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About
Munsiyari |
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Munsyari is the name of a town and a tehsil in the Pithoragarh
District in the hill-state of Uttarakhand, India. It lies at
the base of the great Himalayan mountain range, at an altitude
of about 2,200 m and is the starting point of various treks
into the interior of the range.
Munsiyari refers to a 'place with snow'. It is situated on the
banks of Goriganga river, it is a fast growing tourist
destination, and mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high
altitude trekkers and nature lovers generally 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 the Milam Glacier. It is inhabited mainly by the
Shauka tribe. The town is surrounded by snow capped peaks,
with a key attraction being the trekking route to Khalia Top.
Best time to Visit Munsiyari and for trekking at Munsiyari is
from March to June & September to October, One should avoid
Monsoon period to visit Munsiyari, light woolens are required
in summers and heavy woolens are required in winters. |
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Location of Munsiyari |
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Munsiyari is located at an elevation of 3853 Metres above Sea
Level, in Uttarakhand State, India, Munsiyari is located about
650 Kms from National capital Delhi and 125 Kms from Pithoragarh,
Drive to Munsiyari from Pithoragarh is full of beautiful scenes
and falls and one can enjoy change of floara and fauna by
gaining heights, One can see chir trees to Deodar , to Surai, to
Spur to Paper to rhododendrons, There is a midway village named
Nachani , One can enjoy cool breeze on higher mountains with
amazing view of Panchachului, one can have food , stay places at
Nachani, Namic glacier which originates Ramganga is situated at
Nachani only, While going for onwards journey one can see many
water falls, sulphur springs, and beautiful Vrithi fall (water
falls from 410 mtrs),.
Munsiyari is a new discovery as a tourist place in Uttarakhand ,
till recently Munsiyari was a restricted area in Himalayan inner
line wedged in between borders of India , China & Nepal,
restrictions have eased now, It has placed Munsiyari on tourist
map.
Visiting Munsiyari is totally a different experiance, In springs
lower reaches forest are blazing with rhododendrons forests,
Mountain birds like whistling thrush, wag tail, hawk, cuckoo,
serpent eagle, falcon are found here, Wild animals like Musk
deer, Mountain bear, Leopard and Panther are found in Munsiyari
Jungles.
One can see Panchuli Peaks which look like as five chimneys,
River Goriganga flows by Munsiyari and drains at about 18 kms
long Milam Glacier and combines with Balati Glaciers and
Panchuli snowfields, Valley of Gori has several trekking routes
and it is known as trekkers paradise, Some treks are very famous
like trekk to Milam, Namik Trekk, Ralan Glacier trekk etc.
Permits are required for Innerline treks.
Jeep Safaries are way to reach Madkote which is about 22 kms far
away, Baneanani and Jauljibi (66 kms), onway you can see amazing
views of mountain scenery and waterfalls, Birthi Falls (31 kms),
Balati Farm is a popular trek where one can find beautiful views
of snowy Himalayas and Maheshwari kund is a serene lake which is
surrounded by marshes teeming with life. River rafting can be
done at Gori Ganga , In winters Alpine slopes of Khaliatop and
Betuldhar provide skking options. |
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Trekking Routes |
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Milam Glacier
Munsyari is the point from where the trek to Milam glacier
commences :
• Munsyari (2200 m) to Lilam 12 Km (P.W.D. Rest House)
• Lilam (1810 m) to Bagudiyar 13 Km -----
• Bagudiyar (2450 m) to Rilkote 12 Km -----
• Rilkote (3350 m) to Burfu 9 Km -----
• Burfu (3450 m) to Milam 8 Km (P.W.D. Rest House)
• Milam (3500 m) to Milam Glacier 5 Km
• Total route 59 Km
Ralam Glacier
• Munsyari to Lilam Patan Gaon 15 Km
• Patan Gaon to Sophiya Udiyar 15 Km
• Sophiya Udiyar to Ralam 15 Km
• Total Route 45 Km |
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Tourist Attractions around Munsiyari |
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Patal Bhuvaneshwar
Patal Bhuvaneshwar/Bhubneshwar is a holy pilgrim cave
which is situated in the Pithoragarh district of
Uttarakhand. The holy cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva
along with the thirty three Crore Devi – Devtas (demigods)
of the Hindu religion. It is said that worshiping at the
mysterious cave which is equivalent to worshiping at the
Char – Dhams. The cave is about 95 km from Munsiyari. The
cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from the point of
entrance. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which
leads to a number of caves. Limestone rock formations have
created various amazing stalactite and stalagmite figures
of various hues and forms.
Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh city is the headquarter of the Pithoragarh
district. The city is about 127 km from Munsiyari via
Munsiyari – Thal road and Thal – Muvani road. The town is
set in a valley which is generally known as “Soar” (root
meaning is Cool) and lies in the centre of four hills
Dhwaj, Kumdar, Thal Kedar and Chandak and extends in the
southern side to Jhulaghat separated by the Kali river
adjacent to the barren peaks of Nepal Hills.
Kausani
Kausani is known as ‘Switzerland of India’, the name given
to Kausani by Mahatma Gandhi, is suffice to explain the
perfect beauty of the hill station. Nature has blessed
kausani with beautiful landscape, the stimulating and
enthralling views of the Himalayan peaks; and a hygienic
climate.
Bageshwar
Bageshwar town is the administrative headquarter of the
Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand. The sacred place is
located at the convergence of the Rivers Gomti and Saryu.
The town is famous for some Hindu temples present here.
Most of the temples were built in around 10th century.
Bagnath temple (a shrine dedicated to lord Shiva) is
visited by thousands of devotees every year. The distance
between Munsiyari and Bageshwar is about 98 km via
Munsiyari – Thal Road.
Birthi Falls
It is a scenic cascading waterfall with luxuriant colors.
Birthi falls is falling down from 126 mts of height . it
is an ideal spot for tea and lunch breaks. It is located
about 35 kms before Munsiyari.
Maheshwari Kund
It is also known as Mehsar Kund by the locales. According
to myths and legends a Yaksha used to live in this small
lake. The yaksha fell in love with the Sparancha’s
daughter .Angry sarpanch and other peoples of the village
dried the lake to punish him . Yaksha cursed the village
after this incident and apologized this ritual practice is
even continued today . Maheshwari kund is just a few
kilometers walk from Munsiyari. This spot is now a pond
which offers panoramic views of nature. Panchachuli peak
can be seen from here.
Darkot
Darkot is a small scenic village which is situated about 6
kms from Munsiyari on madkot road. The old artistic houses
of Darkot represent the rich culture and creativity of the
people of kumaon.
Betulidhar
Betulidhar is a large garden full of Rhododendrons.It is a
perfect place for skiing slope in winters. The sunrise and
sunsets of Betulidhar showcases beautiful shades of
nature.
Thamari Kund
It is a ravishing natural lake which is surrounded by
alpine trees and paper trees. Musk Deer can be easily
spotted at this place.
Nanda Devi Temple
An easy 3 km stimulating trek from Munsiyari will take you
to Nanda Devi Temple. This holy shrine holds immense
importance amongst the local people of Munsiyari.
Jauljibi
Jauljibi is located at the confluence of the two important
rivers of Kumaon region, Kali River and Goriganga River.
It is located about 66 kms from Munsiyari at a scenic
location. A fair is held at Jauljibi in the month of
November which attracts people from different places. The
people of Nepal also visit this place during this fair as
the river holds immense importance for them. |
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How To Reach Munsiyari |
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By
Rail
There are two nearest railway stations to Munsiyari which are
Tanakpur and Kathgodam. The distance between Tanakpur and
Munsiyari is about 218 kms and Kathgodam is located at a
distance of 217 kms from Munsiyari. To reach Almora, Pithoragarh,
Bageshwar and Munsyari taxis are availed at the both rail heads.
Tanakpur and Kathgodam are linked with other big cities all over
India.
By Road
Munsiyari is also connected by road with cities in Uttarakhand
and with Northern Indian cities too. Tourists also have another
option of road ways. Buses are reachable from ISBT Anand Vihar
to Champavat, Tanakpur, Almora, Haldwani and so fort places from
where pilgrims can hire cabs and reach Munsiyari comfortably.
From Kumaon district as well taxis and buses runs to Munsiyari.
By Air
The nearest airport to the Munsiyari town is Pantnagar airport.
The Pantnagar airport is located in the beautiful hilly
destination of Nainital. Pantnagar airport is situated at a
distance of 249 kms from Munsiyari in the state of Uttarakhand.
From Pantnagar airport taxis are easily hirable to many cities
of Uttarakhand state like Pithoragarh, Almora, bageshwar as well
as Munsiyari too. On a daily basis flights are run to Pantnagar.
Pantnagar is a domestic airway which operates around the country
but the other side it is Delhi International airport. There is
Naini Saini airport also in Pithoragarh but not better than
Pantnagar. |
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