With the Work from Home trend catching up like crazy in today’s time, we have rounded up some of the best Home-stays in the Himalayas which you can rent long term. These not only make for a nice escape from the city but also make for a great workstation with a view.
Just be careful to inquire about the internet and cell phone connectivity beforehand, to avoid disappointment.
So, read on, shortlist your options, make a booking and be ready to head there. Just get your creative juices flowing and see your productivity soar.
Contents
Tirthan Valley
Sunshine Himalayan Cottages
Sunshine Himalayan Cottages are located at one of the best riverside locations in the entire Tirthan Valley, spread in an area of acres of kitchen garden, orchard. Sunshine Himalayan Cottage is aptly named, for it literally gives you all the warm-fuzzies when you first see it basking in the sunlight at the edge of the water. You’ll be instantly lulled into relaxation mode by the sound of the stream flowing by and mesmerized by the views of endless hills opposite the cottage, scattered with tiny waterfalls gushing down the cliffs. Family run by the Sood brothers, the cottages are famous for their unmatched hospitality, great food and a range of activities from angling to mountain biking to camping in the UNESCO World Heritage of Great Himalayan National Park, which is also one of the Best National Parks in India.
Location – Village Hamini, Tirthan Valley – Goshaini Road, Teh Banjar, Distt Kullu
Google Location : https://tinyurl.com/y3zxbmvr
How to Reach – Travelling by bus is a good option to travel from Delhi – Tirthan valley.
There are comfortable Volvo buses (min Rs 1200) from Delhi to Manali. Most of the busses start in the evening from Delhi. You have to get off the bus at Aut early in the morning, and take a taxi (about Rs 1200) or local bus to Banjar or Sainj. Or we can arrange your transportation from Aut by sending our own taxi.
You can also drive from Shimla via Jalori pass (Shimla – Banjar, 7 hours drive). Be aware that Jalori pass is closed in winter because of snow (December to March).
If you plan to drive from Delhi – Banjar in your own vehicle, the shortest route is via Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi and Aut. The road to the Tirthan valley diverts before reaching Aut. Just before Aut, there is a tunnel (the only tunnel on the road from Delhi).
Do not enter the tunnel.
Just at the entrance of the tunnel there is a smaller road on the right. Take this one. After crossing a dam and then a bridge, either you continue straight to Sainj (for Sainj valley), or if you need to go to Banjar (for Tirthan valley), you need to cross the next bridge on the right to reach the small town of Larji. Turn right after the bridge and continue straight to Banjar (about 20 km from Larji).
How to Book – Contact Owner : Ankit Sood on WhatsApp @ 9418102083 with dates, name and place of arrival or book via the website – SunshineHimalayanCottage.com
The Blue Sheep Tirthan
Recommended by Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay from The Moonchasers
Nestled between orchards, The Blue Sheep Tirthan is a homestay run by Sheena Thakur and her husband Adi in the quaint Banjar village in Tirthan Valley. Reachable by road from Manali/Ramnagar/Kullu, this village will transport you to a surreal world of natural beauty. The Blue Sheep offers private and dorm stays in a beautiful homely setup. It also doubles up as a creative space for travellers seeking solitude to create. The Blue Sheep serves the best home made food and if you are lucky and in season, the delectable apricot and guava jams!
Location – Banjar Village, Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
How to reach – Take any bus to Banjar bus stand, get down and walk for 200 meters to reach Blue Sheep
How to book – You can book via Booking.com or drop a DM to Sheena Thakur ( the owner) via Instagram at The Blues Sheep Tirthan
The Forest Edge
Nestled in the Himalayas at a stone’s throw from The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh, Forest Edge is a home for the heart. The boutique homestay was built by local artisans and masons to keep the flavour of the local architecture intact. There are five rooms which are a balanced mix of earthy interiors and modern amenities to make sure that the traveller feels at home yet lives a dream. The windows open up to the mountains and the Tirthan River.
The Hitchhikers’s Lounge is a place to relax, dine and just mull over life with a nice cup of masala tea. It is open on all sides, affording a breathtakingly beautiful view of the valley. One can sit there for hours, reading, listening to music, painting or dozing off to the sound of the river.
Come and experience the rustling pine leaves, the gurgling rivers and the chirping birds with an occasional sighting of the mighty Himalayan Leopard (at a perfectly safe distance!). The valley offers you all this. And the hosts at The Forest Edge, try to make sure that in your sojourn with nature, worldly comforts aren’t far behind.
Location – Tehsil, Tirthan Valley , Village Sairopa, Banjar, Himachal Pradesh 175123
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JDVU7gRVKCdAaYRm6
How to Reach
By Car – A drive to the valley is highly recommended. The roads are good and the drive is wonderful. The Forest edge is around 530 kms from Delhi. So if you leave early, you will be in time for an evening tea. If you are in Chandigarh, a 260 kms drive would get you here in time for lunch.
By Bus – You can also take the overnight Volvo till Aut. Pick and drop facilities from Aut can be arranged through local taxi operators.
By Air – Bhuntar Airport is about 1.5 hours from The forest edge. Daily flights connect the region to Delhi and Chandigarh.
How to Book – To book get in touch at +91-7011366545 or drop an E – Mail to theforestedge@outlook.com
Firgun
Recommended by Avantika Chaturvedi from Wayward Wayfarer
Firgun is a homestay and a backpacker’s hostel tucked away in the quaint village of Shoja in Himachal Pradesh. It is run by Ayush Sureka, a mountain lover and photographer who quit his day job to pursue his dream of living in the Himalayas. Located close to Jibhi in Tirthan Valley, Shoja is famous for its laid-back environment. With the Pir Panjal Ranges flanking on one side and the Beas River quietly flowing on the other, Shoja is every Himalayan lover’s dream come true and Firgun is what connects you to this dream! Shoja is very well connected by road and public transport.
Location – Shoja, Himachal Pradesh
How to Reach – To reach Shoja, one must first drive to Aut (en route Manali) and from Aut, continue till Shoja for 38 kilometres. While taking public transport, one can book an overnight Volvo to Manali and get down at Aut town. From Aut, there are plenty of local buses and shared/ private taxis running till Shoja. Firgun is located right by the Shoja bus stand.
How to Book – To book a stay at Firgun, you can either message them on Instagram (@firgunhostel) or call/ WhatsApp at 9804990722 or 8360022163.
Palampur
Kaivalya- The Mountain Song of Dhauladhars
It is an idyllic, pet friendly, riverside country home nestled in the lap of majestic Palampur valley near Dharamshala. It has mighty Dhauladhars as a backdrop and Neugal river cascading behind the house accessible from the backyard. And sprawling lawns with rappelling natural stream bordering the property is an ideal place to find undisturbed solace in nature. A completely motor-able property with ample car parking within premises is an asset in mountains. It can be exclusively available for the guests. Total 3 double bed rooms with attached bathrooms available along with a common lounge and dining area to socialise.
Location – Palampur
How to Reach – Kaivalya is well connected by all 3 modes.
-
- Dharamshala Airport – 35 mins
- Palampur Narrow Gauge Rail head – 15 mins
- Pathankot Broad Gauge Rail Head – 2.30 hrs
How to Book – Drop them a message on their Facebook Page or via WhatsApp at 9810020026
Norwood Green
Located in the Bundla Tea Estate, in Lohna Village, Norwood Green gives the travellers a complete experience of the best that Himachal has to offer. From charming and spacious interiors, to beautiful panoramic views of the mountainside, every moment at Norwood Green is perfectly delightful.
But Palampur is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a hub of outdoor and adventurous activities – Check out this Palampur Travel Guide to get an idea, about some of the experiences in Palampur.
Palampur is also just an hours drive from Bir Billing – The Paragliding Capital of India. Make sure to check out this Bir Billing Food Guide, and have a foodie’s day out.
So whether you’re looking for a cool break for your family, from the scorching heat of summers, or a cozy retreat for winters, or a romantic getaway for your honeymoon, Norwood Green is the place to be.
And the fact that, one can book an entire villa for the family in Norwood Green is just the cherry on top. Technically, its not a traditional homestay, but it makes for an excellent contender for you to choose from, specially when you are looking for a new workstation in the Himalayas.
Location – Bundla Tea Estate, Village Lohna, Palampur
How to Book – Call on 9736031300 or drop in a email to info@norwoodgreen.in
How to reach Palampur
If you are coming from New Delhi or Chandigarh, the Overnight AC Volvo is the most convenient option.
Alternatively, you can take a flight to Dharamshala, which is a 35 minute drive from Palampur.
In and around Manali
ZostelX Rumsu
Recommended by Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay from The Moonchasers
“I want to turn the clock back to when people lived in small villages and took care of each other” – Pete Seeger
Rumsu is a small village in the Kullu district, which is also known for being the starting point for Chandrakhani trek. But what makes this village so attractive is it’s people.
Opening up their homes to travellers as homestays, Rumsu is a true hamlet where one can find solitary love for mountains and cherish Himachali hospitality. What blew our mind on a winter morning in this village is the snowcapped view of the Kullu valley. It snowed and snowed until everything turned white, and our host lit the fire in her himachali tandoor and had us over for dinner with her family of two kids! Above experiences, lies the human connection that one can build in strange new places and we think the secret of Rumsu is in its people, who always endeavour to make their guests happy and comfortable, no matter the weather or its consequences on lifestyle.
Location – Naggar, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
How to reach – Rumsu is reachable by walk or road from Naggar – 5 Kms, bus from Kullu (28 Kms) to Naggar and shared taxi afterwards.
How to book – Book here – Zostel Homes Rumsu (Naggar/Kullu/Manali) | Top Rated Experiential Homestay or contact Jagdish Thakur – 9810003536
Naggarville
Located not too far away from the Naggar, near Old Manali, about 100 metres from Naggar Castle and the Post Office, Naggarville gives travellers access to nearby cafes and markets while still keeping them away from all the chaos in the town.
There is a garden superseding the house where the guests can soak in the sun during the day. If you happen to book the mountain view rooms, you’ll be waking up to panoramic views of the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas.
The kitchen is fully equipped with all modern amenities and equipment, making it an ideal location to stay and work from the mountains.
Location – Naggar, Himachal Pradesh
How to book – Book it on AirBnB – Premium Mountain View Room | Book Entire Villa
PS – If you’re booking via AirBnB for the first time, sign up here and get INR 2000 off, of your first booking.
Orchards House – The Hidden Tribe
Recommended by Zinara from NatnZin
Orchards House is a beautiful homestay in Manali. It’s tucked inside the village of Old Manali with views of the guardian Himalayas. As the name suggests, apple orchards surround the well-maintained garden dressed in peeping marigolds and colorful roses. The homestay’s in-house café, dishes up delicious snacks, local Himachali breakfasts and warm cups of muddy-coloured chai.
Orchards House is a quick auto rickshaw (costs about 200 Indian rupees) ride away from the main bus terminal in Manali. While Manali has become touristy over the years, the homestay remains calm and quiet as it sits in a pristine corner of the village. There are many eateries and hipster cafes on the main road as well.
For those who love trekking, several trails lead up to the far away hills clad in deodar forests. (PS – If you are going to be trekking for the first time, then do check out this helpful Guide for the First Time Trekkers)
The homestay is run by a couple of guys from Delhi and the staff at the place is super friendly. It’s not only a gorgeous, homely place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, it’s also the perfect long-term stay in the Himalayas.
Location – Manali, Himachal Pradesh
How to Book – You can book Orchards House on booking.com or contact them via: +91 98735 99432.
How to Reach Manali
The best and the most cost effective way to reach Manali is by getting on an overnight AC Volvo as it is well connected to the two major hubs in North India – Delhi and Chandigarh. Alternatively, you can just drive on your own, or if you are coming in a group, a private cab can also be an economical option.
Uttarakhand
Avinta Himalayas
Avinta Himalayas is located in a small quaint village named Sankri. Sankri serves as the basecamp for multiple treks like Kedarkantha, Har ki Dun, Bali Pass, etc, which are some of the Best Treks in the Himalayas. Avinta Himalayas has been brought to life by two sisters, who are passionate about providing travellers with safe, clean and vivid Himalayan experiences.
Basically, if you love the outdoors, and trekking and camping is on your list, Avinta Himalayas is where you should be based out of. And the fact that treks are offered in-house, is the cherry on top.
Location – Sankri, Uttarakhand (190KM from Dehradun)
How to Reach – Cabs and private as well as government buses available from Dehradun
How to Book – Rooms can be booked through Booking.com or via the website. Treks can be booked at 8954339110
Sukoon Homestay
Located in a small village called Jalna (Almora) away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Sukoon in The Himalayas, a 03 bedroom offbeat cottage is all that you need to let yourself go.
At Sukoon Homestay, your day starts with the melodious chirping of birds while the first rays of the sun fall onto the stone walls and slate roofs of your private cottage. Your breakfast consists of local Kumaoni Cuisine made up of fresh vegetables and fruits grown organically on the extensive organic farms.
The homestay is located in Jalna. A small village in the Almora District around 25 kms from the Almora city centre. From Jalna, there is a 01 km dirt road that takes you to the property and parking is available right at the property. The property has 02 Double rooms with Mountain View on the ground floor and 01 family suite on the first floor. All rooms overlook a beautiful valley and peaks such as Nanda Devi.
Location – Jalna (near Almora), Uttarakhand
How to Reach – To reach Sukoon Homestay, you should take the route via Bhimtal and Dhanachuli to Jalna. Overall, the total road distance between national capital Delhi and Almora is around 360 kms and can be easily travelled via reserved cabs and vehicles in about 09 hours.
Route: Bhimtal – Dhanachuli – Lamgarha – Tikoli Bend.
From Tikoli Bend, there is a 01 km dirt road that takes you to the property and parking is available right at the property.
Driving Directions :- https://goo.gl/zhTsnf
How to Book – Online via the Book Now page on the website – SukoonHomestay.com
Kot Naikana: A boutique Kumaoni Cottage
Soak in the crisp and fresh atmosphere, enjoy the delectable local cuisine, explore the forests on a walk, spot the ample birds, learn the rural way of life on a leisurely walk to the nearby village, capture the alluring views of snow capped peaks or just do nothing and immerse in the serenity. Kot Naikana offers everything a nature lover would yearn for.
Perched at 1940 meters in the midst of pristine forest of oak, rhododendron, pine and Deodar, Kot Naikana is a painstakingly renovated traditional 04 Bedroom Kumaoni house converted into a boutique Homestay. While the exteriors reflect an old-world charm with stone walls and slated roof, its rooms are comfortable, homely with spacious en-suite bathrooms.
They also have some great add on experiences for you at Kot Naikana ranging from picnic lunches to hi tea walks. The farm to table meals at Kot Naikana are healthy local delicacies prepared by a professional in house chef.
All 4 rooms overlook the valley leading to snow covered white peaks in the distance and are made tastefully while their decor blends in perfectly with the surroundings. Expect rustic interiors, fresh white linen, 9 inch mattresses and cozy comfortable beddings in each room. The washrooms are en-suite with stone walls, fresh towels and quality toiletries.
Location – Naikana Village, Near Jageshwar, Uttarakhand
How to Reach – Kot Naikana is about 9 – 10 hrs drive from Delhi.
Route option 1 : Delhi – Ghaziabad – Hapur – Gajraula – Moradabad Bypass – Tanda – Bazpur – Kaladungi – Nainital – Bhowali – Almora – Jhakarsem – Naikana village
Route option 2 : Delhi – Ghaziabad – Hapur – Gajraula – Moradabad Bypass – Tanda – Bazpur – Kaladungi – Kathgodam – Bhimtal – Almora – Jhakarsem – Naikana village
Route option 3 : Delhi – Ghaziabad – Hapur – Gajraula – Moradabad Bypass – Tanda – Bazpur – Kaladungi – Kathgodam – Bhimtal – Dhanachuli – Chalnichina – Suakhan –Jhakarsem – Naikana village
(Important: Route option 3 is very scenic from Kathgodam onwards but much winding and narrow as compared to the other two options)
After crossing the Jhankar Saim Temple, please call up the staff at the property and follow the dirt road for about 4 kms until the point where it ends (on the way you will cross a small temple and a school on your right). The staff will meet and greet you at the parking area (at the end of the road) and will guide you on a 10 mins walk to the property.
Google Maps Location :- Please click here in order to reach the exact location.
How to Book – Online via the Book Now page on the website – MountWays.com
Thank you for reading !
If you found this list featuring some of the best home-stays in the Himalayas, that can be your workstation with a view, if you decide to Work from the Mountains – Don’t forget to Pin the image below, and save it for reference.
Also, if you are looking for more options for such quaint home-stays in the mountains of North East India, check out these 5 Experiential Staycations in West Bengal and Sikkim. However, if you are looking for more options for long term rental options to Work from the Mountains – Follow the Work from Mountains page on Facebook.
If you like reading the content we create and curate, we will be really thankful if you could
LIKE | COMMENT | SHARE and SUBSCRIBE
Also, if you’re on Facebook, we would love to have you as a part of
the High on Himalayas Community