The transhumance route of Pithoragarh: A cultural route?

•Six fundamental features of cultural routes are identified.•Transhumance route of Pithoragarh is a local route with transnational significance.•The route transported people and ideas from the highland of Tibet to the Gangetic plain.•The route disseminated ideologies of Hinduism and Buddhism.•Fairs and festivals are significant vehicles for the transmission of knowledge.