Askote

The Himalayan town of Askot lies on a ridge on the route between Pithoragarh and Dharchula. An erstwhile princely state, Askot has been ruled by several rulers in the past, such as Doti Kings of Nepal, Rajbars, Chands, Gorkhas, Katyuris and the British. At an elevation of 3,629 ft., Panchuli and Chiplakot peaks form the backdrop for Askot and attract hundreds of skiing enthusiasts every year. The town has Almora to the west, Nepal to the east, Tibet to the north and Pithoragarh to the south. The name of the town ‘Askot’, originates from ‘Assi Kot’ which means eighty forts that once stood in the region. Most of these forts are now in Dharchula district of Nepal. There are many expedition opportunities near the town like Pithoragarh, Munsiyari and Mount Abbott. Ascot is popular for the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, an important site for the conservation of the musk deer. Some of the places one must visit while in Askot include Chiplakot or Najurkot, Dhanlekh, Ghangdhura, Narayan Ashram and Askot Polymetallic Deposit tunnel Mines. Other tourist attractions include the ever beautiful rivers and lakes like Bhadigad River, Chhipladhura lake, Gurjigad River, Rauntishgad River, and the merger river i.e. Gori Ganga river with river Kali at Jauljibi. The best time to visit Askot is between the months of April and September.