Munsiyari is a comely hamlet situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state, nestled in the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas Munsiyari offers splendid vistas of natural beauteousness. This scenic hill station is perched at an altitude of 2298mts above sea level. Munsiyari literally translated means place with snow, and is also referred as Little Kashmir.
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It offers stunning views of snow-capped higher Himalayan ranges. Panchachuli is a group of five peaks and is the star attraction at Munsiyari as they look like chimneys and are amongst the gorgeous treasure trove among the 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 and is popular with high altitude trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as this place are the base of Milam, Ralam and Namik Glaciers.
It was a previously 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 little paradise of Kumaon.
Namik Glacier Trek: The Namik glacier is situated on Kumaon Himalayas near the villages of Gogina and Namik in Pithoragarh district. It is at an attitude of 3,600mtrs. Route of Namik Glacier Trek lies on an ancient Indo-Tibet trade route. This stunning glacier is surrounded by the biggest peaks like Nanda Devi (7,848 m), Nanda Kot (6,861 m), and Trishul (7,120 m). There are a number of waterfalls originating from here. Namik Glacier is the source of Ram Ganga River. This place is 40Kms away from Munsiyari.
The Panchchuli peaks are a group of five snow-capped Himalayan peaks lying at the end of the eastern Kumaon region in the Pithoragarh district. 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.
Munsiyari is a small hamlet situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Being a popular trekking base camp, there are quite a few accommodation options at Munsiyari. However, one has to realize that Munsiyari is not a tourist destination but a trekker’s delight. Hence, there are only budget guesthouses available with limited amenities. One can also camp at Munsiyari if traveling with camping equipment.
Finding a proper restaurant that serves different cuisines and delicacies would not be possible at Munsiyari. At best, one can find roadside food stalls and local restaurants serving North Indian cuisine and popular Chinese items like noodles, momos. Some local dhabas may also serve authentic Kumaoni cuisines.
The toy town of Munsiyari falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet. Munsiyari is adorned at the entrance of the Johar Valley, extending along the path of Goriganga River to Milam Glacier, which is also its source. Earlier the region was inhabited by Shaukas or Bhotiyas, a semi-nomadic group who used to trade with Tibet. However, the business stopped in 1962, when the border with Tibet was sealed. As the region was not susceptible for agriculture, the natives were forced to migrate to other places.
As per the Hindu mythology, the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata commenced their final journey to heaven from Munsiyari. It is said that the five enormous peaks of Panchachuli, represents the five 'chulhas' or stove where Draupadi cooked the last meal for her five husbands.
Munsiyari is rich in diverse flora and fauna. It is home to a large number of Rhododendrons, Pine and Deodar trees, Birds like Wagtail, Raven, Falcon, Monal, Himalayan griffon, and serpent eagle can be besotted 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.
March to April: The entire forest area turns red with rhododendron flowers, with the snow-capped Himalayas distinctly visible makes it an awesome site well worth visiting.
The Best months to visit Munsiyari are: March, April, May, October, November
Munsiyari is famous among tourist as Hill station and trekking destinations.
Munsiyari is recommended destination for Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Munsiyari is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Base Camps (Trek), Emerging Destinations, Hill Station, Trekking.
Plan for Popular Winter treks of Uttarakhand - Kedarkantha Trek, Har ki Dun, Kuari Pass Trek, Chopta, Deoriatal, Brahmatal Trek.
Last Updated: 06 Sep 2023
