Forti is an unusual name for a village in Uttarakhand. It would also have remained nondescript but for the fact that you get an unobstructed view that will show you a large swath of the Himalayas. This quaint village has a lovely Siva temple with a large surrounding friendly terrace that offers a good view of the mighty Himalayas.
It is said that Lord Shiva’s abode is Kailash in Himalayas. A local told me in jest that this is the reason why Himalayan ranges are visible from this Shiva Temple. So there you are. Come up from Lohaghat through the tree shaded road that snake through the hill. As you enter the village through a narrow village road you will be surprised to see a beautiful modern and expensive looking ‘home stay.’
You will not probably give the ‘home stay’ a second look. You are here to look at the Himalayas as unseasonal fog has reduced your chances of good photography elsewhere. You will climb up the stairs to the temple after removing your footwear, ring the two bells on the courtyard and hurry to the Lord with a prayer in your lips before proceeding to the large terrace. You will look north to see in the first place, the Himalayas for which you have come all the way.
You will immediately see the outline of Rama and Gunna peaks on the Indian side. On Nepal side Api. Byas and Rikhi. The entire range is about 330 kms as the crow flies from where you are standing with your camera or the latest smartphone. As the morning progresses, you will have your fill of Clicks. In the clear morning light the range will look less than 300kms away. But you will wish you could go still near. Photo shoot over, it will be time for you to pack up for a well earned coffee or breakfast or both at Lohaghat.
Some facts:
The total geographical area of village is 308.3 hectares. Forti has a total population of 828 peoples. There are about 175 houses in Forti village. Lohaghat is nearest town to Forti which is approximately 5km away. There is a home stay which I understand has excellent facilities. You can have a respectful look at Advaita Ashrama at Mayavati which is just about 3.5 km away. Keep in mind that as it snows from late November to February and rains from June to August, these months are to be avoided.