Chaukori is a small, peaceful hill station in Pithoragarh district at about 2,010 m. It sits on a ridge among old tea gardens and pine forests, with a wide view of the Himalaya: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli. There is no Mall Road and very little traffic. People come here to rest, watch sunrise on the peaks, and visit the cave temple of Patal Bhuvaneshwar nearby. Chaukori is also the best night stop on the way to Munsiyari.
Chaukori at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| District | Pithoragarh, Kumaon |
| Altitude | About 2,010 m |
| From Kathgodam | About 180 km, 6 to 7 hours |
| From Almora | About 110 km, 4 hours |
| From Kausani | About 90 km, 3.5 hours (via Bageshwar) |
| To Munsiyari | About 95 km, 4 hours |
| From Delhi | About 470 km |
| Best time | October–November and March–June |
| Days needed | 1 to 2 nights |
Places to visit in and around Chaukori
1. Sunrise and sunset viewpoints
The main attraction is the view. On clear mornings the peaks from Nanda Devi to Panchachuli glow orange at sunrise. The KMVN Tourist Rest House area and several hotel lawns have open views. October and November give the clearest mornings.
2. Chaukori tea gardens
Chaukori was once known for its tea estates, started during British times. Walk through the remaining gardens and orchards around the village. It is a lovely, quiet walk in the morning light.
3. Patal Bhuvaneshwar (about 38 km)
A limestone cave temple near Gangolihat, about 90 feet below the ground. A narrow passage leads into a large cave with natural rock formations that devotees associate with Lord Shiva, Sheshnag, Lord Ganesha and the 33 crore gods. A priest guides visitors with a lamp. The entry is tight and steep, with chains to hold, so it is not suitable for people with breathing or knee problems. Photography is not allowed inside.
4. Berinag (about 10 km)
A small town named after the old Nag temple on the hill. Good for a short drive, local market and the Nag temple.
5. Ulka Devi and Kapileshwar Mahadev
Small temples close to Chaukori, worth a visit on an evening walk.
6. Haat Kalika Temple, Gangolihat (about 45 km)
A revered Kali temple in a deodar forest, often combined with Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
How to reach Chaukori
By train: Kathgodam is the nearest major station (about 180 km). Tanakpur is another option (about 180 km via Pithoragarh).
By air: Pantnagar airport is about 210 km away.
By road:
- Kathgodam → Bhimtal → Almora → Seraghat → Berinag → Chaukori is the common route.
- From Kausani, drive via Bageshwar.
- From Pithoragarh, drive via Gangolihat or Thal.
UTC buses go up to Berinag. From there, take a local taxi. Roads are narrow; drive only in daylight.
Best time to visit Chaukori
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 6 to 20°C | Rhododendrons, pleasant days |
| Summer | May to June | 12 to 26°C | Comfortable; some haze |
| Monsoon | July to September | Rainy | Lush, but clouds hide the peaks; landslides |
| Autumn | October to November | 5 to 19°C | Clearest Himalayan views |
| Winter | December to February | -2 to 12°C | Cold; occasional snow |
Where to stay
- KMVN Tourist Rest House: one of the best-placed properties for the mountain view.
- Private hotels and resorts on the ridge; ask for a Himalaya-facing room.
- Homestays in nearby villages for a quiet, local experience.
Chaukori has few restaurants, so most visitors eat at their hotel.
Suggested plans
Chaukori on the way to Munsiyari: Kathgodam → Chaukori (night) → Munsiyari. See our Munsiyari travel guide.
2 nights in Chaukori:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kathgodam to Chaukori via Almora. Sunset view. |
| 2 | Sunrise. Day trip to Patal Bhuvaneshwar and Haat Kalika, Gangolihat. Evening tea-garden walk. |
| 3 | Sunrise again; drive on to Munsiyari or Kausani, or back to Kathgodam. |
Chaukori fits well with Kausani, Binsar and Munsiyari on a 7 to 9 day Kumaon circuit.
Travel tips
- Carry cash. ATMs are in Berinag but may not always work.
- BSNL and Jio usually work; others may be weak.
- Power cuts happen; keep a power bank.
- Carry warm clothes in all seasons; evenings are cold.
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar can be crowded on weekends and festivals; go early.
Plan your Kumaon trip with Gokeys
We include Chaukori as a restful stop on Munsiyari and Kumaon circuits, with mountain-view stays. Contact us for a custom plan.