Hidden treasure

Until recently, Munsiyari, a sleepy little town tucked away in the snow-capped Kumaon Himalayas, was out of bounds for tourists.

Until recently,Munsiyari, a sleepy littletown tucked awayin the snow-capped KumaonHimalayas, was out of boundsfor tourists. This is because itis strategically located nearthe borders of India, Nepaland China, at an altitude of2,200 metres.

Munsiyari was a pit stop inour 10-day sojourn of theKumaon Himalayas. Fromthe Wayfarer Resort wherewe stayed, the Panchchulipeaks loomed ahead, flankedby Hansling, Rajrambha andChiplakot. We relaxed in thisserene environment, andvisited the tribal museum,which is a treasure trove ofartefacts ranging from fossilsand pipes to wooden utensilsand tribal attire.

We also explored atrekking trail to the alpinelake, Mesar Kund. After anhour's trek, the forest openedout into flat grassland, at theedge of which was the azureMesar Lake. The avian lifeincluded pigmy woodpeckers,crested Himalayan bulbulsand red-billed blue magpies.

The next day, we decidedto trek to the Khalia Top, thehighest peak aroundMunsiyari. The steep 8 kmtrail passed through a thickrhododendron forest in fullbloom. The climb wasexhausting and every 15 to 20minutes, we had to stop tocatch our breath.

Finally, about five hourslater, we had our first glimpseof lush green alpine meadows.We stopped at an idylliclocation to set up camp.However, a persistent drizzleturned into a downpour andwe began to worry for ourtents, which, fortunately,stood their ground. After anhour, the howling Himalayanwind calmed down.

Early the next morning, weleft for Khalia Peak. We sawan amazing riot of coloursspread across the backdropof the snow-clad peaks and abig herd of alpine goatsgrazing freely.

Soon we scaled the summitof the peak, at a height ofover 10,500 feet. While reluctantlywalking down, we meta shepherd who was passingby. He told us about how hardhe had to toil in the mountainsin search of greenerpastures. After a three-hourdescent, we left for our nextdestination, Dharchula, situatedby the banks of the KaliGanga along the Indo-Nepalborder.

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