HIMALAYAN HOMESTAY
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS HIMALAYAN HOMESTAY?
What is a homestay?
Simply put, a homestay type accommodation is when a guest pays money to a local family to stay and live with them during their stay. This gives a chance to live among the local people and share cultural experiences. Guests will be able to experience the best the local people has to offer, such as food, language, tourist destinations and other great tips straight from the people who know them the best.
Who are the hosts?
The Hosts in Himalayan Homestays are local community people in their villages. The hosts are not only there to rent out a room, but a family to provide valuable assistance for the guests during their stay.
How does it help the homestay family?
The booking fee goes directly to the homestay family. It provides them with an additional source of income.
What is Snow Leopard Conservancy’s role in it?
SLC-IT helps to promote responsible travel through homestays by providing homestay materials, capacity building to the homestay providers and evaluating the homestay for improvement and ensuring their contribution to the conservation fund.
WHAT WILL I GET IN A HIMALAYAN HOMESTAY?
Is food provided?
The Himalayan Homestay booking fee include, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea. Traditional Ladakhi meals cooked hygienically using eco-friendly methods.
What kind of food will be available?
The food at the Himalayan homestays is simple Indian cuisine like roti, vegetables, lentils and rice. The hosts also offer Ladakhi cuisine to guests. Should you have any special dietary preference, you will need to inform the family in advance. Given the remoteness of some of the destinations, your host will try their best to accommodate your preferences – if not we request guest to support families in their endeavour to serve you as resources as available.
Is it safe?
Yes. However, we suggest tourist acclimatise themselves in Leh for a minimum of days before heading to the Himalayan Homestays in the villages.
What if it rains, snows?
You hosts will try to ensure your stay is comfortable despite the weather conditions. There are the local firewood heaters usually set up in the main kitchen or in the guest rooms.
Is the water safe to drink?
The water in homestays is boiled spring water.
Are there toilets available in Homestay?
Yes, most of them have the Ladakhi dry compost toilets that are environmental friendly. There are clean and hygienic.
Is it child friendly?
Absolutely. Lot of our homestay families have children, grandchildren.
Is internet access available?
Few of the homestays have Internet or Wifi. Most of our hosts live in remote villages with little to no network. You will find at least any one of the networks from BSNL, Jio and airtel in most homestay villages.
Can I charge my phone, camera and others?
All of our homestays have charging point and electricity. You can charge your phones, cameras and any other equipment.
What happens if there is an emergency?
It’s best to ask your host to help you with the local available support system and ensure you travel back to Leh immediately. Can contact numbers be shared?
Do I need any permits?
Indian tourists do not require permits to Sham, Rong or Zanskar Valley. However, if you wish to visit some of the lakes in Changthang, inner-line permits are compulsory.
For foreign tourists, it is important to check with the local administrative offices. Permits are also easily issued online at LAHDC website or with support from travel/tour operators or directly from the District Commissioner (DC) office.
What essential documents do I need to bring with me?
Please carry your booking voucher to show the homestays when you arrive. We advise you to carry an official ID with you at all times to be on the safer side.
How does one reach the homestay site?
Himalayan Homestays was initially designed for trekkers, providing accommodation facilities along the trekking routes. However, with developing infrastructure in this region, all our homestays are accessible by road.
I don’t trek, can I still visit the homestays?
There is bus connectivity to lot of our Homestays and you can also access by hiring local taxi.
HOW TO BOOK A HIMALAYAN HOMESTAY?
How much does the homestay cost?
Himalayan Homestay cost Rs.1500 per person. Rs.1400 goes directly to the Homestay families. Rs.100 is booking charge.
What does the price include?
The price includes a room for your stay, Breakfast, Dinner and a packed Lunch. Ladakh is like drinking tea and you will be served different varieties of tea. For extra meals, please pay Rs. 50/- per meal per person.
Additional wildlife/environmental fee in certain villages is collected locally.
Can I reschedule or cancel my booking?
Yes. The process is mentioned in the terms and condition section.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policy is mentioned in the terms and conditions section.
Is there maximum or minimum number of people per homestay?
Our homestays have min. capacity of only two beds and maximum of four beds.
Do I have to book in advance?
The Homestays concept combined with the magnetism of Ladakh and Zanskar ensure a steady flow of visitors, especially during peak season (June – September), so it’s best to book your Homestay well in advance.
How do I pay for the homestay?
The process for payment is listed in the booking section.
Should I print receipt/voucher to show the homestay?
Please print the voucher of your booking confirmation. Since we have lot of Homestays in each village, it’s good to show the voucher to be sure.
Is there any extra fee that I have to pay on top of the homestay fee?
There is no additional fee on top of the fee that you pay while booking.
Can I visit without a booking confirmation/voucher?
Walk-in at Himalayan Homestay is an option, but availability of room cannot be ensured.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE TRIP?
When is the right time to visit?
The season from May-Oct is the best time for sightseeing and bird watching and winter has a different charm with activities like snow leopard sighting and Chadar trek. However, visiting during winters will be challenging with limited amenities.
What should I bring on the trip?
It depends on the purpose of your visit, but generally sun screen, sunglasses, comfortable pair of shoes and warm clothes will help in the trip.
What will be the highest altitude?
Changthang region, which is part of the Tibetan plateau, is above 4,500 m
What kind of clothing and other accessories should I carry?
A pair of warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes should be carried.
How to Acclimatize?
Full day rest upon arrival and drinking lots of fluid is important to acclimatize in Ladakh.
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BOOKING CONDITIONS
All bookings are subject to availability of space at Homestay. We book space on a 100% advance only. All payments by wire transfer to Bank Account details/pay link.
How to Book?
Go to Booking Page
Choose your destination village and fill the details
Submit the form
We will get back to you within 24hrs with payment details
Pay for your Homestay
You will receive booking confirmation mail with voucher. Carry this voucher with you when travelling to the Homestay.