The district of Pithoragarh came into being in 1960 when it was carved out of the district of Almora. On 15th September 1997, the Champawat Tehsil, hitherto under Pithoragarh, was carved into Champawat district. The northern part of the district is thinly populated and is adorned with many lofty snow covered peaks like Nanda Devi (east), Nanda Devi (west), Trishul, Nandakhat, Rajrambha, Panchchuli group and many others. Below these lofty snow bound mountains are many charming mountains and many charming alpine meadows and glaciers, the main being Milam glacier, Ralam glacier, Namik glacier and Sunder Dhunga glacier.

Places of Interest:

Mostamanu Some six km by bus and then 2 km on foot to the north of Pithoragarh is situated the temple dedicated to Mosta God. The temple premises are a center of a big lively fair held in August - September every year.
Thal Kedar Eight Km on motor roads to the south of Pithoragarh and thence after a climb along a narrow pathway flanked by dense vegetation is reached the Kedar temple situated at a height of 2000 meters.
Nakuleshwar Temple This temple has its location at a place about two km removed from the village Shiling which it self is about four Km away from Pithoragarh. The word Nakuleshwar is derived from a combination of two words : Nakul meaning Himalaya and Ishwar meaning God and hence, Shiva the Himalaya God. The architectural design of the main temple is splendid and appears to have been modeled on the stylistic pattern of Khajuraho.
Kamaksha Temple To the north east of Pithoragarh at a distance of about 7 Km near the army contonment base is situated the Kamaksha temple on the top of a hillock over looking the surrounding mountain ranges.
Ulkadevi Temple On Pithoragarh chandak motor road close to where the tourist rest house is situated stands the Ulkadevi temple besides which has also been built a memorial for the martyrs who laid down their lives in defense of the mother land. The temple offers a remarkable view of the sprawling Soar Valley.
Gangolihat An important religious place and rich in folk culture and ancient myths, is situated 77 Km from Pithoragarh. It is particularly well known for the famous Mahakali temple where the Shakti Peeth was installed by Shankaracharya himself. During Navratries a fair is held on the occasion of which devotees offer pujas-along with sacrifices.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar The exposure of Patal Bhuvaneshwar (Lord Shiva in the underground temple complex) is one of this unique way to help mankind. 16 Km to the north-east of Gangolihat and 20 Km. to the south of Berinag is situated the Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple.The cave temple of Patal Bhuvaneshwar is traditionally believed to be the abode of thirty three crore deities.
Adventure Spots The department of tourism proposes to create and provide necessary infrastructure, equipments and the allied facilities for adventures sports like Hang Gliding and Para Gliding Gliders can be made available on hire and conveyance to the gliding point and first aid facilities can be provided. Chandak, Munakot and Dwaj have been proposed into gliding points.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra To the Hindus, the Himalayas are central to their cosmology. The peaks are the petals of the Golden Lotus which lord Vishnu created as a first step in the formation of the universe. On one of these peaks - Mount Kailash, sits Shiva in a state of perpetual meditation, generating the spiritaul force that sustains the cosmos.