Munsiyari
Munsyari is situated in Pithoragarh, the easternmost hill district of Uttarakhand, bordering Tibet, which is known as the 'Little Kashmir'. The region is a paradise for the nature lovers and adventurous souls. One can have the breathtaking view of the Himalayan peak, Panchchuli from here. Munsyari is the base for the trekkers to Milam, Ralam Glaciers and Nanda Devi peak. A fast developing centre for skiing and other winter sports.
A fairly big & developed Himalayan township at an altitude of 2,298 mtrs. with a population of nearly 1,00,000. Inhabited by the Shanka nomadic tribes from time immemorial, it lies in the trade route to Tibet.
Munsyari, is at the base of the great Himalayan mountain range, and is a starting point of various treks into the interior of the Himalayas. Its name, when translated, refers to a 'place with snow‘. Situated on the banks of Goriganga river. it is a fast growing tourist destination, Glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. Munsyari 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 Milam Glacier.
Munsyari is at a distance of 135 kms from Pithoragarh and 200 kms. from Almora. It‘s the gateway to the Johar region of inner Himalayas.
How to Reach
- Air : Pithoragarh has an airstrip, Naini Saini. But it‘s not a regular airport.
- Rail : Nearest railhead is Tanakpur (286 kms.).
- Road : Connected by good network of roads, With all the important centres in the region.
- Pithoragarh : 135 kms.
- Lohaghat: 197 kms.
- Champawat : 211 kms.
- Tanakpur : 286 kms.
- Almora : 200 kms.
Where to Stay (STD Code - 05961)
What to see
Munsyari is ideally located for the experience of high altitude trekking to various glaciers and it‘s the base camp for Nanda Devi.
There are long treks in the surrounding countryside, following the treks are past birch, walnut, juniper and rhododendron trees. There are a number of bugyals, the rolling lush green high altitude meadows.
The newly developing skiing locations are Khaliya Top and Betuli Dhar.
Madkot : Known for it‘s hot water springs with curative effects.
Birthi Falls : Another attraction, 33 kms. away from Munsyari.
Dharchula : On the banks of river Kali, an important route to Kailash Mansarovar.
Narayan Ashram : Established in 1936 by Narayan Swami, at the height of 2,734 mtrs., It‘s a renowned spiritual and socio-economic centre in the region.
Beyond Munsiyari
Milam Glacier : The base camp for Milam Glacier is Munsyari (2298 mtrs.) in Pithoragarh district. From Munsyari the trek to Milam is mostly downhill along the Gori Ganga river. Enroute, Bugdiyar to Rilkot is a thickly forested area from where the land opens into the Gori Ganga valley. After crossing the Gori Ganga river and below Burfu village, one gets an uninterrupted view of Nanda Devi and Hardeol peaks right up to Milam Glacier. The Milam Glacier summit at 3553 mts. is the nodal point for different high grade routes and peaks. The main peaks are Hardeol (7151 mtrs.), Burphudhura (6148 mtrs.) and Kalabulanddhura (6215 mtrs.).