Didihat, popular for its sweet dish “Khaichua” and Himalayan bliss, is a beautiful Himalayan town and a Tehsil of Pithoragarh district. Perched at a height of 1725 m above sea level, it is known for its lush greenery, distinctly visible range of Panchachuli peaks and vibrant history. Didihat is situated on the pilgrimage route to Kailash Mansarovar.
Didihat gets its name from the Kumaoni word ‘Dand’ which means a small hillock. The work ‘Haat” means market. Popular hill station Munsiyari is at a distance of 88 km from here, which serves as the base camp for many treks such as Khaliya top, Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, and Namik Glacier trek.
Didihat Overview
| State: | Uttarakhand |
| District: | Pithoragarh |
| Exploration Time: | 2 Days |
| Best time to visit: | All Season except Monsoon |
| Languages: | Hindi, Kumaoni, and English |
| Summer Temperature: | Max 25°C & Min 12°C |
| Winter Temperature: | Max 18°C & Min -2°C |
| Nearest Major City: | Haldwani (242.6 km) |
| Nearest Airport: | Pantnagar Airpot (312 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station: | Tanakpur (217 km) |
What Didihat has to Offer
Hiking, Trekking, and Camping: The town of Didihat and nearby places are full of lush greenery, eye-soothing landscapes, peace, flora and fauna. It has distinctly visible views of Panchachuli and Trishul peaks to offer. Didihat has a number of hotels and guest houses to stay. However, camping under the light of stars is another inexpensive way to witness the whole haat valley in its totality.
Nearby Villages: Away from hustle bustle of a typical hill station and city life, this region offers a distinct and nature-oriented village lifestyle to experience. Askot, Narayan Nagar, Thal, ITBP camp Mirthi, Jauljibi, Munsiyari, and Pithoragarh are some nearby towns to explore. The town of Askote is almost 15 km from here, which has Askote Musk Deer Sanctuary and Askote fort to explore.
Food
Didihat is popular in Kumaon for its delicious sweet dish Khainchua. It is made of khoya. Other than that, one can find many small fast food restaurants and dhabas here. They have North Indian and fast food to serve. Some easily available food options are chow-Mein, Momos, Samosas, Veg or Non-veg soups and common North Indian food such as Dal, Roti, Chawal and Paratha.
Staying at Didihat
The town has not many but a sufficient number of hotels to stay. One can find hotels and lodges near the bus stand and in the market area. Pithoragarh is 53 km away from Didihat, there are plenty of options to stay in Pithoragarh. There are a few ATMs of SBI, PNB and other major banks in town.
Education
Didihat has a few good private schools and a government senior secondary school, dedicated to the educational and overall development of rural children. Government Post Graduate College, Narayan Nagar is about 8 km away from the town. Government ITI Askote is at a distance of about 15 km from here in Askot town.
History of Didihat
The region of Didihat and nearby villages were historically ruled by feudal Raika Malla kings of Sirakot. They built the ancient temple of Lord Malay Nath in Sirakot. The last Raika Mall king of the region was king Hari Malla. After this, the Doti Kings of Nepal ruled the region along with Askote.
In 1581 AD, Chand kings of Chand dynasty defeated the Doti kings and they became the rulers. Some ancient temple and small forts are still present such as Rajwar fort of Askote. Didihat was a Tehsil in the Almora district after the country got the independence from England in 1947.
How to Reach Didihat
The town is situated on the route of Kailash Mansarovar yatra, almost 53 km from Pithoragarh district.
By Road
It is well connected to Pithoragarh, Almora, Haldwani, Tanakpur, and Dehradun. Buses to Didihat are available from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi, and ISBT, Dehradun. Being a remote place, there are limited buses going to Didihat and one has to check the timings too. Taking a bus to Pithoragarh, Haldwani or Tanakpur and then hiring a cab or taking another bus going to this town is another option.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Tanakpur, which is at a distance of 201 km. Cabs and buses are available from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh. Tanakpur railway station is well connected to all major cities of North India and trains are regular.
By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport which is at a distance of about 256.5 km. From airport taxis and buses to Haldwani, Pithoragarh and Almora are available. From Haldwani and Pithoragarh, there are buses and taxis available to Didihat.