Munsyari & Kausani-The stupendous Himalayan snow capped giants of Uttarakhand

Munsyari-you must not have heard of it, but when you see my fantastic youtube video and photos I publish here, you’ll be making all amends to be here at the correct times. Want to see infinite mountain ranges covered in snow with greenery instilled-Munsyari is your pick-wanna see a better view-trek the Khaliya top!

Reasons why you must visit Munsyari and Kausani:

Kausani is known for its beautiful panoramic views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchchuli peaks during sunrise and sunset; what is more beautiful: the sunlight kissing the snow-clad mountain tops. I spent 2 hours in the morning witnessing the beautiful kissing of the sun and snow on a mountain top. It’s just a treat to watch.
Kausani is not just rightly called ” Switzerland of India “

The beautiful Panchkula Peaks from a hotel in Kausani

Kausani looks simply incredible in winters. It becomes much more romantic with snowfall happening all around and snow-covered everything possible. The panoramic view is splendid!
Kausani is known for notable places like the Gandhi(Anasakti) Ashram, which has a significant historical connection with Mahatma Gandhi, Baijnath Temple, and beautiful tea estates.

A view of beautiful Peaks from Nanda Devi Temple in evening from Munsyari

Birthi Waterfalls was something I couldn’t stop admiring. It’s lovely to be seeing the waterfalls that close and trying to make a video with a camera-action camera with a waterproof case shall come to rescue here.
Khaliya Top, an easy 6 km trek from Balanti farm in Munsyari, presents beautiful panoramic views of the jaw-dropping Panchachuli, Nanda Kot, Hardeol, and Rajrambha peaks along with stunning sunrise/meadow views.

Location: Munsyari is located north-eastern extreme of Uttarakhand, about 9 hours(260 km) from Nainital and about 450 km from Dehradun

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Thamrin Kund, Kalamuni top/temple, Birthi Falls, Nanda Devi Temple, and Munsiyari Viewpoint are a few top hotspots for tourism in Munsyarui.For Kausani we have-Kausani Tea Estate,Kausani View Point/Observatory and Anasakti Ashram.

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

Pithoragarh, Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora are nearby tourist spots.

Another view of Panchkula Peaks from Nanda Mata Temple

Distance Charts:{Ex-Munsyari}(From Munsyari-Kausani is 165 Kms towards Nainital,away from Pithoragarh)

View of Himalayan ranges after sunrise in Kausani

How to Reach Tso Moriri(Ex Leh):

Road Routes:

Haldwani-Nainital-Almora-Kausani-Baijnath-Bageshwar-Bhanar-Munsyari

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Kausani is a place where you must at least spend one whole day, starting with watching the peaks glow in the sunlight and then walking casually over the streets and trails of Kausani

2)Munsyari and places like Pithoragarh and Chaukori need time to explore. Don’t just plan for a day and hop here. Have 4-5 days, especially for the Munsyari region. Any amount of time is not sufficient for this place-the views are that alluring, to be precise.

3) Pre-fill vehicle oil tanks as petrol pumps are less numbered and don’t expect anything much between Kausani and Munsyari

4)Since restaurants are few on the way, it’s better to have food and water with you.

RAIL: Railways are there upto Dehradun/kathgodam only.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it…

AIR:Dehradun is the nearest aiport.

ROAD:You can somehow reach Haldwani by train after which do break journeys to Nainital,Kausani and finally Munsyari. Alternatively you can go to Almora and reach Munsyari skipping Kausani.Even if you come from say Dehradun,bus shall be there to help you reach Munsyari via Rudraprayag and Bageshwar. UTC state buses help the journey in patches.

Map:

Time to Visit:

March-May(april is a bit rainy);Sept-Nov (Snowfall might happen in November)

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends,Solo, Couple

Food and Lodging:

You’ll not have issues with lodging and eateries in both Kausani and Munsyari.In Kausani, be a bit variety of peak seasons (April-May) as tourists come plenty here. Between Kausani, Almora, and Munsyari, getting food or fuel can be pretty difficult-have. Water and snacks with you. Refer to Goibibo, Makemytrip, and Easemytrip if you want a booking.

Expense:

For a 3-day trip by public transport to Kausani and Munsyari, with night stay at each place:

Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport:INR 1000 INR by bus in total-(max estimation)(Pvt. car will cost approx 3000 INR/day)
Lodging:INR 700/day X2 at kausani and Munsyari(two nights stay)
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):No entry fees

Total: 3300 INR(Can go upto to 8500 INR if a pvt. car is availed)

Nearby Attractions(Munsyari | Kausani)

Pithoragarh:(130 | 170 km)
Almora:(210 | 50 km)
Dehradun:(450 | 315 km)
Auli:(325 | 200 km)
Kedarnath:(380 | 210 km)