Himachal Pradesh: The pristine beauty!
Before 2019, going on vacation meant leaving the stress of work behind. Then came the pandemic and it changed everything. Now, we live and function differently. We’ve survived almost two years of Covid-19, and that’s no joke. Now, looking ahead to 2022, we know that it will not come without challenges, so once again we’ll have to be prepared. Looks like China’s gift to the world is not going anytime soon.
Apparently, there is a millennial concept to satisfy people’s pent-up desire to take a safe holiday during the ongoing pandemic – Workation! Don’t you think it is the perfect opportunity for you to combine work and vacation? Yes, yes, and yes.
The best place for work from home is always mountains, who would say no to mountains? Will you? The best part of working in Himachal Pradesh is that you get to stay in amazing stays and enjoy the surreal view of the Himalayas. Whether you choose a workstation in Chamba, Bir, Kasol, or Manali, they are all worth the time and money.
Himachal is blessed with beautiful workations providing you with an uninterrupted internet connection, comfortable seating spaces, and the most important home-cooked meals. Imagine you are tired from work and as per your instructions a cup of tea or coffee is right at your doorstep and you’re sipping it while watching the amazing mountain views. Plus, you can go for morning and evening walks; long and short hikes on weekends to explore some nearby destinations.
Without Further Ado Let’s Check Out These Works From Hills Options in Himachal Pradesh, ‘Abode of snow’:
1. Ghoomakad Homestay in Dharamshala
2. Himalayan Woodpecker ‘A Truly Himalayan Stay’, Manali
3. The Lal Kothi Retreat, Manali
4. Mid Orchard Cottage, Naggar
5. Whoopers Hostel, Kasol
6. Shalom Backpackers, McleodGanj
7. The Sunset Point Homestay, Bir
1. Ghoomakad Homestay in Dharamshala
Imagine a place peacefully nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, away from the chaos of busy towns but not too far from the conveniences, and that’s exactly what Ghoomakad has to offer. It is located approximately 10 kilometres from Dharamsala in a village called Rakkar. Take a bus from Dharamsala’s bus stand to Sidhbari. A 2-kilometre walk will take you to Ghoomakad from Sidhbari Main Street. In addition to residential units, Ghoomakad has a coworking space in the adjacent building where you’ll meet new people, have meaningful discussions, and learn new stuff. Well, they have invested in Good WiFi connections, so now you’ve to find another good excuse to skip those boring meetings!
Let’s not forget the weekends! You can pay a visit to Norbulingka Institute at Sidhbari. Also, just at a 5-minute walking distance, there is a river called ‘Manuni’ where on weekends you can take a dip, splash around and have fun!
Whenever working from home makes you feel miserable, Book a stay at Ghoomakad– a place having old-world’s charm.
Charges- 300-1500 INR per day depending upon the accommodation.
2. Himalayan Woodpecker ‘A Truly Himalayan Stay’, Manali
In case you want to disconnect from the hustles and bustles of the city, this is your best choice. Located at a 5 min drive from Manali this homestay is nestled cosily between Apple Orchards and surrounded by beautiful trails and green meadows. Though it will take about 300 steps to reach the stay, the breathtaking view of the mountains you are likely to witness is something you will never forget.
Also, you’ll get delicious home-cooked food with complimentary Pure Cow Milk, tea, and ghee. Does that sound home away from home? And in case you’ve got a lot of back-to-back meetings at the office, Himalayan Woodpecker is at your beck and call! Additionally, there is farming land in the backyard of the stay that is open to the tired and exhausted folks. After work or on weekends you can indulge in farm activities and learn how to milk a cow. Isn’t that exciting? Hands down, it is one of the best homestays in Manali for ‘workation’.
Charges- Rs. 1,500 per night.
3. The Lal Kothi Retreat, Manali
This serene stay is located 24 kms away from Manali overlooking the gorgeous mountains. This 1941 property has been protected by the inheritors by preserving the “kat-kooni” himachali style of architecture. Well, welcome to the old world’s charm!
Lal Kothi comes equipped with everything you need for an office setup – WiFi connectivity, power backup, extension cords, comfortable chairs, desk, etc. Speaking of the facilities, they have four luxurious bedrooms, in every room, you’ll find antique flooring and reclaimed antique furniture.
While enjoying the luxuriant greenery, the clear blue skies, and the magnificence of the surrounding mountains while ensconced in the cozily illuminated drawing room or out on the veranda, you can gaze upon the lush greenery, the fire-lit drawing room, or the sun-drenched verandah. On weekends you can take a five minute walk to the river nearby and relax! Or if you’re interested in adventure, do not miss out on trekking, paragliding, trout fishing, and white water river rafting.
4. Mid Orchard Cottage, Naggar
This homestay is a perfect blissful getaway to beat your lockdown blues. Surrounded by apple orchards, this beautiful cottage is situated in Naggar, 22 km from Kullu. All of the rooms at Mid Orchard Cottage come with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, and towels plus every room has a seating area. Here weekends are fun, one can explore the nearby beauties like The Naggar Castle and Jana waterfall. So, if you are one of the escapists who is refueled by innovative and unconventional workspaces, this is all in all a perfect workation in Himachal Pradesh!
5. Whoopers Hostel, Kasol
Are you a Game of Thrones fan? If yes, then why are you not at this coolest place? Set on the riverside of the Parvati river, this hostel offers you the perfect environment for working away from home. The stay has private as well as dorm rooms all themed after the famous TV show Game of Thrones. Besides the basic amenities, they have gaming and gym equipment as well. That makes your ‘things to do’ after work, sorted! So, escape from your boring city life and be right here at one of the Best Workstations in Himachal.
Charges- Rs. 3,800 per week.
6. Shalom Backpackers, McleodGanj
Located amidst the serene environment, this hostel has everything you need; an amazing outdoor area with tables and chairs where all you can hear is the chirping birds while working, good WiFi connection, private rooms, and dorm rooms as well. Here, the sound of nature knocks out every corner of the property and there’s a healthy work-life balance here, for sure! On weekends you can go on a day hike to Triund and Mana village. Trust us, the views are to die for. Ditch the four walls and work with a view at Shalom.
Charges- Starting from INR 5100/- per week for a dorm bed.
7. The Sunset Point Homestay, Bir
Do you want a room with big windows? The Sunset Point Homestay has exactly what you want. When you arrive here, you’ll be welcomed by the super friendly hosts who’ll make you feel at home. The rooms are not decorated gorgeously but that feeling of working in Himachal you’re craving for is definitely here. This simple and sweet homestay offers you a beautiful sunset; the perfect place for working, relaxing, and unwinding the mountains. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, activities like trekking, paragliding, and mountain biking here are waiting to be experienced.
Charges: INR 11600/- for two people including all meals per week
As the emerging variants of the COVID-19 wave sweep India, it seems that lockdown or partial lockdown will soon be imposed. By the time things get worse, book a stay in Himachal Pradesh that offers you absolute peace. And as they say, do whatever it takes to get the job done as well as to be happy doing it. Since it is easy to work virtually, why work at home?
Note- Despite these exciting workstation options making our lives easier, make sure you also do your part in preventing the spread of the deadly COVID 19 virus. Don’t just protect yourself, but protect others around you too! Always wear a mask at all times, everywhere!
