Doli Guesthouse, Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh

A homestay surrounded by mountains, with a river flowing next to it, Doli Guesthouse is your perfect pitstop in the hills. Jibhi is a tiny village in Himachal Pradesh between Banjar and Jalorie Pass on the Chandigarh-Manali highway. Doli is owned and run by the delightful BS Rana, a retired army man who ensures that his guests take the gorgeous treks in the region, laze in the garden at tea-time and swap stories by the river in the evenings. You can choose between the rustic homestay or the new Tudor-style cottages on the other side of the river. 

For more information, call 09816058290, 09418442122; visit www.kshatra.com; or email [email protected], [email protected].  

Doli Guest House, VPO Jibhi, Banjar Valley, Dist Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India.  

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One of the happiest places in the Himalayas. Photograph courtesy Doli Guest House

Raju Bharti's Homestay, Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Located a trek away from the Great Himalayan National Park, this homestay in the Tirthan Valley is a great stay option in the mountains. The Tirthan River flows alongside the cottages, which houses trout that you can actually go down and fish for your dinner. Apple orchards, great furry resident dogs and meals that are delicious, pick Tirthan for your next break. Plus the only way to the property is in a jhula that you sit inside and get reeled in from the other side. Sold. 

For more information, call 09625211848, 09418149808; or email [email protected]

Raju Bharti's Homestay, Goshaini, Via Banjar.

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Treks, furry dogs and amazing food. Photograph courtesy Raju Bharti's Homestay (FB Page)

Ishan Eco-Lodge, Banjar, Himachal Pradesh

These log huts are a short walk from Bahu Village, a traditional Himalayan community, with some of the local local architecture dating back to over 1,000 years. Located in Banjar, Kullu district, this homestay is set among apple orchards and gardens. You can sit outside and have tea in the grass. 

For more information, visit ecolodge.co.nf; or check its Facebook page here.

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Apple orchards and tea in a garden surrounded by mountains. Photograph courtesy Ishan Eco-Lodge (FB Page)

Ri Kynjai, Shillong, Meghalaya

After trekking all around the Northeast, you can stop at the luxurious Ri Kynjai for a relaxing end to your journey. A high-end property at a little distance from the main city of Shillong, it has very comfortable rooms, a spa and impeccable service. 

For more information, call  09862420300; visit rikynjai.com; or email [email protected]

Ri Kynjai, U.C.C. Road, Umniuh Khwan, Ri Bhoi District.

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Luxury just outside Shillong. Photograph courtesy Ri Kynjai
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Find the best spot in the house and never leave. Photograph courtesy Ri Kynjai

Rosaville, Shillong, Meghalaya

A homestay built in 1935, Rosaville has beautiful architecture and antique furniture. The old-world charm of the place is just right for a leisurely stay. 

For more information, call 03642231248; visit rosaville.in; or email [email protected]

Rosaville, Lawjynrieu, Upper Nongthymmai, Shillong.

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Old-world charm and relaxation at Rosaville. Photograph courtesy Rosaville 

Nedou's, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

A luxury heritage hotel in Gulmarg, Nedou's is located right opposite the golf course. In winters, you only have to cross the approach road to reach the beginners' ski slopes. The rooms are large and spacious and the wooden walls give the feel of being in a Swiss chalet. The staff is courteous and will take good care of you, but the highlight is the food. The breakfast buffet has a great spread and you can be sure of tasting the absolutely delicious wazwan during your stay. 

For more information, call 01942472142, 0901899 6660, 09906697520; visit nedoushotelgulmarg.com; or email [email protected]

Nedou's Hotel, Gulmarg, Srinagar

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Winter's just as beautiful as the summer in Gulmarg. Photograph: Manish Mutalik
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A temporary home in the hills, surrounded by a carpet of green. Photograph courtesy Nedou's

Soulitude, Gagar, Uttarakhand

If the plan is to head to the mountains and do absolutely nothing but soak in beautiful views, and enjoy the landscape around the property, Soulitude would seem just right. Spend the mornings on the patio drinking tea, and the evenings on walks that are lined with flaming rhododendrons. It's your perfect time away from everything stressful. 

For more information, visit www.soulitude.in; or email [email protected]

Soulitude, Snow View Point, Gagar (Nainital-Mukhteshswar Road), District: Nainital.

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The soulful Soulitude in the Gagar Valley. Photograph courtesy Soulitude
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Wake up to the mountain range catching the morning light. Photograph courtesy Soulitude

Almost Heritage, Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh

Mechuka, the quaint Buddhist town, is situated on a high plain surrounded by mountains, and right at the edge of this town is the lovely Almost Heritage homestay. The cottage is made entirely of wood and has five rooms. It is close to the Mechuka Air Base and the old Buddhist Monastery. Due to its remote location, the phone network isn't always available so it's difficult to book the place. The views are the best part of this place - towering mountains behind and undulating plains surrounded by more mountains in the front. The local cuisine is delicious. 

For more information, call 09436672849.

Fredy’s Bungalow, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand

Colonial hangover? Welcome to Fredy’s Bungalow - a gorgeous, renovated British-era house. Located a 45-minute drive away from Nainital town, the house has four rooms, plus a living room, den and library. You could curl up there with a book, sip some chai in the verandah, check out their butterfly collection, or go birding in the surrounding hills. 

For more information, call 09818705508; visit itmenaanlodges.com; or email [email protected]

Fredy’s Bungalow, June State Rd, Bhimtal, Nainital.

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A colonial hangover on your holiday. Photograph courtesy Fredy’s Bungalow
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The wooden interiors remind you of an era gone by. Photograph courtesy Fredy’s Bungalow

Morung Lodge, Kohima, Mizoram

Right in the middle of the city, Morung Lodge is at a walkable distance from Kohima War Cemetery. The best part of the lodge is that it is a mix of a homestay and hostel. It has cosy, comfortable rooms with bunk beds and a balcony that overlooks the entire city. The food is great. The fridge is a bit of a curio itself – it has stickers from all over the globe stuck there by travellers, making you feel like you are staying at a halfway-house to greater adventures. Whether you stay for a day or a week, you are sure to meet a very diverse, interesting group of people here. 

For more information, call 09856343037; or visit explorenagaland.com

Morung Lodge, Midland Colony, Kohima.

Grand Oak Manor, Binsar, Uttarakhand

Ensconced in the heart of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the Grand Oak Manor is a heritage hotel with sweeping views of the Himalayas on a clear day. Run by Sindhu Gangola and his wife Shikha Tripathi, the Grand Oak Manor is perfect for those looking to step away from the chaos of increasingly busy urban lives. Go for long walks in the sanctuary, marvel at the oak and walnut trees as birds weave in and out of the branches, or listen to the rustle of falling leaves while sipping a cup of tea. The food is splendid, as is the hospitality.  

For more information, call 09602091000, 09602092000; visit treeofliferesorts.com/binsar-home/; or email [email protected]

Grand Oak Manor, Jhandi Dhar - Binsar Sanctuary Gate Rd, Regariya.

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The Grand Oak Binsar is a home away from home. Photograph: Shikha Tripathi
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With views like this, who'd want to ever go back home? Photograph: Shikha Tripathi

Chada Homestay, Hapoli (Ziro), Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro is a cluster of settlements – each separated by rice fields. Chada Homestay, one of the several homestays managed by an NGO called Ngunu Ziro,  is a typical Arunachali home wherein the kitchen also serves as a living room. Built primarily from reinforced wood, the kitchen is a mix of traditional and modern amenities – a fireplace, a stove and a microwave oven – surrounded by seating arrangements. The bedrooms are clean and comfortable, with double beds. Punyo Chada, the host, is a delight – he will discuss local culture and history, offer you apong, the local rice wine, and if you are so inclined, take you along to a nearby bamboo grove, cut a few stems in front of you and cook you pork or chicken in bamboo in his fireplace. 

For more information, call 09436047891, or check Ngunu Ziro's Facebook page here.

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Photograph: Sabyasachi Biswas

Katpa Residency, Leh, Ladakh

Open from April 15 to October 31 every year, Katpa Residency is a beautiful boutique hotel built in Ladakhi style. It is located centrally – the markets are close by, as are tourist landmarks like Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Namgyal Tsemo and Sankar Monastery. The rooms are clean and pretty basic, most food they serve is grown in the gardens. Ladakhi fare is on offer, but they always ask for your preference. The best part about Katpa is the warmth of the hospitality – it’s almost like a home away from home but ensconced within a landscape right out of a storybook. 

For more information, call 01982251738, 09419178806; visit katparesidency.com; or email [email protected]

Katpa Residency, Sankar Road, Leh, Ladakh.

Sitla Estate, Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

The estate comprises a beautiful 150-year-old house and grounds nestled in the lap of the mountains. Whether you want to finally take a crack at writing a novel, catch up on your reading, enthusiastically go birding or just get away from the humdrum of urban existence, this place is your perfect retreat. Enjoy your meals under a gorgeous plum tree and play with the two German Shepherds, or perhaps go on an all-day trek. 

For more information, call 09917506183, 09756560677, 05942–286330/286030; visit sitlaestate.com; or email [email protected]

Sitla Estate, Mukteshwar, District Nainital, Seetla.

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Take time off from everything at Sitla. Photograph: Anshul Maheshwari

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Pangot, Uttarakhand

Jungle Lore is an old lodge in the middle of the woods surrounded by greenery, wildlife and birds. It is tastefully done up and has five-six rooms. Pangot is an absolute birder's paradise, so rest assured, you are staying in the middle of all the action. If you are a beginner at birding, the staff will refer guides that will take you around. 

For more information, call 08882677766, 09266519519, 01204222797; or visit pangot.com

Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, Village Pangot, via Nanital-Kilbury, Nainital.

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A birder's paradise at Jungle Lore. Photograph: Anshul Maheshwari
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Layers of mountains as far as the eye can see. Photograph: Anshul Maheshwari

With inputs from Sejal Mehta, Bijal Vachharajani, Anshul Maheshwari, Sabyasachi Biswas, Ghousiya Sultana, Apuurva Sridharan, Charles Fernandes and Manish Mutalik.