Munsiyari Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

Munsiyari, nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is a serene hill station renowned for its panoramic vistas, trekking trails, and rich cultural heritage. This detailed travel guide will help you explore Munsiyari, from its stunning attractions to adventure activities, accommodation options, and essential travel tips.

Munsiyari is still sort of a hidden gem among the many hill stations in India. Munsiyari is situated close to tri-junction of India, Tibet and Nepal borders. In olden days, Tibet supplied salt to the entire Himalayan region through the route. It is booming as a favourite trekking destination in North India thanks to many treks originating from here. It lies in midst of white serene peaks of Himalayas.

At an altitude of 2298 meters, Munsiyari offers the visitors a spectacular view of Panchachuli peaks. This is one of the main attractions of the hill station. Panchachuli is five peaks looks like chimneys in Kumaon Himalayan Region. The snow-capped peaks have the alluring effect to pull every traveller to this little heaven of Kumaon. Munsiyari literally means the place with snow, it is also known as “Little Kashmir”.

Munsiyari is one of the most vibrant and happening place for all the adventurous souls. The scenic hill station is used as a base camp for the high altitude trekkers, nature lovers and adventurous souls who want to experience and explore the beauty of nature by living in the middle of its heart. Adventure enthusiasts and high altitude trekkers love this place as it is the base for Ralam, Milam and Namik Glaciers. The place serves as base opening up routes to several treks into interior Himalayas. Two main trekking routes are Milam Glacier (59 kms) and Ralan Glacier (45 kms). 

Top Attractions in Munsiyari

Khaliya Top

Khaliya Top is a must-visit destination in Munsiyari for breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks of Panchachuli and Nanda Devi. The trek to Khaliya Top through dense forests and alpine meadows is an adventure lover's paradise.

Birthi Falls

Birthi Falls, cascading from a height of 126 meters, offers a mesmerizing sight amid lush green surroundings. It's an ideal spot for picnics and photography, accessible via a short trek from Munsiyari.

Thamri Kund

Thamri Kund is a serene lake surrounded by alpine flora and offers stunning reflections of the Panchachuli peaks. It's revered among locals for its religious significance and tranquil ambiance.

Tribal Heritage Museum

The Tribal Heritage Museum in Munsiyari showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region's indigenous tribes, including artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical exhibits.

Adventure Activities

Birthi Falls, one of the lovely waterfalls in the Kumaon valley, can be seen on the way to Munsiyari. It is located 35 km away from the hill station. You will have to do a small trek to reach this area. Rare varieties of sparrows and butterflies can make the tourists rethink before leaving here.

Munsyari boasts of appreciation from mountaineers, trekkers and for those seeking a break from the mundane in the nature’s lap. The place is blessed in rich and varied flora and fauna the memories of the visual treat stay with you for a lifetime and keep calling you back to Munsyari. No wonder it is serving as a brand ambassador for tourism in Uttarakhand now pulling people in from all walks of life, from all parts of the world.

Trekking

Munsiyari is a haven for trekkers, offering trails ranging from easy to challenging. Popular treks include the Milam Glacier trek, Nanda Devi trek, and the trek to Ralam Glacier, each offering unique vistas of the Himalayan landscape.

Skiing and Snowboarding

During winter, Munsiyari transforms into a paradise for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The gentle slopes around Khaliya Top and Betulidhar are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers.

Bird Watching

With its diverse flora and fauna, Munsiyari attracts bird watchers from around the world. Spot Himalayan species like the Monal pheasant, Himalayan griffon, and more in their natural habitat. 

Munsiyari is surrounded by lush green vegetation. This Himalayan green forest is habitat to different varieties of wildlife. Such as whistling thrush, wagtail, hawk cuckoo, serpent eagle and falcon, leopard, mountain bear and musk deer.

Cultural Experiences

People who love to enjoy different cultures and customs can take a village tour and grab some famous local items such as handmade carpets or tree saplings from its famous colorful market. 

Local Cuisine

Indulge in authentic Kumaoni cuisine at local eateries in Munsiyari, known for dishes like bhatt ki churkani, madua ki roti, and singal (local bread).

Folk Performances

Attend traditional Kumaoni folk performances showcasing music, dance, and rituals that reflect the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Accommodation Options

Munsiyari offers a range of accommodation options catering to all budgets:

• Hotels and Resorts: From luxury resorts offering panoramic views to budget-friendly guesthouses and lodges.
• Homestays: Experience local hospitality and culture by staying with Kumaoni families in traditional homestays.

Best Time to Visit Munsiyari

Although Munsiyari can be visited throughout the year, best time to visit Munsiyari is from March to June and September-October. Munsiyari weather gets quite cold in winters while summers are quite pleasant. Summer sees max temperature of 25 degree Celsius while in winters lowest goes to -3 degree Celsius. 

The best time to visit Munsiyari is from March to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering ideal conditions for sightseeing and trekking. The winter months (November to February) are perfect for skiing and enjoying snowfall, while the monsoon season (July to August) brings heavy rainfall.

The place often called out as a paradise on Earth and is growing as a tourist attraction. It is the home of the snow and one can see the highest peak of Himalaya ranges covered in snow capes. The beauty of this place cannot be experienced through pictures.

How to Reach Munsiyari

By Air

The nearest airport to Munsiyari is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 275 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Munsiyari.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, around 275 km from Munsiyari. Regular trains connect Kathgodam to major cities in India. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Munsiyari.

By Road

Munsiyari is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states. Regular buses and taxis ply from cities like Kathgodam, Almora, and Haldwani to Munsiyari.

Suggested Itinerary for Munsiyari

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing

• Check-in at your hotel or homestay.
• Visit Birthi Falls and Tribal Heritage Museum.
• Enjoy local cuisine for dinner.

Day 2: Adventure and Exploration

• Early morning trek to Khaliya Top or Thamri Kund.
• Explore nearby villages and interact with locals.
• Attend a folk performance in the evening.

Day 3: Trekking and Departure

• Embark on a trek to Milam Glacier or Nanda Devi Temple.
• Return to Munsiyari by evening and prepare for departure.

Tips for Travelers

• Altitude Acclimatization: Spend the first day acclimatizing to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
• Clothing: Pack warm clothes and sturdy shoes, especially if trekking or visiting during winter.
• Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, and seek permission before photographing people or religious sites.

Munsiyari, with its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventure opportunities, promises an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you seek breathtaking Himalayan views, adrenaline-pumping treks, or cultural immersion, Munsiyari has something for every traveler. Plan your trip to this hidden gem in Uttarakhand and explore its wonders.

Witnessing the popularity and a good number of visitors, the Uttarakhand government has started promoting this destination now. Hiring a guide is advisable if you want to go on a day hike to make sure you don’t get lost in your way through the forest. The travellers can have highly delicious Kumaoni and Indian dishes from dhabas in nearby villages.

Well, it is more appealing to travel and seek one's self, and this makes the journey a never ending yet fondly cherished experience. There’s nothing like running for the hills. It is from this journey that one can soak up and absorb so much that it is no less than the pleasure of an affair with one’s own self. . Other attractions in Munsiyari to take away your breath are Panchachuli peaks, Maheshwari Kund etc. So, do not think twice before exploring this place. It is a perfect destination for all the mountaineers, trekkers and nature lovers.

Munsiyari hotels do not offer a very wide variety but you would get decent options from home stays to luxury cottage stays.

Delhi to Munsiyari is a long journey of about 16 hours and is 560 Kilometers.