Pandav Fort, also known as Pandav Kila, is a historic site located in Kuti village in the Byans Valley of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Situated at a high altitude in the Kumaon Himalayas, this ancient place is closely linked with the legends of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and holds great historical and spiritual importance.
According to local belief, the Pandavas and their mother Kunti stayed in this region during their period of exile. The fort consists of old stone ruins and a small cave-like passage that visitors must bend to cross, adding to the mysterious charm of the site. Kuti village, one of the last settlements on the Adi Kailash route near the Indo-Tibetan border, carries deep mythological connections.
The fort is surrounded by the Pandav Parvat mountain range, which features five similar peaks symbolizing the five Pandava brothers. The area is home to the Bhotia community, known for preserving their traditional lifestyle, culture, and cuisine. Pandav Fort is an important halt during the Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra and is also a favored destination for trekkers and adventure lovers seeking untouched natural beauty and cultural heritage.