Khaliya Top is a snow-covered alpine meadow at a staggering altitude of 3,500 meters in the Kumaon Himalayas. Located near Munsiyari village in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, this hidden gem offers breathtaking views, steep climbs through dense forests, and sightings of exotic mountain animals and birds. The trek is not as popular as other summit climbs in Uttarakhand, but its unmatched beauty makes it a special experience.
Overview
Altitude: 3,500 meters (Khaliya Top), 4,000 meters (Zero Point)
Trek Distance: 15 km from Munsiyari
Duration: 4 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
Highlights
Unmatched summit views: Five famous mountain peaks—Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Hardeol, Nandakot, and Rajrambha—are visible from Khaliya Top. The sunset paints these peaks in shades of orange and red.
Zero Point: Located 1 km ahead of Khaliya Top, Zero Point offers a 360-degree panoramic view at 4,000 meters above sea level.
Winter sports: Skiing in winter and paragliding in summer.
Rich biodiversity: Sightings of Himalayan animals like Monal, mountain antelope, yellow-fronted marten, and birds, alongside dense forests of rhododendron, oak, cedar, cypress, pine, and spruce.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Munsiyari
Drive Distance: 300 km
Drive Duration: 9-11 hours
Altitude: 7,200 feet
Begin with a scenic drive from Kathgodam to Munsiyari, passing through Almora, Bageshwar, and Thal. The journey offers beautiful views of lush green mountains and cool winds welcoming you to the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. You will come across several temples and Birthi Falls while driving on the scenic roadways. This journey usually takes 9 to 11 hours to complete.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in guesthouses or hotels in Munsiyari.
Day 2: Drive from Munsiyari to Balati Bend and Trek to Bhujani
Drive Distance: 9 km
Trek Distance: 2 km
Trek Duration: 1-2 hours
Altitude: 3,000 meters (Bhujani)
On the second day of your trip, you will be moving to a location named Balati Bend, approximately 9 km away from the town of Munsiyari. From Munsiyari, a short drive will take you to Balati Bend. Balati Bend is the place where trekking starts. The base camp of this trek is in Bhujani. After relatively easy trekking for 2 km from Balati Bend, you will reach Bhujani. However, some patches of the trail before Bhujani are steep and need gradual climbing.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in tents at Bhujani.
Day 3: Bhujani to Khaliya Top, Return to Munsiyari
Trek Distance: 8 km
Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3,500 meters
This is the most important day of the trip when you will witness the rare Himalayan flora and fauna while trekking from the Bhujani base camp to your destination the Top of Khaliya. The trek rewards you with the mesmerizing view of high-altitude alpine forest, rare and exquisite mountain animals, and above all the bird-eye view of mountain peaks of Kumaon and Tibetan range. Trekking one kilometre ahead up to Zero Point would be another memorable experience if extra time remains. From Zero Point, a 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain is available. Zero Point is the highest in the Munsiyari region. It is perched at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level.
After enjoying the breathtaking views, trek back to Balati Bend and drive back to Munsiyari. A total of 15 km distance is covered in the process.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in guesthouses or hotels in Munsiyari.
Day 4: Munsiyari to Kathgodam
Drive Distance: 300 km
Drive Duration: 9-11 hours
On the last day of the journey, you will go back to Kathgodam from Munsiyari, driving through the same path to reach Munsiyari earlier. Thus, the trip ends at Kathgodam Railway Station.
What is Khaliya Top Famous For?
Trekking for Unmatched Summit View:
Khaliya Top is a stunning trekking and hiking destination known for the otherworldly view of mountain peaks lurking through the sea of clouds. This view has something to leave you wonderstruck at the end of the trek. The Khaliya Top elevation will make you feel like at the top of the world. During the evening, the setting sun paints these peaks in orange and gradually fiery red, worth all your exertion.
Winter Sports Activities:
The Top snow is a perfect ground for skiing in the winter. Khaliya Bugyal is a high-altitude pasture covered with thick snow year-round. The mountain slopes here are quite challenging, attracting adventure-seeking skiers. Ski training associations also operate in this region. In summer, This place offers paragliding for tourist entertainment.
Heaven for Nature Lovers and Enthusiasts
Rare and exotic Himalayan animals and birds are native to this region, making it a paradise for avid wildlife photographers, bird watchers, and animal lovers. Species such as Monal, mountain antelope, yellow-fronted marten, Baral, Ghurar, Kakar, and barking deer can be seen during the trek. The dense forests of rhododendrons, oak, cedar, cypress, pines, and spruce add to the trek’s beauty, especially when the rhododendrons bloom in spring.
Tips for Trek
Carry Cash: ATMs in and around Munsiyari may not always be operational, so carrying some cash is advisable.
Warm Clothes: Even in spring and summer, the temperature at this place remains low. Carry winter clothes.
Guidance for Beginners: The trek is suitable for both beginners and experts. However, beginners should be cautious during winter when the trail can be slippery and fog-covered. It is advised to have an experienced guide leading the team.
Fitness Preparation: The trail has steep gradients in parts, requiring good cardiovascular fitness and strength. Engage in regular exercise and fitness training for three months before the trek.
AMS Awareness: Due to the high altitude, beginners may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, vomiting, muscle pain, and breathlessness. Prevent AMS by drinking water, resting, and acclimatizing.
First Aid and Medicines: Carry a first aid kit with pain relievers, antiseptic gel, antibiotic ointment, sting and bite cream, electrolyte powder, and band-aids. Beginners should also carry antiemetic drugs for nausea and vomiting.
Essential Accessories: A trekking pole is essential for slippery terrain. Also carry sunglasses, trekking shoes, raincoats, warm woollen jackets, woollen gloves, hats, and reusable plastic bags.
How to Reach
By Train: Express trains run from Dehradun, Delhi, and Kolkata to Kathgodam. From Delhi, trains like NDLS Kathgodam Shatabdi, Ranikhet Express, and Uttar Sampark Express are available. Bagh Express runs daily between Howrah station and Kathgodam. From Dehradun, direct trains include Naini Doon Jan Shatabdi Express and Dehradun Kathgodam Shatabdi Express. From Mumbai, take a direct train to Delhi and then to Kathgodam.
By Road: Khaliya Top is around 572 km from Delhi. Buses cover this distance in 6 to 10 hours. From Dehradun, buses take nearly 8 or 9 hours. Cabs and local passenger buses are available between Kathgodam and Munsiyari, taking 9 to 11 hours.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 32 km from Kathgodam. It is well connected with Delhi and Dehradun. Cabs and local buses for Kathgodam are available from outside the airport.
Plan Your Stay at This Place
Camping: Camping at the summit of Khaliya Top under the open sky and twinkling stars is a thrilling and affordable experience.
Guest Houses: KMVN guest house is located 1 km before the summit, offering rooms with amenities like heated water and solar lighting. Munsiyari also has several guest houses and lodges.
Recommended Stays in Munsiyari:
KMVN Tourist Rest House: Located at Thal Road, 800 meters from Munsiyari bus stop, offering rooms at around 1200 rupees.
PWD Guest House: Affordable government-operated guest house within 1 km from the bus station.
Pandey Lodge: Located 2 minutes walk from the bus stop with room rates from 450 to 1500 rupees.
Bijlu Inn: Room rates from 1000 to 2500 rupees.
Hotel Hayat Paradise: Room rates from 300 to 800 rupees.
Ma Nanda Devi: Budget-friendly option.
Zara Resort: Offers rooms from 1450 to 2800 rupees, arranging activities like trekking, skiing, and paragliding.
Vijay Mount View Resort: Located near the main market with room rates from 300 to 2800 rupees.
Wayfarer Mountain Resort: Offers cottage and hut-style accommodations, room rates of around 3550 rupees.
Conclusion
Treking at Top of Khalia perfectly blends natural beauty, adventure, and tranquillity. Whether you are an experienced trekker or a beginner, this trek promises an unforgettable experience. The serene environment, panoramic views, and cultural immersion make it a must-do trek in the Kumaon Himalayas.
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