Munsiyari: Soak in the Scenic Beauty of Snow Laden Mountains

Munsiyari, situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is a place to soak in the scenic beauty of snow laden mountains. It is a destination to find pleasure in the company of nature; a hill station to recharge your city jaded nerves; a place to relax and reflect; a quiet hamlet to get away from all and come back fresh and invigorated.

Nestled in the eastern most hill district of Pithoragarh, Munsiyari appeals to both solitude seeker and adventure traveller. It is the base camp for trekkers to Milam & Ralam glaciers, and Nanda Devi Peak.

Munsiyari, according to mythology is believed to be the last halting point of the Pandavas. It is where they cooked their last meal before ascending to heaven. And looking at the peaks of the Panchauli range that rise to kiss the sky, it all seems highly likely.

Places to see in Munsiyari

Munsiyari is a hill station where you can breathe fresh mountain air and take long leisurely walks without the fear of getting lost. Quite opposite to traditional hill stations, which are generally defined by a Mall Road, Church, British style bungalows and a bustling bazaar; Munsiyari has none.
A small museum (Masterji’s Museum), an old temple (Nanda Devi Mandir), a hot water spring (at Madkot), a popular waterfall (Birthi Falls, off Munsiyari), Munsiyari Bugiyal and plenty of beautiful treks all you have when it comes to places to see in Munsiyari. You can also expect to see a stunning sun rise if you can get up early.

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Munsiyari is from March to June.  Late March – April is also the time when you can see rhododendron flowers in full bloom.

Stay options 
Munsiyari has limited accommodation options and there is not much choice. KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) Tourist Rest House, Zara Resort and Wayfarer Mountain Resort offer decent accommodation facilities. There a few other hotels as well, which offer cheap accommodation in Munsiyari.

Reaching Munsiyari
The best way to reach Munsiyari is to take an overnight train to Kathgodam or Tankapur Railway Stations from Delhi. Kathgodam is approx. 270 km from Munsiyari whereas Tanankapur is around 285 km away. Taxies to Munsiyari are available from these two railway stations.  You can also get buses to Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar and Munsiyari from Tanakpur and Kathgodam.

Though the nearest airport to Munsiyari is Pant Nagar, 240 km away from Munsiyari but it has hardly got any connection. The nearest international airport is at Delhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Munsiyari can be reached by road from Delhi.  Buses are available from Delhi’s ISBT to Almora, Tanakpur and Champwat from where you can take another bus to Munsiyari or hire or opt for a shared jeep. If you are driving, take it easy as hill drive could be strenuous. Since it is long journey of over 600 km, it is good to take a break at Vijaypur, Chaukori or Almora.

Delhi-Munsiyari Driving Directions (Route 1)
Delhi – Hapur – Gajrola – Moradabad Bypass – Rampur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Bhimtal – Bhowli – Khairna – Almora – Chitai Temple – Barechina – Dhaulchina – Sheraghat – Udiyari Bend – Thal – Birthi Falls – Kalamuni Top – Munsiyari.

Delhi-Munsiyari Driving Directions (Route 2)
Delhi – Hapur – Gajrola – Moradabad Bypass – Kashipur – Kaladungi – Nainital – Bhowli – Khairna – Almora – Chitai Temple – Barechina – Dhaulchina – Sheraghat – Udiyari Bend – Thal – Birthi Falls – Kalamuni Top – Munsiyari.

Delhi-Munsiyari Driving Directions (Route 3)
Delhi – Hapur – Gajrola – Moradabad Bypass – Kashipur – Kaladungi – Nainital – Bhowli – Khairna – Almora – Kosi – Someshwar – Kausani – Baijnath – Garur – Bageshwar – Vijaypur – Chaukori – Udiyari Bend – Thal – Birthi Falls – Kalamuni Top – Munsiyari.

Highly Recommended Read: A candid post on Munsiyari by a fellow traveller