Munsiyari Travel Guide
Munsiyari, a precious gem embedded in the crown of the Kumaon Hills, is beautiful for its serenity and untouched landscape. Munsiyari is the sub-division headquarters in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district and is often compared to Kashmir for its natural beauty.
At 2298 m, this picturesque hill station offers a breathtaking view of the Panchachuli Peaks, which include Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Munsiyari, in addition to being an ideal destination for nature lovers, is also a destination for those seeking adventure in the Kumaon Hills.
Aside from trekking on less-traveled paths and viewing scenic views, an adventurer at heart can enjoy skiing and even go on an exhilarating Snow Leopard Trek in the winter season. This must-see travel destination is also known as the ‘Gateway to Johar Valley,’ which is extremely beautiful and home to famous explorer Nain Singh Rawat.
Our Munsiyari travel guide is jam-packed with information on the best places to visit and amazing things to do, making it a must-have for anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Munsiyari
Munsiyari is best visited between March and June, and then again between September and October. The temperature is pleasant during these months, with October being a beautiful month to witness the various shades of the fall season.
Summers
Monsoon
Winters
Winters in Munsiyari are bitterly cold, with temperatures as low as -3°C. If the sky is clear, the temperature rises to 15°C during the day, keeping the day hours relatively warm.
Places to visit in Munsiyari
Munsiyari is a paradise for nature lovers who want to be surrounded by beautiful scenery. However, the location is also ideal for adventure seekers, who can enjoy the most during the winter season when the area is blanketed in snow and skiing and snow leopard sighting opportunities are at their peak.
1. Madkot
It is a hamlet located 22 kilometers from Munsiyari that is ideal for those interested in photography. Apart from its scenic beauty and diverse flora, Madkot is also known for its curative hot springs.
2. Birthi Falls
Birthi Falls is only 35 kilometers from Munsiyari and is easily accessible via a short hike. This waterfall is 400 meters above sea level and can also be reached via the Kalamuni pass.
3. Dharchula
Dharchula, another must-see destination in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, is a great reflection of the state’s rich and diverse culture. Dharchula, located in the Pithoragarh District on the banks of the Kali River, is well-known as a major stopover en route to Kailash Mansarovar and the Chhota Kailash Yatra. This small town is home to the Kumaonis and Bhotiyas, who together create a culture distinct from the rest of Uttarakhand. Dharchula is also quite scenic, which makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
4. Narayan Ashram
Narayan Ashram, founded in 1936 by Narayan Swami and located at a height of 2,734 meters, is a well-known spiritual and socioeconomic center in the region. Narayan Ashram is approximately 41 kilometers from Munsiyari.
5. Milam Glacier
Milam Glacier is 53.5 kilometers from Munsiyari and can only be reached by trekking along the Gori Ganga River. En route from Bugdiyar to Rilkot, there is a densely forested area where the land opens up to the Gori Ganga Valley.
6. Chaukori
Chaukori, a lesser-known hamlet with a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks, is everything a nature lover looks for in a vacation destination. Chaukori, located at an elevation of 2010 m above sea level in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Region, is a paradisiacal destination that has retained its rustic charm. It is a wonderful vacation destination known for its numerous Hindu temples, excellent opportunities for nature photography, and tranquil surroundings that can provide immense peace of mind.
7. Trekking
Munsiyari is famous for its 53.5-kilometer trek to the Milam glacier. When traveling to the glacier, you can see the Nanda Devi and Hardeol peaks as you cross the Gori Ganga River and the Burfu village.
8. Skiing
Hotels in Munsiyari
Munsiyari has a handful of hotels, however, camping here is an ideal thing to do. The best accommodation for the tourists will be in the Pithoragarh. One can luxuriate in the cozy ambiance and relish hospitality offered in the town of Pithoragarh.
The morning bliss can really be captivating when you look out from your room and witness the view of the hills. From 3-star to 1-star, all of them come up with decent amenities and best in class experience. Camping is also a possibility in Pithoragarh and places around where the open sky is filled with stars and the surroundings are adorned with beautiful Himalayan ranges are perfect spots.
How to Reach Munsiyari
Munsiyari is well connected by road to its neighboring towns of Pithoragarh, Lohaghat, Champawat, Tanakpur, and Almora. It is obvious that the best way to get here is by car.
