MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| MUNSIYARI |
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| Nainital guide >>> Munsiyari travel guide and tourist information
on Munsiyari, how to get to Munsiyari, also details on sightseeing in Munsiyari, best time
to visit Munsiyari and accommodation in Munsiyari |
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A vista of perfectly pointed peaks, most of
them looming over 20,000 feet, greets you as you drive up to Munsiyari, a new
"discovery" in the Kumaon Hills of Uttaranchal. The drive is breathtaking, with
splendid mountains and valleys waiting to be unmasked at every bend. Till recently,
Munsiyari was a restricted area in the Himalayan Inner Line, wedged in between the borders
of India, China and Nepal. Restrictions have now eased, placing Munsiyari on the trekking
map of the Kumaon Hills. The forests in the lower reaches are ablaze with rhododendrons in
spring. |
Mountain birds like the whistling thrush,
wagtail and hawk cuckoo, falcon and serpent eagle live here. The odd leopard, panther,
mountain bear and the musk deer has also made its home in the Munsiyari jungles.From
Munsiyari you can see a treasure trove of gorgeous peaks, especially the Panchuli
quintuplets that look like five chimneys. The legendary Pandava kings are said to have
cooked their last meal at Panchuli before ascending to heaven. The entire Kumaon area is
steeped in epic history and the sacred mountains of the region symbolize ancient heroes
and Gods in their various avatars.
The River Mahakali and its tributaries Goriganga, Ramganga and
Dhauliganga plot a course through the Kumaon mountains to merge with the Ganga in the
plains. The thin ribbon of Goriganga flows by Munsiyari, draining the 18
km long Milam glacier and merging with the Balati glaciers and the Panchuli snowfields.
The valley of the Gori is a trekking paradise and there are a number of fabulous treks
from Munsiyari to Milam, Namik and Ralan glaciers and through the narrow Johar valley that
traces an ancient trading route to Tibet. Inner Line trekking permits are required and if
you are joining a professional trek group, they will arrange the permits for you.
Jeep safaris take you to Madkote (22km), Baneanani and Jauljibi (66 km), past some
spectacular mountain scenery and waterfalls like the Birthi Falls (31 km). The Balati Farm
is a popular trek from where you can get a magnificent view of the snowy Himalayas, and
Maheshwari Kund is a serene lake surrounded by marshes that are teeming with life. The
Goriganga is wonderful for river rafting. In winter, the alpine slopes of Khaliatop and
Betulidhar in the higher reaches offer some splendid skiing opportunities.
Come and discover the brilliance of Munsiyari for yourself!Getting to Munsiyari
Munsiyari is 612 km from Delhi and 261 km from Kathgodam, the nearest railhead
and major transport junction for the Kumaon Hills. Buses and taxis are available from
Kathgodam. There is a small hill airstrip at Naini Saini in Pithoragarh, 128 km from
Munsiyari. If you are driving in from Delhi, Nainital, 330 km is a convenient place to
break journey. It is a further 288 km to Munsiyari from Nainital. The roads are decent;
Almora and Bageshwar are the two main halts where you can refuel your gas tanks.
Best time to visit Munsiyari
The months of March to June and mid-September to October are splendid for visiting
Munsiyari and for trekking. The monsoon months from July to early September are best
avoided. The summers are mild- light woollens and rain protection is needed. Snow
protection and heavy woollens are called for in winter.
Accommodation in Munsiyari
Besides a KMVN Tourist Rest House and PWD Inspection Bungalow, Munsiyari has a few private
hotels, resorts and campsites with Swiss-cottage tents. Milam village and other halts on
the trekking routes have basic accommodation such as PWD Guest houses.For further
information, contact Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited, Oak Park, Nainital, Tel
5942-236209, 236356. Fax 5942-236897. |
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