Munsiyari is about 120 km from Pithoragarh and it is better to drive here rather than trek. It is locally inhabited by Shaukas ['Bhutias'] who are the original natives of this town and famous for the Johari Tribe who are excellent handicraftsmen involved in weaving woollens and Shawls. They also specialise in Ayurvedic medicine, horticulture and agriculture.
Munsiyari is known as the 'haven of trekkers and mountaineers' elevated at an altitude of 2200 mts above sea level as you trail through small beautiful hamlets, waterfalls and scenic beauty of the Himalayan Peaks and Glaciers. The name means 'Place of Snow' and it lies on the banks of the River Gori-Ganga, which means 'White Ganga'. It falls on the ancient salt route [Historical or ancient Trade Route] from Tibet and also forms the entry point of Johar Valley extending along the Gori-Ganga River.
There are two strenuous trekking routes mostly trailed by nature lovers, mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts and high altitude hikers and is a common base or hub camp for trek routes to the lovely Milam and Namik Glaciers.
The best months to Trek here is from June to October. You start hiking 12 km from Munsiyari descending steadily to Lilam [1850 mts] where you setup camps for an overnight stay. The next day continue ascending for 12 km through attractive sights of Munsiyari from Lilam to Bugdyar [2500 mts] where you can either stay in Village Huts or camp out in tents overnight. The next day takes you above the tree line from where you can see glimpses of the alpine regions covering 14 km or 8 hours to arrive at Martoli [3385 mts]. This village is disserted but was once very prominent as an ancient salt route [Tibetan Trading route]. You can rest here overnight in tents.
Next day continue on a little descend of 12 km or 6 hours to Ganghar [3260 mts] that offers a view of the East portion of Nanda Devi Peak and the Himalayan Ranges. Rest in tents for the night and early next morning continue on a 6 km trek [3 hours] to Pachu [3690 mts] where you camp overnight and the next day get a view the beautiful Pachu Glacier of the Nanda Devi Peak itself. All through you previous treks you could just view the Nanda Devi Peak from a distance but here is where you actually see it really close and just a stone's throw away distance and the valley is filled with Rhododendrons commanding you to stay at least a day exploring the ridges of Nanda Devi or just sit back outside your tents watching the splendour of nature.
You camp here another night and continue the next day trekking 4 long hours over 8 km again along the view point trails of the Nanda Devi Peaks arriving at Milam [3400 mts], also known as the highest Village in the entire Kumaon region where you rest for the night. The next day, you hike up for 2 hours that finally leads you to the 'Milam Glaciers' Head, also known as the largest and biggest Glacier in Kumaon, Uttarakhand region. It originates from the skew of the Kohli Peak and Trishul Peak and lies towards the south facing the main Himalayan Ranges. After a spectacular experience, journey back to Milam for an overnight stay. The next day trek a distance of 17 km or 8 hours to Rilkot [3250 mts], rest for the night and continue to Bugdyar where you get a view of the Narrow gorges of Nanda Devi covering 12 km [5 hours] downhill. From here you can trek back the same trail to Munsiyari. The total journey to and fro occupies 12 whole days.
After you rest at Munsiyari, you trek on another route to the famous Namik Glaciers set at a height of 3600 mts above sea level and 40 km away. Trek uphill to Senar Gad Meadow where you camp overnight. The next day after breakfast trek on an easy path of 11 km [5 hours] to Dhaldauk, you can have your packed lunch enroute. This route is mostly used by shepherds and offers you a view of the Panch-Chulhi Hills. Stay overnight here and trek up to Sudamkhan through the most memorable trails covering 7 km [3 hours]. Camp overnight here and next day continue to trek up to the edge of the picturesque sight of the Hiramani Glaciers. After spending half the day here, camp overnight in tents on the edges of this Glacier, a most enthralling experience of your life and the next trek on your final leg of 14 km [5 hours] to Namik Glaciers from where you view a close-up of Nanda Kot. This Glacier lies in the Gogina and Namik Villages surrounded by the Nanda Kot Peak [6861 mts], Nanda Devi Peak [7848 mts] and Trishul Peak [7120 mts] on the historical salt route of Tibetan trade. This place is fringed with numerous waterfalls and Sulphur Springs arsing around these Glaciers. You can also trek till here from Pithoragarh [129 km] from Bala Village via the Thal-Munsiyari road located near the Birthi Falls.
After spending some time here, trek back to Sudamkhan for dinner and camping overnight. The next day follow 11 km [5 hours] down to Namik Village where you stay in one of the wood carved traditionally structured Village Huts. From here you follow a 6 km trail [3 hours] to Gogina, the centre of RamGanga Valley situated at the foothills of Nanda Kot Peak. Here you can view a beautiful overhanging Glacier and a short visit to Kimu Village which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Himalayan Ranges. Here you rest overnight and continue next day to Liti [19 km, 6 hours] which is an easy descend down the RamGanga valley to the Liti Road-head. Here you camp and rest overnight and travel back to Munsiyari.
Milam Glaciers is the highest point further which any other climb will need professional training, prior mountaineering experience and loads of Physical strength and good health. However, all the treks so far do involve good knowledge of the Kumaon region and it is always recommended to book these trekking tours in advance along with expert guidance as it the best way to enjoy without the fear of getting lost.
Important Note: Just a reminder since the trekking paths get more serious, trekking routes above 5,250 mts will require greater physical strength including sustainability due to less oxygen and prior trekking experience with basic mountaineering skills; hence, the route is allowed mostly for professionals only. Any altitude below or up to that height is ok but recommends a skilled escort
