Munsiyari – A Splendid Hill Station in Uttarakhand
Munsiyari, a picturesque hamlet amid the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, stirs in you a sense of awe with its stunning landscapes. This tiny, picturesque hill station falls in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district and is cradled at an elevation of 2,298 metres above sea level. The striking vistas of the magnificent Panchachuli Mountain ranges towering across the horizon would simply blow your mind away! Plan a visit to Munsiyari to soak in its beauty to the fullest.
Places to Visit
There are a lot of places in Munsiyari that are worth seeing. From sites of natural beauty to religious icons, Munsiyari has it all! Get the real taste of the place by visiting the following locations:
Betulidhar:
Betulidhar is a beauteous meadow studded with colorful rhododendrons. Betulidhar also boasts of some of the best winter skiing slopes. The panoramic views of sunrises as well as sunsets from Betulidhar leave indelible impression on your mind.
Madkot:
This tiny scenic hamlet is 22 kms away from Munsiyari and is dotted with multiple natural thermal springs which are potent enough to relieve you of your rheumatic or arthritic pain.
Thamari Kund:
Thamari Kund is a ravishingly beautiful lake amid the thickets of Paper trees and Alpine woods. One could easily spot the very rare musk deer from here.
Nanda Devi Temple
The ancient temple of Nanda Devi is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Sati who resides here in the form and shape of Nanda Devi. You have to trek 3kms from Munsiyari to reach Nanda Devi Temple.
Tribal Heritage Museum:
This Museum was set up by Dr S.S Pangthi, a traveler, trekker and retired school master and is popular by the name of 'Masterji Museum'. It is a private museum set up by Dr S.S Pangthi at his own residence. At the museum he exhibits interesting antiques, documents testifying the trade between Tibet and Johar Valley etc. This museum is located at Nanasen Village.
Maheshwari Kund:
Maheshwari Kund is a beautiful small lake. According to myths this pond had been the seat of a Yaksha once upon a time. This Yaksha was head over heels in love with the village head man's daughter. Angry villagers dried out the lake to punish the Yaksha. The Yaksha retaliated by cursing the villagers. Then followed a ghastly drought until the villagers had to submit, repent and apologize to the Yaksha. The Maheshwari Kund is just 2 kms away from Munsiyari and offers one with breathtaking views of the Panchchulli Peaks.
Birthi Falls:
Birthi falls is a 126 meters high waterfall located at a distance of about 35kms from Munsiyari. The enchanting view of these cascading waters in the midst of verdant greenery is indeed a spirit elevating sight.
Accommodation in Munsiyari
Munsiyari has plenty of luxury to medium-range range to budget staying options.
- Budget Range: Basic rooms with attached bathroom and meals included.
- Mid-Range Hotels: Facilities like parking, hot water, and in-house dining.
- Premium Resorts: Fancy amenities including rooms with views, heaters, full-fledged restaurants, and all modern comforts.
- Homestays: Opportunity to enjoy home-cooked meals and connect deeply with local culture.
| Type | Top Choices | Price (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouses & Lodges |
|
₹800 – ₹1,500 | Solo travellers, budget backpackers |
| Mid-Range Hotels |
|
₹1,800 – ₹3,500 | Families, couples, small groups |
| Premium Resorts & Cottages |
|
₹4,000 – ₹7,000 | Honeymooners, comfort-seekers, families |
| Homestays |
|
₹1,000 – ₹2,500 | Culture seekers, solo travellers, eco-tourists |
How to Reach Munsiyari
Munsiyari can be reached by all the three routes namely airway, railway and roadway.
By Air
The nearest functional airport to Munsiyari is the Pantnagar airport located 249 kms away in the hill town of Nainital. Frequent flights connect Pantnagar to all major cities of the country. On landing at Pantnagar airport, you could hire airport taxis to make you reach Munsiyari.
By Rail
Munsiyari is located in vicinity to two major railway stations, Tanakpur and Kathgodam. Tanakpur is about 218kms from Munsiyari while Kathgodam is about 217 kms away. Frequent trains connect Kathgodam and Tanakpur to all the major cities of the country. Regular taxis ply between Munsiyari and these two rail heads to make you reach Munsiyari with ease.
By Road
Road transport connects Munsiyari to all major Uttarakhand cities plus cities of many adjoining North Indian states. Also, you could take bus from ISBT Anand Vihar bus stop to any of the destinations such as Haldwani, Champavat, Tanakpur, Almora and then you could take a cab to reach Munsiyari from any of these destinations.
Best Time to Visit
The summers are the best time to visit Munsiyari. The season sets in the month of March and ends in June. If you plan your visit around this time, you will be spoiled with the splendid views of colourful thickets, all ablaze with full-bloomed rhododendrons. The summers take away the fog and haze, imparting the surrounding ambience with clarity and colour. This makes it possible to view the distant snow-wrapped Himalayas distinctly enough.
If you love the cold and want to see the vast expanses of snow-clad mountains, consider visiting Munsiyari in the winters. The season commence from the month of November and ends in March.
Tip: Avoid planning a visit in the rainy season (June and mid-September), though. Heavy rains and frequent landslides make it a risky affair and also thwart the joy of the journey.
Route Map for Munsiyari
Here’s a quick travel guide to reach the serene hill station from the major cities:
Delhi – Munsiyari
- Distance: 580 km
- Time: 17–19 hrs (via road)
- Route: Delhi → Hapur → Moradabad → Rudrapur → Almora → Bageshwar → Thal → Munsiyari
Mumbai – Munsiyari
- Distance: 1,800 km
- Time: 35–38 hrs (by road)
- Route: Mumbai → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Hapur → Rudrapur → Almora → Bageshwar → Thal → Munsiyari
Kolkata – Munsiyari
- Distance: 1,520 km
- Time: 32–35 hrs (by road)
- Route: Kolkata → Dhanbad → Varanasi → Lucknow → Bareilly → Rudrapur → Almora → Bageshwar → Thal → Munsiyari
Chennai – Munsiyari
- Distance: 2,460 km
- Time: 45–48 hrs (by road)
- Route: Chennai → Nagpur → Jhansi → Gwalior → Agra → Delhi → Hapur → Rudrapur → Almora → Bageshwar → Thal → Munsiyari
Ahmedabad – Munsiyari
- Distance: 1,440 km
- Time: 28–30 hrs (by road)
- Route: Ahmedabad → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Hapur → Rudrapur → Almora → Bageshwar → Thal → Munsiyari
Cusine
All hotels at Munsiyari come with their own restaurants where you can try the various tasty Indian and even Continental cuisines. Also, while walking down the streets and bustling markets of Munsiyari, you can sample some of the most traditional and truly irresistible local snacks as well. Make sure you try the local food at Munsiyari, such as:
- Aaloo ke Ghutke
- Cholia Roti
- Besan Bhadela
- Bhatt Ki Churkani
- Chainsoo
- Jhangora Kheer
Shopping
Shopping is something you can't wait for when you visit a new place, right? Well, at Munsiyari, you would get ample scope to shop to your heart's content. Go to Darkot (a 6 km drive from the town of Munsiyari), a shopper's paradise in the true sense of the term.
Here, you can find:
-
Woolen Handicrafts: The specialty of these items is that they are made from sheep and angora wool. These are often hand-spun and dyed naturally. You can buy here:
- Pashmina shawls
- Woolen caps
- Mufflers
- Stoles
- Ponchos
- Socks
Handwoven Rugs and Carpets: Made from sheep wool and goat hair, you can easily find here decorative mats and carpets, displaying unique Kumaoni patterns.
Traditional Kumaoni Jewelry: Take home the traditional tribal-style ornaments such as earrings, bangles, and necklaces.
Handcrafted Souvenirs: Get your hands on items that reflect Munsiyari's local culture, for example, pinewood carvings, painted stones, etc.
Things to Do in Munsiyari
Munsiyari is full of interesting things to do. You can go trekking, set out on bird watching, go on a wildlife tour, or simply sit back and gaze dreamily at the beauty of the gorgeous landscapes and forested trails here. Add the following to your itinerary and enjoy an enriched trip:
1. Trek to Khaliya Top
Reach this amazing altitude of 3,500 metres and take in the breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks and alpine meadows as far as the eye can see! The snowy mountains in the backdrop are sure to impress you.
2. Enjoy the Panchachuli Peak Viewpoints
These five snow-capped peaks are visible from almost everywhere in Munsiyari! The most special times to gaze at them are during sunrise and sunset.
3. Birdwatch in Sarmoli
Sarmoli Village is a literal haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Here, you can find various species of birds such as:
- Himalayan Monal
- Lammergeier
- Eagles
- Laughing thrush
- And many more
The best time to spot them is early dawn or dusk.
4. Camping in the Alpine Meadows
Don't miss out on the stargazing and bonfire while in Munsiyari. Set up a tent in the alpine meadows and soak in that peaceful mountain silence! To enjoy the experience, book through local trekking agencies.
5. Go on High-Altitude Treks
Munsiyari serves as the base camp for many scenic and exciting treks in the Kumaon Himalayas, such as:
- Milam Glacier Trek
- Ralam Glacier Trek
- Namik Glacier Trek
6. Explore Thamri Kund
Just a short 3–4 km hike will lead you to this ethereal lake, surrounded by dense forest. Mere a half-day trip here will familiarize you with the unique high-altitude flora. You can also spot some rare species of animals here!
Travel Tip for Munsiyari
While in this hamlet, make sure you keep in mind the following:
- There’s only one petrol pump in Munsiyari, and sometimes, even that is out of fuel. It’s best to ensure you start your journey with full fuel.
- The ATMs are limited in number there. Therefore, carry enough cash for local purchases.
- Book your hotels here in advance, as accommodation options are already fewer in number and they quickly fill up, especially in the peak season.
- Skip visiting here in the monsoon season as there’s a risk of landslides, and even cloudbursts.
