Location & description
Situated on the confluence of Saryu and Gomati rivers, at an altitude of about 3300 ft, Bageshwar is surrounded by the mountains of Bhileshwar and Nileshwar to its east and west and by the Suraj Kund in the north and Agni Kund in the south.
Historical importance
Bageshwar finds mention in various puranas, where, it has been associated with Lord Shiva. The city of Bageshwar gets its name from the Bagnath Temple. The Uttrayani fair held annually in Bageshwar used to be visited by approx 15,000 people in the early twentieth century, and was the largest fair of Kumaon division.
Bageshwar was a major trade mart between Tibet and Kumaun, and was frequented by the Bhotia traders, who bartered Tibetan wares, wool, salt and Borax in exchange for Carpets and other local produces in Bageshwar. The trade routes were, however, closed after the Indo-China War of 1962.
Tourist attractions
Bageshwar is known for its scenic environment, glaciers, rivers and temples. The main trees are the Chir Pine, Himalayan Cypress, Pindrow Fir, alder etc. It also serves as the base camp for Pindari glacier trek.
Bageswar was the second halt in the second day journey in the pilgrimage to Kailash Manas Sarovar in 1994.
Links
The following websites offer useful information on Bageswar.
1. Uttarakhand Govt. Tourism on Bageswar