Travelogue by Atanu Kumar Ghosh: Munsiyari - The Little Kashmir of India
[Photo Credit: Uttarakhand Tourism]
A heavenly Hill station in the lap of the Himalayas located at an altitude of 7200ft above sea level amidst the dense forests of pine, deodar and rhododendrons. It is also the home of Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Fox and Musk Deer along with the birds like Wagtail, Falcon, Himalayan Griffon, etc. The sparkling snow-capped Panchachuli can mesmerize anyone with its own beauty and may bring eternal peace of mind within the soul of a tourist with the vastness of the Himalayas. It is situated in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India. The main attraction of Panchachuli, which is a group of 5 peaks comprising Nanda Devi (25646 Ft), Nanda Kot (22510 Ft), Rajrambha (21447 Ft), and the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. Tourists around the world flock together for adventure tourism as this place is the base of trekking to Milam, Ralam, and Namik glaciers.
There is a temple, Nanda Devi in Munsiyari, which is dedicated to the goddess Nanda or Parvati from where one can see the breathtaking and gorgeous view of the Panchachuli peaks. It is one of the oldest temples of Munsiyari. It is only a mere 3 kilometers trek from Munsiyari town. It is a beauty beyond description and its beauty will remain alive throughout the life of the viewer.
It is said that the Pandavas, as described in our Hindu mythology, commenced their final journey to heaven from Munsiyari and the so called 5 peaks of Panchachuli are regarded as the 5 chulas or stoves where Draupadi cooked the last meal for her 5 husbands.
How to Reach:
Best time to visit: March-April, October-November
Nearest Railway Station: Tanakpur Railway Station at a distance of 273 kilometers.
Nearest Airport: Panthnagar - 336 kilometers
Public transport available from the capital of India, New Delhi: Anand Vihar - ISBT to Almora and then from Almora to Munsiyari.
