Munsiyari is a hill station that lies at the base of the great Himalayas at an elevation of 2,200 m and is famous for trekking and other adventurous activities. The literal meaning of Munsiyari is a “ Place with Snow” which is situated on the banks of the Goriganga River and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations of Uttarakhand, India. Mountaineers, high-altitude trekkers, and wildlife and nature lovers treat this location as their base camp. Khaliya Top and Betuli Dhar are popular places among travelers who want to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and other activities. If you are worrying about the top places to visit in Munsiyari then keep on following the information below to learn more.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Munsiyari: The Trekking Paradise of India
Munsiyari serves as a popular base for trekkers and offers marvelous trekking sites such as Khalia top trek, which is a 2 hours trekking path that gives you views of scenic meadows and some traces of snow. Thamri Kund trek offers a much easier trek for trekkers. Travelers can also encounter some of the endangered species of birds near the Goriganga River and while Munsiyari sightseeing they can admire the scenic view of the river bank and natural wildlife.
- Khaliya Top- Thrilling Trek With Amazing Views
- Panchachuli Peaks- Encountering Snow-capped Himalayas
- Nanda Devi Temple- Paying Respect to the Oldest Temple
- Birthi Falls- The Thrilling Nature’s Waterslide
- Kalamuni Temple- The Serene Views from Verdant Hill
- Tribal Heritage Museum- It’s Time for a History Lesson
- Thamri Kund- The Miraculous View
- Darkot- The Tiny Hamlet of Munsiyari
- Madkot Hot Water Springs- Taking a Dip in Rejuvenating Pool
- Betulidhar- The Mesmerizing Flower Garden
1. Khaliya Top- Thrilling Trek With Amazing Views
Khaliya Top is one of the most popular treks of Munsiyari located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level near Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. The thrilling trek offers you stunning views of Panchachuli and Nanda Devi Range. During early summers this trek allows the trekkers to see snowlines. Khaliya Top can be easily reached by covering an easy slope of 6 Km from Balanti Farm. If you are into wildlife photography and like capturing moments of birds and animals then you can find some amazing species including Monal, Baral( mountain goat), Ghurar, Kakar, etc. These are some of the reasons this place tops the list of top Munsiyari tourist places to explore.
- Location: 355Q+XFJ, Bauna post office Bauna Munsiyari Pithoragarh Bauna, Munsyari, Uttarakhand 262554
- How to reach: The trek to Khaliya top from Munsiyari is a 4-day trek. Khaliya's Top trek distance is 15 km from Munsiyari.
- Nearby airport: Pantnagar Airport
- Nearest railway station: Tanakpur railway station
- Best time to visit: The best time for Khaliya top trekking is in the spring season during March and April.
- Things To Do: Camping, trekking, Photographing
2. Panchachuli Peaks- Encountering Snow-capped Himalayas
As the name suggests Panchachuli Peaks are the five snow-capped Himalayan peaks located at the end of the eastern Kumaon region near Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. The mountain peaks range from 6,334 meters to 6,904 meters. These infamous peaks are most visible from most regions of Kumaon and serve spectacular sunrise and panoramic views of the sunset. The ancient story tells that the Pandavas from Mahabharat cooked their last meal before proceeding to their heavenly abode, and that’s why the mountain's name depicts Chuli which means hearth, thus the mountain group named Panchachuli peaks which is one of the best Munsiyari places to visit.
- Location: In the Darma Valley, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
- How to reach: One Can Reach Panchachuli via Dharchula
- Best Times: The summer months of April to June and the post-monsoon months of September and October are the best months to visit Panchachuli Peaks.
- Things To Do: Trekking, Camping, Village sightseeing
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3. Nanda Devi Temple- Paying Respect to the Oldest Temple
Nanda Devi temple is one of the oldest temples of Uttarakhand which is recommended by each Munsiyari travel guide. This religious site lies 7,500 feet above sea level and can be reached after trekking a 3 Km swift trek from Munsiyari town. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Nanda or Parvati and is visited by thousands of devotees who pay their respect to the holiness.
- Location: 3795+558, Unnamed Road, Munsyari, Uttarakhand 262554
- How to reach: The temple can be reached by a 200 m short trek from the road and is located 3 Km far from Munsiyari town.
- Best Times: May to June and September to October
- Things To Do: Trekking, Admiring scenic views, Paying respect to the divine goddess
4. Birthi Falls- The Thrilling Nature’s Waterslide
The amazing waterfall is located 14 km from Tejam near Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. The waterfall can be reached through Kalamuni Pass and falls from 400 feet above sea level. The waterfall is about a 35 km trek away from Munsiyari and can be reached with an easy trek. The waterfall resides amidst a dense forest with marvelous views of the majestic Himalayas. Due to its natural beauty, the place is visited by many national and international travelers which makes it one of the best places to visit in Munsiyari.
- Location: En route Munsiyari-Thal road in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand 262553
- Best Times: March to June and September and October
- How to reach: The waterfall is about a 35 km trek away from Munsiyari and 14 km from Tejam.
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Trekking
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5. Kalamuni Temple- The Serene Views from Verdant Hill
The Kalamuni temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali “the Goddess of Death” located on the way to Munsiyari town. Many trekkers come here to admire the beauty of the hills with gorgeous views of Panchachuli Peaks. Many Hinduism idols including Kali, Shiva Lingam, and Ganesha can be found in the temple and an effigy of saint Kalamuni is also installed in the temple.
- Location: 25QX+4XX, Munsyari - Thal Road, Uttarakhand 262553
- How to reach: The temple is 16 km away from Munsiyari and can be reached via driving or hiring a cab.
- Best Times: March to June and September and October
- Things To Do: Birdwatching, Trekking, Worshipping
6. Tribal Heritage Museum- It’s Time for a History Lesson
Image is for reference purpose only
The museum was established in the year 2000. It is a small cultural private museum located in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. The museum displays the culture, history, traditions, and lifestyle of the Bhotia people, the ethnolinguistic group of people residing in the upper Himalayan region of the Kumaon and Garhwal divisions. You can find various artifacts including wooden kitchen utensils, handbags made from yak skin, and brass hookah which gives a glimpse of Bhotia culture and makes it one of the popular Munsiyari tourist places to explore. The museum owner had spent more than 15 years collecting the artifacts. Some of the popular artifacts you can find in the museum are bowls, kettles, saucers, cooking pots, dispensers, and spoons made from Shangar tree wood which is famous for being strong and durable.
- Location: 36GR+766, Surender Singh Pangtey Road, Nanasem, Munsyari, Uttarakhand 262554
- How to reach: The museum is located in Munsiyari’s Nanasen village, Surender Singh Pangtey Road, 2km from the main market of Munsiyari
- Opening Hours- 9 am to 5 pm
- Things To Do: learning about history, admiring art
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7. Thamri Kund- The Miraculous View
Tamari Kund or Thamri Kund is a small pond located in the Munsiyari forests. Thamri Kund is a popular resting spot for trekkers which provides calmness and serenity of nature rejuvenating the trekkers. The small trek is a treat for trekkers which takes them on amidst lush green forests. The trek also offers a view of snow-capped Himalayas including the infamous Panchachuli Peaks. This lake is gaining popularity day by day among nature lovers and wildlife photographers making it one of the popular places to visit in Munsiyari. If you are in luck then you can even spot musk deer which frequently come to the lake to drink water.
- Location: 26PW+V2C, Thamri Taal, Uttarakhand 262554
- Best time to visit: March to June; October to November
- How to reach: The lake is only 3 km away from Munsiyari which can be easily reached by trekking.
- Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, wildlife photographing
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Tirthan Valley: The Mystical Valley of Himachal
8. Darkot- The Tiny Hamlet of Munsiyari
The small village is famous for its natural serene beauty which is situated on Madkot road which is 6 Km away from Munsiyari. The exquisite village is surrounded by Himalayan peaks and has an abundance of flora and fauna. Travelers can see the small Kumaon houses which depict the story of Kumaon. If you are into nature walks and like connecting with local people then this place is best for you for Munsiyari sightseeing and you can also purchase the infamous Pashmina shawls which are handwoven and are a specialty of this beautiful village.
- Location: Darkot, Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, 262554
- Best time to visit: June through October
- Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, camping, sightseeing
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9. Madkot Hot Water Springs- Taking a Dip in Rejuvenating Pool
Madkot is a picturesque village located 22 Km away from Munsiyari, Uttarakhand. The village is blessed with scenic views and a sundance of vegetation. The hot water springs are located on the banks of Goriganga en route Jauljibi- Dharchula. The village is widely known for housing thermal springs that can cure severe joint pain and other diseases. The healing water of these springs also helps in eradicating skin eruptions. This should be added to your travel list to experience the magic by yourself.
- Location: 3822+2GV, Madkot, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand 262554
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, healing by soaking in spring water
- How to reach: You can reach Madkot village by taking a taxi from Munsiyari town on the Madkot-Munsiyari road.
10. Betulidhar- The Mesmerizing Flower Garden
Betulidhar Garden is a picturesque garden that is beautified with scarlet-colored Rhododendrons. This place is mainly flocked by travelers during winter because of exciting skiing opportunities. The Munsiyari snowfall time lasts from December to February. It is located 2,748 meters above sea level and one can admire the spellbinding views of the snowy Himalayas. The sunset and sunrise are truly admiring sites as the clear sky of Betulidhar gets decorated with crimson hues.
- Location: Betuli Dhar, Uttarakhand 262554
- Things to do- snow activities, skiing, sightseeing
As you must be aware that Munsiyari is well known for trekking and here is a list of some of the famous trek routes:
- Khaliya Top- Via Balanti
- Khaliya Top- Via Kalamuni
- Maheshwari Kund trek
- Kalika pass trek
- Thamri Kund trek
- Nanda Devi temple trek
Munsiyari is one of the popular places to travel in India because of its natural beauty as it is nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Munsiyari has an abundance of natural beauty, flora, and fauna. You can encounter some rarest species of birds and animals in these lush green meadows and captivating forests. This place is also referred to as the “Little Kashmir” of India. So if you are planning for adventure in India then this place should be added to your travel list.
FAQs
Trekking, hiking, sightseeing, photography, bathing in hot springs, and paying a visit to holy places are some of the things that can be enjoyed on your holiday in Munsiyari.
Khaliya Top, Panchachuli Peaks, Nanda Devi Temple, Birthi Falls, Kalamuni Temple, Tribal Heritage Museum, and Thamri Kund are some of the popular places that can be visited on your next trip to Munsiyari.
The months March-June and mid-September-October are perfect for visiting Munsiyari.
If you want to explore the major attraction of the mini Kashmir of Uttarakhand then 5-7 days are enough for a holiday.
You can buy tribal handmade knick-knacks or woolens made by locals, pashmina shawls, and sheep wool carpets for your loved ones.
Bal Mithai, Singodi, Tyamur Ki Soup, Dubka, Madua Ke Roti, etc are some of the famous dishes and sweets to try in Munsiyari.
The Madkot village is widely known for housing thermal springs that can cure severe joint pain and other diseases. The healing water of these springs also helps in eradicating skin eruptions.
You can find various artifacts including wooden kitchen utensils, handbags made from yak skin, and brass hookah which gives a glimpse of Bhotia culture.
