uttarakhand, become the popular retreat for the Britishers because of the scenic landscape and pleasant climate. They take advantage of the chaukori’s high altitude and established multiple tea gardens across the hill station which was suitable for the tea cultivation. Look at to the top tea gardens that you can explore on your visit.
Berinag: a popular tea garden in chaukori which is famous for producing the high quality chinese brick tea and also considered as superior than the Chinese tea imported to western tibet.
Dharamghar: A small village situated near the chaukori has the tea plantations and oak forests. It is a good place for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.
Chaukori Gardens: apart from the berinag and dharamghar, this is also popular for the quality and taste of their tea.
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Top Places To Eat In Chaukori
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Finding a best and the right place or restaurant in Chaukori would be asking too much at this place. As Chaukori offers variety of cuisines and delicacies that meet the hunger and taste of every traveller. One can find the roadside stalls, local restaurants selling north Indian food or the chinese items like noodles, momos, etc. These food joints also serve authentic pahadi cuisines like Gahat dal, sisunak saag, kappa and chainasoo. Here are the top places that offer the local cuisine of Chaukori in Uttarakhand.
The Crew Mocktails and Kitchen is famous for its extensive menu, refreshing mocktails, delivery, and take-away options. If you want a quick and tasty meal, then this is an amazing place to eat with your loved ones.
Alpine restaurant: It is located inside the hotel Himshikhar and offers a variety of food options, including North Indian dishes. After a tiring day out, this place is a must to experience every taste of Uttarakhand.
Shanty Home stay: Enjoy a beautiful dining experience with a variety of traditional dishes along with the cozy ambience which makes it a perfect place for relaxation.
Geet Hotel: Experience comfortable dining and taste the best Indian Cuisine. Also, this restaurant is appreciated for a friendly service and delicious food.
Hotels In Chaukori Uttarakhand
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Experience the best hospitality and comfort at the top hotels or accommodation in Chaukori. The following are the hotels that provide modern amenities and stunning views from outside, making them perfect places to stay.
Ojaswi Resort: Nestled in the heart of Chaukori, this resort is situated near the police chowki, which is famous for its tea garden. Experience comfortable rooms and delicious food at affordable prices.
KMVN tourist rest house: After a tiring day out in Chaukori, you can get complete rest at this tourist rest house and enjoy the ultimate comfort.
Himshikhar Hotel: It is is a guest house set up by the locals of Chaukori. It provides the best and most cozy rooms to the tourists who come every year worldwide. The hotel is situated on Bageshwar, Munisiyari Road, which is accessible from everywhere.
Hobo Huts by the River side: A rustic charm of its theme resonates through the property with cosy huts surrounded by a lush garden that exudes a serene ambience. Relax on the balconies that offer a picturesque river views and enjoy the delicious food.
The Himalayan Woods: A charming place in Chaukori that offers complete privacy and a serene atmosphere nestled in the woods. The hospitality is warm and caring that enures guest comfort to the fullest.
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How To Reach Chaukori In Uttarakhand?
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Getting to Chaukori is fairly simple and you can choose to take the car, bus, train or even a flight.
By road: If you are taking your car, the roads to Chaukori are well maintained, easy to drive on and connected to most cities in north India. This would also give you the option to explore neighbouring regions without having to go through the hassle of renting a taxi. Buses run from nearby cities and go all the way to regions like Almora, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, etc. You can then hire a taxi and drive to Chaukori.
By Train: You can take the train too; the closest railway station is in Kathgodam which is about 190 km away. You can hire a taxi to go from there to Chaukori. It takes approximately 6 and a half hours.
By flight: Lastly, you can also take a flight to Patnagarh Airport about 224 km away. It takes about 7 hours to drive from there to Chaukori.
The Best Time To Visit Chaukori
The best time to visit Chaukori is either during the summer months of March to June or from October to February. Although the summer months bring about warm weather, it is still not too hot here and you can easily explore the region. It is also a great place to visit if you want to get away from the soaring temperatures in the city.
The winter months, on the other hand, are a good time to visit too since you would be met with gorgeous views of the region covered in snow. Do pack plenty of warm clothes! It is best to avoid visiting Chaukori during the monsoon months of July to September. Not only does the rain make sightseeing difficult, it could also cause landslides.
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Chaukori Travel Tips
- As we know that Chaukori offers basic homestays, hotels and guest houses so it is advisable to reserve the accomodations in advance during the peak season.
- Dress modestly while visiting the temples, be respectful to the local traditions, and follow the appropriate temple rules or customs.
- Choose the best time to visit which is between March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant.
- Choose the good secenic spot to see the spectacular sunrise and sunset.
- Make sure you pack warm clothes even in summer as temperature can dip at night.
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This article should provide you with ample information on Chaukori that would undoubtedly make it easier for you to plan a trip to this beautiful hamlet in the peaceful Himalayas. What’s more, think of planning a longer trip to Uttarakhand to visit some of its other wonderful attractions. Whether you want a laid-back holiday or a fun and adventurous one, there is a lot to do here. You and your loved ones would surely have a great time here.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chaukori In Uttarakhand
During which months does it usually snow in Chaukori?
The region usually receives snowfall during the winter months of December and January, specifically late December and early January.
Do local buses run within Chaukori?
No, there are no local buses that you can take to move around in Chaukori. If you do not bring your own car, you can hire a taxi or a tempo traveller to get around.
What is the shortest amount of time needed to see Chaukori?
Although it is absolutely possible to explore all of Chaukori in one day, it is usually suggested that you spend a minimum of 2 days here so that you are able to soak in all that it has to offer fully. Moreover, since there are other places to see nearby, you can also take a longer holiday.
Is it a good idea to take a day trip from Chaukori to Nainital?
While Nainital is only about 172 km or 5 and a half hours away from Chaukori, it would be better to take a few days before or after Chaukori to explore it. This is because there is plenty to see and do in Nainital and you would not be able to cover most of it in less than a day.
How much time does it take to get from Chaukori to Almora?
Almora is only about 4 hours away from Chaukori since the distance between the two is approximately 110 km. You can easily drive to Almora where there are plenty of things to see like Jageshwar, Chitai Temple, Kasar Devi, Zero Point and Deer Park.
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