Day trips from the doorstep.

The village temple of Lord Shiva in Selur, near Kandikhal, and the closest place of worship to धrohar. A peaceful place to start or end the day, and a glimpse of how faith is woven into everyday village life.

Host tip: Dress modestly and take your shoes off before entering.

Forests of oak, pine and rhododendron start just outside the village. In spring the rhododendrons (buransh, Uttarakhand's state tree) turn the hillsides red. Trails lead to quiet viewpoints over the valley, with plenty of Himalayan birds along the way.

Host tip: Go early in the morning for the most birdlife, and carry water.

The main shrine of Rathi Devta, one of the most revered folk deities of Tehri Garhwal, at Kilakhal in Aleru village on the Uttarkashi highway. Rathi Devta was born Dhan Singh Adhikari in 1887 in Aleru, an ordinary shepherd who died in a cholera outbreak in 1918. Soon after, villagers began to feel his spirit guiding them through local mediums, and he came to be worshipped as a devta. The first small temple was built around 1941. He is especially loved as the dhyaniyon ka devta, the deity of the region's married daughters, who return home to seek his blessings.

Host tip: Visit for the annual fair on 7 Vaisakh, usually around mid-April, when devotees gather and coconuts are offered at the shrine.

India's longest single-lane motorable suspension bridge, stretching about 725 m across Tehri Lake with a 440 m main span. Opened in November 2020 after years of construction, it links Dobra and Chanti and cut the journey to Pratapnagar by around 80 km. Driving or walking across it, with the lake far below, is an experience in itself.

Host tip: Go in the late afternoon for soft light on the lake, and stop at either end for photos.

The nearest market town. Stock up on groceries for the kitchen, browse wool shawls, local pulses and pahadi spices, and grab samosas by the bus stand.

Host tip: Do your grocery shopping here on the way in.

A quiet hamlet surrounded by apple orchards and dense forest. Known for camping, rock climbing and rappelling, with sweeping views back towards the Tehri valley.

Host tip: Visit in September to see the apple harvest.

The vast reservoir of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi river, and the view from our veranda. Up close at Koti Colony you can try jet skiing, kayaking, banana boats and floating huts, or simply sit by the shore with a cup of tea.

Host tip: Book water sports in the morning when the lake is calmest.

An ancient Shakti Peeth at 3,030 m with a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas. A short, steep 2 km trek through rhododendron forest, or a ropeway, leads to the summit.

Host tip: The trek takes about 45 minutes up; start early for clear views.

A sleepy hill station of deodar forests and Eco Parks with long views of the snow peaks. Perfect for a lazy day trip with a picnic and a walk through the pines.

Host tip: Combine with Kanatal and Surkanda Devi for a full day out.