Khaliya Top Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Easy
TREK DURATION
4 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
11,500 feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
12 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
April to June - September to November
PICKUP POINT
Kathgodam
Overview of Khaliya Top Trek
Located in the Munsiyari region of Uttarakhand, the Khaliya Top Trek is regarded as one of the most rewarding short Himalayan treks. At about 3,600 meters of elevation, Khaliya Top provides good views of the Panchachuli Peaks, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Hardeol, and Rajrambha.
Starting from Munsiyari town, this trek takes you through lush oak and rhododendron forests, then across large alpine meadows, and finally along long, open ridges. With a steady incline and clearly marked forest paths, Khaliya Top offers new high-altitude trekkers as well as seasoned hikers who want a quick but beautiful Himalayan experience.
History of Khaliya Top Trek
For centuries now, Khaliya Top has been one of the oldest parts of Johar Valley, where shepherds have grazed their herds seasonally at the high meadows in high summer (bugyals).
Over time, trails from local village communities, shepherding, and livestock movement developed naturally to form connective pathways to and from Khaliya Top for livestock migration and connectivity between villages.
Local myths associate the area as sacred and thus protected by mountain gods. This has preserved the pristine environment and also limited commercial encroachments.
Stunning Views of the Himalayas
Khaliya Top serves up unparalleled views of the peaks of the Kumaon Himalayas, including all 360 degrees around it.
Vibrant Oak and Rhododendron Forests
The clear, beautiful trail takes you through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons that will be blooming again in spring.
Vast Alpine Meadows
Near the top of Khaliya, there are incredibly beautiful, wide-open meadows that will be our base for camping, taking photos, and looking at the stars for hours; this will be an absolutely incredible high-altitude experience.
Best Trek for Beginners & First-Timers
With no technical areas and a steady uphill climb, Khaliya Top is one of the best beginner-level treks near Munsiyari.
Easy-Moderate
Khaliya Top Trek is classified as an easy to moderate level of difficulty.
Gradual Acclimatization
A gradual rise and fall over the entire trek will allow for good acclimatization for all hikers, making it much more enjoyable and safer than other steep high-altitude treks.
No Technical Skills Required
Khaliya Top Trek is ideal for beginners and first-timers with a basic level of physical fitness.
April to June
During spring and early summer (April–June), the views from the hiking trail are continuous, and there are numerous trees in bloom. Snow can still be present on higher elevations of the trail.
July to September
During monsoon season (July–September) there is an abundance of lush green foliage; however, trekking is not recommended because of slippery conditions and the increased risk of mudslides.
October to November
October–November is one of the best times to hike in this region, as the air is clear, the meadows are golden, and the views of the mountains are crisp.
December to March
From December through March, snowfall makes for a very challenging hike; therefore, only experienced winter trekkers should attempt this route.
Delhi to Kathgodam/Haldwani
Distance: 316 kilometers
Duration: 5-6 hours
Via local transport, including flight, train, bus, or taxi, you can reach Kathgodam or Haldwani.
Kathgodam/Haldwani to Munsiyari:
Distance: 280 kilometers
Duration: 9-10 hours
By local bus, taxi, or private cab, you can reach Munsiyari, the starting point of the trek.
Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH)
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam (KGM)
The Khaliya Top Trek is easy to combine with other short treks and cultural exploration around Munsiyari.
Thamri Kund Trek
You can trek to Thamri Kund, an alpine lake trek nestled next to Munsiyari, surrounded by forests and meadows. This trek is perfect for trekkers looking for solitude, spiritualness, and uniqueness.
Darkot Village Walk
You can walk through the unique heritage village of Darkot, which has a long tradition of wool weaving and Johar Valley culture. Simply walking around Darkot offers exposure to both cultural and mountain vistas.
Panchachuli Base Views
You can hike or travel to different viewpoints around Munsiyari for a closer look at the Panchachuli peaks. These are good day excursions for acclimatisation or an easy morning's exploration.
Birthi Falls Hike
You can hike to the Birthi Falls hike, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Kumaon region, on your way to or from Munsiyari.
- Camping amidst alpine meadows
- Photography during sunrise/sunset
- Stargazing in clear skies of the Himalayas
- Exploring Johar Valley's culture & people
- Learning about the flora & fauna of the Himalayas
You must take along essential items for your trek:
Trekking shoes, layered clothing, an insulated jacket, gloves, a woollen hat, rain gear, trekking poles, a headlamp, water bottles, energy bars/snacks, personal medication and a first aid kit. Due to limited electricity, be sure to bring a power bank for your devices and valid photo ID (passports are acceptable).
Day 1: Drive from Kathgodam to Munsiyari
Day 2: Trek from Munsiyari to Bhujani Campsite
Day 3: Trek from Bhujani to Khaliya Top and return back to Munsiyari
Day 4: Drive from Munsiyari to Kathgodam
- Trek early (before 7:00 am) to avoid changing weather patterns.
- Stay acclimated (at least 1 full day) while at Munsiyari.
- Do not trek in bad weather.
- Follow signposted trails and your guide, and stay together at all times.
- Trek responsibly by packing out what you pack into an area.
Himalaya Shelter (HS) provides option to customise your trek and well-guided trips through experienced regional guides, proper planning with a safety-first approach, and a solid knowledge of the local area of the Kumaon Himalayas. HS prides itself on providing a customised trip with a tailored itinerary, quality accommodation in Munsiyari, ample food at high altitude, and attention to detail regarding safety and comfort, giving trekkers a smooth and memorable trekking adventure. HS's commitment to having a solid presence on the ground and following responsible trekking practices will help to ensure that your Khaliya Top Trek will be both a positive learning experience and safe.
Himalaya Shelter is now operating in the sections of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), offering structured, well-paced journeys across the Indian Himalayas with a strong focus on safety, acclimatisation, and responsible travel.
Day 1: Haldwani / Kathgodam to Munsiyari
Drive Distance: ~290 km
Duration: 10–12 hours
Starting at dawn from either Haldwani or Kathgodam, travel overland on a picturesque journey along the way through Almora & Bageshwar with scenic river valleys and views of snow-capped mountains in the background as you travel deeper into the beautiful Kumaon Hills until you reach Munsiyari by nightfall. After checking in at your lodging, you will acclimatise for the night and enjoy some amazing views of Panchachuli Peaks, depending on weather conditions.
Almora & bageshwar with scenic river
Day 2: Trek from Munsiyari to Bhujani Campsite
Trek Distance: ~6 km
Duration: 5–6 hours
Altitude: ~2,700 m
You will depart for your trek from Munsiyari to Bhujani Campsite this morning, on the Khaliya Top Trail. The start of the trail is an uphill walk through nice dense oak and rhododendron forests. The forest path has been regularly travelled by herders from the area for years.
As you gain elevation, there will be a few openings (clearings) where you will receive a view of the adjacent valleys and the distant peaks in the Himalayas.
Bhujani offers a really nice clearing in the forest surrounded by trees with large grassy areas, making it a good campsite.
Once you reach the campsite, you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of your surroundings. You will have tea for the evening meal with dinner under the stars on this night.
You will sleep overnight at the Bhujani campsite.
Day 3: Trek from Bhujani to Khaliya Top and Return to Munsiyari
Trek Distance: ~8–9 km (total)
Duration: 6–7 hours
Highest Altitude: ~3,600 m
Get out early in the morning so that you can enjoy the best mountain views while you're on the trail from Bhujani to Khaliya Top, where the trail climbs steadily as it goes through alpine territory (down through open meadows) until you get to the top of the mountain—this is where you start to lose your trees and will finally see amazing panoramic views of the entire Kumaon range of the Himalayas.
Once you get to the top (Khaliya Top), you will have an incredible view of the entire area surrounding you (the Panchachuli Peak, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Hardeol, and surrounding ridgelines) with 360 degrees of more incredible views from the top. Take time at the top to rest your legs and get some pictures and enjoy the incredible silence of the Himalayas.
After having your lunch, you will then make your way back down to Munsiyari on the same route; it will only take you a little less time to walk downhill, but you will get to see all the different aspects of the terrain along the way back. By early evening, you will arrive back in Munsiyari. You will have your evening meal at Munsiyari, and then you will spend the night in Munsiyari.
Day 4: Drive from Munsiyari to Kathgodam
Drive Distance: ~290 km
Duration: 10–12 hours
After an early breakfast, begin your return journey to Kathgodam. Enjoy the last views of the Himalayas as you descend through the Kumaon hills. You will reach Kathgodam by evening, marking the end of a memorable Himalayan trekking experience.
It is an ideal trek for first-timers & those new to trekking with good fitness levels
The altitudinal elevation of Khaliya Top is approximately 3,600 meters.
Although you are not required to use a guide, it is highly advisable that you do.
Mobile connectivity is limited, and after leaving Munsiyari, the quality will fluctuate during the Khaliya Top trek.
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