Askote: History, Temples and Nature in the Wider Travel Region

Askote can be explored through several themes: Askot was once the capital of the Pal rulers, Hilljatra is known in Askot in the modified form of Hiranchital, and the Mallikarjun Mahadev Temple is associated with religious traditions. The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is also located in the wider travel region. For planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between the two: local history, culture and temples relate to Askot; the sanctuary and its trekking routes belong to the regional level. This can help you decide whether to choose Askote mainly for its historical and religious themes or also consider the nature and trekking opportunities in the wider travel region.

History and the Name Askot

Askot was once the capital of the Pal rulers. The history of its name is also linked to this period: Askot was initially called Assikot; an explanation published in 2020 connects this name with the 80 forts under the Pal rulers. This brings together two historical points of reference: its former role as a capital and a traditional interpretation of the place name. Together, they offer both a political and an etymological perspective on Askot’s history.

Religious Traditions at the Temple

The Mallikarjun Mahadev Temple in Askot is associated with two religious traditions. According to religious tradition, the Shiva Lingam is believed to have manifested itself and to be a form of Mallikarjun, one of Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas. A local legend tells of a luminous object that flew from the summit of Shikhar Hill in Nepal to the temple near Askot’s Dharamshala area; a special conch and an extraordinary bell are said to have appeared there. The two traditions emphasize different things: the first places the Lingam in a religious context, while the legend recounts an event involving light, a conch and a bell.

Hilljatra in the Hiranchital Form

The modified form of Hiranchital known in Askot adds a distinct cultural perspective to the history of the Pal rulers and the religious traditions associated with the temple. This makes it possible to distinguish the historical, religious and festival-related themes of Askot.

Nature and Trekking in the Wider Travel Region

The Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, is located in the wider travel region. The sanctuary is known for its efforts to protect the endangered musk deer; trekking routes run through the area. The sanctuary’s elevation is given as 5,412 feet above sea level. This figure refers to the sanctuary, not to Askot’s town center. Here, nature conservation and trekking offer different perspectives on the same area: conservation efforts focus on the endangered musk deer, while trekking routes run through the sanctuary. The sanctuary thus complements Askot’s local stories and religious themes with a regional perspective.

Discover more destinations: Milam, Pithoragarh, Gangolihat, Munsyari

Back to the wider travel overview: Pithoragharh.