Here are the places to visit in Munsiyari Hill Station
If you want to witness the true beauty of Uttarakhand, you must embark on a journey to its lesser-known and remote areas. Munsiyari Hill Station, situated at one end of Pithoragarh district, is one such place where you find yourself embraced by nature.
From here, the Himalayan ranges appear so close that you become mesmerized by their beauty. Munsiyari marks the beginning of the Johar Valley, which lies along the India-Tibet border in Uttarakhand and once flourished as a significant trade route between India and Tibet. The presence of waterfalls, temples, meadows, and towering peaks makes a trip to Munsiyari an unforgettable experience.
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- Birthi Fall Munsyari
Before reaching Munsiyari Hill Station, you can’t help but pause in awe at a massive waterfall right by the roadside. About 35 kilometers from Munsiyari, Birthi Waterfall cascades down from an impressive height of approximately 150 meters. As the water plunges from such a great height, strong gusts of wind make it appear as if the stream is flowing in slow motion.
During peak flow, countless tiny droplets travel several meters, gently misting your skin. A designated viewpoint offers a perfect spot to admire the falls, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a refreshing dip right under the waterfall!
Located in the Talla Johar region, Birthi Waterfall has also become a hub for rappelling in recent years, making it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
2. Kalamuni Top
As you continue your journey uphill, the winding road takes you to an altitude of about 9,500 feet, where a breathtaking panorama unfolds before your eyes. Right in front of you stands the magnificent Panchachuli mountain range, so close that it feels almost within reach.
About 15 kilometers before Munsiyari, after passing Birthi Falls, you arrive at Kalamuni Top – a serene and picturesque peak.
Surrounded by dense deodar forests, under a crystal-clear blue sky, with golden sunshine lighting up the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, the view here instantly washes away all your travel fatigue. Adding to the mystical charm of this place is the ancient Nag Devta Temple, making Kalamuni not just a scenic stop but a spiritually enriching experience.
3. Nanda Devi Temple
Just three kilometers from Munsiyari by road, followed by a short 200-meter walk, lies a peaceful and stunningly beautiful place—the Nanda Devi Temple. This ancient temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Uttarakhand and holds deep religious significance.
Perched at an altitude of 7,500 feet, the temple is not just a sacred site but also a haven of natural beauty. Visitors to Munsiyari never miss the chance to experience its serenity. Adding to its charm, the majestic Panchachuli peaks stand tall in the backdrop, creating a breathtaking view.
A fascinating local belief surrounds this temple. It is said that Nanda Devi loves the rare Himalayan flower Brahma Kamal. Following this tradition, pilgrims returning from the Chipla Kedar Yatra, which takes place once every three years, bring Brahma Kamal from the high-altitude regions and offer it at the temple while dancing to the rhythmic beats of dhol and damau (traditional drums).
This spiritual and cultural ritual makes the Nanda Devi Temple a must-visit, offering a blend of faith, tradition, and natural splendor in the heart of Munsiyari.
4. Thamri Kund
About seven kilometers from Munsiyari, a scenic forest trail branches off from the main road, winding through dense rhododendron and deodar forests. This serene path leads you to a hidden gem—Thamri Kund, a pristine natural lake.
Nestled deep within the forest, this tranquil lake holds special significance among locals. It is believed that offering prayers here can please Lord Indra and bring much-needed rainfall during dry spells.
Beyond its spiritual importance, the journey to Thamri Kund is a truly rewarding experience. Along the way, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Panchachuli peaks and encounter shepherds with their grazing flocks, adding to the charm of the trek.
The forest is also rich in wildlife and birdlife—if you’re lucky, you might spot Uttarakhand’s state bird, the Monal, along with various other exotic birds. Sightings of herds of deer are also quite common, making this trek a delightful adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
5. Khaliya Top and Other treks
If you’re visiting Munsyari, make sure to visit Khaliya Top. It’s a six-kilometer trek that takes you to an altitude of about 3500 meters, where you can catch a glimpse of the snow line. Along the way, you might spot local wildlife such as the Monal, Gurad, Kakar, and Bharal.
Additionally, Munsyari is the native home of the Shauka tribe from the High Himalayas. From here, several treks begin, leading to the ancestral homes of the tribe in the Johar Valley and surrounding areas. Because of this, Munsyari is a well-known destination among trekkers. Apart from the Milam and Ralam Glacier treks, it’s also the starting point for treks to the Nanda Devi Base Camp and the Namik Glacier.
- How to reach Munsyari Hill station
To reach Munsyari by train, you need to get to Kathgodam first, and from there, you can take a bus or a cab to Munsyari. There are also direct buses with basic facilities that run from Delhi to Munsyari. However, it’s more convenient to drive your own car, take a cab, or use a shared cab to reach here.
- How to reach Munsiyari by flight
Pantnagar is the nearest airport to Munsyari, located 249 km away. It’s well-connected with daily flights from Delhi, and you can easily take a taxi from the airport to the village. Another option is Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh, but flights from there are less frequent.
- How to reach Munsiyari by road
Munsyari is well-connected to major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states by a good network of roads. Both state-owned and private buses run regularly from Delhi and other cities. Since the journey from Delhi to Munsyari is long, it’s a good idea to take breaks at different stops along the way and switch buses in either Almora or Pithoragarh for a more comfortable trip.
- How to reach Munsiyari by train
Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km) are the closest railway stations to Munsyari. Both are well-connected to major cities by a reliable rail network. From either station, you can easily hire a cab or take a bus to reach Munsyari.
- Local transport in Munsiyari
Munsyari is a small town where you can easily find taxis to get around. If the roads are in poor condition, renting a jeep is a great option. However, it’s important to plan your trip based on the weather. It’s best to avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides.
- Best time to visit Munsyari Hill station
You can visit here anytime between March and October. However, the roads aren’t in the best condition, so it’s not very safe to come during the monsoon season. Being at an altitude of about 2,300 meters above sea level, Munsyari experiences significant snowfall in the winter, making it difficult to visit during that time.
- Munsyari Weather
Due to its high altitude, Munsyari enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. In summer, the temperature remains between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
During winter, people visit to enjoy the snowfall. If you plan to visit during this time, make sure you’re fully prepared for the biting cold, as the temperature can drop below freezing.
Though the weather in Munsyari is also enjoyable during the monsoon, the risk of landslides can make travel challenging.