Dharchula is a town in Pithoragarh district in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India, situated at an elevation of 940 m above sea level, surrounded by peaks from all sides and Kali river cutting through the middle, dividing the area into two towns on either bank of the river - one in India and the other in Nepal. River Kali originates from Kalapani and forms the border between India and Nepal. People of the two towns have similar traditions, culture, and lifestyle, and can move across the border without a passport or visa. The area has a mixture of Kumaouni and Rung language, traditions and culture. They move freely across the river as Indians and Nepalis do not need passport or visa to cross the soft border. Dharchula lies about north of Pithoragarh town, along the route of the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage tour. Dharchula gets its name from ‘Darchyo’ and ‘la’; Darchyo is a white coloured traditional holy flag and la is an honorific term in Runglwo. It is situated in a valley, on the banks of the Kali River. The name of the town originates from the Runglwo words for Darchyo (White colored Holy Flag erected outside every house of local community traditionally) and la (an honorific term in local language) because earlier only the darchyo / white flags were visible when seen from far away. Demographics As of 2011, the population of Dharchula Nagar Palika (municipality) was 7,039 (3,797 males and 3,242 females), with a female sex ratio of 854 compared to the state average of 963. Children of 0–6 years represent 12.64% of the population with a child sex ratio of 824 compared to the Uttarakhand state average of 890. The literacy rate of Dharchula city is 88.68%, higher than the state average of 78.82%; literacy in males is around 95.10% and in females, it stands at 81.20%. The primary religion in Dharchula is Hinduism (46.5%) & Buddhism (45.5%), followed by Islam (7.61%), Christianity (0.67%) and Sikhism (0.17%). Dharchula is mainly inhabited by the Bhotiya tribe which has a unique cultural heritage. Rung Kalyan Sanstha is an institution which binds together the entire Rung community. Dharchula has the Rung Community School. The migrating villages, during winters would come down from the villages in the hills of the 3 valleys viz. Darma, Chaundas and Byans. Geography The town is situated in a valley at 940 m elevation and is