5 nights 6 days
Hotels
Family, group
Car, Trekking, walking , hiking
Recognized by Birdlife international as a bird rich area, with more than 300 species recorded, Munsiyari is to Kumaon what Chopta is to Garhwal, , Munsiyari nestled in the middle himalayas of Kumaon division, in Uttarakhand ,close to the greater himalayas , is a perfect place for high altitude birds like Monals, cheer pheasants , koklaas pheasants , laughing thrushes , finches , accentors and more. Add to this the spectacular Himalayan views specifically of the Panchachuli Range and the wonderful hospitality of the locals, and an excursion to this quaint little town becomes a memorable experience .
This 4 night 5 day tour organized by Travelderness aims to showcase the scenic, picturesque beauty of this town along with its rich bird life to all its participants. Along with Munisari and Khaliya top , We also visit the hamlets of Chaukori and Kasar devi , two places which are popular for the magnificent Himalayan views they afford . Darkot village famous for its local handicrafts and Kasar devi made popular by the hippies in the 1970's , brings about the cultural aspect of Kumaon to make this a one of a kind tour , to familiarize the participants with the majestic splendor, this part of uttarakhand holds ! The target bird species on this tour would include satyr tragopan, Monals, Cheer pheasants , Koklaas pheasants, speckled wood pigeons, Finches, spotted laughing thrush, Golden bush robin, fire fronted serin etc. , and the places covered will include , kasar devi, chaukori, Birthi falls , sarmoli village , and Darkot village , . Join us for another adventure in the Kumaon Himalayas !
Activity
Bird watching , Himalayan views, Scenic landscapes , Hiking
Kathgodam to Chaukori ( Day 1 )
Write your day description Pick up from Kathgodam station early morning, and start our long journey towards Chaukori ( approx. 180 km) , with breakfast at Almora and lunch at Chaukori , Its a scenic route as we pass the well known hamlets of Sattal and Bhimtal, along with the famous temple of Neem karoli baba at Kainchi dham , The kosi river is our constant companion , kainchi onwards right uptill Almora, providing fabulous valley views and photoworthy moments . We will make a short halt at Kainch dham for some stream birds like Brown dipper, crested kingfisher etc. . Once we reach the cultural city of Almora, A dig at the famous localy made chocolate and bal mitha is a must. Almora onwards , the road turns towards the heavily forested regions of Dhaulchinna, Seraghat , part of the remote Saryu valleys . Check in to a resort in Chaukori in the afternoon , as we witness stunning himalayan views right from our hotel ! Some birding around the resort , dinner and
End of Day one
Chaukori to Munsiyari ( Day 2 )
Early start after breakfast , for a 100 km drive to the high altitude town of Munsiari whch should take us about 4 hours . Enroute we halt at the spectacular Birthi waterfalls , for some refreshments , Check in to the hotel at Munsiari , followed by Lunch ! Afternoon is spent at the ancient temple of Naina devi , with some birding near the temple and savoring the sunset over the panchachuli late evening . Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight
End of Day Two
Munsiyari ( Day 3 )
Early start to the Betuli dhar Forest , for a morning birding session,Primarily to look for Monal, cheer phesant , koklaas and finches, the Forest around the road is also good for Woodpeckers, tits, warblers, laughing thrushes and wood pigeons. Continuing our walk to Thamri kund , a middle of the forest pool, a place where a certain sense of Calm prevails . Scanning the area for birds, we head back to munisyari town for breakfast, Post breakfast , We visit the munsiari museum . The museum showcases the history, culture, traditions and lifestyle of Bhotia people of Uttarakhand ! Post Lunch, We make our way to the picturesque village of sarmoli , visiting a few households who share their journey from farmers to proud homestay owners . Some birding near the local stream and back to the hotel for dinner and overnight !
End of day 3
Khaliya top ( Day 4 )
Early morning Birding near Nanda devi temple to look for Exotic High altitude birds of the himalayas ! and back to the hotel for Breakfast , Post breakfast , a 12 km drive to the roadhead from where a 3 km steep climb to Alpine resort situated at 3200m Above sea level begins . We scan the forest enroute primarily looking for the elusive and stunning Satyr Tragopan , and other forest dwelling birds . Reach the resort by afternoon , as you experience a drop in temperatures at that altitude and witness mesmerizing views of the Himalayas from your allotted room . Royle's Pika , a rat size mammal , from the Rabbit family , will play Pee ka bo with you as it constantly makes it way out of the holes in the walls and then disappears into them . After a warm cup of tea, and lunch, The evening is spent exploring the trails around , hoping to spot a Tragopan, Koklaas Pheasant and the breathtaking Monal ( State bird of uttarakhand ! )
Bonfire and dinner
End of Day 4
Kasar devi ( Day 5 )
Early Morning Tea, as we trek another 1 km uphill to reach the high altitude meadow of Khaliya , soak in the stunning views of the Himalayas and the stunning green meadow of Khaliya , which seems like a flat land on top of the mountain . The Meadow seems wide in the beginning and it narrows down towards zero point ( the highest point of the meadow ) . After spending a couple of hours there , we make our way back to the resort for breakfast ! And post breakfast, baclk ot the roadhead ( 3km trek downhill ) where our cars will be waiting for the drive back to Kasar devi . We will have late lunch enroute at Chaukori . and hope to reach Kasar devi by late evening . Kasar devi was made popular by the hippie movement which originated from this place . Its a hip village , located on the ridge that connects ALmora to Binsar and is decked up with several roadside cafes and hotels that cater to the large population of foreigners that visit the village ! Dinner and End of Day 5
Kathgodam ( Day 6 )
Morning birding at Kasar devi plus a visit to the ancient temple of Kasar devi , situated right at the top of the hill, the compound also houses the room where Swami vivekananda meditated for a couple of months . We leave kasar devi by 11 after breakfast for Kathgodam for onwards journey
Inclusions
1) All transport from KAthgodam to KAthgodam
2) Deluxe rooms on twin sharing basis in Munsiari
3) Accommodation in Alpine resort at Khaliya top
4) All meals
5) Trekking permits and fees
6) Tour leader
7) Accommodation on twin sharing basis in Chaukori and Kasar devi
Exclusions
1) Conveyance charges to Kathgodam and back
2) Mineral water
3) Tips, personal expenses of any nature
4) Insurance
5) Anything else not mentioned in Inclusions
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