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Tucked away in the remote corners of Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari is a destination that calls out to every adventure lover who craves rugged mountain trails, serene alpine meadows, and raw, untouched wilderness. Often referred to as the 'Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand', Munsiyari lies at an altitude of about 2,200 meters, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Panchachuli peaks and serving as the starting point for some of the most iconic treks in the Indian Himalayas.
While destinations like Manali and Shimla are often overrun with tourists, Munsiyari remains a relatively underrated treasure. It’s a place where snow trails outnumber tourist trails, where shepherds guide flocks through ancient trade routes, and where the only sound you might hear on a mountain trail is your heartbeat—or a Himalayan Monal fluttering its wings. Whether you're a trekker, birdwatcher, nature photographer, or someone seeking solitude in the mountains, Munsiyari is the hidden gem you've been looking for.
Munsiyari is not just a hill station—it is a launchpad for high-altitude adventures. Surrounded by glaciers, river valleys, alpine forests, and remote tribal villages, it offers a thrilling variety of outdoor activities. From multi-day expeditions to light treks, from birdwatching to mountain biking, this Himalayan hamlet has something for every level of adventure seeker.
One of the most accessible yet breathtaking treks in the region, the Khaliya Top trek is a favorite for beginners and photographers. It’s a 5-6 km uphill hike from Balati Bend and offers panoramic views of the Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Rajrambha peaks. In winter, the trail transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, ideal for snow trekking and even skiing for beginners.
Highlights:
Camping at alpine meadows
Sunrise and sunset photography
Winter snow trekking (Dec–Feb)
For seasoned trekkers, the Nanda Devi East Base Camp trek is a spiritual and physical journey. This 9–10-day trek passes through scenic villages like Lilam, Bugdyar, Martoli, and Lwan, culminating at the base of India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi. The trail offers a mix of glaciers, river crossings, and dense oak forests, making it both challenging and awe-inspiring.
Best Season: May to June, September to mid-October
Trek Duration: 100+ km round trip
Difficulty Level: High (requires prior high-altitude trekking experience)
Following the route of ancient Indo-Tibetan trade, this trek leads you to the massive Milam Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Kumaon region. The trek passes through the Johar Valley, dotted with abandoned villages, monasteries, and remains of trade outposts. Milam is where natural beauty meets historical intrigue.
Attractions Along the Way:
Remote villages like Martoli and Burfu
Johar Valley culture and architecture
Glacier views and high-altitude flora
Ideal for intermediate trekkers, this scenic trek begins from Dugtu village and leads to the foot of the Panchachuli group of peaks. You walk beside the Darma River, through rhododendron forests and serene meadows. It’s one of the most photogenic treks in Uttarakhand.
Best Time: May to mid-June and September
Trek Duration: 5–6 days
Munsiyari is a birdwatcher’s paradise. From dense pine forests to open grasslands, the region supports over 200 bird species, including the stunning Himalayan Monal, koklass pheasant, white-throated tit, snow partridge, and red-billed blue magpie. Birdwatching can be done year-round, but spring and post-monsoon months are especially rewarding.
Balati Farm and Khaliya Forest Line
Kalamuni Top
Thamri Kund
Betulidhar Meadow
In addition to avian wonders, the region is home to leopards, musk deer, barking deer, and Himalayan black bears. Wildlife lovers can often spot animal tracks or encounter rare sightings if trekking with a guide.
Munsiyari's open meadows and high-altitude ridges are ideal for camping. Whether you’re pitching a tent at Khaliya Top, along the Gori Ganga River, or near Martoli village, you’ll witness star-studded night skies, early morning mist, and unobstructed views of snow peaks. The silence here is therapeutic and the views, absolutely unforgettable.
Some local operators also offer glamping options—luxury tents with basic amenities for travelers who want a bit of comfort in the wild.
The Pithoragarh–Munsiyari road is a paradise for bike riders and off-roaders. For adventure bikers, the route offers sharp bends, steep climbs, and sudden glimpses of deep valleys. Once in Munsiyari, off-road trails to places like Thal, Tejam, Darkot, and Jauljibi are perfect for 4x4 SUVs or rugged trail bikes.
Munsiyari also offers scope for mountain biking tours, particularly around Kalamuni, Betulidhar, and Lilam village.
Munsiyari is a canvas of changing colors. From golden sunrises at Khaliya Top to misty forests around Thamri Kund, every turn is a photograph waiting to be clicked. Nature walks around Balati Farm, Kalamuni Ridge, and Johar Valley villages give shutterbugs ample chances to capture:
Snow-capped peaks
Blooming rhododendrons and alpine flowers
Locals in traditional attire
Himalayan birds and butterflies
Don’t forget your zoom lens—chances are you’ll spot a Himalayan Griffon or a Lammergeier soaring above.
Adventure doesn’t always have to mean trekking. The Johar Valley, once a bustling trade route between India and Tibet, offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and Himalayan resilience. Villages like Martoli, Milam, Rilkot, and Burfu retain their ancient charm, complete with stone houses, Buddhist prayer flags, and Shauka tribal traditions.
Spending a night in these remote villages lets you experience true Himalayan hospitality—warm meals, woolen handicrafts, and stories passed down through generations.
If you’re not up for long treks, try the 3 km hike to Thamri Kund, a peaceful high-altitude lake surrounded by dense oak and rhododendron forest. The reflection of the mountains in the still water is mesmerizing.
Kalamuni Top, located on the Munsiyari road, offers a ridge walk with stunning Himalayan vistas. A small temple dedicated to Goddess Kali sits here, and the area is perfect for early morning walks and picnics.
During late December to February, Munsiyari becomes a winter playground. Khaliya Top receives a generous amount of snow, making it perfect for amateur skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. While not yet commercialized like Auli or Gulmarg, Munsiyari’s untouched slopes are ideal for those who prefer offbeat snow adventures.
Some local operators rent snow gear and offer short training sessions on gentle slopes.
By Road: 135 km from Pithoragarh, 600 km from Delhi via Almora/Bageshwar.
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (285 km).
By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar (300 km) or Pithoragarh/Naini Saini airstrip for limited flights.
Shared taxis, private cabs, and buses are available from Pithoragarh to Munsiyari.
Luxury Stay: Sumeru Resort, Ojaswi Resort
Budget Stay: KMVN Guest House, Hotel Bilju Inn
Homestays: Darkot Village Homestays, Martoli & Lilam village guesthouses
Camping: Tented accommodation at Khaliya Top, Panchachuli Base Camp
For those who yearn for offbeat mountain adventures, Munsiyari delivers pure, unfiltered Himalayan magic. Unlike commercial hill stations, Munsiyari is where you find nature in its rawest form, where adventures begin at your doorstep, and where every sunrise feels like a divine gift.
Whether you're trekking to a glacier, pitching a tent under the stars, or simply watching a Monal bird disappear into the woods, Munsiyari leaves you not just with memories—but with a deeper connection to the mountains.
Let Nagarjuna Travels curate a customized itinerary for you—whether it's a thrilling trek, a relaxing homestay, or a mix of culture and adventure.