At the peak of the Himalayas sit Mount Everest, but Nepal isn’t the only place where you can go to experience its majesty. The Indian Himalayan region is equally as stunning, as these luxury hotels in the Himalayas prove.
For as long as mankind can remember, the Himalayas have been known as the place where God resides. It’s no surprise then, that it’s also a place that’s deeply spiritual and peaceful. Most come here to really get away from it all – from yoga retreats to luxury hotels in the Himalayas with spa escapes, there’s plenty to do while checking out the Indian Himalayan region.
Naturally, the activity of choice has to do with nature: hiking, horseriding, and visiting the local villages. But once you’re done with the great outdoors, head back into your luxury retreat and bask in some relaxing activities. Feast on sumptuous meals, relax by the pool – most of which comes with a picturesque view of the Himalayan mountain range – and take in a spa treatment or two.
The goal here is to relax and unwind, so turn off your phones and forget about that Instagram-able photo opportunity for a while. Practice mindfulness and appreciate the surroundings you’re in, and you’ll be in for a treat.
These are the most luxurious hotels in the Himalayas
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Wildflower Hall is a stunning manor situated in the hilly areas of Shimla. In fact, you might already be acquainted with the breathtaking view of the mountain range from its poolside. Since being taken over by Oberoi, the group has managed to return the hotel to its former splendour with a billiards room and extensive outdoor grounds. The spa treatments here are world-class, so you can expect every joint in your body to sigh in relief when the therapist gets their hands on you. The restaurant here is also not to be missed, with great food matching the great view from the outdoor terrace.
Address: Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla Chharabra, 171012 Shimla, India
Phone: 0177 264 8585
Approximate Price: INR: 28,500
While The Kumaon is not a sprawling giant like Wildflower Hall, it makes up for it by being one of the rare minimalist and design-centric hotels in the state of Uttarakhand in the Indian Himalayan region. This 10-suite hotel was designed in a way where guests can fully appreciate their surrounding nature. Rooms open up to the views of the valley below and the Indian Himalayas, and the semi-open bathrooms make for a bathtime with a view. Those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint while travelling will be glad to know that most of the food served in The Kumaon is grown organically on the hotel grounds or sourced from nearby villages. There’s also rainwater harvesting thanks to the design of the hotel.
Address: The Kumaon, Vill. Gadholi, Binsar Road, Near Kasar Devi Temple Near Kasar Devi Temple, 263601 Binsar, India
Phone: 075794 49997
Over in West Bengal, experience a slice of British colonial life over at the Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling. There are two bungalows on-site with four suites each – so you can imagine that the experience is pretty exclusive. True to the heritage of the place, the furniture in the rooms are of a colonial style complete with a bathtub, a fireplace, and as a bonus, a great view of the Kanchenjunga mountain. The property is surrounded by 1,000 acres of private forest and two rivers running through it, so you’re pretty much on your own out there – not that it’s a bad thing.
Address: Glenburn Tea Estate near Singritan, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Phone: 033 2288 5630
When it comes to luxury, go all out with The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa. Tastefully designed in the traditional Kashmir architectural style, skiing is mostly the activity of choice here. Within the hotel, grounds are three restaurants serving Kashmiri food as well as international cuisine. There’s also a cigar lounge, a heated swimming pool, and a spa for added indulgence. Inside the rooms, the sumptuousness of the hotel continues with a palette of walnut furniture and teak flooring with heavy textile and spun silk carpets by the locals.
Address: Hotel Khyber Rd, Forest Block, Jammu and Kashmir 193403
Phone: 01954 350 666
Keen to have an Ayurvedic spa retreat? Then the Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort is the place you need to check in to. Located in the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, this expansive resort boasts 62 suites across 15 buildings. The main draw to the resort is its wellness treatments, so plan your spa days out for a rejuvenating time there. Otherwise, spend your days lounging by the infinity pool that looks out to the valleys below.
Address: C/o Timber Trail Resort, NH 22, Near Village Banasar, Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh 17322
Phone: 092185 32347
Located in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, Shakti 360° Leti offers precisely what’s in its name – a 360° view of the mountain ranges. This high-end lodge has four cabins fashioned out of wood, glass, and stone with stunning views and complete privacy. Be sure to book your stay with customised meals and activities – its seclusion also means that getting out to a nearby restaurant will prove challenging. Spend your days here practising yoga, going on a hike, visiting nearby villages, or even trying out a cooking class.
Address: Shakti 360° Leti is deep in the Indian Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand.
Phone: +61 3 8648 8871
Hero and feature image credits: Cristian Grecu on Unsplash and Booking.com
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Kuala Lumpur.
