Bonfire under the stars
A fire in the open, a blanket, something hot in your hands and stories that only come out after dark.
Slow mornings, wide views and a fire at night
Nothing here needs a ticket or a queue. Most of it starts at the cottage door.
At the cottage
The simple pleasures, done properly.
Stargazing
There is very little light for miles. On a clear night you can pick out more stars than you remembered existed.
Sunrise on the snow line
Chai on the deck while the peaks turn from grey to pink to gold. Worth setting an alarm for, once.
Orchard and village walks
Apple, walnut and pear trees, terraced fields and footpaths the village has used for generations.
Birdwatching
Bulbuls, thrushes, tits and bright visitors you will want a name for. Bring binoculars if you have them.
A day inside the clouds
When the mist rolls in, the valley disappears and the verandah becomes the best seat in Uttarakhand.
A short drive away
Three good reasons to step out.
4 km
Surkanda Devi Temple
A revered hilltop temple at about 2,750 metres, with a full sweep of the snow peaks on a clear day. Reach it from Kaddukhal by a steep 2 km walk or the ropeway.
9 km
Dhanaulti
A quiet hill station known for its deodar forest, eco parks and view points. Easy to pair with Surkanda Devi in one outing.
40 km
Tehri Lake
The great reservoir below the hills, with boating and water sports. A scenic half-day drive through Chamba.
Every season
The same horizon, five different paintings.
December to February
Snow on the roof, sun on the deck
The orchard sleeps under snow and the air turns glass-clear. Snow is likeliest from late December to February, the peaks are at their sharpest, and the bonfire earns its keep.
March and April
Apple blossom and the first warmth
The orchard comes back to life in pink and white. Days are mild, nights are fresh, and the hillside fills with wildflowers and butterflies.
May and June
A cool escape from the plains
While the cities bake, the ridge stays fresh. Green terraces, pine-scented breezes, long evenings on the deck and fruit swelling on the trees.
July to September
Living inside the clouds
Rain turns the valley a deep green, and on some mornings the clouds settle below the cottage like a white sea. The season for ferns, mist and long reads.
October and November
Harvest, and the clearest peaks
After the rains the sky is washed clean. Apples and walnuts come in, the trees turn gold and the whole snow line stands sharp along the horizon.
Questions and answers
Good to know
What is there to do near the homestay?
Surkanda Devi Temple is 4 km away, Dhanaulti and its eco parks 9 km, and Tehri Lake 40 km. At the cottage itself there are orchard walks, birdwatching, bonfire evenings, stargazing and, in winter, snow.
How do I reach Surkanda Devi Temple from the homestay?
Drive 4 km to Kaddukhal on the Mussoorie to Chamba road. From there the temple is a steep walk of about 2 km, or a short ride on the ropeway. The temple sits at about 2,750 metres and has a full view of the snow peaks on a clear day.
Is there a bonfire?
Yes. Bonfire evenings are part of a stay at Namah, weather permitting. Tell us when you book and we will have it ready.
Come, stay awhile. Breathe deeply.
Let the Himalayas work their magic. Check which dates are free, or simply tell us when you would like to come.