Pahadi Nest Mukteshwar: Budget Homestay in Uttarakhand with Magnificent Views

Pahadi Nest is a small hotel in Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand overlooking the valley and the Himalayan mountain range. It’s a very homely feel, courteous and prompt staff, and great communication from the owner Akshay. It is a lengthy journey with a long drive on mountain roads with lovely views and a rough-hewn path up from the road to reach it, but worth it all for the absolutely magnificent views. 

Location

Just to get a perspective where you are when you stay at Pahadi Nest:

Earlier, I mentioned a rough-hewn path. The hosts have clearly stated on the Airbnb portal: "Our property/cottage is a short 5 – 10-minute walk through a scenic trail. It may not be ideal for very elderly guests or those with knee concerns." Check out the image below-

Pahadi Nest Accommodation

The cottages are comfortable and spacious with a kettle, functional and free wi-fi, a television that provides You Tube and OTT like Netflix depending on the network, and a free washing machine. The single room cottage I stayed in had a porch of its own where I could hang out clothes to dry. The advantage of my cottage was that it was on a lower level, and hence closer to the valley with views uninterrupted by foliage, unlike the ones above. And there was a sit-out as well but tends to get wet with early morning dew. 

The upper-level cottages 

The interiors of my cottage-

Entrance/exit

Extra bed below the TV

There is a sit-out in each cottage, with the double rooms having it in their balconies, and one right next to the kitchen in the open. The space leading to the kitchen has the fridge and tables where diners can also sit, as well as a small library and some toys.

A major point to consider: Water is a precious resource here so use quarter to half buckets for your use as far as possible. It’s not easy to make a living in these parts so do consider the hard labour of farming that brings food to the table and the expense of ordering stocks from the plains.

Pahadi Nest Food

The menu is extensive with veg and non-veg food, but the produce available depends on the season. It’s reasonably priced and freshly made. 

Boiled egg and Kashifal vegetable

Roti with potato-radish vegs on the left; with rajma on the right

Must try: the local Buransh juice and the Thatwani aka Tharwani locally, when available. Earlier, the main crop was madua (ragi), but no longer, and though Madua roti is shown on the menu, it’s unlikely to be on any menu as last year in Ranikhet also, the staff said it involves a lot of labour and is in short supply.

Service

The staff is only three people - a cook, helper and manager - but even when the hotel is filled to capacity, they manage to efficiently run the space. They are also very good with kids, and families can be rest assured that specifics on the type of dal or the temperature of the milk will be fulfilled. They really stretch themselves to keep you happy. So, please be considerate when making demands.

What you should Carry Along

Do carry an entire set of extra clothes in the rainy and winter months when travelling in Uttarakhand. And all your meds with extra supply as well. Cold cream is a must as it does get very cold at night, and the skin tends to dry out. Haldwani is an urban centre and not a small town so you can purchase before you start your way up if you wish. Also, carry along warm clothes for the night and socks. Do invest in a pair of shoes with grooves that can grip the uneven rough, moist surfaces that allow for climbing, trekking, and walking.

Pahadi Nest Contact Information

Address:

Shasbani Village, Leti Bunga, 

Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand 263136

Google Map Location

Ph: 088854 72911

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/evhomestay/

Booking done through Airbnb

This travelogue has been written by Madhuri Kamat, author of Flying with Grandpa, Bringing Back Grandpa, Burial of The Dead - Mystery in a Mohalla, and Yudi Yudi Dharmasya: Mahabharat - Through the Eyes of Kunti.