Thal Kedar is a sacred temple of Lord Shiva near Pithoragarh situated at a hilltop. The temple is situated at a distance of 16 kms from main Pithoragarh town. It is an important religious place famous for its scenic beauty and holy Shiv Linga. According to Himalayan geologists, the dolomite rock (Shiv linga) is approximately 1000 million years old equal to that of Maa Vaishno Devi. Every year on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, a large fair is held at Thal Kedar that attracts large number of devotees here. The holy temple lies at the top of 8300 feet high mountain of Soar valley in Eastern Kumaon Himalayas.
For a long time, Thal Kedar temple is centre of faith and devotion. Several generations like Dhondu Pant, Nana Sahib, Peshwa Baji Rao try to built it again and again. People still have devotion towards Thalkedar temple, so the development work goes on continuously. There is a plan to construct a guest house and dormitory at a distance of 200mts from the temple so that the devotees can stay there, specially during the occasion of Maha Shivratri Parv.
Thal Kedar can be reached by trekking from Pithoragarh, Nakuleshwar Temple and Aincholi. Travellers have to go through a narrow path, surrounded by dense forest. From the Thal Kedar, over 700 kms of scenic snow clad mountains can be seen which includes Badrinath, Trishul, Nandadevi, Punch-Chuli and Api-Nampa.
The Thalkedar temple is located approximately 16 kms from the main city of Pithoragarh. The 8 km distance can be covered by motorable road and the remaining 8 kms have to cover by a trekking route through dense forest. The nearest rail head is at Tanakpur and has some major passengers trains. Pithoragarh is 138 kms from Tanakpur, one can either hire a taxi or board a bus for Pithoragarh.
