If trekkers frequent a particular Himalayan hill range which itself is surrounded by numerous snow-clad Himalayan peaks, then, you can visualize how Munsiyari Hills will look like.
Look at the photo of Munsiyari Hills and see if it matches your imagination.
Such green slopes with distant valleys, typical alpine flora comprising birch and fir trees, glaciers, and rivers, it is no wonder a place for enthusiastic trekkers.
When I mean ‘trekkers’, don’t assume a few groups of youth carrying heavy backpacks and climbing the Himalayan slopes. Munsiyari Hill invites hundreds of trekking club members almost throughout the year.
Where is ‘Munsiyari Hills’?
The trekkers’ favorite Munsiyari Hill is located in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand State, India.
The overall elevation of Munsiyari Hill is 7200 feet!
The ideal time to go trekking in Munsiyari Hill
Though you can visit Munsiyari Hill at any time of the year for the purpose of sightseeing, trekkers avoid rainy season which is from July to September. The hiking trails tend to get muddy and slippery due to heavy rain.
From November to March, it snows here heavily. Debut trekkers are encouraged to visit Munsiyari Hills during these months. They instantly fall in love with the snow.
Trekking trails in Munsiyari Hill
- Milan Glacier Trek.
- Ralam Glacier Trek
- Namik Glacier Trek
- Sona Glacier Trek
- Meola Glacier Trek
- Uttari Balati Glacier Trek
- Kalika pass Trek
- Thamri kund Trek
- Maheshwari Kund Trek
Trekking to see the Himalayan glaciers at close range is totally different from trekking on mountains, forests, and plains.
At alpine heights, the vegetation tends to be scarce. The weather can be dry. Nevertheless, the distant white glaciers will keep you beckoning and they would seem to slip away from you as you near them.
The six glacier treks mentioned above are the major hiking trails in Munsiyari Hills.
Panchachuli Peaks Trek in Munsiyari Hills
The sight of 5 peaks (Panchouli) is like a magnet that attracts hikers who love challenges. Even the lowest peak of them is situated at an elevation of over 20,000 feet!
The Panchouli Peaks paint themselves striking golden in the evening just before the Sunset.
From Munsiyari Hill, the sight of Panchouli Peaks in, Johar valley. It is a breathtaking golden color!
Nanda Devi Trek
Nanda Devi is the second highest Himalayan mountain range in India. Surprisingly, this mountain range doesn’t spread to neighboring countries Nepal, Tibet, and China.
The silver colored peaks that you see in the distance is the Nanda Devi mountain range in the Himalayas.
The Nanda Devi peak is situated at an elevation of 25,600 feet! Oh My God! Will, there be oxygen at this height?
Other attractions in Munsiyari Hills, Uttarakhand, India
Quite a lot of sightseeing attractions are available to the visitors of Munsiyari Hills. It includes:
- National parks
- Himalayan bird watching spots
- Waterfalls
- Himalayan peaks that have no hiking trails.
Birthi Waterfalls
This beautiful waterfall is located just 30 km from Munsiyari Hills. The fall is from a height of 410 feet! That can be a roaring waterfall, buddy!
As it is not located near the main road, you have to trek but not all the 30+ km. You may need to walk about 14 km climbing the mountain. Yes, it can be tiresome.
Gori Ganga River
Carrying the typical cold water of the Himalayas, this river is fed by Milam Glacier.
Nanda Devi National Park.
This exquisite national park is situated on the banks of the Gori Ganga river. It is a big tourist attraction offering world-class trekking trails. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park is situated at a height of 11,500 feet! This means you can only see the alpine flora and fauna. The fauna that you can spot here include:
- Musk deer
- Himalayan Tahr
- Goral
- Snow Leopard
- Langur
Numerous Himalayan peaks are located within the area of Nada Devi National Park.
Apart from Nanda Devi, the following peaks lie on ridges dividing the Inner and Outer Sanctuary areas.
- Devistan
- Rishi Kot
- Dunagiri
- Mangraon
- Deo Damla
- Rishi Pahad
- Dunagiri
Betulidhar, Munsiyari
Have you heard about Rhododendron flowers?
Here they are:
Mostly in various hues of red and pink, these Himalayan flowers attract a big crowd. The Betulidhar is an ideal place to see these gorgeous flowers. The garden is located about 25 km from Munsiyari.
Madkot Hot Springs
A pleasant surprise amidst the snow-covered hills is the natural hot springs located at Madkot that is located at 25 km from Munsiyari Hills.
Balanti Potato farm
Just a short 2 km walk from Munsiyari takes you to the lovely Balanti potato farm. I wonder why this is called a potato farm as apples are also cultivated here. The walk up to the farm is beautiful with oak tree groves and the Rhododendron flowers growing wildly.
Milam Glacier
The Milam Glacier trekking trail will take you close to this stunning glacier of the Himalayas. The Nanda Devi peak trekking trail takes off from the Milam Glacier trekking route.
Mehsar Kund
If you walk following the directions on the road, you will reach Maheshwari Kund in about 30 minutes.
Thamari Kund
A wonderful and scenic picnic spot, the naturally formed Thamari Kund is surrounded by Himalayan trees such as birch and pine.
I hope by this time, you have sensed an inclination to go to Munsiyari Hills near Pithoragarh.
Let us see how to reach Munsiyari Hills.
From Pithorgarh, Munsiyari Hills is 130 km away. The road from Pithoragarh to Munsiyari is reported as very bad.
From Delhi, you can take a train to Tanakpur. Pithoragarh is located 140 km from here.
Best place to stay in Munsiyari Hills.
Munsiyari Hotels is the best place to stay in Munsiayari. The rooms offer a wonderful view of the Johar Valley, including the Panchouli Peaks.
Contact Munsiyari Hotel for your room reservation.
