Munsiyari is a scenic hill station up on an altitude and one must visit. Its in a district called Pithoragarh of Uttarakhand. Its about 2,298 meters above sea level. 320km section in the Himalays is part of the Kumaon ranges. It is located right in between the river Sutlej and Kali.From Alphines to its serenity it has the best tourist spots to visit.
The pristine and natural surroundings include the mighty Panchachuli peaks.The peaks are in the Kumaon Himlayas and gives mesmirisng views.
Munisyari is also called the “Little Kashmir” as it has tulip gardens, which are an Eco Park center. These tulips are at a high altitude and are a sight to see, with the Panchachuli ranges, which is a wow. It has become a popular destination for trekking, nature tourism, and adventure activities. Meadows, serene spaces, and snow-capped mountains are an ideal getaway for nature explorers. The hill state of Uttarakhand is also a gateway to the Johar region. Munisyari is also known as “ Place with Snow”.
It’s become the fastest-growing tourist spot. You will also witness the Goriganga River, which is a source of the Milam Glacier.
For Mountaineers and trekkers its a place to be as it has many glaciers and higher altitude mountains. Trekkers and mountaineers assemble here and treat it as a base camp before they walk up towards the Milam, Ralam, and Namik Glaciers.
It’s at the very start of the Johar valley. In ancient times, it was the salt route from Tibet.
Shauka’s of Munisiyari
The indigenous community of the Shaukas and Bhotiyas, also known as Johari, resides in the valley. They are expert weavers and use traditional ways to make wool products. You can pick the Thumlas (blankets) and Chutakas. In the early years, they were elite traders between India and Tibet. They use natural dyes in great artistic ways. They are experts in high-altitude farming and sun-dried mutton and meat preservation techniques.
Indigenous, as a tribe, they practise Hinduism. They worship Goddess Nanda Devi.
They celebrate the Nandastami festival to honor Goddess Nanda Devi and sister Sunanda. The festival lasts for 4 -5 days. It is celebrated annually in September.
You can be part of this yearly procession filled with folk music and dance with idols. Visit the trade fairs and seek the blessing of the Goddess. It is also a form of Maa Parvati and Durga. It is believed that the goddess returned to their mother’s home.
Festivals you must attend in Munsiyari
Along with this, you can also experience Kumaon culture and their heritage at the annual Munsiyari Mahotsav with some great traditional folk music and artistic handicrafts. Up on the top of Khaliya, you can witness Holika Dahan. The Himlayan Adventure Fest, the Rajula-Malusahi play, and other fests like Ghughutiya and Makar Sankranti.
You come across them as very warm, traditional, and have deep roots of hospitality.
You can live with them locally in their homestays and experience their warm culture. These homestays give you nice cozy rooms apt for the weather, feed you with some traditional shauka meals, and guide you through local spots and places where you can see the beauty of Munisiyari.
This dense forest has lush green trees, a huge and diverse number of birds, flowers, and animals. You will be lucky to see some Whistling thrush, wagtails, hawk cuckoo, falcons, serpent eagle, leopards, mountain bears, and musk deer.
Colorful in vegetation, you will see some landscapes that are so real and Insta-friendly. It is inhabited mainly by the Shauka people.
Snow-capped peaks are visible from the Khaliya Top. Surrounded by whites and the clear skies with its shades of blues is a key attraction for many. It’s about 3,500 meters.
The best view is here, as you will get to have a 360-degree view of the Kumaon Himlayas. You will get to see Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, and Rajrambha peaks.
The beauty of Munsiyari comes from the ancient belief that the Pandavas were on their final journey to heaven from Munsiyari. Due to unfavourable climate, the Agriculture here is never too developed. Hence, the east of Munsiyrai is deserted as people migrated to other parts.
There are beautiful glaciers to visit, but they are all treks, so it’s better to opt for them if you like climbing. Munsiyari is a base for a lot of treks. Let’s look at some cool places you can summit from here.
Milam Glacier is a humongous glacier in this region, about 4,250 meters high. It’s a source of the Goriganga River.
Ralam Glacier is at the base of the Great Himalayan wall. It’s 15 km long and has 2 parts, upper and lower. It takes about 13 days to complete this moderate yet difficult trek.
You will get a great view of Nanada Devi peak. Also, Nanda Kot is a mountain peak that’s outside Nanda Devi, and it’s a god’s adobe and a sacred form of the Hindu Goddess Parvati. It is also known as the Pindari Kanda.
The most beautiful view one can witness is of the Trishul peaks thats 1,2,3.
Whereas Namik is another offbeat glacier one must go to. It’s a source to the Ramganga river. The area is famous for its natural sulphur springs and waterfalls.
You can explore places like Betuli Dhar, Madkot, Birthi Fall, Kalamuni Pass for Kali Mata temple, Thamari Kund, and Maheswari Kund. April to June and September to October are good times to visit.
How to come to Munisyari – If you like a train ride, then the nearby stations are Tanakpur and Kathgodam. From there hop onto a taxi and drive through the green and lush road reaching the Kumoan ranges. Pantnagar airport is also nearby, so fly from your city here. There are good Volvo and local buses from Patnagar, Kathgodam, to Almora and Bageshwar to connect to Munisyari.
