Hill Dew Homestay

My first time with a homestay was a unique cultural experience. It was heart-warming to see the locals working towards community development while preserving their heritage, culture and traditions.

Location

Hill Dew homestay lies in Gangori at the Himalayan foothills of the holy town of Uttarkashi. Away from the cry of daily lives; it promises a peaceful outing in the lap of nature. Endless views of the mountains, confluence of Assi Ganga and Bhagirathi, the lyrical sound of river stream nearby will keep you occupied throughout.

A boutique homestay; it showcases the best of Garhwali culture yet keeping in sync with all the amenities needed for a modern traveler. Try local cuisines, go for guided tours or simply relax and get in sync with nature.

View of neighboring fields after snowfall

The Name

Let your life lightly dance on the edges Of Time..
Like dew on the tip of a leaf – Rabindranath Tagore

Just like the name; the place resonates a misty, freshness, purity in the surroundings with a power to rejuvenate your senses in no time.

         

Front porch and Garden area

The Host Family

The homestay is run by Akhil Pant and his mother Meena Pant whose families have been residents of Gangori, Uttarkashi since ever. It helps to a great extent as they know the place like the back of their hands. Akhil is an extremely knowledgeable person, well versed with local traditions and culture – providing you with a guided tour of Uttarkashi. Meena Ji, meanwhile is the epitome of women empowerment in true sense. She juggles her roles beautifully as a homemaker and the principal of a Government primary school. What more, she is an excellent cook and an amazing hostess.

Atithi Devo Bhava – Smiling faces

Amenities

Facilitated and well equipped with all essential amenities in the rooms, this is the perfect set up for a modern traveller.  Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, out with friends or family – the homestay welcomes everyone with ease.

• Running Hot Water
• Room Heater
• Storage cabinets
• Reading and writing space in every room
• Common Dining room with homemade food
• Seating Areas (Furnished front porch)
• Terrace and Garden area (for Bon-fire)

Solar panels and lanterns (Eco friendly practices)

Mandatory Bonfire nights

Room Types

Monal – The deodar wood furnished room “Monal” stands out uniquely like the beautiful Himalayan Monal. It is best suited for solitude seekers designed with a minimalistic decor of a spacious bed, a writing desk and a storage cabinet. The room occupies the space next to the homestay’s terrace and promises access to breathtaking views.

Buransh and Phyunli – The twin room sets of “Buransh” and “Phyunli” are named after the beautiful local flowers of the region. Buransh is a bright red flower popular for it’s medicinal properties in curing heart diseases. Phyunli, on the other hand is a pretty yellow flower; the subject of many folk songs and Garhwali folklores. Just like their names, these rooms are decorated with simplicity yet radiating vibrancy and openness. They compliment each other beautifully and can be rented separately or as a whole for larger groups.

Spacious with ample storage and reading cum writing table make these rooms a perfect choice. Additionally, there is a kitchen attached which can be used along with the rooms.

Kaaphal  – An additional guest room has been named after a popular Himalayan wild fruit, Kaaphal. It symbolizes the change of season and end of beautiful spring with promises to be back. The room has a personalized touch as in your own and doesn’t have a commercial layout.

Standard Rooms – Clean, affordable and easy on pockets; the standard rooms are for budget travellers and can be taken on a triple sharing basis for a nominal price.

Food

Ever since my arrival in Uttarkashi, I relished on some mouth-watering delicacies every day. Freshly prepared, homemade food is guaranteed to be served on your plates. The best of local cuisines, piping hot rotis, steaming dal – anything you ask for will be right there as it’s nothing less than your home. The vegetables and fruits are fresh and preferably home-grown from the garden. Here’s a sneak peek of what all was served on my plate:

Glimpse of Garhwali delicacies

Around the homestay – A list of what to do with your time at Hill Dew homestay:

• Nature walk
• Hiking
• Trekking
• Farming
• Guided tour of local temples
• Evening aarti at ghats
• Volunteering at primary school

How about a tour of the apple orchards

Moments of peace and solitude at nearby ghats

Yoga/Meditation/Cooking

Nearby attractions

• Local temples
• Dodital
• Nachiketa Lake
• Harshil
• Visit to NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering)

Exclusive packages – Personalized, hassle free packaged tours can be arranged through the homestay for all tourist attractions.

• Personalized sightseeing and Day tour packages
• Char Dham Pilgrimage Tour – Uttarkashi is your gateway to the holy pilgrimage or “Char Dham Yatra” in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. These sites are nestled in the serene heights of the Great Himalayas.
• Dayara Bugyal – Throughout the year treks for adventure lovers and special winter snow treks to the breathtaking meadows named “Dayara Bugyal”.

Uttarkashi is a less crowded, less explored getaway compared to it’s counterparts and that’s the very reason why you should visit it – at least once.

**Images used in the article are courtesy Mr. Akhil Pant, Owner, Hill Dew Homestay and some personal clicks.

Related – For more on my Uttarkashi experience, see Uttarkashi – My spiritual sojourn.