Tribal Heritage Museum — Attraction in Uttarakhand

Tribal Heritage Museum – A Glimpse into Munsiyari’s Rich Past

Located in Munsiyari, the Tribal Heritage Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the history, culture, and traditions of the Bhotia tribe, the indigenous people of this region. Curated by Dr. Sher Singh Pangtey, a local historian, this small yet fascinating museum offers a deep insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Himalayan tribes.

What to Expect? Artifacts & Exhibits – The museum showcases centuries-old relics, including handwoven woolen garments, traditional jewelry, ancient weapons, utensils, and household items. Trade & Culture – Learn about the Indo-Tibetan trade routes, the barter system, and how the Bhotia people lived as traders and shepherds. Traditional Lifestyle – Get a glimpse of old tribal homes, customs, and rituals, preserved through detailed displays. Rare Photographs & Documents – Discover historical records, photographs, and documents that shed light on Munsiyari’s past.

The museum is a great place to understand the Himalayan way of life, making it a must-visit for history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone...

The Tribal Heritage Museum is located in the Nanasen village of Musyari, about 2km from the main market. The museum was built by the efforts of the late Dr. SS Pangtey, who went from house to house to collect all items of cultural and traditional importance to the Bhotiya people of the Kumaon and Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

Some of the items and artefacts on display include herbs, clothing, cooking utensils, ornaments, different instruments, handloom equipments, coins and photographs. Later, a number of photos and information about the Kumaon region was added to the museum as well, which includes pictures of the Mountain peaks and the birds of Uttarakhand.

The museum is now being managed by Vinod Pangtey since his father passed away in the August of 2017. As of June 2018, there are 3 sections, and two more sections are being built. There is a museum shop where you can buy CDs, photographs, shawls, caps and other items. The museum timings are 10am to 5pm, and the entry fee is...

The Munsiyari Tribal Heritage Museum is a small but thoughtful initiative that offers a glimpse into the culture, traditions, clothing, and lifestyle of the local people of the region. There's a nominal entry fee, and photography inside the museum is not allowed.

You can spend around 15–30 minutes here depending on your interest in regional history and anthropology. While I personally felt the presentation could have been better, I truly appreciate the effort to preserve and showcase the heritage of the area.

It’s located around 4–5 km outside Munsiyari town, so it does take a bit of effort to reach. It’s not necessarily a must-visit and can be skipped if you're short on time—but worth a quick stop if you're curious about local traditions and want to support such cultural...