What is Khalia Munsyari route?

Munsyari is a small town in Pithoragarh District in the hill-State of Uttarakhand. It lies at the base of the great Himalayan mountain range, at an elevation of about 7,200 ft and is a starting point of various treks into the interior of the range.

The name refers to a 'place with snow'. Situated on the banks of Goriganga river, it is a fast-growing tourist destination, and mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. Munsyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley, which extends along the path of the Goriganga River to its source at the Milam Glacier.

It is inhabited mainly by the Shauka tribe. The town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with a key attraction being the trekking route to Khalia Top. Another must visit place is Pangti museum where Dr Pangti has retained the artifatcs, books on history and culture of Kumaoun.

Munsyari is the starting point to Milam Glacier and covers Lilam to Bagudiyar; Bagudiyar to Rilkote to Burfu; Burfu to Milam and eventually leads to Milam Glacier. The entire route is ap[proximately 59kms. From Munsyari to Ralam Glacier it is around 15kms.