When people imagine a Himalayan holiday, they often picture misty mountains, crisp air, quiet mornings, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find in cities. But staying at a remote Himalayan homestay is very different from booking a hotel in a busy hill town be it Nainital, Mukteshwar or even Manali. And that difference is exactly why many of our guests choose to stay with us.
As the host of Katie’s Abode Hartola, I believe it is important to tell you honestly what such a stay feels like, so you can decide if it is right for you. No one wants a cribbing guest, at least not at our home. So here is what to expect at Katie’s Abode Hartola homestay if you decide to take a vacation.
Till about a year ago, even the last kilometre of the road leading to our home was kuccha. Thankfully, it has now been metalled, making the drive to the parking much smoother than before. But interestingly, many of our past guests loved the road when it was still kuccha, because it made them feel like they were truly leaving the city behind and entering a quieter, more untouched part of the mountains.
The First Thing You Will Notice: The Silence
Hartola is not a crowded destination. In fact it is a hamlet of not more than 200 people in the entire village. There are no markets buzzing late into the night, no constant honking, and no loud tourist traffic. Instead, you will hear birds in the morning, wind moving through the trees, and sometimes nothing at all. And if you are lucky you will hear the barking deer at its best from the forest in front of our homestay.
For many of our guests, this silence is deeply refreshing. For others, especially those used to constant stimulation, it takes a day to adjust. A remote homestay invites you to slow down, to sit with a cup of tea without rushing, and to truly notice your surroundings.
Life Moves at a Different Pace Here
Room tariffs for group bookings at Katie’s Abode Hartola
Staying in a remote Himalayan village means embracing a slower rhythm. Mornings begin with natural light filtering through the windows, not alarms. Afternoons are often spent reading, chatting, napping, trekking or simply enjoying the views. Evenings bring people together around the dining table, the fireplace, or an outdoor bonfire under the stars.
Except for our meal timings, there is no fixed schedule imposed on you, but there is a gentle flow to the day that encourages rest and connection.
Comfort Without the Chaos of Hotels
Katie’s Abode is not a resort and we don’t try to be one. What we offer instead is space, privacy, and warmth. Our entire cottage is booked by one group at a time, which means you are not sharing common areas with strangers.
You will find comfortable rooms, clean bathrooms, heaters and electric blankets during winter, a fully equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor sit-outs, and a dining space where conversations tend to last longer than planned. Our caretakers take great pains to ensure that guests are comfortable; our visitor book and reviews are a testament to their ceaseless commitment.
Home-Style Food, Not Restaurant Menus
Snacks, soups and beverages served at Katie’s Abode Hartola
One of the questions guests ask us most often is about food. Since we opened our homestay in Hartola in 2020, we’ve been fortunate to host tens of thousands of guests, and a recurring highlight in their feedback has been Joshiji’s cooking.
We serve simple, home-style meals that are freshly prepared each day — not restaurant-style dishes. The food is wholesome, comforting, and cooked the way it is in mountain homes. Many of the ingredients come from our own farm, which naturally makes the meals fresher, tastier, and full of goodness.
Because we are in a remote location, meals are planned in advance and prepared thoughtfully. Guests who enjoy slow dining and shared meals love this aspect of the stay.
It Is Not for Everyone And That Is Okay
We believe in being honest: a remote Himalayan homestay is not suitable for everyone. If you are looking for nightlife, shopping streets, room service at odd hours, or fast-paced sightseeing, you may find Hartola too quiet. Internet connectivity can vary, power backups are designed for essentials, and nature sets the rules here.
But if you are seeking peace, uninterrupted time with family or friends, space for children to roam freely, or a place to reconnect, then this experience often exceeds expectations.
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
Many of our guests return not just for the views, but for the feeling. The feeling of waking up rested. The feeling of conversations without distractions. The feeling of being hosted, not managed. Our Himalayan homestay gives you something rare: time and presence.
Ready to Plan Your Stay At Our Homestay Near Mukteshwar?
So needless to say that, at Katie’s Abode Hartola, we don’t try to impress with luxury or excess. What we care about is comfort, warmth, and creating a space where guests can truly relax. We host one group at a time, value quiet over noise, and believe that a good stay is made up of small, thoughtful details — clean spaces, honest food, and the freedom to simply be. If that resonates with you, we’d be happy to welcome you into our home.
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