Pithoragarh District, with its entire northern and eastern boundaries being international, holds great strategic significance. It is a politically sensitive district along the northern frontier of India. Being the last district adjoining Tibet, it has tremendous strategic importance as the passes of Lipulekh, Kungribingri, Lampia Dhura, Lawe Dhura, Belcha, and Keo open out to Tibet.
The breathtaking beauty of Pithoragarh — Himalayas, wide expanses of grassy meadows, perennial streams roaring down zig-zag courses, a stupendous variety of flora and fauna, and pure, unsullied nature — beckons visitors into a charmed world of virgin beauty.
Following the Chinese aggression, on 24th February 1960, a sizeable section of Almora district was carved into Pithoragarh district, making Pithoragarh town its headquarters. On 15th September 1997, Champawat Tehsil, previously under Pithoragarh, was carved into a separate district, Champawat.
The Pithoragarh town is located at a height of 1645 meters above sea level. The district lies between 29.4° to 30.3° North latitude and 80° to 81° East longitude, along the eastern and southern parts of the central Himalayas, with the Indo-Tibetan watershed divide to the north and the Kali river forming a continuous border with Nepal in the east.
Pithoragarh district is surrounded by Almora, Champawat, Bageshwar, and Chamoli districts, covering an area of 7,217.7 sq. km.