Munsyari, A glimpse of Paradise
Munsyari, A place I wished to visit since I started developing interest in the Himalayas. The view of the mighty Panchachuli peaks was so fixated in me that I always tried to visit this beautiful city whenever I had a long weekend. But the plan always failed as reaching this little town is quite a journey in itself. Since we were on a 10 day trip in Kumaon starting from Nainital and staying and stopping wherever we wanted, Munsyari was the ultimate cherry on top of the trip.
In our journey from Chaukori to Munsyari via Thal, we crossed beautiful pine forest and drove above the clouds as the valley below was covered in mist. On our way, we stopped at Birthi Falls and Kalamuni temple. Bithi falls is a beautiful waterfall to spend some time while on the way to Munsyari. Kalamuni temple sits on top of a hill. We saw our first ice patch and Panchachuli views from Kalamuni Temple.
Birthi Falls
Kalamuni Temple
Kalamuni Temple Entrance with Ice Patch
Next day, we started on the feet to explore the city. Our first stop was Nanda Devi temple. The temple is situated around 2 km outside the city on a small hilltop on the side of the main road. The views from the temple were splendid that added more peace and calmness to the place. Then we walked from there to Tribal Heritage museum only to find out that the place was closed. On our way, we stopped at a quaint cafe (Alpine Glow Cafe) that provides probably the best coffee in Munysari.
View from the Hotel top
Tribal Heritage Museum
at Alpine Glow Cafe
Meditation Center
Alpine Glow on Panchachuli Peaks
Moon on a clear night
On the way to Nanda Devi Temple
Nanda Devi Temple Entrance
Nanda Devi Temple
In the next day, we spent some time basking in the crisp sun in the mountains sipping kadak chai, which is a feeling in itself. Our Hotel provided probably the best views of the Panchachuli, so we spend more time on the roof rather than the room of our hotel.
Morning Glow of Panchachuli
Panchachuli I
First rays of the sun.
Can’t get over the views
Munsyari Town
Step Farming Fields
Fields below the valley
Helicopter over the Horizon
Next day we had to gear up for the Khuliya Top Trek, so we slept early.
Read other Kumaon Trip Blogs: