Peak Season
Pithoragarh in May
Uttarakhand, India
Trek season hits full stride. At 14-26°C, Pithoragarh becomes the staging post for serious Kumaon expeditions — Milam Glacier, Munsiyari, Ralam Glacier — and the town buzzes with trekkers, porters, and jeeps heading north. All routes are open, the high meadows are green, and the Panchachuli views are still strong in the morning before afternoon haze builds.
The May story
The trekker's month. Every route is open, weather is warm and stable, and Pithoragarh's role as gateway to the high Kumaon comes alive. Book ahead — this is peak staging season.
Why May scores 5/5
Weather
Trek season peaks 14-26°C. Milam Glacier and Munsiyari treks stage from here. All routes open. Book guides early.
Roads & Access
self drive: Moderate hill roads from Almora.. road condition: State roads fair. Well-maintained for border district.. public transport: Buses from Almora, Haldwani, Tanakpur. Naini Saini airport (limited flights). Kathgodam rail 220km.. from nearest city: Almora→Pithoragarh: 120km 5hrs. Haldwani→Pithoragarh: 210km 7hrs.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: SDRF, ITBP, Army. helpline: Uttarakhand Tourism: 0135-2559898. ambulance: 108. police station: Pithoragarh police station. nearest hospital: District Hospital Pithoragarh — decent facility
Network
VI: No, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Fair 4G in town. Drops outside.
Kids
Kid-friendly (2/5) — Panchachuli views dramatic, Gateway to serious treks
Elevation
1,514m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Serious trekkers
- ✓Adventure groups
- ✓Mountaineering enthusiasts
- ✓Trail runners
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Those seeking quiet town experience
- ✗Visitors uncomfortable with altitude on onward treks
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | Cold 2-10°C. Panchachuli peaks snow-capped and dramatic. Town quiet. Good for solitude seekers. Warm layers needed. |
| February | 3/5 | Similar cold 3-12°C. Clear winter mornings reveal full Panchachuli range. Trails to forts manageable. Quiet. |
| March | 4/5 | Spring arriving 8-18°C. Wildflowers on trails. Panchachuli views clearing. Comfortable for fort and temple walks. |
| April | 5/5 | Best spring 12-24°C. Clearest Panchachuli panorama. Rhododendrons blooming. All trails open. Perfect weather. |
| Mayviewing | 5/5 | Trek season peaks 14-26°C. Milam Glacier and Munsiyari treks stage from here. All routes open. Book guides early. |
| June | 3/5 | Pre-monsoon 18-28°C. Afternoon clouds building. Morning treks still clear. Last window before heavy rains. |
| July | 1/5 | Heavy monsoon. Landslides on approach roads from Tanakpur common. Trails dangerous. Views zero. Avoid entirely. |
| August | 1/5 | Monsoon peak. Road closures frequent. Leeches on trails. Panchachuli hidden in cloud. Dangerous conditions. |
| September | 3/5 | Rain clearing by late Sept, 12-22°C. Panchachuli peaks emerging. Trails drying. Green valleys recovering. |
| October | 5/5 | Post-monsoon perfection 8-18°C. Panchachuli range crystal clear. Cleanest air of the year. Photography heaven. |
| November | 4/5 | Getting cold 4-14°C. Views still excellent. Last comfortable trekking window. Some lodges closing for winter. |
| December | 3/5 | Cold 2-10°C. Possible snow at higher elevations. Town quiet. Panchachuli snow-capped. Limited services. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Almora→Pithoragarh: 120km 5hrs. Haldwani→Pithoragarh: 210km 7hrs.. Roads: State roads fair. Well-maintained for border district.. Self-drive: Moderate hill roads from Almora.. Public transport: Buses from Almora, Haldwani, Tanakpur. Naini Saini airport (limited flights). Kathgodam rail 220km.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
1,514m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Uttarakhand scoring high in May
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