Spending time amidst less crowded and offbeat places in the mountains is my refuge from the monotonous city-life. I would always choose snow-capped mountains with precariously placed houses on the slopes and the cold mountain air over anything. The warmth of the locals that makes even the coldest of places inhabitable keeps taking me back to the hills. So when a few days back, my friends asked me to join them for a holiday in Manali, I said a rare ‘No’.
While Manali used to be a great destination to escape society once upon a time, it's not the case anymore. I wanted to go to someplace to escape the crowd even if it meant going alone. I wanted to be transported to rural environs where peace and natural beauty would be at its abundant best instead of being a part of crowds of tourists.
The next question that awaited me was – where if not Manali? And while I was searching for places to visit in Himachal and Uttarakhand on the internet, I came across a story by a traveller who had visited Sarmoli – a tiny village near Munsiyari in Uttarakhand. The more I scrolled down, the more fascination I developed for Sarmoli. By the time I was done reading about it, I was sure about my decision to visit Sarmoli.
I didn’t even have to think twice before ditching Manali and choosing Sarmoli. I was prepared to take bumpy rides in ordinary buses and embracing the minimalist lifestyle that Sarmoli seemed to be offering. And just like that, one fine Friday evening, my unplanned solo trip to Sarmoli took off.
Why Sarmoli
Situated at a distance of nearly a kilometer from Munsiyari, Sarmoli is a tiny Kumaoni village comprising spellbinding natural beauty, rich culture, and warm locals who always make you feel at home. The grandeur of the glistening white Himalayan peaks like Panchachuli, Nandadevi, Nandakot, and Rajarambha, the mystic charm of the vibrant rhododendron and teak forests, and the picture-perfect views of the river Ganga make it a perfect getaway for everyone who’s more into nature and peace than visiting touristy destinations.
One thing that made me simply fall in love with Sarmoli was the sheer cultural authenticity and unspoilt peace that I experienced there. Not only did I get to enjoy the delicious local food prepared in the kitchen of the homestay I stayed at, I also went on short treks with the locals, and got a chance to listen to their legends.
Sarmoli gave me a chance to indulge in various other activities with the natives such as crafting bamboo artefacts, painting with the local kids, discussing their indigenous methods of forest conservation, and more. It was astonishing how they’d managed to keep up with the modern world while taking pride in preserving their customs and traditions, something that formed the very fabric of Sarmoli’s hospitality.
Let me put it this way – I have stayed at many homestays spread across the country and by far, Sarmoli is the best rural tourism experience I have ever had in my life.
So whether you are an adventurer who’s out on a solo journey into the mountains or a nature enthusiast, Sarmoli is one place that you can always choose over its much popular cousins for a holiday in the Himalayas.
Experiences and cuisine
If you ask me what I did in Sarmoli, the answer would be – Nothing. And that's exactly what I was looking forward to. For me, the idea behind visiting Sarmoli was to spend time in the quaint environs, relaxing in the cosy homes, talking to locals, tasting local food, taking occasional hikes, and of course, capturing the mind-boggling beauty that surrounded this place. However, there is a lot more you can do in Sarmoli during a long weekend trip.
1. Stay in homestays and spend time with local families to get the best out of local food and culture.
2. Go hiking to Khaliya Top trek with the locals for surreal views of the grand Himalayan peaks and lush forests that flank the village.
3. Visit Birthi Falls, one of the most popular escapes for photography and nature lovers.
4. Take part in Himal Kalasutra, an annual art and culture event, that allows visitors and locals to indulge in various activities like short marathons, yoga sessions, art workshops, and much more.
5. If you love adventure, go for multi-day treks to popular places like Milam, Nanda Devi East Base Camp and many other lesser-known destinations.
6. You can also partake in other experiences like learning to make use of solar energy to cook, weaving or making bamboo artifacts for daily use.
7. Try local delicacies like madua rotis, local saag, bhang ki chutney, dubka, and thathani.
And just in case you think that it's a remote village with its people away from the understanding of modern technology, or say, internet, you're in for a surprise! Besides all the gifts of nature and culture, Sarmoli has its own Instagram page and a website where you can find great pictures of the village, information about its culture and traditions, home stay options, and even all the experiences that the place offers! Now how cool is that?
When to visit Munsiyari
You can visit any time of the year, depending on the kind of experience that you are looking for. Usually, March–June and September–October make for the best time to visit Sarmoli. This is when the weather is at its pleasant best and you get clear views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
However, if you are a fan of snow-covered landscapes, the best time to travel to Sarmoli is between November–February as that's the time when the village receives heavy snowfall and turns into a winter wonderland. If you love a bit of adventure, winter months make for a great time for skiing in the village.
Please note that it's not a great idea to plan a trip to Sarmoli during the monsoon as heavy rains can worsen road conditions and you might end up getting stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Getting there
By air: Although it's the least preferred way to travel to Sarmoli, if you still wish to travel by air, the best way is to catch a flight from Delhi to Pantnagar, which is the nearest airport to Munsiyari. From there, you'll have to travel by road. You can either take a direct taxi or board a local bus to reach Pithoragarh. From Pithoragarh, you have a choice between taking a shared jeep or a direct taxi to Munsiyari.
By train: For those travelling by rail, catch a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam station. You can also take a train from Old Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, you can opt for an exclusive taxi to Munsiyari, which takes about 9-10 hours but isn't very pocket-friendly. For budget-friendly travel, you can go for shared jeeps that are also available from Kathgodam to Pitthorgarh and take about 6 hours, costing nearly Rs 600. You'll have to again take a taxi or shared jeep to travel from Pithoragarh to Munsiyari which costs between Rs 200-300.
By road: There are ample buses available for those who want to travel by road using public transport. The most popular and cheapest option is to catch a bus to Haldwani and then take a shared taxi to Pithoragarh. From Pitthoragarh to Munsiyari, follow the same as mentioned above.
Getting around
The tiny village is best explored on foot. A leisurely stroll or a routine hike in Sarmoli is enough to show the treasures of Mother Nature including the gorgeous meadows with wildflowers and the views of Panchachuli range. However, due to its location, even simple walks can mean a casual hike up or down the hill so don’t forget to pack a comfortable pair of shoes.
Where to stay
I stayed at a homestay which was partially under construction when I visited the village. However, I'd definitely recommend staying at The Himalayan Ark Homestay, also known as Maati homestays. This is a rural homestay initiative by the locals where you can experience the authentic Kumaoni culture and cuisine.
In case you prefer a stay with more comfort and luxury, you can book yourself a stay at Thakur Homestay Munsiyari or HimStay. The cost per night per person ranges between Rs 700–1,500.
If being at peace, witnessing sheer power and beauty of nature, and experiencing the best of Himalayan heritage is what you seek, start planning a trip to Sarmoli, right away! However, don't forget to travel responsibly and without disturbing its ecological and cultural balance.
What do you think about this holiday option in Uttarakhand? Go ahead, comment below!
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