The hilly town of Munsiyari, on Kumaon Hills, is situated in the district of Pithoragarh, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The entire region of Munsiyari is known as Johar valley. It is a Tehsil and is located at the foot of the Himalayan mountain range with an elevation of around 2,200 m. Munsiyari is almost 120 km away from Pithoragarh. Munsiyari has recently become one of the most popular destinations of the state and trekking expeditions into the interiors of Himalaya originate from here. Adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, mountaineers, extreme trekkers flock to this location that lies on the river banks of Goriganga, and serves as their base camp. The Shauka people inhabit the town of Munsiyari, which is encircled by snow capped peaks. Khalia Top is the prime attraction of the trekkers. The town of Munsiyari lies on the earliest salt route, from Tibet and at the entry of the Johar Valley, extending along Goriganga River upto its origin at Milam Glacier.
Munsiyari is fast becoming one of the most famous tourist locations of the state due to the panoramic view of the grand peaks, namely, Nandaghungti, Shiplakot, Nandakot, Panchchuli and Rambha. Darkot, Khalia top, Birthi falls are some of the nearby tourist and trekking destinations. Munsiyari was a restricted until recently, as the area is held in the interiors of Himalaya, near the Indian border, shared with Nepal and China. Most of the location in Munsiyari is still unexplored as it has opened to tourist in the recent times.
Flora and Fauna of Munsiyari
During spring, the lower ranges are alight with flowering rhododendrons. Other than this, the forest abundantly includes Deodar, Pine, Spruce, Cypress and Oaks and some unique herbs. Several mountain birds such as Wag Tail, Wild Hen, Whistling Thrush, Teetar, Serpent Eagle, Hawk Cuckoo, Monal, Falcon, Finches, Cuckoo, Lammergier, Jays are found here. Wild animals like Leopard, Panther, Mountain Bear, Musk Deer are found here in Munsiyari Jungles.
Tourist Destinations in Munsiyari
The Goriganga River drains Munsiyari and generates from the Milam Glacier and unites with Balati Glaciers and Panchchuli. There are numerous trekking routes that are called trekkers` paradise, such as Namik Trek, trek upto Milam, Ralan Glacier trek and others. But permits are required for all interior treks. Some of the other tourist spots in this region are Birthi Falls, Baneanani, Madkote, Balati Farm, Jauljibi, etc which provide clear view of the snow capped Himalayas. Maheshwari kund is a placid and peaceful lake which is also renowned in the region. Thamri Kund is also a beautiful lake in Munsiyari. Moreover white water rafting facilities are also available at the Gori Ganga River. During winter, skiing facilities are provided to tourists at Betulidhar and Khalia top.
From September to October and the months of March to June are the perfect time to visit. Monsoon season should be avoided though.
