Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Munsiyari


Munsiyari

Munsiyari is a quaint hamlet situated in one of the uppermost part of Kumaon region in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state. Located in the base of the great Himalayan range, Munsiyari hill station is perched at an altitude of 2200mts above sea level. Munsiyari is also written as Mansiari and Munsyari.

The word Munsiyari refers to a 'place with snow'. Munsiyari is situated on the banks of Goriganga River and it is getting popular as a tourist destination. Munsiyari is an ideal destination for mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers, adventurers and nature lovers. It acts as a base camp or hub for the adventurers trekking to glaciers and lakes. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley.

The region is mainly inhabited by Bhotias (Tibetan tribes). Munsiyari was a previously a restricted area as it is wedged in between the borders of India, Tibet and Nepal. But Munsiyari is now emerging as a popular trekking destination and the government of Uttarakhand is also promoting this paradise of Kumaon.

The drive to Munsiyari is breathtaking with splendid mountains and valleys waiting to be unveiled at every bend. Munsiyari is rich in diversified flora and fauna. Rhododendron and deodar trees are found in abundant here. The region is home of leopard, panther, mountain bear, musk deer and other animals and birds. Invigorating view of Himalayan range is distinctly visible from Munsiyari.

Munsiyari received snowfall during winters and monsoon is not the best time to visit Munsiyari. Munsiyari is the base camp for the trekkers heading towards glaciers of Kumaon.

Places to see in Munsiyari

Betulidhar: It is a large garden of Rhododendron, the state flower of Uttarakhand. The sunset view from Betulidhar is very picturesque. You can buy Rhododendron juice from the garden of Betulidhar.

Nanda Devi Temple: An easy 3km stimulating trek from Munsiyari will take you to Nanda Devi Temple. This sacred shrine holds immense importance amongst the local people o Munsiyari.

Darkot: It is a rich in culture village situated 6kms from Munsiyari. You can see 100 years old wooden houses with traditionally carved doors and windows in this village. The village is famous for its authentic handmade shawls of Pashmina and Angora wool and sheep wool blankets.

Madkot: It is situated 22kms from Munsiyari. It is famous for natural thermal springs and it is believed that it can cure arthritic pains and skin eruptions.

Birthi Falls: It is a picturesque cascading waterfall surrounded with verdant colours, falling from the height of 126mts. Amenities and fast food centre is available in its premises. It is located 35kms before Birthi Falls. It is well connected with motorable roads.

Maheshwari Kund: It is also known as Mehsar Kund by the locales. According to myths and legends a Yaksha used to live in this small lake. The Yaksha fell in love with the Sarpancha’s daughter. Angry sarpanch and other peoples of the village dried the lake to avenge upon him. Yaksha cursed the village after this incident and Munsiyari suffered with drought for a long time until they came to him and apologized. This ritual practice is even continued today. Maheshwari Kund is just a few kilometres walk from Munsiyari. This spot is now a pond offering panoramic vistas of nature. Panchachuli peak can be seen from here.

Didihat: Didihat is located 37kms from Munsiyari. Didihat is situated at an altitude of 1,725mts above sea level in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state. Didihat is rich in diversified flora and fauna offering captivating views of the verdant valley surrounded by attractive ridges.

Jauljibi: It is located 66kms from Munsiyari at a picturesque location. Jauljibi is located at the confluence of the two important rivers of Kumaon region, Goriganga River and Kali River. A fair is held at this place in the month of November which attracts people from different places. The people of Nepal also visit this place during this fair as the river holds immense importance for them.

How to get there by Air

There is a small hill airstrip at Naini Saini in Pithoragarh, 128 km from Munsiyari.

How to get there by Rail

Munsiyari is 261 km from Kathgodam, the nearest railhead and major transport junction for the Kumaon Hills. Buses and taxis are available from Kathgodam to Munsiyari.

How to get there by Road

Munsiyari is 612 km from Delhi. If you are driving in from Delhi, Nainital, 330 km is a convenient place to break journey. It is a further 288 km to Munsiyari from Nainital. The roads are decent; Almora and Bageshwar are the two main halts where you can refuel your gas tanks.

Getting Around

Shared jeeps to take you sight seeing, or you can hire private jeeps at the destination.

http://www.munsiyari.in/

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