From Delhi
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 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 Jaulijibi (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.
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