Munsyari is a city in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Munsyari, a small town in Johar valley on the bank of Gori Ganga at the base of Panchachulli peaks of Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas cooked their last meal on their way to heaven on the top of those imposing snow capped peaks and hence the name Panchachulli. Once you reach Munsyari, you will be surrounded by panoramic views of peaks like Nandakot, Nandaghungti, Rambha and Shiplakot.
Situated on the banks of Goriganga river, it is a fast growing tourist destination, and mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley, which extends along the path of the Goriganga River to its source at the Milam Glacier. It is inhabited mainly by the Shauka tribe. The town is surrounded by snow capped peaks, with a key attraction being the trekking route to Khalia Top.
Tourist Attractions in Munsyari
Maheshwari Kund: The Maheshwari Kund is often referred to as the Mehsar Kund by the local people. It is a natural lake surrounded by rhododendron shrubs and provides a beautiful view of the Panchchuli Peak.
Birthi Falls: The Birthi Falls lies near Tejarm on the main Thal-Munsiyari route and can be reached via the Kalamuni Pass. It is surrounded by dense forests and the Himalayas.
Kalamuni Top: Kalamuni Top is at a height of 9,500 ft on the main route to Munsiyari from the Birthi Falls. There is an old Kali temple at this hilltop from where the Panchchuli mountain range can be seen.
Kalamuni Temple: The Kalamuni Temple, situated near Kalamuni Pass, is devoted to the Naga god. The temple is surrounded by pine forests and offers a beautiful view of the Panchchuli Peak.
Thamari Kund: Thamari Kund is a natural lake and is surrounded by paper trees. The lake is known for a significant population of musk deer which come here for drinking water.
Ralam Glacier: The Ralam Glacier lies on the Kumaon Hills, 2,290 m above sea level. The glacier can be reached from Bageshwar and Pithoragarh by trekking. The best time to visit this place extends from April to June and September to November.
Milam Glacier: The Milam Glacier originates from the slope of Kohli and Trishul peaks. The Milam River originates here and finally merges with the Pindari River. The glacier lies to the south of the Himalayas in the Kumaon region and is around 16 km long.
Namik Glacier: The Namik Glacier lies in the Kumaon Himalayas in the Nachani Village. The Ram Ganga River originates here. The glacier is known for various sulphur springs and waterfalls.
Balati Farm: The Balati Farm, at an altitude of 9,000 ft, is covered with dense rhododendron shrubs. From this farm, the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas, the Balati Glacier and the Ralam Glacier are visible.
Tribal Heritage Museum: A heritage Museum own and run by local Historian and writer Dr.Sher Singh pangtey exhibit the rich cultural heritage of johari people comprising their socio-economical history, chronology of their ancient, art, culture, people, trade, life style and Johari antiques. It also has a unique collection of historical write up, notes,scripts,pennys and utensils.
Nanda Devi Temple: The nearest spot in the Munsiyari town is Nanda devi . One can have a 2.5km walk or vehicle ride upto Nanda Devi, A beautiful ridge type green landscape, on which Goddess Nanda Temple situated. With four direction enchanting nature scenes, the landscape gives the feel of Himalayan high altitude medows(Bugyal). A local fair on Nanda Astami in the month of september is held here every year.
Darkot: Darkot is a villag on the road to Madkot which is 8 km from Munsyari, this village is rich for its hand wooven woolen items like Pashmina, shawls, angoora, kaalins (Carpets), woolen sweaters, etc, It is also rich in local pulses, rajma, kidney beans, himalyan spices, etc.
