Dharchula is one of the most beautiful towns in Uttarakhand, India. The town comprises mountains, rivers, and green forests. It is very close to the India-Nepal border and serves as a significant stopover for people going to Kailash Mansarovar. This place is fairly calm making it very pleasant to the eyes. Thus if you love Trekking, rivers, and mountains, then you should plan a trip to Dharchula.
Kali River
Dharchula is famous for the Kali River because of its clean water and beautiful scenery. The river serves as a border between India and Nepal. People also visit the river for relaxation which involves fishing, leisurely rafting, and simply enjoying the splendid view along with the cool breeze. For those enthusiasts, who want something more adventurous, the river is perfect for river rafting due to its high flowing water coupled with beautiful views.
Om Parvat
One of the world’s highest sacred pilgrimage sites, Om Parvat is incredibly important to devotees of Hinduism. The mountain’s snow-capped region alone sets it apart from the other Himalayan peaks. The mountain is of high importance to Hindu devotees as its foggy regions define the shape of Om, a symbol that is sacred to them, making each pilgrimers journey to the mountain extraordinary. As a result, Om Parvat is a must-visit site for those traveling to Kailash Mansarovar.
Chirkila Dam
One of the top producers of hydroelectricity on the Kali River is the Chirkila Dam which also serves as a popular site for tourists and travelers. Revered for its breathtaking scenery, the Dam is also perfect for capturing beautiful moments with the family. Travelers wanting to indulge and escape the busy polluted cities are sure to find comfort in the pristine green hills that surround the dam. Chirkila Dam has always been famous for scenic photography but it is less popular for its calm environment that is little known for picnics.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
The Askost Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect getaway for those who especially want to escape the busy city life and embrace the tranquil wilderness. It coexists with a variety of different flora and fauna such as deer, leopards, Himalayan black bears, and innumerable varieties of birds. Wild Life Photography, along with the newly launched treks of the region, adds to its beauty.
Narayan Ashram
It is very difficult to find peaceful locations in the mountains like these. This was created in 1936 and its main functions are meditation and social gatherings. This is purpose-built to help people find inner calm and peace in themselves. The ashram also provides care for devout pilgrims and tourists visiting this location. For those willing to escape city life, this is an excellent option.
Dharchula Bazaar
Here is where the town ‘Mela’ is located. This has been the center of focus for all handicrafts and traditional dress including locally woven woolen clothes. Making this a multi-cuisine venue, Momo and other Tibetan delicacies are also found served here. The local people in this place add to the beauty of the area with their pleasant gossip and delectable dishes, making this place a good cultural location while also meeting one’s shopping needs. If you are in the market for satisfying both appetites, Dhurchula Bazar will take care of that for you.
Jauljibi
Jauljibi is a small habitation that lies near Dharchula and is famous for the meeting of two rivers – Kali and Gori. It is also famous for the annual trade fair in which traders from both India and Nepal come together to discuss and finalize business transactions. Local dances, traditional foods, and handcrafted items on display are remarkable. The fair is brimming with colors and overflowing with vibrance which can be explored even outside the fair’s pristine beauty.
Panchachuli Peaks
Mountains always arouse wanderlust in people, and the Panchachuli snow-capped peaks if you are an avid climber or if you like for high altitude flora and fauna will capture your heart. These Peaks comprise five marvelously beautiful earths ready he dislikes, and the skylines at sunrise and sunset are astonishing. The villagers are sociable and enjoy sharing accounts of their lives.
Manasa Sarovar Viewpoint
From this viewpoint, the holy lake of Manasa Sarovar, located in Tibet, can be viewed from a distance. This site is a pilgrimage site for many Hindus and it is also famous for Buddhist viewers. At the viewpoint, there are mountains on one side, and on the other side is the lake, with the only distance separating you from it.
Conclusion
Without a shred of doubt, Dharchula has placed Uttarakhand on the tourist map of India. It is indeed an idyllic place, as the landscape, rich ethnic culture, and peaceful nature add splendor to one of the most pursued tourist places in India. Be it trekking, wildlife, or just sitting by the riverside, you name it and Dharchula has it all!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To reach Dharchula, you can drive from Delhi or Dehradun. It is 218 km from Tanakpur, the closest railway station, and 317km from Pantnagar which is the nearest airport. From those locations, you can take a taxi or a bus.
Dharchula is best visited during the period from March to June and September to November. During this time, the town’s temperature is average in all aspects which allows for its delights to be enjoyed. During the rest of the winter months spanning from December to February, the town does receive snow resulting in very cold weather and worsened winters at places.
Yes, tourists are warmly welcomed in Dharchula because it is a lot safer than most places for tourism. The people are also very kind. But since it is stationed at the borderline of India and Nepal, one must always carry a proper ID to abide by the law of the land.
As with most towns, there are places to stay on a spectrum from budget hotels to moderately priced ones. There are also local restaurants that serve Indian and Tibetan foods. Moreover, devotees and trekkers may find ashrams and guest houses that provide lodging for those who are on a religious journey.
Indeed, you can cross into Nepal via the Indian-Dharchula border. Provided you have the required documents, you will have no problems crossing the border. On the Nepali side of Dharchula, there are many local shops and places of interest. Before your journey, make sure to check the travel regulations for your destination.
