Top Places to See in and Around Hat Tharp, Didihat
From the hilltop Sirakot fort and Malaynath temple to Panchachuli sunrises, sacred forests and the Charma river — the best places to see in and around Hat Tharp and Didihat.
For a village of just 459 people, Hat Tharp and Didihat punch far above their weight when it comes to things to see. Within a short walk you have a hilltop fort, a revered Shiva temple, a Himalayan panorama and a sacred forest; within a half-day's drive you have some of Kumaon's most famous hill stations. Here are the top places to visit in and around Hat Tharp.
1. Sirakot Fort & Malaynath Temple
The crown of the village is the Sirakot fort (around 1,800 m) and its Malaynath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Associated with the Raika–Malla rulers, it is both a historical landmark and a living place of worship, especially during the Shivratri fair. The short climb is rewarded with a 360-degree sweep of the Himalaya. Read the full story in our Sirakot & Malaynath heritage feature.
2. The Panchachuli viewpoint
From the heights above Hat Tharp, the five summits of Panchachuli rise like a wall of snow, flanked by the Nanda Devi sanctuary, Nanda Kot and the Trishul massif. Sunrise and sunset here are the kind of sight people travel across the country for — and you can have them almost to yourself.
3. The Charma (Netra Dhara) river
Below the village runs the Charma river, locally known as Netra Dhara. Its valley is the reason the Haat Valley is so fertile, feeding the terraced fields and the springs the village depends on. It is a beautiful, quiet place to sit and listen to the mountains.
4. The sacred forests of Hat Tharp
Roughly 90% of the village's surrounding land is forest, much of it dedicated to local deities and therefore protected by faith rather than fences. Walking these woods is the heart of Hat Tharp's eco-theological tradition — a centuries-old form of conservation now central to its carbon-smart future.
5. The terraced organic farms
The hand-cut terraces that wrap the hillsides are a sight in themselves, especially when the paddy and millet are green. They are also a story — of organic farming by tradition and of the families who have tended them for generations.
Beyond the village: a Kumaon road trip
Use Hat Tharp as a base and the whole of eastern Kumaon opens up:
- Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary — rare Himalayan wildlife and dense forest.
- Chaukori — famous tea slopes and a continuous Himalayan skyline.
- Berinag — gentle ridges and sweeping valley views.
- Munsiyari — the celebrated gateway to the high Panchachuli treks.
- Gangolihat — the revered Haat Kali temple and old pilgrim trails.
Make it real
Plan the logistics with our travel guide on how to reach Hat Tharp, pick your season with the best time to visit guide, and get in touch to arrange a guided heritage walk or homestay.
