Munsiyari was a restricted area in the Himalayan Inner Line, wedged in between the borders of India, China and Nepal. Restrictions have now eased, placing Munsiyari on the trekking map of the Kumaon Hills.
The forests in the lower reaches are ablaze with rhododendrons in spring. Mountain birds like the whistling thrush, wagtail and hawk cuckoo, falcon and serpent eagle live here. The odd leopard, panther, mountain bear and the musk deer has made its home in the Munsiyari jungles.