Bageshwar Travel Guide
Saryu-Gomti confluence town with the ancient Baghnath temple — and the road-head for Pindari and Kafni glacier treks.
- Altitude
- 960 m
- Best season
- Year round · glacier treks May–Oct
- From Dehradun
- ~410 km
- Category
- Pilgrimage
Why visit Bageshwar
- Ancient pilgrimage town at the sacred confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, ringed by Himalayan peaks
- Bagnath temple — a major Shiva temple mentioned in the Skanda Purana — gives the town its name and spiritual identity
- Gateway to the Pindari Glacier trek, one of Kumaon's most accessible high-altitude glacier expeditions
- Uttarayana fair on Makar Sankranti (January 14) is one of Kumaon's largest traditional fairs, attracting thousands
- Authentic small-town Kumaoni life with minimal mass tourism, making it ideal for genuine cultural immersion
- Base for multiple treks including Kafni Glacier, Sunderdhunga, and the Pindari circuit through Pindar valley
Bageshwar is a small pilgrimage town at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers in the Kumaon Himalaya, dominated by the Baghnath Mahadev temple — a Shiva shrine of considerable antiquity whose current structure dates to the Katyuri and later Chand Raj periods. The Uttarayani Mela, held every January at Makar Sankranti, is one of the largest traditional fairs in Kumaon, drawing traders and pilgrims from across the hills.
Bageshwar is also the practical road-head and supply town for the Pindari Glacier trek (48 km round trip from Song), the Kafni Glacier trek and the Sunderdhunga Valley route — making it a dual-purpose destination for pilgrims and trekkers. The town has reasonable hotel options and is connected to Almora (90 km) and Pithoragarh (90 km) by motorable roads.
Explore around
Places near Bageshwar
Ancient Katyuri-era Shiva temple complex on the Gomti river, 12th century
Kausani37 kmRidge-top village with panoramic Himalayan views including Nanda Devi
Pindar valley entry point and road access for Pindari Glacier trek
Sub-divisional town with Chandika Devi temple on a forested ridge
Tea garden ridge with superb Himalayan sunrise panoramas
What to do
Activities at Bageshwar
Bagnath Temple Darshan
Morning puja and evening aarti at the main Shiva temple on the riverbank — the rituals follow an ancient Kumaoni tradition distinct from mainstream Hindu practice
Pindari Glacier Trek
9-day round trek from Song (via Loharkhet-Dhakuri-Dwali-Phurkia-Pindari at 3,660 m) — the most iconic glacier trek in Kumaon, accessible to non-technical trekkers
Kafni Glacier Trek
5-day trek from Loharkhet through Khati village to Kafni Glacier at 3,540 m — less frequented and more pristine than Pindari
Sangam Ghat
Sunrise and sunset at the confluence of Saryu and Gomti — deeply contemplative; devotees perform Ganga aarti here on festival evenings
Uttarayana Fair
Attend the Makar Sankranti fair on January 14 — traditional handicrafts, local music, Kumaoni dance, and the sacred dip at the sangam
Before you go
Bageshwar travel tips
- Carry sufficient cash — ATMs exist but can run dry during festivals and trek season
- Book trek permits and guides through the Forest Department office in Bageshwar before heading to Loharkhet
- The Pindari Glacier route is snow-covered October–April; best trekking window is May–June and September
- Bageshwar is a dry town (no alcohol available) as befitting a pilgrimage centre
- Local KMOU buses connect Bageshwar to Almora and Kathgodam daily; shared taxis are faster but less frequent
- Mornings at the Saryu-Gomti sangam during monsoon floods are dramatic but wade carefully — the confluence current is powerful
Getting there
How to reach Bageshwar
Bageshwar is 180 km from Kathgodam via Almora (90 km from Almora). State buses and shared taxis operate from Almora, Haldwani, and Pithoragarh. The road via Kausani (37 km) offers scenic alternatives.
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead (180 km). Overnight trains from Delhi reach Kathgodam; taxis to Bageshwar take 5–6 hours.
Pantnagar Airport (185 km) is the nearest airport. Taxi to Bageshwar takes approximately 6 hours via Haldwani and Almora.
Where to stay in Bageshwar
- Government Tourist Rest House (KMVN) on the riverbank offers clean budget accommodation with mountain views
- Several private guesthouses cluster around the Bagnath temple and bus stand — rates are modest
- Kausani (37 km) offers better-quality resorts with Himalayan views for those wanting more comfort
- Trek lodges in Loharkhet, Khati, and Dwali provide basic but adequate accommodation on the Pindari route
Food & dining
- Dal-chawal, aloo ke gutke, and Kumaoni raita are staples at local dhabas around the bus stand
- Bhatt ki churkani (black soybean curry) and jhangore ki kheer (barnyard millet pudding) are local specialities
- Fresh mandua (finger millet) rotis served at the KMVN rest house kitchen are a wholesome highland staple
- Seasonal rhododendron squash and buransh juice are available at small shops in spring (March–April)
Background
History of Bageshwar
Bageshwar's antiquity is rooted in the Skanda Purana, which describes the Saryu-Gomti confluence as Shiva's dwelling in the form of Bagnath (Lord of Tigers). The Bagnath temple's current structure dates to the Chand dynasty period (16th–17th century), though the site is far older. Inscriptions at the temple reference grants made by Chand kings, confirming continuous royal patronage over centuries.
The town served as an important administrative and trade centre under the Chand rajas of Kumaon, who controlled the mountain trade routes between the plains and Tibet. After the Gurkha invasion (1790–1815) and subsequent British annexation, Bageshwar became a sub-divisional headquarters under Almora District, later becoming the headquarters of the newly created Bageshwar District in 1997.
The Uttarayana fair on Makar Sankranti is believed to have been established by the Chand kings as a annual gathering for trade, justice, and devotion at the confluence. Historically, farmers, traders, and pilgrims from across Kumaon converged here — a tradition that continues vigorously today with folk music, local crafts, and the ritual bath at the sangam.
Plan your trip
Suggested Bageshwar itinerary
- Day 1Arrive Bageshwar from Almora or Kathgodam. Check in. Evening walk to Sangam Ghat for sunset. Bagnath temple evening aarti. Dinner at local dhaba. Overnight Bageshwar.
- Day 2Morning: Bagnath temple at dawn. Drive to Baijnath (21 km) — explore the 12th-century Katyuri temple complex (2 hrs). Return via Garur. Afternoon: local market walk, buy Kumaoni handicrafts. Drive to Kausani (37 km) for ridge views at sunset.
- Day 3 (Trek Start)Drive from Bageshwar to Loharkhet (32 km) — trek starts here for Pindari Glacier. Day 1 of trek: Loharkhet to Dhakuri (8 km, 4 hrs). Alpine meadow camp at Dhakuri with Nanda Devi views.
Common questions
Bageshwar FAQ
- What is the Bagnath temple's significance?
- Bagnath is a form of Shiva meaning Lord of Tigers. The Skanda Purana places this confluence among the most sacred in the Himalayas. The temple's Nagara-style shikhara and detailed stone carvings date primarily to the Chand dynasty period (16th–17th century).
- How do I start the Pindari Glacier trek from Bageshwar?
- Drive 32 km from Bageshwar to Loharkhet (the trek's starting village). The standard route goes Loharkhet → Dhakuri → Khati → Dwali → Phurkia → Pindari Glacier (Zero Point at 3,660 m). The round trek takes 8–10 days.
- Is Bageshwar safe during monsoon?
- The town itself is safe, but landslides on approach roads (especially from Almora) are common July–mid-September. Trekking in the Pindari valley during peak monsoon is inadvisable due to swollen rivers and slippery trails.
- When is the Uttarayana fair?
- Uttarayana fair is held on Makar Sankranti, January 14 every year, at the Saryu-Gomti sangam. It is one of Kumaon's most important traditional fairs with folk performances, handicrafts, and ritual bathing.
- Are there ATMs and connectivity in Bageshwar?
- Yes — the town has SBI, PNB, and Uttarakhand Gramin Bank ATMs and basic 4G connectivity (Jio and BSNL). Connectivity weakens significantly beyond the town on trek routes.
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