Porijayee: Munsiyari: The Snow Field of Kumaon

Munsiyari (2,300m) the subdivision headquarters of Pithoragarh district in the hill state of Uttarakhand, India. In Tibetan language ‘Mun’ means snowflakes and ‘Piyari’ means field. So the name Munsiyari refers to ‘snow-field’. The months of November to April of the year Munsiyari becomes a snowfield and remains covered by layers of snow. The distance of Munsiyari via Chaukori-Thal-Tejam-Birthi-Kalamunitop is 98Kms.On the way to Munsiyari, Birthi is a famous tourist destination. A slender uphill path on the left side of the road will lead you to the beautiful Birthi waterfalls.

Birthi Falls

On the banks of river Goriganga, the eastern sky of Munsiyari is proudly showing its prime attraction- the ‘Panchachuli’ peaks. It is really a picturesque beauty that will be preserved in one's memory forever. During sunrise and sunset the five peaks of Panchachuli change their colour in every hour. ‘Pancha’ means five and ‘Chuli’ means chimney. According to Indian Mythology, it is said that Draupadi the wife of Pancha Pandavs of Mahabharat cooked their last meal on these peaks before proceeding to Mahaprasthan and hence the name Panchachuli.

Gori Ganga

Panchachuli on the horizon of Munsiyari

Places to see:

Himalayan Viewpoints:

There are two famous viewpoints in Munsiyari if you want to see Panchachuli a bit closely. One is located near Indo-Tibetan police camp and another is Nanda Devi temple. The latter is the best viewpoint of ethereal natural beauty. The simple white coloured temple on green grass carpet is like a bright pearl in the lap of beautiful mountains. From the temple premises, you will get a closer view of Panchachuli on the horizon. The tranquil beauty of nature will soothe your eyes and calms your soul. The ringing of the temple bell, sweet chirping of unknown hilly birds and majestic view of the Himalayan range fills your heart with peace and happiness. From this place, you will also have a glance at Goriganga River at a far distance.

Panchachuli from Nanda Devi Temple

Nanda Devi Temple Premises

Tribal Heritage Museum:

This is a small cultural private museum established in the year 2000. This museum was established by Dr. Sher Singh Pangtey known as Masterji to local people. The purpose of this heritage museum is to preserve lost Bhutia Culture. You will find jewelry made up of leopard nails, cooking pots, hookahs, musical instruments, stones scribed with Buddhist sermons trade treaties from China and Tibet, maps and local spices and local handicrafts.

Hours: 10:00AM to 5:00PM everyday

Entry Fees: 10/-

Heritage Tribal Museum

From here you can go to Sarmoli market. This market is for local spices, woolen garments and carpets.

Trek Routes:

Munsiyari is the starting point of a number of trek routes. A trek route leads to Milam and Ralam Glacier. Thamrikund (pond on the Betuli Dhar Ridge) is 2.5kms away from Kalamunitop. Besides this another small trek route will take you to Khalia top. Here the beauty of Panchachuli will mesmerize you.

Five peaks of Panchchuli

Popular day trip destinations:

You can hire a car and have a visit to Darakot (12kms) and Madkot (22kms) villages. In Darkot village you will get to shop some blankets, shawls and winter garments knitted by local women from sheep wool. there is a Hotspring near Madkot Village.

Best Time to Visit:

March to May and August to October

How to Reach:

Kathgodam is the gateway to Kumaon.

By Air:

Take a flight to Delhi. Take any suitable train to Kathgodam. List of rains to Kathgodam from Delhi:

New Delhi Kathgodam Shatabdi express

Ranikhet express

Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express

By Train: (from Kolkata)

Howrah-Lalkuan Express (Weekly, Friday only)

Bagh Express

Both trains will take you to Kathgodam.

By car Kathgodam to Nainital is 35kms. Then follow the Nainital-Mukteshwar-Chaukori rout. The total journey time is 6hours. From Chaukori via Thal-Tejam-Birthi-Kalamunitop reach Munsiyari.

Car rent:

Maruti Alto: Rs. 2,200/ day

WagonR: Rs.2, 400/day

Sumo, Bolero, Max: Rs. 2, 600/day

The car rent varies according to season and price of fuel.

Where to Stay:

Kumaon Mandal Vikash Nigam Tourist Rest House

Phone: 05961-222339

With breakfast room tariff:

Super Delux DBR: 1429/-

Executive DBR: 1786/-

Royal DBR: 2009/-

Pandey Lodge:

Phone: 09411130373

Tariff: 700-1500/-

Bramha Kamal:

Best for Bengali food.

Phone: 09756086119

Tariff: 700-1500/-

Hotel Milam Inn:

Phone: 9830152169

Tariff: 2800-3200/-

Leela Mountain View: