Johar Valley

Johar valley is one amongst the valleys situated in Uttarakhand, India. This valley is located along the river, Gori Ganga. It is a popular valley and tourist destination which is visited by people from all across the world. This valley has attained immense significance due to its tourism. This valley serves as a main trade route with Tibet. The most popular villages present in the valley are Munsiyari and Milam. Tourists vote Milam as the best tourist attraction in Johar valley.

Tourism

Milam is one of the last villages situated in the Johar valley that is based in the Pithoragarh district in Uttrakhand state of India. The Gori Ganga River originates from this Milam Glacier while flows past the villages to meet the Kali Ganga in Jauljibi.

The trekking programme to Milam village begins from Munsiyari, a road path way which one can reach from Almoradistrict or Pithoragarh. This trek passes through the Bilju, Burfu, Martoli, Rilkot, Bogudiar and Lilam. The prominent peaks situated below this glacier are Nanda Ghoonti, Hardeol, Trisuli, etc. Few of the camping places which are based above the glacier include Suraj Kund, Nitwal Dhar etc. Nandadevi in the east is a base camp which can be accessed through a side valley passing the Pacchu and Ghangar villages. The perfect trekking time is between May and October and this excludes the months of monsoon. However since the inhabitants of these upper villages generally migrate down the valley during the winter months, the trekkers might find that the accommodation and food facilities are absent.

Milam glacier is one of the best trekking routes in Himalayas. It starts from Munsyari and goes through the gorge of the Gori Ganga River. The trek is spectacular and exciting. At the same time, it is very challenging too. From Munsyari, it delivers a breath taking view of Panchchuli peak. The trek becomes even more adventurous when it passes through the wood lowland regions of the high alpine meadows. There is a village called Rilkot situated on the trekking route. There are ruins of old village worth watching in this village. The route also delivers an outstanding sight of Martoli peak. Burfu is also another place situated along the trekking route which provides an amazing vista of Har Deval and Nande Devi peak.

There are 6 tourist attractions in Roorkee city which is just 33 km from the Johar valley and 33 tourist spots in Uttarkashi which is located about 35 km apart. Among them, the most popular destinations are Kar ki Pauri in Roorkee and yamunotri temple in Uttarkashi.

People residing in the Johar Valley where the famous Gori Ganga River flows in Munsyari Tehsil of the Pithoragarh district are called as Johari Shauka or Johari. These regions are the largest parts of Uttarakhand Bhotiya ethno-linguistic crowd and one among the few Uttarakhand tribes. These Johari Shauka display a rich artistic heritage while strictly holds to the age old caste system. Their important goddess is Goddess Nanda Devi in districts of Martoli and Milam. The famous explorers like Rai Bahadur Kisan Singh Rawat and Pundit Nain Singh Rawat are from the popular Johar valley.

The Johar valley has a pleasant climate during many months of the year. However it is advisable to avoid during the monsoon season as the weather will be wet and trekking activities may not be possible. Summers are the comfortable climate. Winters are cold and woolens are essential at the time of travelling. The best time to see this place is during March-June and September and October. The ideal time to go for trekking is during the month of June to October.

How to Reach

Air Transport

The nearest airport is situated at Pantnagar which is about 250 km from the hill station. Pantnagar in turn well connected to Delhi by scheduled flights. Hiring a taxi from the station is the best option to reach the destination and they charge about Rs 7 per km.

Railways

The nearest railway station is situated at Kathodgam. Kathodgam is very well connected to many places in the country. Tickets from Delhi will be charged around Rs 140. Taxis can be arranged from station to the hill town and will charge around Rs 2200 for the trip. Tanakpur station which is about 220 km from the town is also another option.

Road Transport

The hill town of Munsiyari is situated around 650 km from Delhi and around 260 km from Kathgodam. The hill station of Nainital is situated about 290 km from the place. It is well connected by private vehicles and taxis.

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