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The drive up to Munsiyari, a breathtaking experience, is only a trailer of the spectacularly beautiful hill-station called Munsiyari. It is a relatively newer discovery in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. Newer and even more beautiful valleys and peaks are unveiled at every turn. The tiny town is abuzz with enthusiastic people all year long.
No restrictions now!!
Munsiyari was a restricted area in the Himalayan Inner Line, a tiny wedge in between the borders of India, China and Nepal, till recently. Easing of the restrictions has now placed Munsiyari on top of the trekking map of Kumaon Hills.
The view
Dozens of amazingly beautiful peaks, some as high as 20,000 feet, are seen from here. The Panchuli hills that look like five chimneys are a sight-worth-seeing. Several other peaks lend even more grace and stature to the place.
The Wildlife
Species of mountain birds like the whistling thrush, wagtail and hawk cuckoo, and falcon and serpent eagle are sighted commonly. It’s not a rarity to spot the odd leopard, a panther or mountain bear in the surrounding forest.
The Geography
Goriganga, a tributary of the river Mahakali, drains the 18 km long Milam glacier near Munsiyari before merging into the Balati glaciers and the Panchuli snowfields and, ultimately, flowing into the Ganga in the plains. The valley of the Gori is spellbindingly picturesque and a trekking paradise.
Adventure unleashed…!
The treks
A number of challenging treks from Munsiyari to Namik, Milam and Ralan glaciers via the narrow Johar valley, an ancient trade-route to Tibet, are worth going to. Another popular trek is towards Balati Farm where the view is unmatched in terms of its sheer splendor.
The treks offer you an opportunity to challenge your own self. Inner Line trekking permits are mandatory but if you are joining a professional trekking team, passes are no problem at all!
The safaris
Safaris on the good-old Jeeps to Madkote, 22km away, Baneanani and Jaulijibi, situated at distance of 66 km from here, are experiences worth cherishing. Driving along the path dotted with water falls as beautiful as the Birthi Falls and a charming scenery to top it up, charges your batteries and enlivens the soul.
Rafting and Skiing
Goriganga is ideal for river rafting and white-water rafting and in winter season, the snow-laden slopes of Khaliatop and Betulidhar at higher altitudes offer unmatched opportunities for skiing.
Getting there
Apart from a small airstrip at Naini Saini in Pithoragarh, located 128 km from Munsiyari, there are not many nearby airports. The nearest railway station is 261 kms away, in Kathgodam.
Road is the best way to reach this little heavenly hamlet. Distance of different towns and cities from Munsiyari, by road, is:
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