munsiyari
Travel Uttarakhand Journal

“Munsiyari” – The Little Kashmir

Munsiyari is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand situated at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. This hill destination lies under the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand is famous worldwide for its enchanting atmosphere. Located at an altitude of 2200 meters, Munsiyari has become one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Most part of Munsiyari is covered with a thick sheet of snow, due to which this hill station is also known as ‘Mini Kashmir’ of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by mountains from all four sides, Munsiyari is an area bordering India, Nepal, and Tibet.

Munsiyari is known for being a repository of natural cleanliness as well as for its tough mountain structure. It is also the center of adventure tourism due to its difficult geographical structure. This place is the base camp for trekking to Namik Glacier, Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier as well as the starting point of mountaineering on Panchachuli and Nanda-Devi, etc.

Munsiyari can be a good option for the tourists who love visiting the beautiful Bugyals and the enthusiasts of mountaineering and trekking.

Places To Visit In Munsiyari

Birthi Fall

birthi fall

Birthi Fal is a very spectacular place located 35 km from Munsiyari. Birthi Fall is a waterfall and this waterfall is easily accessible by taking a short trekking journey from Kalamuni Pass. Birthi Fall is a waterfall beautified by dense forests located on Munsiyari Road. To experience the beauty of this panoramic view, every year, tourists from within the country and outside the country visit here.

Kalamuni Top/Temple

kalamuni temple

Kalamuni temple is of great importance in Munsiyari Yatra. This temple gives a religious touch to your journey. Situated at an altitude of about 2895 meters above sea level and located about 16 km from Munsiyari, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalika. It is an excellent place for mind-peace and positive spiritual power, as well as panchachauli can also be seen from here. You can visit the Kalamuni temple even while visiting Birthi Waterfalls. You can travel to Kalamuni temple by bus, taxi, or private vehicle.

Maheshwari Kund

maheshwari kund

Maheshwari Kund is located on Munsiyari Madkot Road, a short distance from Munsiyari town. Maheshwari Kund is a beautiful pond of great paranic importance. It is said that Yakshas used to reside here. Yaksha fell in love with a girl from here, but the villagers did not let them get married and the water was also dried at the place where Yaksha lived. Seeing this, Yaksha got angry and cursed the villagers that there would be a drought in the entire village. This is the reason why the villagers apologized to the Yaksha after facing the drought for many years, the drought ended. Being very close to Munsiyari, you can reach Maheshwari Kund in a very short time from Munsiyari.

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Thamri Kund

thamri kund

Thamri Kund is a beautiful lake situated amidst dense forests 10 km before Munsiyari. This pond also has religious significance. Sometimes when the rain is low in the area then the local people reach Thamri Kund and offer prayers for the rain. Thamri Kund is a center of attraction for trekkers and tourists due to the peace and freedom that lies at this place. A panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayan mountains can be seen from here. This place also falls on Munsiyari-Madkot road. A bus, taxi, or private vehicle is best for traveling to Thamri Kund.

Nanda Devi Temple

nanda devi temple munsyari

Nanda Devi Temple, one of the major scenic spots of Munsiyari, is located on Madkot road, 3 kilometers from Munsiyari. This temple is more than 1000 years old which is famous for its unique structure and beautiful Kumauni architecture. The Nanda Devi fair is held every year in the month of August at this place. The fair started in the 16th century, which is still intact today. Not only locals but also foreign tourists visit here a lot. Nanda Devi Temple is one of the best places to visit in Munsiyari to witness the beautiful views of the Himalayas and the Panchachuli mountain. After traveling three kilometers from Munsiyari on Madkot road, Nanda Devi temple can be reached by crossing the foot trek of about 200 meters from the main road.

Panchachuli Peak

panchachauli peak

One of the major tourist places of Munsiyari is the Panchachuli peak which consists of five peaks. This charming peak of Johar Valley is the pride of the Pithoragarh district. These five snow-capped peaks, ranging from 6334 meters to 6904 meters, attract tourists towards them. The distance of the Pithoragarh Panchachuli mountain base is about 138 kilometers. Mountaineers who travel from the east side to the Sona glacier and from the west side to the northern Balti glacier, travel to Panchachuli peak.

Tribal Heritage Museum

tribal heritage museum

Munsiyari is a tribal-dominated area. The tribals here are culturally high-class people. These people consider their lifestyle and heritage to be their pride, the Tribal Heritage Museum is an example of this pride of these tribals. This private museum located in the house of Surender Singh Pangati Ji of Nansain village, just 2 kilometers from the main Munsiyari town, is the result of his untiring efforts and his dedication to his heritage. In this museum, the traditional lifestyle and heritage of the people of the Bhotia tribe have been saved very neatly. Traditional adornment items of Bhotia tribes, things used in everyday life such as mud pens, wooden bowls, and food utensils, traditional hookahs of Bhotia people are prominent. From Munsiyari, this museum can be reached by bus, taxi, or private vehicle.

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Betuli Dhar

betuli dhar

One of the major sightseeing places of Munsiyari is Betuli Dhar, which is situated at an altitude of 2740 meters above sea level. The place is famous for its snow-covered views. This place offers spectacular views of the sunrise as well as of sunset. Tourists must visit this place during their visit to Munsiyari.

Gori Ganga River

gori ganga river

The Gori Ganga River is also a prominent place in the main popular places of Munsiyari. The white water of the Gori Ganga River is the best rafting place for tourists. It is famous for holy river rafting. This place easily attracts tourists every year.

Places To Stay In Munsiyari

Hotels In Munsiyari

  • Milam Inn
  • Hotel Laxmi Lodge
  • Johar Hilltop Resort
  • Ojaswi Resort
  • Hayat Paradise Guest House / Hotel

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Home Stay In Munsiyari

  • Munsiyari Homestay
  • Chilladigha Homestay
  • Thakur Homestay Munsyari
  • Goroomgo Homestay Munsiyari
  • Vedika Homestay

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Camps Stay In Munsiyari

  • Himalayan Glamping
  • Wayfarer Mountain Resort

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Things To Do In Munsiyari

Trekking, Camping, River Rafting, Bird Watching, Photography, Enjoy Nature, Adventure Sports, etc.

Best Time To Visit Munsiyari

The best time to visit Munsiyari is during the months of March to June and September to October. However, tourists can enjoy a visit to this mountainous region at any time. But during summer, tourists can enjoy trekking here on the magnificent peaks.

How To Reach Munsiyari

By Flight

Pantnagar airport of Udham Singh Nagar district is the nearest airport to Munsiyari, which is about 300 km from Munsiyari. From outside this airport, you will get taxis easily through which you can reach Munsiyari.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Munsiyari is Kathgodam, which is located about 275 km from Munsiyari and about 286 km from Tanakpur, which is the nearest railway station to Munsiyari. You can easily reach Munsiyari by hiring a taxi or bus from outside these railway stations.

By Road

Munsiyari is well connected with the major cities of Uttarakhand. Buses to Munsiyari run regularly from Delhi and other states. Tourists will have to change bus during their journey and then Munsiyari can be reached by some other means.

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