Hey there, fellow trekking enthusiasts!
Normally I’m in Delhi for work, but I’m originally from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. Me and my friends were catching up on Friday evening, realising we hadn’t been home in ages. That’s when I had an idea: whenever we visit Pithoragarh, let’s explore a hidden gem nearby too! We discovered Munsiyari, a charming village just two hours away.
Sounded perfect! So, we packed our bags and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Uttarakhand, Munsiyari!
Route from Delhi to Pithoragarh with a Twist:
It was a road trip adventure for us, and it all started in Delhi. With the car packed and ready, my friends and I set off for a 10-hour journey to reach Pithoragarh, my hometown in Uttarakhand. We planned to make a few stops along the way to break up the drive and explore some hidden gems.
Our first stop was Uttarpur, followed by Champawat, before finally reaching our destination of Pithoragarh.
There are two ways to get to Munsiyari from Pithoragarh, but we chose the scenic route that takes you right by the Birthi Waterfall .This amazing waterfall is located in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Munsiyari:
- Birthi Waterfall Munsiyari:
Leaving Pithoragarh early at 7:30 am, we took a different route on our way to Munsiyari. Our destination? The famous Birthi Waterfall! The beauty spot in Pithoragarh was a must-see. We spent a relaxing half hour enjoying the cascading water and the fresh mountain air before continuing our journey to Munsiyari.
- Kalamuni Temple:
After the falls, we visited this temple and then Munsiyari City. Also, this temple is on the way to Munsiyari and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It’s a sacred place that removes negative vibes. The temple’s outer wall has frescoes of Kali Mata, and Naga Sadhus meditate here.
The Most Important Places to Enjoy: We had two places: a Thamri Kund and a Khaliya Top.
- Winter Wonderland Trek: Khaliya Top Trek
After a delicious lunch in Munsiyari, we fueled up for our big adventure: an 11-kilometre trek to Khaliya Top. We knew it was the peak of the winter season, but we were up for the challenge. When we started the trek, snow started falling halfway, but we still continued walking.
The slope is very steep, and it’s quite a climb. Beginners might walk slowly, but they’ll get there. The trek was moderate but challenging.
As we climbed up with our luggage and camps, the snowfall intensified. When we reached the top, there was a resort. Since the snowfall was heavy, we decided to stop at the resort instead of continuing the 2-kilometre journey to the top.
Where to Stay for Your Khaliya Top Trek:
At the KMVN resort in Khaliya Top, which is easy to book, we stopped for dinner. By then, the snowfall had gotten so heavy that it reached our knees. After that, we began to think about how to proceed the next morning, considering the heavy snowfall overnight.
In the morning, when we woke up to the sunrise, the scenery was stunning. The view from up high was breathtaking, and the sunrise was beautiful. We took some photos to capture the moment.
Must Know: Later, we noticed the footprints of a snow leopard. The resort owner warned us to wait until 9 o’clock because if we followed the footprints, we might get into trouble. We listened to him because I think it’s important to listen to locals wherever you go. After all, they know their area best.
After breakfast, around 10 o’clock, we reached Dhoopbhi and started climbing again. It took us about an hour to reach the zero point.
The wind was really strong there, so we just sat and felt it blowing constantly. We took some photos, had lunch, and then it started snowing heavily. We ended up comfortably walking for 2–3 hours because of the heavy snowfall.
- Thamri Kund:
Below that, there’s a lake called Thamri Kund, right in the middle of the valley. We hired a guide because it’s a dense forest area. The trek is easy to moderate, so anyone can go. It started snowing on the way, and after walking for an hour, we reached the lake. Locals believe that water from the god’s pond is sacred and shouldn’t be taken. So, it stays clean and untouched. We reached Munsiyari at night and stayed there. The view from there overlooked Pancholi, and since it was a full moon day, the moonlight was sensational.
The next morning, we left for our hometown, Pithoragarh.
Conquering the Himalayas When the Weather’s Perfect:
The best time to travel for the Khaliya Top Trek is from September to November, when the skies are clear, giving you awesome views of the snowy Panchachuli peaks. It’s great for trekking in comfortable temperatures. We went in November and had a blast.
Khaliya Top Trek Essentials:
- Opt for thermal wear, fleece jackets, waterproof outer layers, and trekking shoes.
- Also, pack woollen hats, gloves, scarves, and insulated socks to protect yourself from cold weather conditions.
- Moreover, keep sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
- Likewise, pack high-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars to fuel your adventures.
Insider Tips for Travellers:
- Carry a detailed map, compass, or GPS device to navigate through remote areas with limited connectivity.
- Also, seeking guidance from locals is essential, especially during winter visits, to ensure routes are clear or not.
- Moreover, stay hydrated by carrying an ample supply of water.
Budgeting around Rs. 3,000 per person for the trip, we were four people. Our trek to Khaliya Top was an experience of a lifetime. The beauty of Munsiyari, the thrill of the climb, and the camaraderie of my friends made it an unforgettable journey. If you’re looking for a trek that combines natural beauty and cultural richness, Khaliya Top should definitely be on your bucket list.
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Happy trekking !!!
