Pithoragarh district is the easternmost Himalayan district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is naturally surrounded by high Himalayan mountains, snow-capped peaks, passes, valleys, alpine meadows, forests, streams, perennial rivers, glaciers and waterfalls. The flora and fauna of the region has rich ecological diversity.

Many temples and forts were built in Pithoragarh during the heyday of the Chand Empire. The entire northern and eastern borders of Pithoragarh district are international, making it a politically sensitive district on the northern border of India. Being the last district bordering Tibet, the passes near Lipulakh, Kungibingri, Lumpia Dhura, Loi Dhura, Belcha and Keo have great strategic importance as open access to Tibet.