Kumaon popularly known as the Trekker's Paradise in the state of Uttaranchal offer unique opportunities for adventure sports and are famous as the valley of Gods. The region abounds in a splendid combination of flora and fauna, rivers and snow capped mountains which are magnificent enough to infuse a spirit of adventure in every soul. The most stupendous and well known of the glaciers of Kumaon is Pindari, followed by Kafni, Sunderdhunga and equally well known Panchachuli, Namik, Milam and Ralam glaciers in the district of Pithoragarh, KMVN organizes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on behalf of the Govt.of India as well as Treks to different glaciers and other centres of attraction in Kumaon and a special pilgrimage to Adi Kailash.
LOCATION
Kumaon in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal is separated from Nepal in the east by River Kali. The Kailash�Mansarovar region of Western Tibet forms its backdrop in the north. In the west, the Chamoli and Pauri districts of Garhwal region make the boundary. Kumaon shares its southern boundary with the districts of Bareilly, Pilibhit, Rampur, Muradabad, and Bijnor.
HISTORY
The name Kumaon is derived from the word "Kurmanchal" which meanes Land of the Kurmavtar, the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu.Kumaon was mostly under the rule of the Katyuri and Chand dynasties where the former ruled from the 7th to the 11th century. The rulers of the Katyuri dynasty who had their capital at Baijnath near Almora built a number of temples in this area which draws a lot of tourist attention. These temples are known for their architecture of which the temple of Katarmal is very famous. This 900 year old sun temple was built during the declining years of the Katyuri dynasty.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Nanda Devi Festival
This festival falls in the month of September and it takes place in the grounds of the famous Nanda Devi temple. There is also a fair held during this festival which goes for about five days and nearly 25,000 people attend this festival.
Uttraini festival
The festival of Uttraini falls in the month of January which is accompanied by a huge fair where traders from different parts of the country and all the tribals of the hilly region participate.Uttraini festival and fair is organized in Bageshwar, 90 kms from Almora.
Jageshwar monsoon festival l
This is a monsoon festival which is celebrated for nearly a period of one month.This festival is of great religious importance for Kumauni society and even from the historical point of view. Each day during the festival, approximately 1000 tourists pay visit to Jageshwar temple.
Dushhera
Dushhera is another Hindu festival celebrated with same pomp and fun through out the country.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Panchachuli Glacier
The Panchachuli glacier with its snow capped peaks is magnificent. The Darma valley in Pithoragarh district is comfortably accommodated in the lap of the Panchachuli.One has to travel a distance of about 134kms from Pithoragarh to reach a place called Sobla from where the 40mts trek to the Panchachuli glacier takes place. The trek to this place connotates beauty with the Alpine meadows and snowcapped mountains.
Adi Kailash
Mount Adi Kailash also known as Chhota Kailash is an ancient holy place in the Kumaon Himalaya, similar to Mount Kailash in Tibet. It is situated close to the Indo Tibet border in Pithoragarh district. The trek begins and ends at Tawaghat.The first seven days trek is on the same route as the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.In the last village in this valley,Kuti,one gets to see the Pandava Fort, natural salt mines and intricately engraved doors and windows of the village houses.
Milam Glacier
The base camp for Milam Glacier is Munsyar in Pithoragarh district. From Munsyari the trek to Milam is mostly downhill along the God Ganga River. The main peaks are Hardeol, Burphudhura and Kalabulanddhura.
Pindari Glacier
The Pindari glacier located at an altitude of 3820m in the Almora district is supposed to be one of the most easily reached glacier in the Kumaon region. The Pindari glacier on its southwestern side is connected to the outer wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The main peaks near the glacier are Nandakot, Nandhakhat, Pawalidwar, Balijuri and Changuch.The picturesque route to Pindari glacier haas KMVN rest House at convenient sites along up to Phurkia.The distance from Delhi to Kathgodam, Kathgodam to Saung, by bus. From Saung to Pindari glacier is a 45kms trek.
Sunderdhunga
Sunderdhunga which falls on the west of the Pindari valley accommodates two glaciers namely the Maktoli and Sukhram.The word Sunderdhunga means valley of beautiful stones.
Nanda Devi
It is the most exciting Himalayan trek cum expedition. The treks go along Gori Ganga river upto Reilkot to Martoli is 7kms.Nanda devi base camp situated at Bhiltalgwar 4350mts.
Below Nanda Devi one can see the trail pass Nanda Ghunti and long stuff peaks.
Nanda Devi Base camp is about 63kms from Munsyari.
Almora
Almora is very famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, promises a tourist destination of fun.Almora has a striking nature and it falls under the Kumaun region of East of Uttarakhand.It is the cultural capital of Kumaon and is a beautiful scenic place situated at an altitude of 5900 ft.Almora is seated on a hillock, which is in Horseshoe shape and is surrounded by dense forests of fur and pine trees.Himalyas which falls in the backdrop of Almora is an amazing sight with its snow-capped peaks. The unplanned lay out of this town shows that Almora is still in the cradle of nature. Thus travellers continue to flock this town to get the glimpse of snow glistened Himalayas outlining the blue skies, and get a peace of mind.
Kausani
Kausani was originally referred by the name Valna and is situated at a distance of about 53 km to the north of Almora flanked by the rivers Kosi and Gomti.Though Kausani is not very popular among tourists it is a very beautiful hill station, sited amidst dense forest of pine trees and tea gardens. One can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas like the peaks of Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Devi.Kausani is situated atop the Pingnath Peak. This hill resort is ideal for a peaceful holiday which drowns you in a scenic and mesmerizing environment.Kausani holds a place in history for it is here in this hill station where Mahatma Gandhi stayed long period in 1929.
Jim Corbett national park
The Corbett national park named after Jim Corbett was established in the year 1936 and is also referred as the Hailey National Park. The Corbett Park also takes the credit of India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger. The Corbett national park on the foothills of the Himalayas spreads over an area of about 201 square mile and is extremely rich in its flora and fauna. With an excellent environment and habitat, the Corbett National park is ideal for wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.
Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh is the eastern most district of Uttranchal, bounded by Tibet to the North and Nepal to the east. It is strategically an important location. A place of exquisite natural beauty and serenity.Pithoragarh is popularly known as the "Little Kashmir�. The captivating town with fascinating forests around at an impressive height of 1645mts, is nestled in a small valley.Pithoragarh town is a historical landmark. It was a major centre of power during the regime of the Chand Kings in Kumaon.This valley also nestles the snow capped peaks.Pithoragarh is known for woollen clothes, wooden and cane handicrafts.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet in the state of Uttaranchal at a distance of about 59 km from Nainital is situated at an altitude of 1824 m above sea level.Ranikhet is a place of Legends. At a height of 1,829 mts Ranikhet has got everything to soothe the nerves of an avid city dweller, the salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows, serene surroundings, absolute peace and hospitable people.Ofcourse it is one of the best hill golf greens in the entire country.
SHOPPING
Pashmina shawls, woolen products like shawls, chutka, carpets and thulma are very popular here. One can also easily get products of ringal like musta and dalia. Apart from that in local art, you will get Kumaon Folk art, decorative candles, drift wood products like ekebanas, statues etc. Copper ware is also very famous here, the city's connection with coppersmiths dates centuries back.
EAT OUTS
1.Cottage Restaurant
C/o Mahindra Valley Resort
Almora, India - 263684
05962-253028
2.Madras Cafe
off the Mall
near the hotel Shikhar
Almora
3.Swagat Restaurant
Almora
4.Cooks Restaurant, Link Road.
Nagarkoti Bojanalay.
5.Satkar Restaurant.
Pithrogarh
6.Meghana Restaurant.
Pithrogarh
ACCOMMODATION
1.Imperial Heights
Binsar Road, Almora
05946 224262
2.Sun n Snow Inn
Kausani, Almora
09310184174
3.Dolmaar Hotels & Resorts
Opposite Post Office
Almora
05946281609
4.Imperial Heights Binsar
Binsar Road, Almora,
Uttarakhand
05946 224262
5.Krishna Orchard Resort
Sargakhet, Mukteshwar, Mukteswar,
Uttarakhand 263138
05942 286292
6.Neel Kanth Hotel, Bus Station.
Pithoragarh
7.Uttaranchal Deep Hotel, Bus Station.
Pithoragarh
8.Samrat Hotel, Bus Station.
Pithoragarh
9.Ulka Priya Darshini, Siltham.
Pithoragarh
10.Raja Hotel, Tanakpur Road.
Pithoragarh
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Travel Guide
Travel Information
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GETTING THERE
By Air
Kumaon does not have an airport, and the nearest airport is Dehradun, at a distance of 140 kms from Kumaon. Dehradun is connected to 30 other Indian cities. The airlines servicing Dehradun are Air India, Air India-IC, Go Air, Go Business, IndiGo, Jet Airways Konnect, Jet Airways, JetLite, Kingfisher Red, Kingfisher and SpiceJet.
By Rail
Kumaon does not have a train station, and the nearest station is Kathgodam, at a distance of 60 kms from Kumaon.
