Dharchula is a border town with Nepal just a suspended bridge away. A strategically located town, after Indo-China war and troubles related with Tibet, Dharchula became an important location for deployment of ITBP, BRO and other forces. Gunji village is an important and scenic juncture enroute Adi Kailash Mansarovar. On an open sky day you can even enjoy Annapurna peak in Nepal and the mighty peaks of Himalaya. However, it is not an easy trek.
Since time immemorial, trade between India- Tibet-China has always been very prevalent. Be it the famous silk route or lesser known routes through the meadows and mountains of Uttarakhand the trade route were spotted with villages that used to serve as halting places for the traders and slowly these villagers en-route started to interact with traders, exchange of goods and culture made them rich and vibrant. These villages are still remote and oblivious of the changing world the place has held on to its culture and values.
One such village is Gunji tucked in Vyans Valley. This valley falls in Dharchula sub division of district Pithoragarh. The Vyans valley is believed to be named after Ved Vyas, the first great saint according to the Hindu mythology. This valley also leads to the famous Kailash Mansarovar and Adi Kailash yatra. Gunji is the junction point where one bifurcates for Kailash and Adi Kailash.
How To Reach Gunji?
To reach Gunji one can drive-up to Garvadhar, the shortest route is from Delhi is Delhi- Tanakpur- Champawat-Pithoragarh-Dharchula-Garvadhar. From Garvadhar one has to trek upto Budhi trek this is one day walk on a well defined foot track. Budhi-Gunji Motorable road exists but there is no conveyance available other then defence forces and two gypsies operated by Adikailash trek managed by Mr Laxman Kutiyal. Road is under construction and will be motorable shortly. Helicopter services from Dharchula is available between April to July.
For on foot trek, read this blog: Adi Kailash Trek: A Journey to the sacred places in Himalaya
The Gunji Village
The village is located in broad valley and has about 150 houses with a total population of about 320 habitants also known by their surname Gunjiyals and is part of famous Rang community. Also known as Shaukas colloquially called as Bhotias; they are seasonal occupants and stay in the village from March to November. During these months people are engaged in farming trading and serving tourists. Located at the confluence of Kutti and Kali River, Gunji village looks ephemeral. The village from where you can see the mighty Himalayas, undeterred and clear.
The houses have beautiful carvings at the entrance depicting god n goddess. The walls of these houses are made from stones that is chiseled and put to make a dry wall.
From Gunji you can see Annapuna Ranges with its sharp pointed peak.
This tribal community still believes and practices old age medicine.
The valley is broadest in the region and commands the best views and sunlight. You might need inner line permit at some places while trekking towards Adi Kailash.
When To Visit?
Summers is a good time to enjoy this rich cultured Himalayan village. Infact, according to a local, though a little risky but rainy season is the best to enjoy flaura and fauna of Himalayas.
So when are you planning to come this way? Let me know if you need any assistance in planning a trip to this part of Uttarakhand 🙂
23 comments
Pictures and Words articulated 100000000x better.
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Thank you.
Regards/-
Robin Bista
From Manipur
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Hey,
Superb Blog! I am planning a trip to Nepal and looking forward to visiting this beautiful location. I must that, these are some really gorgeous photographs. I love all of them.
Hi Gitanjali , I am researching to get adi kailash and kailash mansarovar yatra in one trip. But have not found anything rigid that could help.
how can we make innar line permit ? from where download the froms ?
I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.
Amazing places for visiting.
What a nice , Blog written content is so informative,
What a nice collection of photos ! so osm , i loved it.
Amazing collection of images, i like it, Thank you for sharing with us.
Hi,
I can tell, the place must be very beautiful. You have taken such amazing photographs.
Thanks for sharing this post about a new place.
Thanks. yes, the place is surreal
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing a great post!
thank you for sharing article very helpful blog
Awesome pictures!
Thanks for sharing..
Lovely place and collection of good images. I really appreciate you.
Thank you for writing such a great post. The way you express things in content is just mindblowing. I am looking forward to reading more of your content. I hope you have a beautiful day.
Nice picture Collection. Love to read Thanks For writing This Wonderful Article
Thanks for sharing this amazing post.
Hey Gitanjali, thanks for letting us know about when to visit..many people visit in wrong timings and face difficulties.
Absolutely! Thanks for appreciating
Hi,
I can tell, the place must be very beautiful. You have taken such amazing photographs.
Thanks for sharing this post about a new place. At least for me, I didn’t know Dharchula is such a beautiful small place.