Situated in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is a famous hill station. Also known as the ‘Little Kashmir’, the region is a paradise for the nature lovers and the adventurous souls. The place is famous for its picturesque beauty.
The star attraction of Munsiyari is Panchachuli a group of five peaks as they look like chimneys. Munsiyari is situated at an altitude of about 2,200 m (7,200 ft) and is a starting point of various treks into the interior of the range. In local jargon, the name ‘Munsiyari’ refers to a ‘place with snow’.
Situated on the banks of Gori Ganga river, it is a fast-growing tourist destination, and mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp.
This must-see travel destination is also known as the Gateway to Johar Valley, which though lesser-known, is extremely beautiful and is home to the famous explorer, Nain Singh Rawat.
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PLACES TO VISIT IN MUNSIYARI
1.PANCHACHULI PEAKS
Panchachuli, a group of 5 peaks & thousands of nature lovers visit here for the attraction of intimate views as if you can touch them if you extend your hands. On clear days a sunset along the Panchchuli is an awesome experience.
The peaks have altitudes ranging from 6,334 metres (20,781 ft) to 6,904 metres (22,651 ft). They form the watershed between the Gori Ganga and the Darmaganga valleys.
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2.MADKOT
Located 22 km from Munsiyari, Madkot is a great spot for those who want to indulge in photography. This hot water spring is located on the banks of Gori Ganga River en route Jauljibi – Dharchula.
Madkot is widely known for housing thermal springs that have healing powers that can cure any disease that inflates and pains the joints, muscles or fibrous tissues, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Madkot is blessed with scenic splendour, as it is rich in vegetation.
3.BIRTHI FALLS
The Birthi Water Falls is about 35 km from Munsyari and can also be approached from Tejam which is at a distance of 14 km from the falls. A visit to the Birthi Falls is mandatory from June to September. The gushing water makes one’s heart skip a beat and leaves one spellbound.
Birthi falls is a huge waterfall so it appears pretty clear from quite a distance. Fresh atmosphere, cool breeze, lush greenery, and all-natural environment are some key attractions of the waterfall region.
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4.DHARCHULA
About 93 km from Munsiyari is a place named Dharchula which is situated on the bank of River Kali and is an important town on the route to Kailash Mansarovar. , Darchula is a place with lots of scenic beauty.
Situated on the banks of River Kali on Indo-Nepal border, Darchula follows the same traditions, customs and lifestyle just like its counterpart in Nepal. A peaceful place adorned with very few attractions, Darchula is a good place to go only if you are looking for solitude or get away from tourists or city life.
5.MILAM GLACIER
Milam Glacier is the largest glacier of Kumaon covering an area of 37 square kilometres. Milam Glacier Trek is a gateway to explore the mystiques of Uttarakhand.
Milam Glacier is one of the remotest yet accessible glaciers of Uttarakhand. The trek to Milam Glacier offers a mesmerizing Himalayan view that takes one through valleys, waterfalls and pine forests.
6.CHAUKORI
A lesser-known hamlet that boasts a jaw-dropping view of the Himalayan Peaks, Chaukori is everything that a nature lover is looking for in a place for holidays. This beauteous village in Uttarakhand is particularly an allurement for those aspiring to sight the magnificent view of Himalayan Peaks like Nand Kot and Panchachuli.
Chaukori is covered with forests of deodar, pine and rhododendron and fruit orchards, and is indeed a perfect haven for numerous birds that make a great sight to catch.
7.NARAYAN ASHRAM
Narayan Ashram is a beautiful ashram perched deep inside the Deodar forests of northeastern Kumaon region in Uttarakhand.
The Ashram was established in the year 1936 by Narayan Swami which is situated at the height of 2,734 m, Narayan Ashram is a renowned spiritual and socio-economic centre in the region and is about 41 km from Munsiyari.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MUNSIYARI
Munsiyari enjoys excellent weather throughout the year. However, the best times to visit Munsiyari are during the summer and monsoon months. The summer is ideal for all outdoor activities and exploration. The winter is unique for being on the best times for visitors to go skiing in India.
