Demographics
As of the 2001 census, Dharchula had a population of 6424. Males constitute 54% of the population and females, 46%. Dharchula has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Male literacy is 80% and female literacy is 69%. In Dharchula, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Dharchula is mainly inhabited by the Rung tribe known for its dynamism, resilience and culturally rootedness.It has its own unique culture and the members of this tribe feel proud of their rich heritage. Rung Kalyan Sanstha is an institution which binds together the entire Rung community. Dharchula has the Rung Community School.
The town is situated in a beautiful valley at 915 m elevation and is 83 km far from its district headquarter, Pithoragarh. The way from Pithoragarh to Dharchula is alongside the Kali River and is a 3 to 3.5 hour journey. The chief modes of transportation available are private jeeps and state government buses. However, reaching Pithoragarh itself from the plains is a tiring journey. One can reach Pithoragarh from either Haldwani or from Tanakpur (both towns situated on the foothills of Himalayas in the Uttarakhand district).
Haldwani is a city near Bareilly (in UP). From Haldwani, one can take either private jeeps or state government buses. The journey to Pithoragarh is of around 8 hours. Generally the private jeeps and buses run from Haldwani only till around 11 a.m. as it's quite dangerous to drive at night in the hilly tracks. The road is quite good and there are quite a many good Dhabas (small restaurants) midway. However, the landslides in the rainy season (July–September) make the travel a bit dangerous and inconvenient.
Tanakpur can be reached from Lucknow or Bareilly by an overnight train journey, the modes of transportation from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh being same as from Haldwani to Pithoragarh. However, the distance from Tanakpur to Pithoragarh is shorter and takes approximately 6 hours. Although the roads towards this side of the hills have more curves and can create nausea, the journey to the town provides the travelers the magnificent sightseeing opportunity of the grand Himalayan peaks.
Dharchula has a KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) rest house. Dharchula is the base camp for the Kailash Manasarover Yatra and Aadi Kailash Yatra. Situated on the bank of the river Kali, Dharchula has the unique distinction of having a marine drive along the Kalli river.
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