Situated in the land of Gods, Uttarakhand, India, Chaukori is in the Kumaon Division of the western Himalayan range. Towards the south side of this beautiful place is Terai and towards the north is Tibet. The Mahakali River runs along the eastern boundary and serves as an international border between India and Nepal.

This place is approximately two thousand meters above the sea level and provides a wonderful view of the snow laden mountains of Nanda Kot and Naina Devi. Berinag is another small yet beautiful hill station approximately ten kilometers from here. Chaukori can be compared to heaven on earth, with dense forest all around and never ending Himalayan peaks. It was one of the favorite destinations of British people and they had established large tea gardens here. Travelers consider this place as a heaven in Kumaon.

The big thing about this place is that, since it has been relatively unknown to the majority of tourists, so it is still unaffected by crowd and pollution. Enchanting scene of the heavenly Himalayas can be readily seen from this peaceful hamlet. The benign peaks of Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Chaukhanba, and Nanda Devi are visible distinctly from this place. Chaukori can be described as a hidden jewel with major part of this area is still unexplored by people. This place is waiting to be discovered by you. Listen to the beautiful songs sung by the birds instead of the pumping horns, breathe the salubrious air of the mountains, and watch the snow laden Himalayas as the crimson sunrays kiss them.

Climate

Talking in terms of people who are coming here from the plains, the temperature here remains freezing cold for major part of the year, since there are snow laden mountains all around. This place is heaven for people who want to escape the extreme heat of the coastal region. March to November is usually the best time of the year when tourist can enjoy all the things here. Temperature during winter season will be unbearable for them, however, for those who want to enjoy the snow will have to stay here during winter.

Things to do and Attraction

Chaukori is surrounded by mountains all around, so every day is new here. Mother Nature will provide a new view to the tourist here. Apart from the natural beauty, which is never ending, there are numerous religious places here such as Gangolihat which is nearly 35 km. from this place. Gangolihat is a crucial center for pilgrims as the Hat-Kalika temple is here. In and around this place following temples are there: Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Mahakali temple of Gangolihat and Ghunsera devi temple.

Dharamgarh is just 15 minutes drive from Chaukoiri. Dharamghar was the place where, Sarla Behn, a disciple of Gandhi, spent her last days. The Himdarshan Kutir which she built is still there and from this place tourist get a wonderful view of the spectacular Himalayas.

Berinag is another wonderful place near to Chaukori. It is at a height of 1740 meters. From this place, tourist will get a direct view of the snow capped mountains. This place is popular for snake temples and was previously known as Bedinag. Some of the finest quality tea is produced at this place. There are thick forest all around Berinag with many warm streams and vegetation. This place is diversely rich in flora and fauna.

Perched at a height of 1800 meters and 35 km from Chaukori is Gangolihat. There is a very old temple here which is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This place holds an important place in the big religious centers for the Kumaon district. Patal Bhuvneshwar is a famous place just fourteen kilometers from here. Narayan Ashram is another good place to visit. It was established in 1936 by Narayan Swami at a height of more than 2700 meters and is a spiritual cum-socio educational center.

Bageshwar: The name of this place is taken from a popular temple in the region, Bagnath. Every year, thousands of pilgrims turn up to this holy place. According to the stories here, Lord Shiva came here to this place as a tiger. Uttarayani is a famous fair which is held every year in the month of January. This place also serves as a base camp for people who are doing trekking for Pindari.

How to Reach

By Air

Pantnagar airport is the nearest tourist can land from this place who are coming by air, which is approximately 205 km. from Pantnagar airport tourist will have to hire taxi, which will take them to Bageshwar, Almora and Chaukori. All the major destinations of Uttarakhand are connected to Chaukori by road.

By Rail

The nearest railway station from Chaukori is nearly 180 km at Kathgodam. All the major destinations of India like Kolkata, Delhi and Lucknow are connected to Kathgodam. Trains are available regularly for Kathgodam as this place leads to the Kumaon region. From Kathgodam railway station, tourist will have to hire a taxi or take a bus, which are readily available.

By Road

All the major cities of north India are well connected with roads to Chaukori. Buses are available from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi bus station for Almora and Kathgodam. It is easy to hire a taxi for this destination from any place in Kumaon such as Didihat, Kausani, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Almora etc.