Review of Homestays in Spiti India

Want to experience life in a remote high altitude village? There's no better or more authentic way than by staying at one (or more!) of the homestays in Spiti India. According to reputable brand Mahindra Homestays, "staying in these homestays opens the doors to an ancient cultural life that has remained unchanged for over a thousand years!". They're not wrong. Come and discover it for yourself.

Ecosphere Spiti offers traditional homestays in six Spiti villages of varying altitudes. These are Langza, Komic, Demul, Lhalung, Dhankhar, and Mikkim (which lies within Pin Valley National Park). On average, there are three homestays in each village.

The settings are spectacular, with fertile green crops and snowy peaks providing the backdrop.

Each Spiti homestay usually only has one guest bedroom, which can accommodate two or three people.

The guest rooms in the homestays are clean, brightly colored, and attractively decorated with locally made handicrafts. The bedding provided is traditional style, with mattresses placed on the floor. It's still very comfortable though.

Waking up in such a pure and peaceful environment is particularly special. The views from the bedroom windows, combined with the fresh unadulterated mountain air, are so enlivening.

The homestay accommodations are a little on the pricey side considering that they are quite rustic. However, it's all about location, location, location! Guide, meals, and some activities are included. The fact that your money will be providing extra, much needed, income for the villagers is extremely positive as well.

One of the benefits of staying in a Spiti homestay is the delicious home cooked food that you'll get to eat. Momos (vegetable dumplings), and thukpa and thenthuk (hearty noodle soups), are popular items.

As to be expected in isolated rural homes, facilities at the homestays are basic and minimal though. There are no showers, but buckets of hot water for bathing are provided on request. Toilets are shared with the host family, and are the composting squat variety. This consists of a hole in the ground. There are no telephones or laundry services, and the electricity supply tends to be unreliable.

Therefore, while staying in a homestay is a memorable and unique experience, it's not for everyone. If you're comfortable with camping, it's likely that you'll have no issues. However, if you prefer western facilities, you'll be better off staying at a hotel in Kaza and using that as a base for travel around Spiti.

As a guest, you'll be able to participate in the daily activities of the villagers. These include animal herding and farming of crops. You can also take cooking lessons.

What's more, if you stay in Langza village you'll be able to explore the area for fossils. In Demul and Lhalung, live cultural performances by the villagers are special the activities that are on offer.

Still looking for more things to do in Spiti? Trekking, yak safaris, and mountain cycling are other options.

Read more about Ecosphere Spiti and how this award winning organization is helping develop rural tourism.