Munshiyari

 

Munsiyari which means ‘Place with Snow’ in the local language is situated on the banks of Goriganga River in Pithoragarh District of Utrakhand State in India. It is also said that Pandavas had set out their final journey to heaven from Munshiyari. Munsiyari is 125 kms from Pithoragarh and situated at an altitude of 2135 Mtrs. above sea level. Today it is a fast growing tourist destination. Mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley, which extends along the path of the Goriganga River to its source at the Milam Glacier. It is inhabited mainly by the Shauka people.Munsiyari is a paradise for the nature lover the thick forests line that lies over the lower reaches are stunningly attractive with colorful mountain vegetation that upgrades from chir to deodar, deodar to surai and spur to paper tree and 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 beer and the musk deer. 

Splendid mountains, stunning valleys and waterfalls waiting to be unmasked at every bend make the drive to Munshiyari truely inspiring and delightful. The best time to visit Munshiyari is March to April when the entire jungle become red with blooming Rodhodendron flowers that turns the entire jungle into a flower garden. The variety of Rodhodendron flowers with pink, red, white and darkish pink combing with ever colour changing snow clad Panchachuli Peaks creates a so delightful natural wonder that all the men made wonders looks meaningless.

 

What To See

 

Khaliya Top

Khaliya Top Trek is a beginner's delight. The trek offers panoramic views of the greater Himalayan ranges. Towering peaks of Panchchuli, Rajrambha, Hardeol, Nandadevi and Nandakot are clearly visible on this trail. The Khaliya Alpine meadows are surrounded with these snow laden peaks. When you set foot on the Top, the entire Himalayan ranges unfolds straight ahead in front of you. The summit of Khaliya is at 11500 ft. from sea level. In the summers camps are also organised by KMVN and other operators to stay on right top of the Khalia Summit.

 

Nanda Devi Temple

Nanda Devi Temple is one of the oldest Temples developed in ancient days. It is beautifully designed and decorated. People worship Nanda Devi Temple with great reverence for the bottom of their heart. A 3km stimulating trek from Munsiyari will take you to Nanda Devi Temple. It has stunning views of mighty Himalayas.

 

Birthi Water Fall

Birthi Fall 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 Munshiyari. It is well connected with motor able roads.

 

Thamari Kund

It is a ravishing natural lake surrounded by alpine trees and paper trees. Musk Deer can be easily spotted at this place.

 

Darkot

Darkot is a small picturesque hamlet situated 6kms from Munsiyari on Madkot road. Here you can find 100 year old wooden houses with traditionally carved doors and windows. The old artistic houses of Darkot represent the rich culture and creativity of the people of Kumaon. You can also buy authentic handmade shawls of Pashmina and Angora wool and sheep wool blankets.

 

Master Ji Museum / Tribal Heritage Museum

Fondly 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. 

 

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.

 

Maheshwari Kund / Mehsar 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.

 

Balati Potato Farm

At a height of 9000 feet this farm grows high yielding potatoes. Surrounded by lush green forests the farm has a magnificent view of the Panchchuli Peaks. A wonderful trek for all nature lovers.

 

Kalimuni top

On the way to Munsiary from Birthi Kalimuni top falls at 9500 feet is also the highest point on Munshiyari Road. It is 15 km from the Munsiary Township. The Kali temple here is very famous. The view of Panchachulli range from the kalimuni top is amazing.

 

Chokori

 

Chaukori is a Hamlet, surrounded by the towering Himalayan peaks and dense forests. At a height of 2,010 m, and 173 km away from Nainital and 100 from Munshiyari on Nainital Munshiyari road. It's for the very few, who want to be there, in the majestic proximity of the Himalayas for an unbound view of the Nanda Devi and Panchchuli peaks. If you are going to Munshiyari from Nainital or haldwani its convenient to have a halt at Chokori for a day.

Chaukori is one of the few places in Kumaon, where you will find tea gardens. As the name suggests, it's like a bowl, cupped within the Himalayan heartland. It is an idyllic holiday resort amidst unspoilt nature - a land bestowed with natural abundance, fruit orchards, and the forests of Pines, Oaks and Rhododendrons.

One of the most magnificent aspects of holidaying in Chaukori is the fabulous sunrise and sunset that you are treated to. The night sky is studded with a million stars that simply take your breath away. The charming little town of Chaukori is unlike any other hill station you have seen.

 

 

Trekking  

Munshiyari is known to be the Trackers Paradise, There are lot of treks originates from Munshiyari.

 

Munshiyari to Khaliya Top Khaliya Top (11500 ft.) is an easy 10 km trek from Munsiyari offering specacular views of the Greater Himalayan Ranges around the area.

Namik Glacier Trek Namik Glacier is 40 km from Munsiyari and situated near the villages of Gogina and Namik. The glacier can be reached by trekking from Bala village on Thal-Munsiyari road near Birthi Fall. The trek rute lies on the ancient Indo – Tibet rute on the banks of the Ram Ganga River. While trekking around the Namik Glacier, the trekkers are actually amidst the heart of the Himalayan wilderness surrounded by the greatest peaks. The trail passes through pristine villages with impressive local culture and ancient temples.

Milam Glacier Trek  It originates from Munshiyari the first halt on the trek is Lilum (14Km) Lilum to Bugdiyar (2Km), Bugdiya to Railkot (12Km), Railkot to Martoli to Milam Village (16Km) and finally Milam Village to Milam Glacier (6Km) . Milam Glacier starts from the hight of 3438 Mtrs. and 10 Km long, Milam Glacier is the source of Ramganga River.

Pindari Glacier Trek Trek to Pindari Galcier starts from Bageshwar which 120 Km before Munsiyari on the way to Munshiyari from Nainital or Kathgodam where trekkers reach and get assembled , Trekkers depart by road to Saung Trekking tour is completed via Saung, Loharkhet , Dhakuri Pass and Pindari Glacier. The Trek corsses Khati Village which is last inhabitate village in that region , Trek goes through Dwali , Phurkia and finally reaches Zero point at Pindar which is end point of trail, Most part of Pindari Glacier trek runs near Pindari river , Most part of Pindari river is hidden and visible after Khati. Pindari Galcier is located on edge of Nanda Devi Peak , Nanda Devi is world famous Himalayan peak and has height of 7816 Mtrs/ 25637 Feet. Nanda Devi Peak is also the highest Himalayan Peak in Indian occupied Territory.

Ralam Glacier Trek The Ralam glacier trek is a very tough and beautiful trek. It is 50km trek from Munshiyari road head. The main attraction of this treks are ralam and paton village, Damfu Bugyal and Ralam glacier. There are three glaciers meet in ralam glacier (kalabaland, sutela and yangchar glaciers). The maximum height of this trek is 3900m. Kalabaland is one of the beautiful glacier in this valley. The best time to come here is last week of April to last week of June and first week of September to first week of November. You must have 8-10 days for the trekking of Ralam glacier.

 

 

Munsiyari is located at a distance of 650 Kms from Delhi and 310 kms from Kathgodam Railway station, one can avail taxies from Delhi & Kathgodam for Munsiyari, One small hill airstrip is located at Naini Saini in Pithoragarh ( 130 Kms from Munsiyari), One can have a night stay at Nainital if coming from Delhi, Distance from Nainital to Munsiyari is 290 kms , roads are decent and one can full their diesel / Petrol tanks at Almora / Bageshwar.