6 of the most beautiful homestays in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh

Hidden high up on the mountains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, these homestays are far from the rush of tourists.

 

 

Most of us living in an urban setup look to travel for a brief escape from the deadlines, traffic jams and monotonous daily routines. Mountains are perfect for those kinds of holidays. Far from the loud noise and pollution, you can sit back and read your favourite book along with a hot cup of coffee, while the breathtakingly beautiful snow-capped peaks please your eyes from a distance.

Not every place up on the hills can offer you such a retreat. After all, most of the popular hill stations, including the likes of Shimla and Manali, have become highly commercialised and are often crowded with hordes of tourists. If you want to enjoy the real charm of being in a hill station, choose to stay in homestays. They are far from the maddening crowd, are surrounded with the nature's best and provide the perfect break every urban souls crave for.

Here's a selection of some of the most beautiful homestays that are perched within the mountains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Khem Bharti Homestay, Himachal Pradesh

 

 This old house will remind you of the rustic charm of an abode high up on the mountains. Located in Tirthan Valley, within the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh, this homestay sits amidst nothing but the raw beauty of Mother Nature. The sounds that one hears are the chirping of birds from the beautiful trees around and the gushing sound of the Tirthan River flowing past. You can go fishing and sample some amazing preparations of the Trout fish.

Tariff: Rs 1,350 including all meals.
Reach: The homestay is in Nagini village, which is 64 km from Mandi. Local taxis are available.
Contact: 09459101113; www.troutvalley.co.in

Uttam and Shalini's Charming Abode, Uttarakhand

 

 Run by a couple who are smitten by the beauty of the mountains and nature, this boutique homestay lets you spend some time quality time with your closest ones, far from all worldly disturbances. Time here is slow and the beautiful natural surroundings proves the much-need calming effect on the mind. The gardens are well-maintained there are lots of walking trails around. The hosts are warm and make sure the guests feel at home.

Tariff: Rs. 4,500 per person per night including all meals.
Reach: The homestay is a short drive away from Nainital. For more details, get in touch at the details given below.
Contact: 09167384178; kritika@wanderbug.in

Kareri Village Homestay, Himachal Pradesh
Hidden within the heights of Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh, this homestay in Kareri Village is owned by a local family. The house has two stories and as many as 10 bedrooms. The surroundings are beautiful and serene and are gifted with mustard fields, grasslands and unique species of birds. The views of the entire Dhauladhar mountain range from this place is simply unmatched.

Tariff: Rs. 750 per person per night including all meals.
Reach: The homestay is about an hour's drive from Dharamshala. A hired cab charges not more than Rs 1,500.
Contact: Kamlesh at 09736246820 or Ravi at 09805934718

Maati, Uttarakhand

 

 This homestay is far, very far. Not from mankind, but from pollution and the madness we face in our daily lives. Located at Sarmoli village, on the upper reaches of Munsiyari town in Uttarakhand, peace and serenity prevail along with the best of natural beauty in this place. Priceless views of snow-capped mountains and the valley below make the stay here an unforgettable experience for anyone who's a traveller at heart. The homestay is run by an NGO called Maati Sangathan, which focusses on providing the local women a livelihood through an eco-tourism initiative.

Tariff: Rs 1,500 per person per day.
Reach: The homestay is located at a distance of 300 km from Haldwani, via Bageshwar. 
Contact: Malika Virdi, at 09411194041

Bundla Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh

 

 No need to go as far as Darjeeling to see tea gardens. The Bundla Tea Estate in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, will let you stay amidst picturesque tea gardens. Every room in this homestay promises amazing views of the natural goodness around. There's a river nearby, where one can go and read a book at peace, or spend some time enjoying a nature walk. Those with a love for adventure can head to Bir-Billing (an hour and a half's drive away) for paragliding.

Tariff: Starting at Rs 2,500 per night for a suite that can accommodate four people.
Reach: Palampur is 35 km from Dharamshala, while the resort is 110 km from the Pathankot railway station. 
Contact: 09857030605, 01894 230604; www.teaestatehomestay.com

The White Peaks, Uttarakhand

 

 This homestay is perfect for writers, poets and artists who can take advantage of a serene environment and create the best of their works. Located in a hamlet called Gagar in Uttarakhand, this house is surrounded by enchanting silver oak forests on all sides. There is a breathtaking 180-degree view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks at the distance and a peaceful company of varied birds who have made this place a home. One can even go on a day trip to Nainital, which is just an hour's drive away.

Tariff: Rs 3,500 per person per night, including all meals, for the entire cottage. 
Reach: Gagar is 21 km from Nainital.
Contact: 098100-50514, 09810053380; contactwhitepeaks@gmail.com; thewhitepeaks.com