Want to get away from busy city life? Munsiyari is a beautiful small town in Uttarakhand that’s perfect for a peaceful trip. This hill station has amazing snow-covered mountains and a very calm feel. People often call it “Mini Kashmir” because it’s so pretty. Whether you like easy walks, want to see local culture, or just want to relax in nature, Munsiyari has something for everyone. Here are the 6 best places you should visit in Munsiyari. But first know:
Where is Munsiyari Located?
Munsiyari is a small hill town in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, sitting 2,298 meters high in the mountains. It’s located in the Kumaon hills, about 126 kilometers from Pithoragarh city.
The town sits at the base of the famous Panchachuli mountain peaks and is close to the borders of Nepal and Tibet.
6 Best Places to Visit in Munsiyari
1.Khaliya Top
Khaliya Top is situated at an altitude of 11,482 feet above sea level and is a paradise for trekkers and climbers. Khaliya top is an ideal spot for beginners who want to get a glimpse of Himalayan giants such as Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, hardeol, and nandakot, among others. No matter what kind of experience you have with nature, Khaliya tops is one of the must-visit spots in Munsiyari.
It’s perfect for beginners who want to see these big mountains but don’t want a hard climb. To get there, you walk for about 6 or 7 miles.
Along the way, you pass through forests, green fields, and streams. It’s like a magical adventure! The best time to visit Khaliya is from September to December or March to April when the weather is nice. And if you love snow, the best time to visit after January. You can play in the snow and have lots of fun!
2.Birthi Falls
Birthi Falls is a waterfalls located 32 km north-west of Munsiyari. The water cascades down from a height of almost 400 feet, making it a sight to behold. It can be reached by hiking 35 km from Kalamuni pass. Besides the beauty of the waterfalls, the lush landscape around the falls makes it a great place to picnic or go for a short nature walk. The best time to visit is from September to June.
3.Nanda Devi Ji Temple
Nanda Devi ji temple is located at an altitude of 7,500 feet. It is one of the oldest temples in the state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to the deity Nanda, also called Parvati. The temple has a majestic setting and a spiritual atmosphere. The 3-kilometer trek to the temple offers panoramic views of the panoramic peaks of Panchachuli. The best season to visit the temple is from October to May.
4. Darkot Village
If you are looking for a genuine cultural experience, then you must stay in Darkot Village. The village is located close to the highest peaks of the Himalayas. The simplicity, flora and fauna of the village are worth a visit. Known for its hand-woven woolen shawl and blankets, which are made with local craftsmanship, Darkot village is one of the hidden gems of Munsiyari.
5. Tribal Heritage Museum
The Museum of Tribal Heritage in Munsiyari is one of the most important tourist attractions in the area. It showcases the art, culture, and tradition of Bhotia and the surrounding tribes. The museum was established in 2000 and showcases a variety of artifacts, such as wooden dishes, furniture, and yak skin accessories. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
6. Panchachuli Peak
Panchachuli peaks are a group of 5 snowcapped mountains located in the eastern part of Kumaon. They are located in the vicinity of Dugtu village in Darma Valley. The mountain range from 6334 m to 22,651 ft above sea level. These mountains act as the boundary line between the river valley of Gori and the river valley of Darmagang. The Pandavas have been said to have had “5 Chulis” or “cooking hearth,” which is the reason for the name of this mountain range. Discover the history and beauty of this unique feature of Munsiyari.
Frequently Asked Questions About Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
How to reach Munsiyari from Delhi by train?
There is no direct train to Munsiyari. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, around 280 km away. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus towards Munsiyari via Almora or Pithoragarh.
How to reach Munsiyari from Delhi by car?
To reach Munsiyari from Delhi by car, follow this route:
Delhi → Haldwani → Almora → Bageshwar → Chaukori → Thal → Munsiyari
The total distance is approx. 600 km and takes around 16–18 hours, depending on road conditions.
Which is the nearest airport to Munsiyari?
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located around 250 km away. From Pantnagar, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Munsiyari via Almora or Pithoragarh.
How far is Munsiyari from the Tibet border?
Munsiyari is located about 90 to 100 km from the Indo-Tibet (China) border as the crow flies. However, due to the hilly terrain and restricted zones, direct travel is not permitted without special permits.
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Does Munsiyari receive snowfall?
Yes, Munsiyari receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, especially from January to March. It transforms into a snowy paradise, perfect for snow lovers and winter photography.
But the best month for a visit according to locals for snow is between February to April, so you can enjoy.
Which river flows in Munsiyari?
The Gori Ganga River flows through Munsiyari. It’s a beautiful mountain river that originates from the Milam Glacier and adds to the scenic charm of the valley.
Is Munsiyari safe to visit now?
Yes, Munsiyari is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always a good idea to check local weather conditions, road updates, and government advisories before planning your trip—especially during monsoon or heavy snowfall seasons.
Where is Munsiyari?
Munsiyari is in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, about 128 kilometers away from Pithoragarh.
Munsiyari is also called “Little Kashmir” because of the beautiful mountains.
Munsiyari is about 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. It sits beside the Gori Ganga River and is the starting point for treks to Johar Valley and Milam Glacier.