Kumaun (aka Kumaon) is the little patch of the Himalaya tucked up where India, Nepal and Tibet all meet in a tangle of valleys, forests and icy peaks. Quite distinct both culturally and linguistically, it forms the eastern part of the state of Uttaranchal. The region has outstanding natural beauty and is regarded by the cognoscenti as the Himalaya at its finest. Surprisingly few foreign visitors make it to the area despite the many fine walking trails, hill stations, national parks and worthwhile mountaineering objectives. The region is extremely varied in climate and environment and rises from the steaming jungles of the planes, through cool forests and alpine meadows onto frozen polar wastes in only an afternoons drive. Uttaranchal (उत्तरांचल) became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000. ...

Nainital, is the tourist centre for the region and offers full banking facilities. Almora, is the cultural and geographic centre. Other district headquarters include Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Champavat. Nainital is a district in the state of Uttaranchal, India. ... Almora is the cultural and geographic centre the Kumaun region, approximately 80km north of the railhead at Kathgodam. ... Pithoragarh is a Himalayan town in Pithoragarh District of Uttaranchal state of India. ... Bageshwar is a town in Uttaranchal state of northern India. ...