Chaukori Uttarakhand – The beautiful escape you need
Introduction
Chaukori is a hill station in the district of Pithoragarh. Very often, Chaukori is referred to as the ‘Earthen Bowl of Kumaon’ and very rightly so since the village is shaped like a bowl. To the north of Chaukori, lies Tibet and to the south of Chaukori lies Terai. The Mahakali river runs along its eastern boundary and forms the Indo-Nepal international border. This dreamy hill station is perched at an elevation of 2010 meters above sea level. Chaukori is beautifully covered with forests of deodar, pine and rhododendron, and fruit orchards.
Importance
What makes Chaukori especially charming is that it stays untouched from commercialization and is still one of those rare gems that are little known and little explored. If an off-beat hill station is your preferred destination, Chaukori will make for a strong contender in that list. You can plan your entire trip around the hill station of Chaukori, or you can add it as a pit stop while you are touring more places in Uttarakhand.
Places to visit in Chaukori
Chineshwar Waterfall
Also called by the names of Chin, Cheend, or Cheen waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Uttarakhand. The waterfall stands at a height of about 160 ft. The waterfall is nestled beautifully in the middle of a dense pine forest. You may want to take a short trekking trip to reach this waterfall which will no doubt enthrall you no matter how many times you see it.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Binsar is located at a distance of 14 kilometers from Chaukori. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a plethora of fascinating flora and fauna. If you are a photography enthusiast, this place will never cease to impress you with its mesmerizing views all around.
Take a short trip to Binsar
The Binsar hill, a short distance from Chaukori is one of the primary attractions of the area. And once you are done taking in the gorgeous views of the valley, you can also take a small shopping pit stop n Binsar where you get all kinds of beautiful things from locally made handicrafts to beautiful woolen clothes.
Famous Pilgrimage near Chaukori
Chaukori is a hub of temples, and if you are feeling spiritual, these will make some great places to visit. Some particularly famous temples of Chaukori one must visit are Dhaulinag temple, Kalinag temple, Ferinag temple, Bashukinag temple, Haring Temples, Shikhar temple, Nauling temple, Kotgari Devi temple Ghunsera Devi temple, Kedar temple, Nakuleshwar Temple, Kamakshi Temple, Kapileshwar Mahadev cave temple, Arjuneshwar Shiva temple to name just a few.
Things to do in Chaukori
Local Sightseeing
While there are lots of places to see in Chaukori, the most famous ones are Dharamghar, Berinag, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Kausani, and Gangolihat. You are sure to witness splendid views of the lofty Himalayas from Dharamghar, while Berinag is a place famous for snake temples and tea gardens. The Patal Bhuvaneshwar has a lot of pilgrims year-round but especially during the time of Shivratri. All of Chaukori is filled with these little interesting places and spots which make it a must-visit for everyone at least once in their lives.
Trekking to Hanging rocks
A favorite amongst frequent travelers this is a small trek to the top of a hill which ends with magnificent views of the enchanting valley. This is even nicer to enjoy during the time of sunset and sunrise. This place is truly a nature lover’s delight. Tourists also enjoy bird watching here as you will see a plethora of species. Also, if you’re a novice photographer or an expert one, this place will be an all-time favorite.
Best time to visit Chaukori
The best time to visit this quaint, little hill station is between the months of October to May. Summer months in Chaukor see pleasant weather and clear skies, which make it a great tourist destination when you want to escape from the extreme city heat.
Winters in Chaukori see snow-clad peaks making the place look almost majestic. The chilly winds and soft-hued sunrise and sunsets in Chaukori are unbeatable. Winter months make for a great time to indulge in some winter sports like skiing and snow gliding.
How to reach Chaukori
By Air
The Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Chaukori. The distance between the two is around 250 kilometers. Taxis are available at the airport to take you to Chaukori, or it’s neighboring cities and towns such as Bageshwar and Almora.
By Rail
The railway station closest to Chaukori is in Kathgodam. The Kathgodam railway station is about 198 kilometers away from Chaukori. Several buses ply from the station to Chaukori. You can also take a taxi/ cab if you don’t wish to travel via bus.
By Road
Chaukori is well connected by motorable roads. It is well connected to the major cities and towns of India. Several buses ply to Chaukori, and one can even take a cab to reach Chaukori.
