About Munsiyari: Walking In The Lap of Mountains 

Munsiyari is surrounded with undulating vegetation and has certain mesmerizing views. It is located in Uttarakhand. It is a snow capped village present in the snow peaked place Pittoragarh, it is snowbounded for most of the year and has beautiful show capped views. In this article, we will discuss the beauty of this place, the best time to visit it, things to do and more.

Overview of Munsiyari

Munsiyari is a cluster of revenue villages, the whole territory is named as Munsiyari Tehsil and Sub Division in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It has an unspoiled terrain bounded by himalayan peaks. Here you can see the sunrise from and set behind the jagged peaks every morning and evening. Munsiyari is a local term for snowy locations.

It is a hill station which lies in the base of the himalayan region, with an elevation of  about 2,00 m (7, 200 feet) and is a starting point of various treks into the interior of the range. Many families are dependent on forest and natural resources for their livelihood. It is a fast growing tourism site near the GoriGanga river and mountaineers. There are Panchkuli peaks enhancing the beauty of the Munsiyari and the starting point for treks to the Ralam and Milam Glaciers, as well as the Nanda Devi Peak.

History of Munsiyari 

It is said to be the place from where the pandavas started their journey to heaven. 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. Munsiyari is located on the ancient salt route that connected Tibet to the plains of India. Traders would travel this route to exchange salt, herbs, and other goods. 

• Shauka people: The Shauka people, also known as Bhotiya, are the original inhabitants of Munsiyari. They have played a key role in shaping the identity of the town. 
• Pandavas: According to legend, the Pandavas set out from Munsiyari on their final journey to heaven. 
• British colonial era: During the British colonial era, Munsiyari was a gateway for expeditions into the Himalayas. It became a base for explorers, researchers, and mountaineers. 
• Border closure: In 1962, the border with Tibet was seal, which stopped trade and forced many Shauka people to migrate. The villages of Milam and Burfu to the east of Munsiyari are now largely desert. 

Location of Munsiyari Uttarakhand 

Munsiyari is well linked with Uttarakhand and some parts of Northern India. Hence, you can visit Munsiyari by train, road or flight. If you want to visit the location by bus, you can avail a bus from Anand Vihar ISBT. From here the buses go to Champavat, Almora and Tanakpur from where you can rent a cab or taxi for your way to Munsiyari. Taxis are also available from Kumaon to Munsiyari. It is a long journey from Delhi to reach this location. Hence a stop in Vijaypur, Chaukori, or Almora is recommended. A bus can also be taken from Pithoragarh, 135 kilometers away from Munsiyari.

You can also reach Munsiyari by train. The nearest railway station to this location is Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km). These are 2 of the most robust train routes that connect them to various cities and town locations. You can get buses or taxis to hire from this location to reach here.

If you want to reach here by flight; the nearest airport in Pithoragarh, it is not an actual airport. Air India Regional flies to and from Pantnagar Airport regularly. The Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi is the closest airport to this location with a rough distance of 652 kilometers. It is well know for connecting it to various international countries and major cities. 

Things to do in Munsiyari

Here are some things to do in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand:

• Visit attractions: See the Panchachuli Peaks, Khaliya Top, Birthi Falls, Maheshwari Kund, and Nanda Devi Temple. 
• Go on a trek: Munsiyari is a base for challenging treks. The 6–7 km trek to Khaliya Top is a popular choice. 
• Explore nature: Visit Thamri Kund, a nature and wildlife area that’s accessible by a short 3–4 km trek. 
• Learn about history and culture: Visit the Tribal Museum, which showcases Bhotiya culture. 
• Visit a temple: Visit the Kalamuni Temple or the small temple dedicated to Ma Kali. 
• See a hot spring: Visit the Madkot Hot Water Springs. 
• Visit a historic walking area: Visit Darkot, a village 6 km from Munsiyari. 
• Experience winter: Visit in winter (December–February) to experience the snow-covered landscape. 

Munsiyari is a popular destination for mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers, and nature lovers. 

Munsiyari Temperature: Best Time To Visit 

The ideal time to visit this location is between March and June and September to October to experience the best nature. In January, the weather is mild in the morning, but from the evening the temperature starts getting cold hence it is recommend to take warm clothes by the travelers. As a result it is recommend to visit locations between March and April.

The weather here is pleasant throughout the summer. It is recommended to tourists to visit Munsiyari in the summer if they want to get a picture-perfect clear view of the peaks and various hiking possibilities. 

Winter starts from November to Mid-march, during this period the entire area is blanketed in snow. It is a dedicated spot for couples and honeymooners in winter. During winters, you can enjoy skiing and various other mountain sports here. During monsoons, this area has a high risk of heavy rains and landslides. Thus, we don’t recommend visiting here in this particular time range. 

Famous Restaurants and Cuisines of Munsiyari  

Munsiyari, a small town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, is home to a stronghold of Bhutia culture and tradition. Here are some popular restaurants in Munsiyari:

• Vijay Mount View Restaurant: Located on Thal Road
• Apna Bhojnalaya: Located on Munsiyari Madkot Road
• Kanchana Bhojnalay: Located in Munsiyari
• Igloo Restaurant: Located on Thal Road Sarmoli
• Mehta Bhojanalya: Located on Tehsil Road Ranthi
• Priya Restaurant: Located in Munsiyari
• Marizane Cafe & Restaurant: Located on Nanda Devi Path Munsyari
• Bugyal Restaurant: Located in Munsiyari
• Gori Ganga Restaurant: Located on Munsiyari Madkot Road
• Mud House Kitchen: Located near Bus Stop Crossing Munsiyari 

Some other popular dishes from Uttarakhand include: Rabri, Khadi or jhwāi, and Arsa. 

Munsiyari Camping Ideas 

It serves as a very popular place for trekking and other camping activities. Thamri Kund trek offers a much easier trek for people. People can also enjoy sightings of various endangered bird species near the Goriganga river and enjoy the scenic view on the river bank and natural wildlife. Here are some of the trekking options for you people, give a look at them: 

• Khaliya Top – Thrilling Trek With Amazing Views
• Panchachuli Peaks – Encountering Snow-capped Himalayas
• Nanda Devi Temple – Paying Respect to the Oldest Temple
• Birthi Falls – The Thrilling Nature’s Waterslide
• Kalamuni Temple – The Serene Views from Verdant Hill
• Tribal Heritage Museum – It’s Time for a History Lesson
• Thamri Kund – The Miraculous View
• Darkot – The Tiny Hamlet of Munsiyari
• Madkot Hot Water Springs – Taking a Dip in Rejuvenating Pool
• Betulidhar – The Mesmerizing Flower Garden

Activities to do in Munsiyari 

There are many fun activities to do in Munsiyari, including trekking, visiting temples, and enjoying nature: 

• Trekking: Munsiyari is known as a trekker’s paradise. You can trek to the Milam Glacier, which is 7,065 meters below sea level. You can also trek to the glaciers of Panchua, which are dotted with small lakes. 
• Skiing: In the winter, you can ski on the Alpine slopes of Khalia Top and Betuldhar. 
• River rafting: You can go river rafting on the Goriganga. 
• Bird watching: You can spot around 324 bird species in the Gori River watershed. 
• Visiting temples: You can visit the Nanda Devi Temple, a major tourist attraction. You can also visit the Kalamuni Temple. 
• Visiting lakes: You can visit Thamri Kund, a picturesque lake that is home to a variety of fauna and trees. You can also visit Maheswar Kund, which is a beautiful place with a fascinating legend. 
• Visiting the museum: You can visit the Tribal Heritage Museum to see tribal artifacts from the Kumaun Region. 
• Nature walks: You can go on nature walks in the forests of Munsiyari. 
• Shopping: You can buy hand-woven carpets or Himalayan tree saplings. 
• Eating: You can try the local dish Kuka. 

FAQs 

Also Read About: Kailash Parvat: The Mountain Of Mystery As Well As Sanctity