A priceless gem: Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. Its beauty is in the tranquility and untainted nature set in the crown of the Kumaon Hills. Munsiyari is sometimes compared to Kashmir for its natural beauty and is considered the sub-division headquarters in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand. The Panchachuli Peaks, including Nanda Devi and Nandakot, may be seen from this charming hill station, which is located at 2298 meters.
In addition to being an excellent place for nature lovers, Munsiyari is heaven for those looking for adventure in the Kumaon Hills. Travelers can go skiing or even on an exhilarating Snow Leopard Trek in winter.
This must-visit location is also known as the “Gateway to Johar Valley,” which, although less well-known, is incredibly picturesque and the residence of renowned explorer Nain Singh Rawat.
Munsiyari: History
In the early years, Shaukat, which traded with the Tibet region occupied this region. Later, this trade was stopped due to blocking borders between the two areas. People started migrating to other places.
Best Time To Visit Munsiyari
Visit Munsiyari from June to September. The weather is quite pleasant. Moreover, you must not visit here during the monsoon season as cloud bursts, landslides, and heavy rainfall are frequent. Also, if you wish to enjoy adventure activities, such as skiing and trekking, visit Munsiyari in the winter season (December-February).
Additionally, the maximum temperature in summer is up to 25 °C; in winter, it is low and ranges from 10 to -5 °C.
Food Guide for Munsiyari
You can find some delicious local food and international cuisine here. This is a village area, so potatoes, and soybean are famous vegetarian dishes. Apart from that, mutton is the most popular. You will find some of the following delicacies in Munsiyari:
- Mutton thali
- Khade masala ka mutton curry
- Bhang ki Chutney, and some other Kumaoni dishes.
How to Reach Munsiyari?
- By Air: The closest airport to Munsiyari is Pantnagar, 249 kilometers away. Traveling from the airport to the village is simple, thanks to daily flights from Delhi connecting there. Taxis are readily accessible outside the airport. The alternative is Pithoragarh’s Naini Saini Airport. However, there aren’t many flights available.
- By Train: The two closest rail hubs for reaching Munsiyari are Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km). These stations provide excellent rail connections to several major cities. Buses and taxis are available for hire outside the station to Munsiyari.
- By Road: A well-maintained road network connects Munsiyari to many important cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states. Regular bus service from Delhi and other states is provided by both public and private buses. Given the length of the trip from Delhi to Munsiyari, taking breaks along the way is advised before changing buses in Almora or Pithoragarh. A well-maintained road network connects Munsiyari to many important cities in Uttarakhand and neighbouring states. In addition, regular bus service from Delhi and other states is available (both public and private buses).
Why Choose Munsiyari?
The main reason for choosing this place is its heaven-like charm and glamour that majestically attracts visitors. This is also known as a trekker’s paradise. It is also the most picturesque place in Uttarakhand state.
Along with its enchanting beauty, you can enjoy trekking, skiing, river rafting, bird watching, and other such activities (details are mentioned later in this article).
Best Places To Visit In Munsyari
Although this place captures tremendously attractive sites, some places have more value. These include
1. Birthi Falls
This is a great waterfall and is a few km away from Munsiyari. This waterfall is more watchable in July and August, and you can easily access this place.
2. Madkot Village
This place is rich in vegetation and has scenic splendor for viewers. As this place is indulged in greenery, it becomes a great site for photography.
3. Panchachuli Peak
It is a series of 5 mighty peaks. These peaks lie at the end of the Kumaon region. These are Nandadevi, Nanda Kot, Raja Rambah and Nepal Himalayan peaks. The last meal in Mahabharata was said to be cooked at this place. Further, you can witness the sunrise and sunset from these peaks.
4. Chirkila Dam
This famous lake has excellent potential to produce electric power and is situated on the Kali River. It is essential because of fulfilling the energy requirements.
5. Betulidhar
This garden of beautiful rhododendron flowers attracts tourists with its unique fragrance and captivates them in its glory. The best time to visit this place is in winter.
6. Maheshwari Kund
Maheshwari Kund is only a short distance from Munsiyari. It is a stunning location. The area once experienced several years of drought because of a Yakshi’s curse, who used to reside in a tiny lake there.
The rite is still carried out today due to the villagers’ apology to the Yakshi for not allowing him to wed the sarpanch’s daughter and for draining the lake as retaliation. Today, however, one may find a pond that provides a breathtaking view of Panchachuli Peak and nature in its most unadulterated state.
7. Thamari Kund
This captivating natural lake is surrounded by abundant natural beauty and is ideal for resting. This area is rich in vegetation and is home to many Musk Deer, Alpine, and paper trees.
8. Khaliya Top
Khuliya Top is just 10 km from Munsyari. It provides a stunning perspective of the vast Himalayan peaks in the summer. Moreover, it is a great experience for even a novice hiker because the five prominent peaks, Panchachuli, Hardeol, Rajrambha, Nandakot, and Nandadevi, are easily visible from here.
9. Kalamuni Top
Kalamuni Top, 15 kilometres from Munsiyari on the route to Birthi, is 9500 feet tall. The area is well-known for its Kali Temple, devoted to the Naga God. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of Panchachuli Peak while surrounded by a vast pine forest.
10. Nanda Devi Temple
The Kumaoni culture almost usually associates all of the city’s monuments with Gods.
The Nanda Devi temple is the most recognizable example of a Kumaoni-style building. It is historically significant and, naturally, well-preserved. To the joy of all devotees of obscure myths, the Nanda Devi Fair, which dates to the 16th century, still occurs here every August.
11. Darkot
A small charming village 6 kilometres from Munisyari is a shopper’s heaven. The most well-known items available are pashmina shawls and sheep wool blankets.
Through its old aesthetic homes, one may also see the rich culture and workmanship of the Kumaon people.
12. Kalamuni Top
Kalamuni Top, 15 kilometers from Munsiyari on the route to Birthi, is 9500 feet tall. The area is well-known for its Kali Temple, devoted to the Naga God.
You can enjoy a breathtaking view of Panchachuli Peak while surrounded by a vast pine forest.
Famous Activities To Do in Munsiyari
Munsiyari offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing. If you’re an adventurer who prefers to get out rather than curl up in your plush bed, this is your go-to destination!
1. Trekking
Munsiyari is a well-known hiking location and the starting point for many well-traveled trails. The Khalia Top Trek, a 2-hour hike that rewards one with lush green meadows and signs of snow, and the Thamri Kund Trek, a much more modest and straightforward hike, are two of the more well-known treks in the area.
Several hotels organize these hikes and other adventurous activities, and you can purchase the necessary equipment at several local shops.
2. Skiing
Many people visit Munsiyari in Uttarakhand, particularly adventure seekers who enjoy skiing. It is well-liked by mountain climbers and hikers who use this location as a base camp because of its high elevation. Munsiyari has recently been transformed into a skier’s paradise. Skiing in Munsyari offers breathtaking panoramic and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. At that altitude, the fresh air is exquisite. Further, the beautiful Greater Himalayas can be experienced at its purest and closest at Munsiyari.
3. River Rafting
Many adventure seekers are drawn to Munsiyari by the raging Gori Ganga, which supports the heart-pounding white river rafting that is so popular there. Amateurs and experts can enjoy river rafting on the buoyant Gori Ganga River. Depending on the difficulty level, the river offers river rafting in grades I through VI.
4. Bird Watching
Numerous species can be observed in and around this location. This includes the Little Pied Flycatcher, Black Redstart, Streaked Laughing Thrush, Himalayan Woodpecker, Verditer flycatcher, Grey Winged Blackbird, Scaley Billed Woodpecker, and Black-lored Titare.
Nearby Destinations of Munsiyari
1. Chaukuri
In the Pithoragarh district of the Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand, India, among the majestic peaks of the western Himalayan Range, sits the hill town of Chaukori. Tibet is to the north of it, and Terai is to the south. The Mahakali River, which runs along its eastern edge, forms the international border between India and Nepal.
2. Dharchula
Dharchula is a town in the Pithoragarh district of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is 940 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains. The Kali River runs through the town, dividing it into two towns on either bank: India and Nepal.
3. Pithoragarh
In the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the Pithoragarh district, there is a Municipal Board in the Himalayan town of Pithoragarh. The biggest unplanned town in the Kumaon Hills is there.
Places to Stay in Munsiyari
1. Hardik Resort
Set in Chaukori, within less than 1 km of Chaukori and 8.4 km of Dharamgarh, Hardik Resort offers accommodation with a garden, free WiFi, and free private parking for guests who drive.
Price: Starts from INR 5000-6000 per night.
2. Milam Inn
The renowned Munsiyari neighbourhood is where Milam Inn is conveniently located. To ensure you have a nice time, the hotel offers a variety of conveniences and benefits. For the guests’ convenience, there is free WiFi in every room, WiFi in public areas, a parking lot, room service, and meeting space.
Price: Starts from INR 4000 per night.
3. The Misty Mountains
This hotel offers restaurant and luggage storage facilities in Chaukori with views of the mountains. Every unit with Himalayan views comes with a balcony that overlooks a garden. The lodge has a playground for kids.
Price: Starts from INR 5000-6000.
4. Gaurav Resort
Gaurav Resort offers lodging with a restaurant, free private parking, a garden, and a patio less than 1 mile from Chaukori. 8.3 km, 23 km, and 26 km separate the property from Dharamgarh, Bering, and Thal.
Price: Starts from INR 2000-3000 per person.
Conclusion
This place is lovely and has a lot to wander around. You can experience different things, from trekking, skiing, visiting high peaks, enjoying the snow, and experiencing village tourism. There is a diversity of animal and bird species due to green meadows and forests. So you can capture bird watching as well. It is also a wonderful place to take pictures and capture these memorable moments of life. Before traveling to this site, you can find details and the best travel guide by visiting your favourite blogs from Duniakagyan.
These places are an excellent choice for vacations.
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