The Last Frontier, Munsyari, Kumaon |
|
"Little Kashmir"!
You've been seeking the best weekend getaway of them all and in that search you find yourself driving an eternity through the most beautiful hills and valleys. Finally along a hair raising road, you come around a bend and see the most amazing vista of the 'Panchuli' staring you in the face. These five mythic stoves on which Parvati cooked for her five men are a semicircle of majestic peaks that seem to enclose the tiny settlement of Munsiyari. A bastion of the 'Bhutia' tribe, erstwhile traders and herders of goats and sheep who travelled between Tibet and Calcutta, they have an ancient cultural heritage which they are trying to preserve and showcase through the museum in Munsiyari, and the local weaving centre in the village of Darkot, that still has the old style homes and looms.
The Last Frontier, often referred to as "Wayfarer Munsiyary", is a lovely little homestay tucked away behind the Tribal Museum and between Kumaoni homes that you have to walk past to get here. Don't be beguiled by the word "resort" or you will be sorely disappointed. This is a beautifully located (if you don't mind walking up a steepish hill path to get here) and meticulously maintained mountain lodge. Six, very comfortable rooms, with deep verandahs that overlook that inimitable view. One could easily do nothing but sit there and gaze. Eat simple home fare, be taken care of by a charming and helpful crew of "the trio": Vikram, the resort owner/manager, Khadak Singh - the cook, and Pansingh - the ever attentive attendant and trekking guide. Read, write, paint and enjoy the changing light on the mountains and the vistas around you. Birds abound, and if you sit by the little stream that gurgles past the property you will be visited by many varieties.
There are lovely walks: short hikes, day long walks, or 1 and 2 night overnight treks in the area. For the more intrepid, this is the start point for the treks to the glaciers of Milam and Rahalla. Also the beginning of the trek to Nanda Devi base camp. A viisit in spring is rewarded with the sight of flowering rhododendron tress - a riot of red, white, pink and mauve! MHE has mapped out a fantastic road trip which stays here at Munsiyari.
The Last Frontier, often referred to as "Wayfarer Munsiyary", is a lovely little homestay tucked away behind the Tribal Museum and between Kumaoni homes that you have to walk past to get here. Don't be beguiled by the word "resort" or you will be sorely disappointed. This is a beautifully located (if you don't mind walking up a steepish hill path to get here) and meticulously maintained mountain lodge. Six, very comfortable rooms, with deep verandahs that overlook that inimitable view. One could easily do nothing but sit there and gaze. Eat simple home fare, be taken care of by a charming and helpful crew of "the trio": Vikram, the resort owner/manager, Khadak Singh - the cook, and Pansingh - the ever attentive attendant and trekking guide. Read, write, paint and enjoy the changing light on the mountains and the vistas around you. Birds abound, and if you sit by the little stream that gurgles past the property you will be visited by many varieties.
There are lovely walks: short hikes, day long walks, or 1 and 2 night overnight treks in the area. For the more intrepid, this is the start point for the treks to the glaciers of Milam and Rahalla. Also the beginning of the trek to Nanda Devi base camp. A viisit in spring is rewarded with the sight of flowering rhododendron tress - a riot of red, white, pink and mauve! MHE has mapped out a fantastic road trip which stays here at Munsiyari.
