Munsiyari

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Munsiyari Tourism - Munsiyari Travel Guide

Munsiyari is a comely hamlet situated in the Pithoragrh district of Uttarakhand state, previously known as Uttaranchal. Munsiyari is nestled in the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas affording splendid vistas of natural beauteousness. Munsiyari is perched at an altitude of 2298 mts above sea level.

Munsiyari means place with snow, and also referred as Little Kashmir.

Munsiyari offers stunning views of snow capped higher Himalayan ranges. Panchachuli is the star attraction as they look like chimneys and are amongst the gorgeous treasure trove of magnificent peaks of Nandadevi, Nandakot, Rajarambha and mountains of Nepal Himalayas. The Virgin environs of the valley offers breathe taking views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Munsyari is famous for its picturesque beauty and trekking excursions. Munsiyari is popular with high altitude trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as this place is the base of Milam, Ralam and Namik Glaciers.

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.


(View of Panchachuli Peaks from Munsiyari)

The Panchchuli peaks
The Panchchuli peaks are a group of five snow capped Himalayan peaks lying at the end of the eastern Kumaon region, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand state, India. The peaks have altitudes ranging from 6,334 m to 6,904 m. They form the watershed between the Gori and the Darmaganga valleys. Panchchuli is also located on the Gori Ganga-Lassar Yankti divide. The group lies 138 km from Pithoragarh.

Flora and Fauna in Munsiyari

Munsiyari is rich in diverse flora and fauna. It is home to Rhododendrons, Pine and Deodar trees, Birds like wagtail, raven, falcon, monal, Himalayan griffon and serpent eagle can be sotted in Munsiyari region. Leopard, Himalayan bear, fox and musk deer have made their home in the altitude jungles of Munsiyari. The view of the Panchachuli peaks from Munsiyari is enchanting.

People in Munsiyari: Munsiyari is mainly inhabited by Bhotias also known as Shaukas. People in Munsiyari worship Goddess Nanda Devi.

History of Munsiyari
It is said that the Pandavas had set out for their final journey to heaven from Munsiyari. 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.

Earlier the local of Munsiyari region led led semi-nomadic lives actively engaged in trade with Tibet across the difficult Himalayan passes. It is inhabited mainly by the Shauka people (referred to as Bhotiya by the non-Shaukas), who are its original natives. The Shauka people are the main inhabitants of this place.

The locals were suddenly found without a viable livelihood when the border with Tibet was sealed in 1962 and the trade stopped completely. Agriculture has never been too developed here on account of the unfavorable climate. Most of them were therefore forced to migrate. The villages of Milam, Burfu etc., to the east of Munsyari, are largely deserted today

Shopping in Munsiyari
You can buy some fantastic hand-woven carpets or Himalayan tree saplings.

Best time to visit Munsiyari

March to April: the entire jungle turns red with rhododendron flowers with gardens, with snow capped himalayas makes it an awesome site well worth watching.
The Best months to visit Munsiyari are: March, April, May, October, November

(Munsiyari during snowfall)

Weather in Munsiyari

Summer in Munsiyari: starts from March till June. This is also the season when tourists can enjoy a clear view of high peaks, with all the trekking routes open for tourists.
Monsoon season in Munsiyari: starts from June till mid September. Travelling and sightseeing during monsoon can get difficult due to heavy rain falls and landslides.
Winter in Munsiyari: starts from November till mid March. Whole area will be covered with sheets of snow, this time is favourable for honeymoon couples or adventure tourists for skiing and other snow activities.

Monthwise Average Temprature in Munsiyari
March, April, September & October: 15 to 25 degrees on most days.
May and  June: 20 to 30 degrees on most days.
July and August: 15 to 25 degrees on most days.
November, December, January, February:  - 12 to 20 degrees on most days. Snowfall expected late december to early februrary.