Location: Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand in IndiaMunsiyari is a quaint hamlet situated in one of the uppermost part of Kumaon region in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state. Located in the base of the great Himalayan range, Munsiyari hill station is perched at an altitude of 2200mts above sea level. Munsiyari is also written as Mansiari and Munsyari.
The word Munsiyari refers to a 'place with snow'. Munsiyari is situated on the banks of Goriganga River and it is getting popular as a tourist destination. Munsiyari is an ideal destination for mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers, adventurers and nature lovers. It acts as a base camp or hub for the adventurers trekking to glaciers and lakes. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley.
The region is mainly inhabited by Bhotias (Tibetan tribes). Munsiyari was a previously a restricted area as it is wedged in between the borders of India, Tibet and Nepal. But Munsiyari is now emerging as a popular trekking destination and the government of Uttarakhand is also promoting this paradise of Kumaon.
The drive to Munsiyari is breathtaking with splendid mountains and valleys waiting to be unveiled at every bend. Munsiyari is rich in diversified flora and fauna. Rhododendron and deodar trees are found in abundant here. The region is home of leopard, panther, mountain bear, musk deer and other animals and birds. Invigorating view of Himalayan range is distinctly visible from Munsiyari.
Munsiyari received snowfall during winters and monsoon is not the best time to visit Munsiyari. Munsiyari is the base camp for the trekkers heading towards glaciers of Kumaon.
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).
Places to see in Munsiyari Betulidhar: It is a large garden of Rhododendron, the state flower of Uttarakhand. The sunset view from Betulidhar is very picturesque. You can buy Rhododendron juice from the garden of Betulidhar.
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.
Madkot: It is situated 22kms from Munsiyari. It is famous for natural thermal springs and it is believed that it can cure arthritic pains and skin eruptions.
Birthi Falls: It is a picturesque cascading waterfall surrounded with verdant colours, falling from the height of 126mts. Amenities and fast food centre is available in its premises. It is located 35kms before Birthi Falls. It is well connected with motorable roads.
Maheshwari Kund: It is also known as Mehsar Kund by the locales. According to myths and legends a Yaksha used to live 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 him and apologized. This ritual practice is even continued today. Maheshwari Kund is just a few kilometres walk from Munsiyari. This spot is now a pond offering panoramic vistas of nature. Panchachuli peak can be seen from here.
Didihat: Didihat is located 37kms from Munsiyari. Didihat is situated at an altitude of 1,725mts above sea level in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state. Didihat is rich in diversified flora and fauna offering captivating views of the verdant valley surrounded by attractive ridges.
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.
Dar KotDar Kot is a small village, about 6 Km from Munsiyari, en route Mad Kot. Here you can find 100 year old wooden houses with traditionally carved doors and windows. You can also buy authentic hand made shawls of Pashmina and Angora wool and sheep wool blankets.
Masterji's MuseumFondly called Masterji, Dr. S.S. Pangthi is a retired school teacher who is a trekker, traveler, author and an authority on Bhotiyas of the area. He has put together interesting antiques in a private museum at his residence in Nanasen village. Here one can have a look at the original documents, which enabled trade beween the Johar Valley and Tibet and the personal effects of the traders.
Living In Munsiyari Munsiyari though doesn't yet boast of five star hotels; comfortable boarding and lodging facilities are offered by a couple of private hotels, resorts, tourist guest houses and campsites with Swiss-cottage tents. Besides, while KMVN has a tourist rest house, the state PWD has an inspection bungalow in Munsiyari which can also be booked by the tourists.
Road to Munsiyari
How To ReachBy road, the base camp of Munsiyari is well connected with major destinations like Delhi (612 Km), Nainital (288 Km) and Kathgodam (261 Km). Nearest railhead is Kathgodam (319 Km) and 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.
