Bageshwar is a small town known as the 'Abode of Gods' due to its fame as a pilgrim centre. It is also famous amongst adventure lovers as it offers the most beautiful spectacular trekking trails to the breathtaking Glaciers that do not need any introduction or admiration in words but is a must-visit that can only be admired with your eyes. Located 90 km from Almora at a height of 1004 mts on the confluence of Saryu and Gomti Rivers, the town is also an ancient and historical place dotted with many Temples that date back to the 10th Century AD.
Bageshwar was named after the famous and ancient Bagnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that sits in the heart of this town. A legendary myth spells the tale that Lord Shiva had visited a Sage named Markandey in the form of a 'Bagh' or 'Tiger' who lived here and hence the holy shrine was built by the Chand rulers. It was also believed that the Shivalinga was only installed after Shri Manorath Pandey belonging to Palain Village had performed a prayer of penance and the Shivratari is celebrated every year to mark this auspicious occasion including every Monday during the holy 'Shravan' month.
Bageshwar also offers devotees with many groups of Temples like the Temple Bhairav and Thingal Bhairav dedicated to Lord Shiva, Temple of Ganga Mai dedicated to Goddess Ganga, Temple of Lord Hanuman, Temple of Durga Ma, Dattarey Maharaj, Kalika temple, Panchnam Junakhara, Vaneswar temple, Chandika Temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika, Shri Haru Temple about 5 km from Bageshwar believed to fulfil any devotees' wishes. A sacred Gauri Udiyar site about 8 km away with a huge cave that homes the Shrine of Lord Shiva. Other Shrine to name a few are the Nileshwar, Bhileshwar, Siddharth and Gopeshwar Dhams, Lokhnath and Swarg Ashrams and a few temples dedicated to Gods and Goddesses.
Baijnath is a place of historical importance that resides beside the Gomti River and is 26 km from Bageshwar. It homes very ancient Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati built during the Katyuri reign. Kotkimai Temple is also another important shrine located 8 km from here. Pandusthal or 'the place of Pandavas' is also considered a sacred place as the legendary war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas were fought on this very ground.
The path from Bageshwar to Chaukori crossing through Kanda which is 25 km away offers a charming view of nature and Bhadrakali Temple is also a good visit located nearby. Vijaypur which is 30 km away offers a panoramic view of the ice capped Himalayan ranges and green mountains and enchanting landscapes covered with dense forests. However, the most unforgettable trek route for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers are the trails leading to the awe inspiring Pindari, Kafni and Sundardhunga Glaciers all situated in close vicinity to each other and within the Pinder Valley elevated at 3353 mts above mean sea level.
