Above the Treeline
From the oak forests of Ranikhet to the high meadows of Khalia Top above Munsyari. A night in camp, a sunrise facing the Panchachuli peaks on a clear morning, and dark skies all the way.
This journey starts where all of ours do, with a slow evening at Oakakhi. Then it goes further north than anything else we run, to Munsyari and the meadows of Khalia Top, above the treeline at around 3,500 metres.
The walk up is through oak and rhododendron, then open grassland. We camp one night below the top so that the morning can be spent up there, when the Panchachuli peaks are most likely to be clear. Birds on the way, a sky with almost no light under it, and very few people.
Day by day
Day one, Oakakhi
Arrive in Ranikhet. Kalika forest at dusk, dinner, and a first astro session if the sky is clear.
Day two, the long road north
Birds at dawn, then a full day's drive north through Bageshwar and the Ramganga valley to Munsyari, with stops along the way. Expect most of the day on the road.
Day three, Munsyari
A slow day to adjust to the altitude. A walk around the town and its ridges, and an early night.
Day four, into the high meadows
Drive to the trailhead and walk up through forest to our camp below Khalia Top. Dinner, the sky, and the fire.
Day five, Khalia Top
Up before dawn to the top, for sunrise facing the Panchachuli range if the weather allows. Descend to Munsyari for a warm meal and a proper bed.
Day six, homeward
The drive back south. We drop you at Kathgodam or return you to Ranikhet.
From the trail
Photographs from our own walks on this route.
The trek
Khalia Top · Moderate · Munsyari, Pithoragarh district. Forest giving way to open high meadows above Munsyari, at around 3,500 metres. On a clear morning the Panchachuli peaks fill the horizon. Under snow in winter, flowering in early summer.
More about Khalia TopWho it suits
- Walkers ready for a proper day of climbing
- People who want big mountain views without a week-long expedition
- Anyone who wants a camp night under a dark sky
How fit you need to be
One long climbing day and a steep descent. You should be able to walk five to six hours with breaks.
Included
- One night at Oakakhi, three nights in Munsyari, one camp night
- All meals
- Camping equipment
- The Khalia Top trek with our guide
- All transport from Ranikhet and back to Kathgodam or Ranikhet
- Forest entry fees
Not included
- Travel to Ranikhet
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
When to go
October to June. In winter the meadows can be under snow, which changes the walk completely. We tell you honestly what the trail will be like before you book.
Before you book
Where do journeys start?
Almost every journey starts at Oakakhi Stays, our home in Ranikhet. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about three hours away by road. Tell us how you are travelling and we will help you plan the last stretch.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the enquiry form. We talk first about what you are looking for, then share dates, the full plan and how to confirm your place. No booking is final until we have spoken.
I am travelling from abroad. Can I join?
Yes, and you are very welcome. Our page for international travellers covers getting to Ranikhet from Delhi, visas, permits, seasons, money and what to pack. Prices are in rupees, with approximate US dollar prices alongside.
What happens in an emergency?
Our guides carry first aid supplies and are trained in immediate response. In a real emergency, getting you to help fast is the only priority.
Other journeys
Let’s plan a quieter kind of journey.
Tell us what you are looking for, how many of you there are and roughly when. We will help you find the right walk, sky or forest, and we will be honest if we are not the right fit.