While hiking along the Zinal glacier in Switzerland, Ite and Varun felt a “Heimweh” – a German word for “longing for home” ... Apparently, it was time to have a deep deliberation about what lay ahead in the years to come.
Varun, your typical Himalayan boy – born and brought up in Nainital with undying love for the mountains had been in Switzerland for more than a decade working with a top Advisory firm after having studied at a premier Swiss institute. Ite, born and brought up in the valley of Kashmir, had joined Varun in Switzerland and had been working as a Swiss Banker.
…It suddenly dawned upon them that it was time to plan the journey back home. What they felt can be best described as Himalayan Heimweh.
In a first move, they started creating their future abode, Himalaica – a large estate in the middle of the lake district Nainital.
Nestled in a crevice and flanked by vast reserve forests full of oak and pine trees, Himalaica feels like an oasis of tranquillity in the midst of swathes of crowds that throng Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal and Ramgarh.
Himalaica was completely overhauled into a mesmerising home. The original structure was built by local craftsmen achieving a unique character that seamlessly meshes a traditional country style with modern comfort – drawing its inspiration from the past, living in the present, and looking into the future.
Ite wanted the place to feel like home and therefore decorated Himalaica with beautiful local treasures, adorned with local art, including “likhai” and specially curated trinkets from the Alps. The entire estate exudes a perfect blend of Himalayan rawness and Alpine essence.
The estate, with two strikingly pretty and stylish cottages with 6 cosy guest rooms, has housed guests, writers and poets, who come all year round to find solace and tranquillity, sitting hours in the conservatory of the Estate. Himalaica is pet friendly and furry friends are always welcome.
The estate has a select set of locals as its staff, most of whom have been around for decades and fondly take care of the guests. Prakash, the head chef is renowned for his flair in different global cuisines. He can prepare sumptuous dishes from Khao Soi to a famous lamb lasagna, from his highly accoladed thin crust pizzas to the very local pahadi mutton that never goes wrong. You can ask him to prepare a Kashmiri Kahwa or brew up Ethiopian coffee anytime of the day and it will be perfect.
The very young caretaker couple, Naveen and Jyoti have recently started living at the estate with their 1-year-old son after the erstwhile caretaker couple retired after serving for 25 years. This association makes Himalaica truly a unique home.
A stay at Himalaica is incomplete without a BBQ meal and a bonfire night under the starry skies whilst being surrounded by the echoes of the forest. During autumn, the sounds of water gushing through the estate streams puts one’s mind at ease. Meals can be served alfresco in the gardens to enjoy splendid views of the forests or under a starry sky. Himalaica has a limited menu with fresh local organic produce and often grow some of their own vegetables.
The forests around the estate and around Bhowali are home to numerous species, which can be sighted either by trekking into permitted forest areas, or sometimes luckily just off the road. The forests have significant populations of leopard, bear, wild boar, barking deer, sambhar deer, ghoral or mountain goat, jungle cat, porcupine, langur monkey and snakes. Over 150 varieties of birds are present in the forests of the greater area.
There are numerous opportunities for trekking, jungle walks, and birdwatching, amongst other outdoor activities. Himalaica has a few treks that run through the estate, the main ones being going to the top of the Himalaica Ridge and the other one going to Kulethi-Jhandidhar where there are unparalled views of Nandadevi to Panchachuli and more. There are plethora of things to do in the estate: https://himalaica.com/experiences/
Himalaica was created as a place to be, to pause and to reflect, to meditate, to remember and to forget, and to bring back the balance in our lives that is all too lost. It is often described as a place with soul, and with a spiritual, meditative quality – we believe this quality comes from the ancient temple that exists under a large oak tree on the premises, dedicated to the Earth God, which is still visited by the local villagers annually. The warmth of the outstanding Kumaoni hospitality, personalised, attentive service have always brought back guests many-a-time, with friends and family.
The tariff for the 2 bedroom cottage for 4 adults starts from INR 14,500 per night, including breakfast and refreshments. Individual rooms in the main villa are available on request and prices start from INR 6,000 onwards. Contact +91 8800727329. Bookings can be made directly with the family, locally based in Nainital either via phone (+918800727329) or online via www.himalaica.com. Email info@himalaica.com
