Satoli/Sathkhol is a beautiful location for nature lovers or people seeking solitude as their priority. A few of us are well-acquainted with this area. A well-known destination is 'Aarohi,' a non-governmental organization engaged in sustainable livelihood and healthcare in this secluded hilly region. The location is nicely tucked from the hustle and bustle of other tourist sites, as it does not have a market or commercial spots, so it offers complete solitude and birds chirping now and then. What it provides is remarkably special - fog, greenery, birds, fruit orchards, and tranquility.
I choose to stay at a non-commercial homestay of Shri Sundar Bisht, who is in the fruit trade, keeps the traditional rural life alive, and takes care of the family cow and buffalo, hens and chickens, and still fear for the chicken being taken by the dogs for a treat. His fruit orchard adjoining the house is remarkable - I like to go there during the fruit harvest time so that I can pack a few kilograms directly plucked from the trees.
This property is located above the hilly road on a rocky cliff. It provides a panoramic view of the hills in front and descending valley view. The house has an excellent sunset point, and visitors are not required to step outside the Homestay for a lovely view.
Monsoon is especially enchanting in this area. The greenery and the rising fog mesmerize me. Continuous rain - intermittent breaks, strolls between showers, tea, and Maggi at Naulikhan with listening to locals' interaction in Kumaoni.
Shopping at the Aarohi shop of the handmade products, i.e., Apricot face and body scrub, apricot oil, Apricot scrub soaps, Luxury soaps, Culinary Herbs, etc., are great products to procure and support local initiatives. Though the rising prices have impacted and increased the product prices, it's worth purchasing as it provides livelihood support to women in their network.
Sundar Da's Homestay cum family house is built over a cliff, with a 20-meter climb, and oversees the road. The house is surrounded by fruit trees ranging from Plum, Apricot, Walnut, Babboosa, pears, apples, etc. Families with kids could enjoy it as it exposes their wards to different kinds of trees and vegetation. The Homestay offers fresh milk from its cow and buffalo. It usually only provides organically grown local vegetables, which challenge the taste buds while exposing us to regional cuisines. However, they are open to catering to the needs of the visitors. The house was built as a mixture of old pahadi style with small entrance doors and a modern style. The attraction is a big room with at least three to four guests (a small family). It has small netted windows and a small entrance door to keep the room warm and diminish the effects of harsh winter. Sundar Da also adds new chambers to its property to cater to travelers' rising demand for modern style.
Further to Satkhol are Sitla and Mukteshwar viewpoints and Mukteshwar Mahadev. I have preferred walking from Sundar Da's Homestay to Sitla through the maze of forest, pagdandis, and finally having the mesmerizing view of the Nanda Devi range of mountains, Panchachuli, and others.
Recently a new Barista Cafe and Tatva Cafe have been opened, which is refreshing. Sitla has lacked this essential element. It has excellent coffee, and visitors staying around must spend time at the cafe. The owner is a local lady, and the restaurant has enchanting views. I got stuck due to rain and thoroughly enjoyed it with excellent music and drizzling rain on the outside. Though Sitla has become tremendously touristy, the roads require repairs; still, its seer viewpoints attract people here. Sitla also has many shops run by non-profit organizations such as Kilmora, a brand of Chirag NGO, Avani, Himani, etc., which sell various kinds of products.
Visitors interested in enjoying this quiet scenic place tucked in a remote corner should enjoy the hospitality offered by Sundar Da's HomeStay. He can be reached at +91-8449255192. He is comfortable in Hindi and Kumaoni.