"It is always the same with mountains. Once you have lived with them for any length of time, you belong to them. There is no escape."
-Ruskin Bond, Rain in the Mountains: Notes From The Himalayas
So, if the mountains are calling, these budget friendly homes across the alluring landscapes of Uttarakhand are perfect for spending some quality time by picking home grown apples, setting out on treks and hikes, bird watching, waking up to the most captivating panoramic views of the Himalayas, curling up with a book post siesta or simply enjoying the perks of dolce far niente.
1. Vacation Cabin, Kausani
This 30 year old cabin surrounded by a sprawling tea estate is your perfect gateway if you want to escape from all the hustle and bustle of city life. To add more to it, you would be delighted to know that this cabin is secluded from all the touristy buzz of Kausani.
The view of the rising sun and its golden hue reflecting on the snow- crested mountain peaks, a spectacular sight from the cabin makes your stay even more enticing.
Perks: You can be rewarded with one of the best views of the mighty Himalayas, especially the Trishu and Panchachuli Range from the cabin itself.
Price: ₹3,500/ night + taxes for the entire cabin.
2. The Himalayan Ark Homestay, Munsiyari
The Himalayan Ark program was set up in 2004 by the Sarmoli-Jayanti Van Panchayat in order to help with the livelihood of the villagers of Sarmoli in Munsiyari, keeping forest conservation and offering an additional source of income as the core objectives while implementing this outreach program. The Himalayan Ark with its 25 homestays, are essentially rooms in the homes of local villagers hence offering you a first-hand glimpse into the pahadi life. The homestay owners can also arrange treks, birding hikes, scenic hikes along rhododendron trails and several other outdoor activities assisted by local but experienced guides on request.
Perks: Live like a local, with the local(s) and in the local style!
Price: Starts at ₹1800 + taxes per person per night on twin sharing but with meals inclusive.
3. Kaaphal Hill, Chaukori
Chaukori lives up to its name as it is a small bowl shaped hamlet besieged by the imperial Himalayas, thick forests and extraordinary sunsets and sunrises. This BnB is tucked away in an expansive fruit orchard amidst forests and hills. If you are looking for a relaxed, comfortable and homely stay with excellent views of the snow-laden peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli, verdant valleys, deodar and rhododendrons right in the middle of mother nature, this 3 bedroom BnB is the perfect choice for you.
Perks: For nature enthusiasts and bird lovers, this property is the perfect choice.
Price: ₹1,650/ night + taxes.
4. LOGGINN KY Countryside Home, Bhimtal
In case you are one of those who wants to avoid overly crowded tourist places in exchange to a much quieter and peaceful option, Bhimtal is the perfect alternative to always crowded Nainital. For your stay, you can choose the LOGGINN KY Countryside Home situated just 5 kms away from Bhimtal. It's a clean, comfy and large BnB where you can stay for a longer duration if you want, assisted with the amazing hospitality from the owners. Since WFH is now the new normal, this Scandinavian themed wooden cottage is your perfect accommodation to work from the mountains, away from the bustling crowd of Nainital.
Perks: One can even go for a day trip to neighboring places like Nainital, Nakuchiatal or Sattal.
Price: ₹3,000/ night +taxes.
5. Rhododendron Forest Mud Hut, Chopta
At around 9000 feet above sea level, in the middle of the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, this mud hut is available for your stay. This hut is made from locally available stone and wood, plastered with cow dung and mud paste giving it an earthy vibe and keeping you snug in the cold. Keeping in mind about the unavailability of electricity in Chopta, the Hut has solar lighting facilities too.
This might not be the perfect place for work from home as availability of electricity and network is extremely unreliable but it is definitely your go to place to enjoy a network free stay, offering utmost tranquility and serenity, making it an experience of a lifetime.
To add to all of this, trekking enthusiasts can commence the famous Tungnath and Chandrashila Treks.
Perks: One less travelled trekking trail from Tungnath ends near the hut and you can see Tungnath and Chandrashilla peaks as well.
Price: ₹1,827/ night + taxes for the entire hut.
6. ZeroStay, Kanatal
ZeroStay in Kanatal is an eco-friendly cottage located inside a farm surrounded by orchards, cedar, pine, deodars, oaks and other such conifers found in this region. It's a perfect abode to get away from the city crowd and immerse into nature with a view that will instantly put a smile to your face and an experience of the Himalayan lifestyle.
Perks: You will get to eat the local Gharwali food prepared in the in-house kitchen with veggies and fruits grown in the farm itself.
Price: ₹2,850/ night + taxes.
7. Doi Homestay, Nathuakhan
This unfazed hill station is still hidden from the touristy crowd but its unparalleled beauty is slowly attracting travelers of all kinds.
Amidst several accommodations that are slowly coming up, the one that stands out is the Doi Homestay.
The Kumaoni meaning of the word 'Doi' means wanderer and this four bedroom (Peach Room, Plum Room, Apple Room and Apricot Room) homestay with magnificent views of the snow crested peaks of the mighty Himalayas like Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth and orchards of mountainous fruits from the balconies or back windows of the four rooms, is the perfect stay for all kinds of wanderers. Keeping in mind the current situation, the host offers working desks in each of the rooms for a perfect work from home set-up.
For nature lovers, mountain lovers and trekking enthusiasts, the Doi Homestay is your perfect accommodation when you are visiting Nathuakhan.
Perks: The finger licking food and special delicacies prepared by the in-house cook and the host, is definitely something to look forward to!
Price : You can send your queries here.
8. Himalayan Anchor, Ranikhet
True to its name, Himalayan Achor is the BnB hosted by Naval officers and is the anchor you need while visiting the tourist friendly town of Ranikhet. This Homestay is away from the touristy cacophony of Ranikhet and is located in Majkhali, which is about approximately 10 minutes drive from the Ranikhet town, on the Almora Highway in Uttarakhand.
The cottage has an unimpeded view of the snow covered Himalayan peaks such in the likes of Nanda Devi Peak on one side and stretches of green valley on the other.
The cottage is well equipped with modern amenities and is your perfect stay if you want to start away from the usual crowd of its popular neighborhood, Ranikhet.
Perks: The best part of this place is that one gets glimpses of the magnetic Himalayan peaks from almost every room.
Price: ₹5,000/ night + taxes.
So, what are you waiting for? Take your pick and let me know about it in the comments.
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