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Jauljibi Fair: a border market where the Kali meets the Gori
Traders cross a swaying footbridge from Nepal to a fair where two rivers meet
Jauljibi Fair (Jauljibi Mela) is a trade fair on the India–Nepal border in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, held where the Gori river flows into the Kali. It was started in 1914 by the Rajbar of Askot, and traders and visitors from both banks still come for wool, spices, Nepali honey and ghee, music and dance. Dates: 14–24 November 2026 (expected); the opening day is fixed, and the Pithoragarh district administration announces the programme in early November.
The opening day is fixed; the Pithoragarh district administration announces the programme in early November.
The legend
Jauljibi sits where the Kali and Gori meet on the Nepal border, and for over a century a suspension bridge has joined the bazaars of two countries.
The trade fair was started in 1914 by the Rajbar, the zamindar, of Askot. It was where the Shauka, Nepali and Kumaoni worlds met.
Goods from Tibet passed through it to the plains until trade with Tibet ended in 1962. Today it is the whole region's fair.
Customs
Wool and honey
The stalls carry local woollen crafts, and traders from Nepal still bring honey, ghee and asafoetida.
Both banks
For a week both banks of the Kali come alive, as people come to trade and for music, song, dance and food.
What you find at the fair
Jauljibi is a small bazaar town in Dharchula tehsil, and the fair takes over the Jauljibi Mela Ground by the confluence. The Ministry of Tourism's portal counts more than 150 stalls: woollens and winter garments, herbs, spices, metal utensils and everyday goods, alongside a development exhibition with agricultural produce, local handicrafts and Khadi. Traders from Nepal still bring honey, ghee, asafoetida and shilajit, and Shauka traders deal in wool and spices. Entry is free.
For about a week both banks of the Kali fill with people who come to trade and for the music, song, dance and food. Next to the fairground stands the old Jwaleshwar temple, which gives the fair a religious side as well.
A crossroads of three worlds
Jauljibi sits where trade routes once met: from Nepal to the east, from Askot to the west, and from the Johar pass to Tibet and the Darma valley to the north and northeast. The fair started in 1914, when the Rajbar, the zamindar, of Askot founded it, and it became the place where the Shauka, Nepali and Kumaoni worlds met. It began largely as an animal fair, and goods from Tibet passed through it to the plains until trade with Tibet ended in 1962.
A suspension bridge over the Kali has joined the bazaars of the two countries for more than a hundred years. It has been rebuilt several times: until a permanent bridge went up in the 1960s, a temporary one was put back each November after the monsoon floods. Today it is the whole region's fair.
How to reach Jauljibi
Jauljibi is a remote corner of Kumaon, and the journey is the main planning task. By the Ministry of Tourism's figures it is about 65 km from Pithoragarh, the district headquarters and the nearest major town; the nearest railway station is Tanakpur, about 211 km away, and the nearest airport Pantnagar, about 305 km. Dharchula is about 28 km to the north, so the fair also makes a stop on the road there.
Jauljibi stands on the international border with Nepal. No official source on crossing the bridge was found for this page, so it gives no rule here: ask the Indian authorities before you plan any crossing. Some border areas of India need special permits, and permit rules can change, so before you go further up the valley towards Tibet, check the current rules with the Pithoragarh district administration.
Pair it with
Kumaon's other big fair is the Uttarayani Fair at Bageshwar in January. In the Chaudans valley of the same district, the Rung people hold the Kandali festival once in twelve years, when the kandali shrub flowers.
FAQ
In which district is Jauljibi located?
In Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, in Dharchula tehsil, on the border with Nepal at the confluence of the Kali and Gori rivers.
When is the Jauljibi Fair held?
Every November: 14–24 November 2026 (expected). The opening day is fixed; the district administration announces the programme in early November.
Who started the Jauljibi Fair?
The Rajbar (zamindar) of Askot, in 1914. It grew into a market for trade between Tibet, Nepal and the plains.
What can you buy at the Jauljibi Fair?
Woollens and winter clothes, herbs, spices, metal utensils and local crafts; traders from Nepal bring honey, ghee, asafoetida and shilajit.
How far is Jauljibi from Pithoragarh?
About 65 km. The nearest railway station is Tanakpur (about 211 km) and the nearest airport Pantnagar (about 305 km).
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 22 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.