Munsiyari

Munsiyari sits at about 2,200 metres in the far east of Kumaon, on what was the trade route to Tibet through the Johar valley, and its Bhotiya community traded salt and wool over the passes until the border closed in 1962. The village looks directly across the Goriganga valley at the Panchachuli massif, five peaks over six thousand metres arranged in a row, named for the five hearths of the Pandavas, which turn gold at sunrise. Treks run from here to the Milam and Namik glaciers and to Khaliya Top, a meadow ridge a few hours above the village.

History

The tract of Munsiyari, first made up of the villages of Surhing, Gorpata, Darati and Darkot, was a vital depot for the Trans-Himalayan trade between Tibet and the plains of India, and in the early 20th century it was the main winter settlement of the Bhotia traders of the Malla Johar region (Wikipedia, Munsiari).

What's there

• The Panchachuli peaks - five six-thousanders in a row across the valley.
• The Johar valley - the old trade route toward the Tibetan passes.
• Khaliya Top - a meadow ridge walked in a few hours from the village.
• The Bhotiya heritage - trading community history and a small local museum.

When to go

March to June and September to November; the monsoon brings landslides that close the road for days, and winter brings snow. October and November give the clearest peak views.

Before you go

The drive in is long, rough and prone to landslides, taking a full day or more from the plains. Accommodation is simple guesthouses. Cloud hides the peaks for long stretches in some seasons.

Nearby

Pithoragarh lies south; the Milam glacier trek starts here.

Key facts