Binsar & Munsiyari

Binsar

Located at a distance of 26 kms from Almora, Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chand Rajas (7th to 8th centuries) is one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaon Himalayas and a well acclaimed hill resort.

Binsar Hills known and Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height of 2412 mts. And offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayas. The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 kms, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli.

The forests of Himalayan oak and rhododendron are excellent for trekking and communing with nature.

Excursions from Binsar

Almora (26Km.)
The district headquarters of Almora has still maintained its old traditional character which can be felt in the tiled roofed houses and paved streets. Places of tourist interest here are Bright-end corner, Chitai Temple, Kasar Devi, Deer Park, Nanda Devi Temple & ram Krishna Mission Ashram.

Gananath (31Km.)
The temple is situated at a height of 2116 mts. Above sea level which is famous for its caves and Shiva temple. Jalna : 959 kms) At a height of above 5500 feet, Jalna Provides a wide panoramic view of the Himalayas. A number of orchards produce a variety of fruits such as apricots, peaches, pears, plums and apples.

Katarmal (42Km.)
Katarmal is a must for history lovers. It houses the famous Sun Temple built by the Katyuri Rajas some 800 and 900 years ago, atop a steep hill.

Jageshwar (60Km.)
The temple town, housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas to be found in India stands on the Almora-Pithoragarth road, in the beautiful Jataganga valley. The grand temple complex, consisting of 124 temples is famous not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for its pristine beauty of being located among thick deodar woods.

How to get there

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 116 kms.

By Road
Binsar is well connected by roads to all prominent towns - Amora (26 kms), Nainital (90ksm) & Haldwani (120 kms).

Munsiyari

A vista of perfectly pointed peaks, most of them looming over 20,000 feet, greets you as you drive up to Munsiyari, a new "discovery" in the Kumaon Hills of Uttaranchal. The drive is breathtaking, with splendid mountains and valleys waiting to be unmasked at every bend.
Till recently, Munsiyari was a restricted area in the Himalayan Inner Line, wedged in between the borders of India, China and Nepal. Restrictions have now eased, placing Munsiyari on the trekking map of the Kumaon Hills.

The forests in the lower reaches are ablaze with rhododendrons in spring. Mountain birds like the whistling thrush, wagtail and hawk cuckoo, falcon and serpent eagle live here. The odd leopard, panther, mountain bear and the musk deer has made its home in the Munsiyari jungles.

From Munsiyari you can see a treasure trove of gorgeous peaks, especially the Panchuli quintuplets that look like five chimneys. The legendary Pandava kings are said to have cooked their last meal at Panchuli before ascending to heaven. The entire Kumaon area is steeped in epic history and the sacred mountains of the region symbolize ancient heroes and Gods in their various avatars.

The River Mahakali and its tributaries Goriganga, Ramganga and Dhauliganga plot a course through the Kumaon mountains to merge with the Ganga in the plains. The thin ribbon of Goriganga flows by Munsiyari, draining the 18 km long Milam glacier and merging with the Balati glaciers and the Panchuli snowfields. The valley of the Gori is a trekking paradise and there are a number of fabulous treks from Munsiyari to Milam, Namik and Ralan glaciers and through the narrow Johar valley that traces an ancient trading route to Tibet. Inner Line trekking permits are required and if you are joining a professional trek group, they will arrange the permits for you.

Jeep safaris take you to Madkote (22km), Baneanani and Jaulijibi (66 km), past some spectacular mountain scenery and waterfalls like the Birthi Falls (31 km). The Balati Farm is a popular trek from where you can get a magnificent view of the snowy Himalayas, and Maheshwari Kund is a serene lake surrounded by marshes that are teeming with life. The Goriganga is wonderful for river rafting. In winter, the alpine slopes of Khaliatop and Betulidhar in the higher reaches offer some splendid skiing opportunities.

Come and discover the brilliance of Munsiyari for yourself.

Altitude 1517 Mts.

Climate Snow fall in winter, heavy rainfall in monsoon. In summer while the valleys are hot, the higher region remain cool.

Clothing Summer Cotton

Winter Heavy Woolen

Season Round the Year

Language Kumaoni, Hindi

ACCESSIBILITY

Air Nearest Air port is Naini Saini, Pithoragarh 124kms. Via Thal and 131 Kms. via Madkot-Jaulijibi.

Rail Nearest Railway Station is Khathgodam 261 Kms.

Road Well connected by road motorable road.

ACCMMODATION A Tourist Test House, PWD. Inspection House and private hotels are available.