Things To Do
in Tanakpur

Spiced, sautéed local potatoes tossed with red chili, coriander and garam masala; commonly available at dhabas and home kitchens.

Must-Try!

Lentils made from horsegram (gahat) — hearty and protein-rich, often served with rice or rotis in traditional Kumaoni meals.

A regional sweet made from roasted khoya coated with sugar 'balls' — sold at sweet shops and market stalls in Kumaon towns.

A typical mixed plate with rice, dal, seasonal vegetable sabzi, roti and achar — affordable and filling at roadside eateries.

Central marketplace with fruit stalls, spice vendors, small sweet shops and hot snack carts; try samosas, pakoras and fresh chaat here.

Cluster of small stalls and dhabas near the bus and rail station offering quick meals, chai, and fried snacks favored by travelers.

Remove shoes and cover shoulders/knees at temples; follow local customs during aarti and accept prasad respectfully. Photographs inside sanctums may be restricted—ask first.

Use Namaste or a simple hello; dress modestly in public spaces and avoid loud or confrontational behavior. Be courteous when bargaining in markets and accept a firm but friendly tone.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders. Some communities may be sensitive about images—respect refusals without argument.

Tanakpur is near the Nepal border—avoid discussing sensitive political topics and respect border signage and restricted areas.

Tipping is modest and discretionary: round up bills at restaurants or leave 5–10% for good service; small tips (20–50 INR) for porters, guides and drivers are appreciated. Temple helpers and cleaners may accept small donations; always give directly and respectfully.

Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used—carry small denominations for markets and transport. ATMs are available in town but can be limited; UPI and popular mobile wallets are increasingly accepted at shops and some restaurants, but connectivity can be patchy in smaller vendors.

Hot and humid in the lowlands (April–June). Concrete town temperatures can be high; early starts for outdoor activities are advisable. Carry sun protection, light breathable clothing and stay hydrated.

June–September brings heavy rains in the region; roads to hill trails can be slippery and occasionally blocked by landslides. Expect lush scenery and fewer tourists but plan for travel delays and bring rain gear.

November–February are cool to chilly—mornings and nights can be cold, especially on higher ground. Clear skies often reward visitors with excellent views of distant peaks; pack warm layers.

March–April and October–November are the most pleasant times to visit with mild temperatures, clear views and comfortable trekking conditions—ideal for sightseeing and photography.

The nearest regional airport (approx. 100–150 km depending on route) with limited flights; reach Tanakpur by bus or taxi in a few hours. Good for connecting from Delhi or regional hubs.

Bareilly is a larger regional transport hub with flights and rail links; road travel from Bareilly to Tanakpur takes several hours by bus or taxi.

Major international gateway (~350–450 km depending on route) with many connecting options by train or bus to Tanakpur; best option for international arrivals.

Smaller airstrips exist in the Kumaon region (seasonal or limited service) — useful when available but often require further road travel.

Local Kumaoni-speaking people form the majority in nearby hills and contribute cultural traditions, language and cuisine.

Tanakpur’s immediate surrounding plain areas include mixed communities engaged in agriculture, trade and fishing along the river.

Proximity to the Nepal border means some Nepali traders and cross-border families live and work in the area, creating a mix of cultural influences.

Large numbers of pilgrims and seasonal tourists pass through Tanakpur for temple visits and hill excursions, especially during festival seasons.

Vegetarian options are widely available—dal, sabzi, rice and rotis are staple fare. Ask for no-onion/no-garlic variants if needed and prefer vegetarian-only dhabas to avoid cross-contamination.

Vegan choices are available but limited; stick to rice, dal (confirm ghee usage), vegetable sabzis cooked without butter and fresh fruits. Communicate requirements clearly in Hindi/English.

Rice-based dishes are safe; avoid wheat rotis, parathas and some street foods. Confirm preparations as many curries use wheat-based thickeners or fried snacks may share oil with wheat items.

Stick to freshly cooked, hot food and bottled/boiled water; carry oral rehydration salts if you have a sensitive stomach and avoid raw salads from unhygienic stalls.