Dharchula in Uttarakhand is a town in Pithoragarh district in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, situated at an elevation of 940 m above sea level, surrounded by peaks from all sides and the Kali River cutting through the middle. Dharchula is inhabited by the people of the Rung tribe and is famous for its dynamism, cultural attachment, and resilience. The hill station is an important camp on the Kailash-Mansarovar, Chotta Kailash and Narayan Ashram route. Dharchula offers a panoramic view of the mighty Panchachuli peak to its west and falls on several trekking routes.
Things To Do In Dharchula
Dharachula has many tourist attractions, and you can do many things nearby. So here is a list of interesting and exciting things to do in Dharchula to make your trip memorable.
1. Explore Nature And Scenic Beauty
Nestled amid picturesque mountains, the Kali River is a quaint little spot in Uttarakhand. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kali River, which also serves as the natural boundary between India and Nepal. Culturally rich Dharchula is a picturesque hill town located in the Pithoragarh district on the ancient trading route linking the Kumaon region to Nepal. Encircled by towering mountains, the town is nestled in a verdant valley on the banks of the gushing Kali River.
Height: 940 meters above sea level
Key Attraction: Kali River, Valley
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2. Trekking And Hiking
Narayan Ashram Trek: A spiritual and serene trek leading to Narayan Ashram, which is situated at an altitude of 2734 meters. Found by Narayan Swami in 1946, the Ashram attracts many scholars and Himalayan adventurists even now. The footpath leading to the main temple building is surrounded by wild daisies, mostly in white. Narayan Ashram is a spiritual retreat located amidst the serene landscape of the Himalayas in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India. Swami Pranvanand trekked to Kailash and Manasarovar in Tibet. He passed the site of Narayan Ashram.
Height: Altitude Of 2734 meters
Key Attractions: Narayan Ashram, White Ladscape
3. Explore The local market
The main shopping centres of Dharchula are Simalgair, Naya Bazar, Dharamshala, Siltham, Cinema Line and Purana Bazar. You will mostly find items like coffee, perfumes, jewellery and clothes from Nepalese vendors. The market is known for its high-quality woollen products, such as shawls, sweaters, and blankets, handcrafted by local artisans. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and organic produce from the nearby farms are available, offering a taste of the local agricultural practices. The market sells traditional Kumaoni clothing and accessories, which are colourful and distinctive.
Distance From City Centre: Approximately about 2 Kms
What To Buy? : Coffee, Perfumes, Sweaters, Shawls
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4. Savor Local Cuisine
Savour traditional Kumaoni dishes at local eateries and experience the region’s unique flavours. Kumaoni food is simple and nutritious, suited to the harsh environment of the Himalayas. Pulses like gouhat (or kulath, a local type of bean) are fashioned into different preparations like, Kumaoni raitaa, Bal Mithai, ras bhaat, chain, faanda and thatwaani. All are unique preparations from the same pulse. Jholi or curry seasoned with curd. Chudkani and Joula made from bhatt pulses. Cereals made with rice and wheat are popular.
Restaurants: Rung Razhu, Bamji Restaurant
Local Dishes: Bal Mithaai, Ras Bhaat, Faanda
5. Visit Nearby Villages
Darma Valley is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural richness, it’s a great place to experience local life and traditions. Darma Valley is a Himalayan valley situated in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand state of India. This valley is located in the eastern part of Uttarakhand at Kumaon division. It is located in Pithoragarh at an altitude of 3,470 m (approximately), the Darma Valley is the ideal getaway destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the cacophony.
Altitude: 3470 meters
Key Attraction: Cultural Richness, Beautiful Landscapes
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6. Adventure Activities
If you visit during the right season, river rafting in the Kali River can be an exhilarating experience. The period from October to April emerges as the most popular for rafting enthusiasts. The Kali River swells with generous water levels after the monsoon, ensuring consistent rapids and a thrilling ride. The monsoon rains have left behind an air of freshness all around this place, and lush green landscapes and vegetation are a common sight when you are here from October to December.
Key Attraction: Water Adventure At Kali River
Best Time to Visit: October To December
7. Spiritual Visits
Om Parvat is a majestic mountain in the Himalayan range located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. While doing Kailash Mansarowar yatra one can witness the snow pattern on Mount Kailash in the shape of Om. Nestled in the tranquil embrace of the mighty Himalayas, Om Parvat stands as a symbol of mystique and spiritual allure. The Om Parvat Trek is a set thriller and a certain mythological dilemma, and the desire to complete the trek reaches new heights.
Key Attraction: Snow Pattern On Mount Kailash
Altitude: 5590 meters
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8. Local Festivals and Events
Located in the Dharchula Tehsil of Pithoragarh district, Jauljibi boasts a rich historical legacy as a former hub for animal trade fair. Jauljibi Mela played an important role in the trade between Tibet and Terai regions of Uttrakhand. The locals sold their regional clothing. Jauljibi Mela was pivotal in facilitating trade between Tibet and the Terai regions of Uttarakhand. Local traders showcase regional clothing and Ayurvedic medicines, while people from Nepal bring coveted goods such as honey, butter, asafoetida, shilajit, and more.
Key Attraction: Jauljibi Mela
Things Of Interest: Honey , Butter, Asafoetida, Shilajit
9. Visit Vyas Valley
The Vyas Valley where the Adi Kailash & OM Parvat are located is a verdant and scenic valley with scenic villages like Gunji, Kuti, Nabhi en route. These villages have comfortable homestays where the locals will treat you with warmth and hospitality. Named after the sage Vyasa, it offers stunning natural beauty. To reach Kalapani one needs to travel to Dharchula, which is accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand. Named after the sage Vyasa, it offers stunning natural beauty also.
Altitude: 3600 meters
Key Attraction: Gunji, Kuti, Nabhi
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Dharchula Weather
May-June and September-December are the best months to visit Darchula. Summers in Darchula are pleasantly warm and fresh. The winters are cold, with occasional snowfall (December-February), especially at higher altitudes. Snow-capped mountains present an amazing picturesque view, but the weather is quite freezing. The climate of the Darchula district varies widely from subtropical to alpine. The climate of the area is generally characterised by high rainfall and humidity. The climatic condition varies along with the elevation gradient. A cold, generally dry climate exists in the high alpine valleys just north of the southern arm of the Himalayan mountain range which cuts across the bottom of Darchula.
How To Reach Dharchula
Image Source: Harshul12345 for Wikimedia Commons
Dharchula Uttarakhand is quite well connected with the most important towns and cities. Hence, getting there is fairly easy. Given below is a rough overview of how you can reach Dharchula by road, train, or flight.
By Air: Located 317 km from Dharchula, Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Dharchula. From here, you can take taxis or public transport to easily reach Dharchula. The airport is well-connected with Dharchula by well-mettled roads.
By Rail: Tanakpur is the nearest railway station to Dharchula. It is located 218 km from Dharchula and is well connected by roads. So you can hire taxis or take public transport is easily reach Dharchula.
By Road: Dharchula is well connected by metalled roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand and northern India. Buses from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi are available to Champawat, Almora, Tanakpur and many other destinations from where you can easily hire a local cab to reach Dharchula.
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see places in Dharchula make sure you plan your trip to Uttarakhand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dharchula In Uttarakhand
How much time will be required to reach Dharchula from Delhi?
The distance between Delhi and Dharchula Dehat is 637 km. The road distance is 543.5 km.
How to reach Dharchula from Delhi?
While there are no direct routes to Dharchula Uttarakhand from Delhi, you can take a train to Tanakpur. From here you can drive the rest of the way to Dharchula. Alternatively, you can also book a flight to Pantnagar Airport which is located 317 Km from Dharchula.
What to buy in Dharchula?
The market is known for its high-quality woollen products such as shawls, sweaters, and blankets, handcrafted by local artisans.
What are some tourist attractions in Dharchula?
The top sightseeing places in Dharchula are Jauljibi, Om Parvat, Kali River, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, Chirkila Dam, and Narayan Ashram.
What is the Climate in Dharchula like?
The winters are cold with occasional snowfall (December-February), especially at higher altitudes. Snow-capped mountains present an amazing picturesque view, but the weather is quite freezing.
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