Munsiyari
"Looking for a trip in MUNSIYARI, Here your search ends."
The name 'Munsiyari' means a 'place with snow'. Munsiyari is a tehsil and a town located in Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district within the hill state of Uttarakhand in India.
Located at an altitude of 2, 200 meters above the sea level amidst snow capped Kumaon Himalayas; Munsiyari is relatively a new discovery, now in the list of some of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Wedged in between the borders of India, China and Nepal, this exotic destination was restricted from being opened for full scale tourism until recently.
Munsiyari is a paradise for the nature lover. The forests that clothe the lower reaches are stunningly attractive with colorful mountain vegetation that includes besides others, rhododendrons. This dense Himalayan forest is home to a variety of birds and animals such as whistling thrush, wagtail and hawk cuckoo, falcon and serpent eagle, and leopard, mountain bear and the musk deer.
Munsiyari offers breathtaking view of snow capped higher Himalayan peaks. Panchuli quintuplets that look like five chimneys are amongst the gorgeous treasure trove of magnificent peaks that are clearly visible form Munsiyari.
Situated on the banks of river Goriganga, Munsiyari is fast becoming a much sought after tourist destination. The mountaineers and glacier trekkers have already made Munsiyari a popular base camp for their expeditions.
Munsiyari lies on the entrance of Johar valley and falls en route the ancient trade route between from Tibet. The Johar valley extends along the path of the Goriganga River to its source at the Milam Glacier. This picturesque valley near Munsiyari is inhabited by Shauka people (called Bhotiyas by other locals).
How to Reach Munsiyari
Munsiyari by Air:
Nearest Airport is Naini Saini at Pithoragarh (128 Km) or Pantnagar airport. :
From Delhi one has to take NH24 to Rampur via Hapur Bypass, Gajraula and Moradabad Bypass and from there, NH87 to Almora via Bilaspur, Rudrapur, Haldwani, Kathgodam, Ranibagh, Bhowali, Khairna and Sualbari From Almora a state highway will lead to Bageshwar via Takula. From Bageshwar taking a state road, one will reach Chaukori via Vijaypur from where another state road will lead to to Munsiyari via Thal and Ratapani.
Munsiyari by Railways:
Nearest Railhead is Kathgodam (319 Km).
Munsiyari by Road:
By Road, the base camp of Munsiyari is well connected with major destinations like Delhi (612 Km), Nainital (288 Km) and Kathgodam (261 Km).
Best Time To Visit munsiyari
Munsiyari’s climate is mild and pleasant with an average maximum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.
Summers: The best time to visit Munsiyari is during the summers - between March and June. The maximum summer temperature in Munsiyari is 24 degree Celsius. Light woollen clothing should suffice during the summer.
The monsoon season in Munsiyari is a preferred time among adventure-seekers. However, this is not the best time to visit as travelling, and sightseeing in Munsiyari are quite difficult during this season owing to the heavy rainfall and landslides. The maximum monsoon temperature on record is 15 degrees Celsius.
The winter season is for tourists who want to witness and experience snowfall as the entire area is covered by snow during this time. Heavy woollen clothing is essential to protect yourself against the biting cold.
Munsiyari Attractions
Munsyari is the name of a town and a tehsil in the Pithoragarh District in the hill-state of Uttarakhand, India.It lies at the base of the great Himalayan mountain range, at an elevation of about 2,200 m (7,200 ft) and is a starting point of various treks into the interior of the range.
Birthi falls
It is a picturesque cascading waterfall surrounded with verdant colors. Birthi Falls is falling down from 126mts of height. It is an ideal spot for tea and lunch breaks. It is located 35kms before Munsiyari.
Darkot
Darkot is a small picturesque hamlet situated 6kms from Munsiyari on Madkot road. If you are discerning shopper then do buy pashima, shawls and sheep wool blankets from here. The old artistic houses of Darkot represent the rich culture and creativity of the people of Kumaon.
Thamari Kund
It is a ravishing natural lake surrounded by alpine trees and paper trees. Musk Deer can be easily spotted at this place.
Nanda Devi Temple
An easy 3km stimulating trek from Munsiyari will take you to Nanda Devi Temple. This sacred shrine holds immense importance amongst the local people o Munsiyari.
Maheshwari Kund
It is also known as Mehsar Kund by the locales. According to myths and legends a Yaksha used to like in this small lake. The Yaksha fell in love with the Sarpancha's daughter. Angry sarpanch and other peoples of the village dried the lake to avenge upon him. Yaksha cursed the village after this incident and Munsiyari suffered with drought for a long time until they came to to him and apologized. This ritual practice is even continued today. Maheshwari Kund is just a few kilometers walk from Munsiyari. This spot is now a pond offering panoramic vistas of nature. Panchachuli peak can be seen from here.
Betulidhar
Betulidhar is a large garden full of Rhododendrons. It is an ideal skiing slope in winters. The sunrise and sunsets of Betulidhar showcases beautiful hues of nature.
Jauljibi
It is located 66kms from Munsiyari at a picturesque location. Jauljibi is located at the confluence of the two important rivers of Kumaon region, Goriganga River and Kali River. A fair is held at this place in the month of November which attracts people from different places. The people of Nepal also visit this place during this fair as the river holds immense importance for them.
Adi Kailash
Milam Glacier located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand near Munsiyari is one of the popular trekking expeditions in the region. There are many places to visit see of tourist interest in Munsiyari like: Birthi Falls, Adi Kailash(6191 mts) located in Indian Territory close to the Indo- Tibetan border.
Dandeshwar Temple
Situated slightly upstream from the Jageshwar temple complex, the Dandeshwar temple complex is in a dilapidated condition. The stone lingam is a natural rock, and, unlike the lingams of the Jageshwar complex, is not carved.The Dandeshwar temple complex is in a dilapidated condition.
Kalamuni Temple
Kalamuni Temple is a sight seeing place about 10 km from Munshiyari. Apart from temple, the view of Himlayas from Kalmuni Top is gorgeous. On the way to Munsiyari one has to cross this pass which is 9500 feet and temple of goddess Kali Maa the temple is very good to visit where we saw Naga sadhu's and statue of founder Maharaj.This place is very cold.
Khaila Top
Khalia Top trek is an easy trek and considered best beginners’ trek. Khalia trek provides you an opportunity to experience the Himalayan flora, fauna & pristine Himalayan outdoors. Located near small town of Munsiyari in Pithoragarh district of (Kumaon region) Uttarakhand.
Milam Glacier
Milam Glacier is about 28 km long, biggest glacier of the Kumaun, Uttarakhand. It originates from the slope of Kohli and Trishuli peaks and situated on the south facing slope of the main Himalayan range. Milam Village which is located near the glacier is one of the highest villages in the Himalayan range.
Namik Glacier
Located on the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of 3,600 mtrs, the Namik Glacier is the most nostalgic place in the world surrounded by the major peaks like Nanda Devi (7,848 m), Nanda Kot (6,861 m), and Trishul (7,120 m). The presence of number of waterfalls and Sulphur springs originating around this glacier is the most refurbishing attraction of the area.
Ralalm Glacier
Ralam is a beautiful glacier located in Munsiyari tehsil of Pithoragarh district within Kumaon region of the hill state of Uttarakhand in India. This magnificent glacier is situated at an elevation of 2, 290 meters above the sea level near Ralam Dhura at Ralam Khal.
Glaciological features of Ralam are divided into two - Upper Ralam and Lower Ralam.