Name: Abbott Mount
Rating: 3.6

Pancheshwar, Abbott Mount Overview

Located at the confluence of rivers Saryu and Kali is the small village of Panchehswar, home to the famous Pancheshwar Mahadev Temple. The village is 44 km from Abbott Mount and is close to Lohaghat in the Champawat District of Uttarakhand. Locals believe that taking a dip at the confluence of the rivers washes away all your sins. The ancient temple, also known as The Chaumu Temple adds seven stars to the glory of this beautiful attraction.

Being at the borders of India and Nepal, the location gives its visitors a chance to admire the beauty of both countries. Not only is this place an epitome of beauty and devotion, but also of adventure. It offers you an opportunity to be a part of fishing and rafting expeditions. The idyllic village of Pancheshwar could be summed up as a place of ethereal charm mixed with the joys of exploration.

Thousands of devotees visit the Chamu Temple during the Chaumu Jaat Yatra and the Annual Uttarayani Mela. Lohaghat or Abbott Mount should be your preferred destinations for accommodation, both less than 40 km away from Pancheshwar. Lohaghat is closer and has decent accommodation options.

The Chaumu Jaat Temple

Also known as Pancheshwar Mahadeva Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who according to the locals is believed to be the protector of animals. It houses an idol of Mahadeva and a Shivalinga along with Naag Devta. The devotees here offer bells and milk to the temple deity. The ancient temple is thronged by a significant number of followers during the Uttarayani Mela and Chaumu Jaat Yatra. Both these occasions reflect the region's culture in their best ways. The followers of Shiva undertake a yatra beginning from the nearby village of Sail. It is situated about 5 km from the temple. The Annual Uttarayani Mela is organised during Makar Sankranti which is celebrated in the second week of January, mainly 14th January. Enveloped in high mountains, besides the fiercely flowing waters, this is the main attraction of Pancheshwar.

Pancheshwar Dam

Pancheshwar Dam is a joint venture of India and its neighbouring country Nepal. Serving both the countries with irrigation and hydroelectric power generation facilities, the dam is also an attraction to be visited too. Though there are restrictions on the entry of visitors to the areas near the Mahakali river, they can enjoy the views from certain distances. The visiting hours are from morning 10 to evening 5.

Activities

Trembling between the sanctity and wilderness of nature, Pancheshwar is an ideal destination to visit. One can take the blessings of Lord Shiva and at the same time be a part of adventurous activities like angling and rafting. The destination promises unforgettable experiences of the bird watching as well. You can book these packages online or can get them at the site itself.

Angling
Its potential as a paradise for fishing lovers has remained untapped till now. The rippling waters of Saryu and Kali river are a home to the Himalayan Golden Mahseer. This fish has been the ultimate challenge for even the most experienced anglers. It tests the anglers' perseverance in every possible way. Letting hands upon it is considered as a great achievement.

River Rafting
After checking in the list angling comes next is river rafting. Splashing through the waters of Kali river as you sit inside a rafting boat is a galvanising experience. It is indeed a treasure of thrills!

Bird Watching
Coming to the alluring Flora and Fauna, Pancheshwar has an abundance of both. With lush green oak trees all over, Bird Watching is something which nowadays is making its place in the 'things to do list' of the visitors. Far from the mechanical lives, the chirping of birds is something that brings you absolute peace. You might catch glimpses of sunbirds, treecreepers, Himalayan bulbul, nuthatches, and jungle myna. So, Go Birding!

Pancheshwar's Cuisine

Being a part of the mountain region, Pancheshwar offers a large variety of mouth watering pahadi food. The cuisine here is a culmination of amazing Garhwali and Kumauni cuisines. Laying hands upon tastiest food items in India you must try some tempting dishes such as aloo ke gutke, gahat, chainsoo and kaapa.

Best Time To Visit Pancheshwar

Pancheshwar can be visited any time of the year due to its pleasant weather. The small town has a refreshingly cool climate during the summers, whereas the winters are pretty cold yet make for a fascinating visit. One is, however, required to cover themselves in the winters adequately.
Where the temperature during summers and monsoons vary between 23 degrees to 30 degrees in winters, it dabbles between 4 degrees to 15 degrees. July encounters the maximum amount of rainfall whereas in November it is minimal.

How to Reach Pancheshwar

Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. One can easily get a cab or catch a bus for Pancheshwar from the airport.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam which is 163 km away from Pancheshwar. One can easily get a taxi or catch a bus for Pancheshwar from the railway station.
Road: Pancheshwar is well-connected by motorable roads to nearby cities and towns. Public buses and shared jeeps regularly connect the town to nearby areas. If travelling from Abbott Mount, take Pulla Road via Lohaghat. The total distance from Abbott Mount on this route is around 36km.

Tips For Visiting Pancheshwar

1. Enquire about the condition of the roads to Pancheshwar if travelling during monsoons to avoid landslide stricken roads.

2. No matter if it is the summer season, carry light woollens to be on the safer side.

3. Do not roam around the town after it gets dark.

4. Your safety is in your hands. Follow the guidelines provided to you properly while taking on to any adventurous activity.