Nestled in the serene Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari is a hidden gem that offers an enchanting escape into the lap of the Himalayas. Often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, Munsiyari is a tranquil haven known for its breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks and pristine natural beauty. Surrounded by dense forests, terraced fields, and gurgling streams, this charming hill station is perfect for those seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The town’s unspoiled landscapes and picturesque vistas make it a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Munsiyari’s unique appeal extends beyond its natural beauty; it is also a gateway to several trekking routes, including the renowned Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp treks. The area’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional Kumaoni villages and local customs, adds to its allure. Whether you’re exploring the local markets, savoring authentic Kumaoni cuisine, or simply soaking in the panoramic mountain views, Munsiyari promises a memorable experience that captures the essence of the Himalayas. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Munsiyari is truly a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
6. Tribal Heritage Museum- It’s Time for a History Lesson
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
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
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
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
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
16 Dishes From Uttarakhand Munsiyari
1. Kafuli – Mouthwatering Dish
Taste the famous blend of green leafy vegetables in the form of Kafuli which is the most traditional food of Uttarakhand from the Pahari cuisine. It is offered to all guests and is loved by the Pahari inhabitants as much as travellers seeking to taste something unique. It is an amalgamation of green leafy vegetables which is a rich source of healthy nutrients. Two main ingredients which are essentially required to prepare such dishes are Spinach and Fenugreek Leaves. Both are added together and cooked in the pot followed by salt and spices. Kafuli is popularly known as the State Food of Uttarakhand. It is served with the gravy made out of the paste of rice or wheat and water.
Main Ingredients: Spinach Leaves, Fenugreek Leaves, Spices, Rice Powder, Curd, Water and Salt.
Rich Source Of: Protein, Fiber, Vitamin A,C,E and other minerals.
2. Baadi – Traditional Food
Baadi remains the most popular food of Uttarakhand. It is not only famous for its delicious taste but also it carries all the nutritional elements essential for the human body. Indeed, it is a combination of taste and nutrition and so is it considered as best traditional Food of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. Prepared from the black coloured kwada ka aata, it is best served with Phaanu.
Main Ingredients: Kwada Ka Aata, Water, Ghee
Rich Source Of: Vitamin B12, Vitamin A
3. Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol – Taste And Nutrition
Aaloo Tamatar Ka Jhol is one of the clear attention grabbers amongst all the palatable dishes from the popular cuisine of Uttarakhand. A highly tempting blend of incredible aroma and mouth-watering flavours, it can be prepared in the least time which is the unique speciality of this tremendous dish. It is as easy as the people of Uttarakhand simple yet awesome. You just need to steam some potatoes. Curry of tomatoes along with onions is prepared separately. This famous food of Uttarakhand will for sure make you feel fresh after the tough excursion of the whole day.
Main Ingredients: Potato, Tomato, Onions
Rich Source Of: Vitamin C, Carbohydrates
4. Thhatwani – Nutritious And Flavorful
Make sure you taste one of the tastiest recipes from the Uttarakhand Cuisine namely Rus or Thhatwani which is a blend of lentils and spices.It is highly rich in the nutrients and remains a famous food of Uttarakhand to try at least once.
Major Ingredients: Lentils
Rich Source Of: Protein
5. Jhangora Ki Kheer – Tasty Dessert
Indians are habitual of having some sweet after the square meals and Garhwali cuisine too practice that tradition. Taste the regional yet unique sweet namely Jhangora Ki Kheer whose aroma is awesome. A famous recipe of the state, its main ingredient Millet makes it distinct. Milk acting as the main ingredient makes it rich in texture and nutrition.
