Once a master explained to his disciples, the difference between a tourist and a traveller. He said, " a tourist is one who knows where he is going, but does not know where he has been and a traveller is - one who doesn't know where he is going but knows where he has been." It's for us to decide what we want to be - the tourist or the traveller. This blog is especially for the traveller.
A place amongst the clouds overlooking the pointed peaks of Panchachuli and the home of the Bhutias, Munsiyari is one of the destinations for those who love to visit the hills. My first visit was with my friend Sid Singh in 2006. We were invited to see and experience the place on the invitation of late Shri R.S. Tolia IAS, the first Chief Secretary of the newly formed state of Uttarakhand.
Munsiyari is in Kumaon -Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. You can travel from Almora - Chaukori - Thal - Munsiyari. Or you can take the road from Tanakpur - Pithoragarh and finally join the Chaukori - Thal route. Munsiyari is the last bastion on the Indian side. One can find many hikers and climbers as it is a starting point for many soft/hard treks and altitude hikes. There are two glaciers - Milam & Ralam glaciers that are famous for the hikes. One can trek to the little hamlets/villages down in the valley to get a first-hand experience of local customs and traditions. Before the onset of winter during the month of October/November village folks come down to the valley to their second home along with their sheep and cattle carrying with them many rare medicinal herbs. With the onset of summer, they are off to the glaciers again.
Once you arrive here you can check-in the Kumaon Mandal Vikas operated Tourist Rest House or go down to the valley and enjoy a homestay. Locals are very hospitable with their food and lodgings. Munsiyari is pollution-free, bereft of any petrol pumps and garbage.
Anyone who is really obsessed with travelling to the hills should definitely visit Munsiyari once in their lifetime. As I packed my bags and was about to leave, a local whispered to me and said - "Aadha Munsiyar; baaki sansaar" (which literally means - if you have been here , you have seen half of the world)
Rajnish
Guwahati
Wow😍