Introduction
Winter homestays in India have a charm that goes beyond just a roof over your head; they bring you close to nature, culture, and the magic of snow. While several countries across the globe enjoy a white Christmas every year, most parts of India never get to see snow in their plains. However, if you travel north in the winter season, then the mountain region of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir is all like a winter wonderland.
As an avid snow chaser, I can say that these homestays offer the kind of authentic and cozy experience you won’t get in a hotel or resort. They drop you smack in the middle of the season, allowing you to watch snow settle on deodar trees and traditional rooftops, sip hot tea beside a fireplace, and savor local food, all with hosts familiar with every hidden gem.
In this guide, I’ll highlight four amazing homestays where I witnessed snow firsthand and what to do, eat, and see around every one of them. While you are planning your own wintry escape, these homestays in India must be on the list.
My Top Picks for Snowy Winter Homestays in India
When it comes to chasing snow in India, I’ve realized that the best experiences aren’t in big hotels or crowded resorts, they’re in homestays tucked away in the mountains. Winter homestays in India offer the perfect mix of comfort, local culture, and a front-row view of snow-covered landscapes. During my travels, I discovered four homestays that each have their own magic. From Himachal Pradesh to Kashmir, each place gave me a cozy winter escape, delicious local food, and unforgettable scenery.
1. Kudrat Boutique Homestay, Tirthan Valley
The first time I saw snow in India up close was at Kudrat Boutique Homestay in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Perched at 6,200 feet and surrounded by deodar forests, the homestay overlooks the snow-capped Tirth peaks and the Great Himalayan National Park. The 3.5-hour drive from Manali felt like entering a magical winter world.
What is special about this?
Location & View:
- Situated at 6,200 feet in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
- Amidst the thick cover of deodar forests and snow-covered Tirth peaks.
- With views of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- A 3.5hour scenic drive from Manali with breathtaking mountain views enroute.
Accommodation & Architecture:
- Includes The Stone House and The Wood House
- The Wood House, a wooden and stone structure using the traditional KathKuni-style built thoroughly of cedar wood without cement and steel.
- Rooms are named after local wildlife, and panoramic windows open onto snow-covered landscapes.
- Rustic but cozy interiors mix tradition with comfort, making it a good winter getaway.
Food & Dining:
- Daily fresh Himachali meal made from locally sourced vegetables, herbs, and trout.
- Traditional dishes such as rajma chawal and seasonal specialties showcase the valley’s flavors.
- Fireplaces and large windows make dining an immersive experience surrounded by snow.
Winter Activities & Adventure:
- Tirthan River, catch rainbow trout, and have some breezy riverside time.
- Chhoie Waterfall, Forest Trek with snowy trails and scenic views.
- Great Himalayan National Park 9 km village-to-village hike with gorgeous vistas of the river and mountains.
- Guided nature walks and recommendations by hosts for nearby villages and hidden places.
Relaxation & Family-Friendly Features:
- Outdoor pool and hammocks for relaxing after treks
- (Answer) Learn from books available at the library.
- Games and other activities for children and families.
- Dog Ollie is a friendly addition for pet lovers and kids.
Why It Stands Out:
- Includes nature, culture, architecture, and local cuisine to make it your complete winter homestay.
- Provides a peaceful, lesser-explored antidote to overtouristed areas such as Manali.
- Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples in search of a true winter homestays, India experience!
- Price: Doubles from ₹12,000, which is fair for an immersive mountain and snow getaway.
2. The Cheese Cottage, Tangmarg
For a combination of style, history, and snow, The Cheese Cottage in Tangmarg, near Gulmarg, is perfect.” This picturesque town is 13 km away from Gulmarg and an ideal place for day trips to the slopes, minus the throngs.
The cottage is set on an estate that has historic significance in India, once the property of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, and was founded in 2021 by Insha Qazi. Available only to be booked in its entirety, it has a private, winter-palace feel. The ground floor has a cozy sitting room with a fireplace, chandeliers, and art, while the first floor has bedrooms with big windows and a balcony overlooking snow-dusted gardens.
What is special about this?
Location & Views:
- Set in peaceful Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh, at 6,200 feet.
- Amidst dense deodar forests and snow-capped Tirth peaks.
- Looks out over the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 3.5-hour picturesque drive from Manali, along the serpentine mountain roads, ideal for snowholics
Accommodation & Architecture:
- Includes The Stone House and The Wood House.
- The Wood House is a traditional KathKuni-style abode fashioned entirely from cedar wood and stone, without cement or steel.
- Rooms are named for local wildlife, such as Himalayan bears and pheasants.
- Expansive windows frame sweeping views of the Tirth glacier and surrounding forests.
- Blends rustic charm with modern comfort, ideal for winter rentals.
Food & Dining Experience:
- Local vegetables, herbs, and trout are prepared in fresh daily Himachali meals.
- Signature dishes include rajma chawal, trout cooked with Himalayan spices, and seasonal specialties.
- Eating next to the large windows while snow falls outside is a snug winter ritual.
Activities & Adventure:
- Go fishing at Tirthan River, find rainbow trout in peaceful, picturesque waters.
- Chhoie Waterfall, with snow-dusted trails and forest treks.
- Hike village to village, 9 km high into the Great Himalayan National Park with magnificent mountain and river vistas.
- Cultural walks and guided explorations of nearby villages
Relaxation & Family-Friendly Features:
- Outdoor swimming pool and hammocks for long afternoons.
- Quiet indoor time can be used for library reading.
- Family and children’s board games
- Ollie, a friendly dog, adds charm and companionship.
Why It Stands Out:
- Provides a complete Indian winter homestay experience, offering nature, architecture, food, and adventure all along.
- Compared to tourist-heavy areas like Manali, less crowdedPeaceful
- Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a winter retreat with authenticity.
- Price: Offers doubles starting at ₹12,000, ideal for a snowy retreat.
3. NORTH, Naggar
NORTH, Naggar is a unique winter homestay in India, blending architecture, art, and snow. Founded by Rahul Bhushan, the campus features a three-story Kath Kuni-style building with guest rooms, a community kitchen, and a wraparound balcony overlooking snow-capped mountains.
Naggar is quieter than Manali, offering peaceful mornings and fresh mountain air. Guests can join off-road adventures to nearby villages like Chachogi or relax on the balcony with a cup of tea while snow falls.
What is special about this?
Location & Atmosphere:
- Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, is less crowded than touristy Manali
- Located among snow-capped mountains and fresh alpine air, ideal for calm winter mornings.
- Let you explore for a perfect mix-up of art, architecture, and nature with an immersive experience for travelers.
Accommodation & Architecture:
- DesignBuild Collective is part of the NORTH campus, an office founded by architect Rahul Bhushan that constructs homes and eco-resorts as well as heritage structures across India.
- The main building is a three-story wood-and-stone Kath Kuni-style building.
- Includes guest rooms, a community kitchen, and a wraparound balcony with spectacular snow views.
- Dormitory-style for visiting artists fits up to eight people, creating a creative but cozy atmosphere.
- Rooms and common spaces are a perfect mix of traditional Himachali design and modern comfort.
Activities & Experiences:
- Bhushan Update After Lunch, we went on an off-road adventure with Bhushan to the nearby Chachogi village, as all these villages have amazing architecture and local culture.
- Himachal Pradesh is more than just a snow stay, and guided tours offer insight into its heritage.
- Let You Meet Celebrities, Artists frequenting the campus, like music legend Ryoichi Ikegami, add a cultural life to your sojourn.
Relaxation & Winter Charm:
- The wraparound balcony is perfect for drinking tea while watching snow come fluttering down.
- The community kitchen provides a cozy environment to cook, eat, and gather.
- The tranquil ambience makes it an ideal getaway for solo travelers, couples, or groups.
Why It Stands Out:
- The most unusual winter homestay, India for snow, art, architecture, and culture
- It is less swarmed by tourists than Manali and provides a very original feel of the mountains.
- Great for travelers with an appreciation for creative culture, local heritage, and calm, frosty winter vistas.
- Prices: Doubles from ₹12,680, as well as an enriching winter escape experience in India.
4. The Himalayan Homestead, Mukteshwar
Lastly, I travelled to The Himalayan Homestead, Mukteshwar (50 km ahead of Nainital). Nestled in a quiet oak forest around Sasbani village, this homestay is a must-visit for all nature lovers, solo travellers and those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For me, it was a quintessential demonstration of the winter homestays in India that feel so magical. And the moment I arrived, the fresh mountain air and the peaceful beauty of the woods surrounding the property embraced me.
What is special about this?
Location & Setting:
- Hidden in an oak forest, providing privacy and far-reaching views of Mukteshwar’s snow-capped hills.
- About 50 km away from Nainital: Easily accessible but away from crowds.
- Serene and calm, best suited for snow-shrouded winters of India without the bustle.
Accommodation & Design:
- The homestay is based on simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with nature.
- Each cottage is constructed of mud, stone, and wood, with an earthy palette that merges naturally into the forest.
- The cottages are stilted, with balconies and windows providing snowy forest views directly from your room.
- Minimalist interiors create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with warm throws and rugs paired with answerable wooden furnishings.
Food & Dining:
- Meals focus on local and seasonal produce, a taste of the region’s flavors.
- Inviting dining areas mean it’s perfectly fine to sip warm beverages and feast on comfort food while snow falls outside.
Activities & Experiences:
- Hiking in a forest, winter walks among snow-heavy trees.
- Join pottery workshops and give guests an insight into the local crafts and creativity.
- Sit on your balcony with a book or a cup of tea and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery.
- Wonderful place to capture some photos, watch the birds, or just disconnect from the busyness of the world.
Why It Stands Out:
- It is one of the best winter homestays in India for peace and most thoughts + for an immersive experience of nature, simplicity, and authentic living.
- Provides a snug winter escape with opportunities to enjoy the snow, woodland walks, and art workshops.
- Ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, or anyone looking for a peaceful winter getaway in India.
Costs: Doubles from ₹7,000, an inexpensive but memorable winter escape.
The Himalayan Homestead, for me, was not just a place to stay; it felt like an opportunity to slow down and enjoy some snow-filled days while being fully immersed in nature. This is precisely what makes winter homestays in India so unique.
Final Thoughts
Chasing snow in India doesn’t have to involve crowded ski resorts or expensive hotels. A winter homestay in India is just the right mix of comfort, culture, and adventure. From the Therian Woods, Himalayan Homestay in peaceful Tirthan Valley to the chic aesthetics of The Cliffside Hotel & Café Tangmarg, the artsy rusticity of The Lost Tribe Naggar, and nature-centric experiences at Baljeet Hill-Camps Mukteshwar, every homestay ensures tickets to a winter wonder. These homestays are worth every rupee for travelers who crave a cozy stay with local cuisine and snow-laden vistas.
No matter if your plans involve a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo trek, make any of these homestays your winter home in the mountains. These aren’t just places to stay, they’re experiences that linger long after the snow has melted.
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FAQ
1- When is the best time to see snow in these homestays?
December to February is the peak winter season in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. Snowfall is highest during this period, and homestays are fully operational with cozy winter arrangements.
2- How do I reach these homestays?
Most homestays are accessible by road from nearby towns like Manali, Gulmarg, and Nainital. Flights to these towns are limited, so a combination of flight and road travel is common.
3- Are these homestays family-friendly?
Yes! They have spacious rooms, outdoor activities, and games for children. Some also allow pets or have friendly dogs on the property.