Chaukori is an idyllic hill station 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
Image Credit: Abhijit Kar Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
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. Not only is Chaukori perfect for a calm and relaxing holiday because of its serenity and pleasant weather, but 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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Things To Do In And Around
Image Credit: Tabish Raza for Wikimedia Commons
There are several things you can do in Chaukori and some of them are as follows:
- You can undertake the short trek to the Hanging Rocks, which is essentially a small hill. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Different Ways Of Getting To Chaukori
Image Credit: Shubhachemu for Wikimedia Commons
Getting to Chaukori is fairly simple and you can choose to take the car, bus, train or even a flight. 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. 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. 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.
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The Best Time To Visit
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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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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Cover Image Credit: Shubhachemu for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaukori
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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