Khulia Top - One day trek to Himalayan alpine meadows 3700m altitude



View of Panchachuli peaks from Munsyari



Yes, if you have less time, try this out. One day trek from Munsyari (2250m) to Khulia Top(3700m) and back. You have to start early at atleast 6a.m and drive to Kalamuni at 2700m, from where your trek starts. Go up along the stone path laid by the forest department. In 4 hours at an easy pace, you can reach Khulia meadows at 3500m. If you wish, you can try to reach the peak 2 km away at 3700m and see the lake beyond. Have packed lunch near a snow melt or spring in the meadow. You can return on a different route via Bhujani to reach the road head at Balanti bend and 5 km drive back Munsyari by 6 p.m. You can have a good birdwatching experience and can even sight ghorals, monal pheasants and may be even a musk deer. The view of the Panchachuli would keep you afresh throughout

How to reach: Take overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi for a 10hour hill drive (280km) to Munsyari. You can also opt to break journey at Chaukori - Berinag or Almora.

Where to stay: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has guest houses at Munsyari and Chaukori. There are several other hotels and also home stay facilities available at Munsyari. You can also stay in tents in the alpine meadows. Price range: INR 800 upwards for decent accomodation
Best seasons: April-May and Oct-Nov
Climate: Cold - carry woolen clothes and jacket

Permissions: Contact Forest Range Officer, Munsyari for permissions to camp
Avoid: Guns, liquor and smoking