Nestled in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, Munsiyari is a paradise for trekkers. The quaint and picturesque hamlet serves as a base for challenging treks. Munsiyari offers spectacular views of the Panchachuli peaks and draws adventure lovers throughout the year. We’ve featured some of the best treks you can explore from Munsiyari. By Karan Kaushik
6 treks from Munsiyari adventure lovers must explore
Khaliya Top Trek
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Trekking to the snow-covered alpine meadow of Khaliya Top is an experience that tourists shouldn’t miss in Munsiyari. The easy trek can be done in a day. It begins from Balati Bend, 12km from Munsiyari. Even though it’s a moderate trek, you must be prepared for some steep climbs on your way up. The trek meanders through thick forests and offers visual delights all along in the form of beautiful mountain animals and birds. The prime attraction of the trek is the enchanting views of the Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Hardeol, Nandakot, and Rajrambha peaks that one gets to enjoy. From the summit, you can also trek for another kilometre and visit Zero Point, for a 360-degree view of the Himalayas.
Nanda Devi Basecamp Trek
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The trek to Nanda Devi Base Camp, or the Nanda Devi East Base Camp trek, as it is popularly known, is extremely difficult. The trek can be accomplished in 9 to 12 days and must be done with a guide. The best part about the trek is the number of snow-clad Himalayan peaks it introduces you to. The trek begins at Munsiyari and takes you through Lilam, Bugdiyar, Rilkot, Martoli, Narspanpati, and Bittalgwaar. You can take a rest day at Martoli and explore the deserted old village. The trek includes grassy knolls, rugged and rocky trails, boulder-strewn landmasses and even slippery trails. The meadows of Narspanpati are a major highlight of the trek and offer stunning views of the Himalayas.
Thamri Kund Trek
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The Thamri Kund Trek is a short and easy trek that starts 10km from Munsiyari. A short drive from Munsiyari will take you to the main gate from where the trek begins. From here, it’s only a 3km trek, which can easily be done in an hour. The trail is narrow at the beginning and requires you to climb uneven stone stairs for a large part of the trek. Let your eyes soak in the scenic beauty as you trek under the clear blue skies. The Thamri Kund is a gorgeous natural water body nestled amidst lush trees. During winters, the area is covered in a thick blanket of snow. On your way back to Munsiyari, you can also stop at several vantage points to marvel at the sun-kissed Panchachuli peaks.
Milam Glacier Trek
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One of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, the Milam Glacier trek takes you through the spectacular Johar valley. The Milam Glacier is positioned on the south-facing slope of the Himalayas and originates from the Kohli and Trishul peaks. The trek to the glacier begins from Bog Udyar, a short drive from Munsiyari. It takes 14-15 days to complete the trek, which also includes acclimatising at different altitudes. You will pass through gorgeous solitary hilly hamlets, lush alpine meadows and meet the warm and hospitable Shaukas who used to be traders on the Indo-Tibet route. The itinerary for the trek is as follows: Lilam-Bogudiyar-Rilkot-Martoli-Milam village-Milam Glacier. The best time to do the trek is from May to October.
Ralam Glacier Trek
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The trek to Ralam Glacier is a challenging trek that takes around 10 days. The trek starts 50km from Munsiyari and takes you through picturesque villages. The mesmerising Ralam Glacier is perched at an elevation of 4000 metres above sea level near Ralam Dhura at Ralam Khal. The glacier is a part of the Great Himalayan Belt and is divided into two parts- Upper Ralam and Lower Ralam. Trekkers start from Munsiyari and trek to Paton village via Jimighat and Lilam villages. The walk from Paton to Lingurani campsite is strenuous. From Lingurani, one has to trek to Killadum, which offers rewarding views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Trishuli, Hardeol, and Brijgang peaks. The last stretch from Killadum to Ralam village is difficult, but you can unwind at the campsite at Ralam. From here, it’s a three to four- hour ascent to the glacier.
Namik Glacier Trek
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This offbeat trek falls under the easy to moderate category and can be done in ten days. The months of May, June, September, and October are the most ideal for the Namik Glacier trek. Starting from Munsiyari, it takes you through Senar Gad meadows, Dhaldauk, Sudamkhan, Hiramani Glacier, Namik Glacier, Sudamkhan, Namik village, Gogina, and Liti. Namik Glacier is the origin of the Ramganga river. During the trek, you will witness the sheer majesty of the Panchachuli, Kafni, Pindari, and Sundarunga glaciers. A large part of the trek involves walking through beautiful lush meadows.
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