Dharchula

Dharchula (In Kumaoni: Dhàrchulà, धार्चुलऻ), is a town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is located at an elevation of about 940 metres (3,080 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by high Himalayan peaks. The Mahakali River flows through the town, dividing it into two settlements situated on either bank—one in India and the other in Nepal. Residents on both sides of the border share close cultural, linguistic, and social ties, reflecting a long-standing common heritage. Local people are permitted to cross the river without passports or visas, facilitating interaction and trade. The population of the area includes Khas, Kumaoni, Dotyali, and Rung communities, contributing to its diverse cultural traditions. Dharchula is situated approximately 92 kilometres (57 mi) north of Pithoragarh, the district headquarters. It lies on the Pithoragarh–Lipulekh Pass Highway (PLPH) and falls along the route of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

==Etymology== Dharchula is derived from two words: “Dhar” (धार), meaning edge or peak in the local Dharchuleli Kumaoni dialect, and “Chula” (चुला), meaning fire stove. Literally, the name refers to a fire stove made of three stones, which was traditionally used for cooking in this region. Almost every household once relied on such three-stone stoves. The name also reflects the geography of Dharchula, where mountain peaks resemble a three-stone fire stove. According to legend, sage Vyasa cooked his meals here on such a stove formed by three peaks during his journey to Mount Kailash.