Location & description
Dharchula is a small town in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand situated at an altitude of about 3000 ft.
Being in the north of Uttarakhand, Dharchula is surrounded by Himalayan Peaks. The snow clad Panchachuli peaks located on the west of Dharchula separates it from the Johar valley and Om parvat in East which it shares with Nepal. Dharchula is situated on the bank of river Kali that forms border between India and Nepal.
Historical Importance
Dharchula is related with Katyuri Dynasty. It was an ancient trading town on the Trans-Himalayan trade routes. Trade was based on barter system and was the only source of income for the inhabitants of Dharchula. Local handicrafts like carpets which are known here as ‘dari’, were exchanged with the Tibetans for food and clothing. After the Indo-China War in 1962, all trading ties with the Tibetans came to a stop.
The town is dominated by Rung and Shauka people, the two words often being used as synonyms. They have flat features and are of short height. The people are quite hospitable, and simple in their living. These people have been living in the surrounding mountains of Dharchula valley since ages.
On the day 2 pilgrimage to Kailash Manas Sarovar, Dharchula used to be the day-end halt starting the day from Kausani way back in 1994.