Sharda Stays, Dinapani

KUMAON, UTTARAKHAND

House Rules:

Check-in time: 12:00 pm
Check-out time: 11:00 am
For early check-ins or late check-outs don’t be shy to check with us.
Slow and soft music is okay, but please do not play loud music. You are in the middle of nature and a village.

Services of the staff are available until 10:00 pm
We follow a strict no-smoking policy inside the house. You may ask the caretaker for an ashtray and smoke outside the house if you need to.

Pets:
Pets are allowed, but chargeable

Wifi and Connectivity:
There is a good 4G connectivity for Airtel and Jio users, unless the weather is bad. Anyone who needs dedicated connection should carry an Airtel/Jio Sim and it works very good. We don’t have WiFi connection facility.

Cancellation Policy:

45 – 30 days prior to check-in date – 50 % of full amount would be charged as retention

31 – 16 days prior to check-in date – 75 % of full amount would be charged as retention

15 Days prior to check-in date – 100% of full amount would be charged as retention.

Bookings made for long weekends, festivals and blackout periods (sold-out dates, special festivals, Christmas & New Year) are non-refundable and non-changeable.

Getting There:

By Road:
Almora is well connected by road to different parts of Uttarakhand and also with few places of North India. Public and private buses regularly connect the hill town with nearby cities and towns. Deenapani is 11Kms from Almora Bus Stand.

By Train
The nearest rail head is at Kathgodam (KGM) which is just 92Kms away from Deenapani. One can easily get a cab to Deenapani or catch a bus for Almora from the railway station.

By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH) which is 126Kms away from Deenapani. One can easily get a cab to Deenapani or catch a bus for Almora from the railway station.

We will share the exact directions upon confirmation. We have pickup, drop facility from the Airport/Railway Station, which are chargeable additionally.
We also offer accommodation for the drivers at the property at an additional cost. Please inform us at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Reaching the property in daylight is advisable

The Stay:

Nestled on the tranquil ridge of Deenapani in Almora’s enchanting Kumaon hills, Sharda Stays offers four inviting cottages—Astitva, Vishram Ghar, Sharda Stays, and Sanjh Homes—each thoughtfully crafted to reflect the rhythm and simplicity of rural life. These homestays are more than just a retreat; they are a heartfelt initiative by four friends committed to uplifting their local community. By engaging villagers in every aspect—from preparing delicious, home-cooked meals to managing daily operations—Sharda Stays creates meaningful livelihood opportunities while celebrating the region’s cultural heritage. Located just 10Kms from the lush expanse of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, the property also treats guests to breath-taking panoramic views of the iconic Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks—guardians of the Great Himalayas and jewels of the Kumaon landscape.

To Experience:

The Sharda Stays is an initiative under the banner of Community-Based Rural Tourism (CBRT). Here, nestled on the peaceful ridge of Deenapani in Almora’s Kumaon hills, the stays don’t just offer you a place to stay—but invite you to live the rhythm of village life. The stays—Astitva, Vishram Ghar, Sharda Stays, and Sanjh Homes—are thoughtfully curated by a passionate team of four friends working hand in hand with a vibrant local community of 20 members. Together, aiming to preserve the essence of our rural heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for our people. During your stay wake up to the sound of rustling pines and the scent of wood-fired breakfasts prepared by locals. As you sip warm chai on your verandah, the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli stand quietly in the distance, reminding you that you’re somewhere special.

To See:

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Binsar is a protected wildlife area comprising of oak, rhododendron and pine forests on a mountain rising upto 8000Feet. A haven for birds and nature enthusiasts, its located 30Kms from Almora town.

Zero Point, Binsar: Among the many attractions of Binsar is the trek to Zero Point, a trail that takes you to the top of the highest peak in the region. On a clear day, you can see as far as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks. The sight is simply awe-inspiring and makes you feel humbled by the magnificence of nature.

Jageshwar Dham: Amidst the lush emerald hills of the Kumaon Himalayas, about 35 kilometres from Almora lies Jageshwar Dham, a breath-taking complex of over 125 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Jageshwar Dham is not only a spiritual haven but also a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces.

Kasar Devi Temple: Imagine climbing a hill, surrounded by towering pine trees and the sweet scent of nature. At the top, you’ll find a peaceful temple dedicated to the goddess Kasar Devi. This ancient sanctuary, dating back to the 2nd century CE, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Almora.

Bright End Corner: Head few Kms from Almora to experience the breath-taking views of sunset and sunrise at Bright End Corner. This serene viewpoint, recently renamed as Vivekananda Corner, is dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, who spent a few days here during his stay in the Himalayas. Don’t miss the Vivekananda library located nearby.

Chitai Golu Devta Temple: Chitai Temple or Golu Devta Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Golu Devta, who is famous as the God of justice or Nyaya ke Devta. The belief of locals says any issue related to legal cases are solved or fulfilled by writing it down on a white paper and tying it along with a bell in the temple.

Almora Market: Dive into local flavours, crafts, and the famous Bal Mithai shop.

Suggested Itineraries

Ramgarh – Dinapani
Duration: 4Nights/5Days

Day 1: Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station – Ramgarh
Arrival at Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station. Meet and greet by our local representative. Drive to Ramgarh. Transfer to stay. Ramgarh, Uttarakhand, offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and lush fruit orchards to all its visitors. Embark on leisurely walk through the village lanes, interact with the warm-hearted locals and let the serenity of Ramgarh refresh your soul like nowhere else!
Evening visit the local market. Overnight stay at Ramgarh.
Distance: Airport 90Kms | Time: 3Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 55Kms | Time: 2Hrs 30Mins | Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Ramgarh (Sightseeing)
After breakfast go for a day trip covering Himalayan Viewpoint, Tagore Top, Ramgarh Orchards, Nathuakhan and Talla Ramgarh.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Ramgarh.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Ramgarh – Dinapani
After breakfast, depart for Dinapani via Almora. Considered the cultural centre of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Almora a beautiful hill station situated at an altitude of 5400Feet, is known for its breath-taking views of the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, and serene environment. On arrival visit the ancient Nanda Devi Temple and stroll along the lively Lala Bazaar, where handcrafted woolens, copperware, and local sweets like “Bal Mithai” and “Singori” of the oldest shop of Khem Singh. Transfer to stay.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Dinapnai.
Distance: 50Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Almora (Sightseeing)
After breakfast go for a full-day excursion around Almora. Begin with a visit to the Kasar Devi Temple, famous for its geomagnetic field as its inclusion in the Van Allen Belt. Next, proceed to the Chitai Golu Devta Temple, dedicated to the God of Justice and adorned with countless bells tied by devotees. The temple is steeped in local legend and offers a fascinating insight into Kumaoni beliefs and traditions. Visit to Katarmal Sun Temple.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Dinapani.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station Drop
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Station.
Distance: Airport 115Kms | Time: 4Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 85Kms | Time: 3Hrs | Meals: Breakfast

Kausani – Munsyari – Dinapani
Duration: 6Nights/7Days

Day 1: Pantnagar Airport/ Kathgodam Station – Kausani
Arrival at Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Station. Meet and greet by our local representative. Drive to Kausani. The serenity of this quaint hill station invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly connect with nature. Transfer to stay. Spend rest of the day basking in the magic of the Himalayas as you witness the 300-kilometre-wide canvas of snow-capped peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Kausani.
Distance: Airport 170Kms | Time: 5Hrs 30Mins | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Distance: Station 135Kms | Time: 2Hrs | Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Kausani (Sightseeing)
After breakfast go for a day trip covering Himalayan Viewpoint, Tagore Top, Ramgarh Orchards, Nathuakhan and Talla Ramgarh.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Ramgarh.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Kausani – Munsiyari
After breakfast depart for Munsiyari. Offering pristine landscape bordered by towering Himalayan peaks, Munsiyari is like nature’s amphitheatre, where every morning and evening, one can enjoy spell-binding views of the sun rising from and setting behind the jagged peaks.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Munsyari.
Distance: 160Kms | Time: 6Hrs | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Munsyari (Sightseeing)
After breakfast go for Local Tour of Munsyari covering – Nanda Devi, Thamari Kund, Darkot, Master Ji Museum / Tribal Heritage Museum.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Munsyari.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Munsyari – Dinapani
After breakfast, depart for Dinapani a small town offers majestic view of snow clad peaks of Himalayan peaks. Enroute visit Bageshwar known for its spiritual sites, scenic beauty, and Himalayan views. Key attractions include the Bagnath Temple, located at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Dinapani.
Distance: 200Kms | Time: 7Hrs | Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Hidden Villages of Uttarakhand Tour
After breakfast go for a full-day excursion around Binsar – Katdhara, Gonap and Dalar.
Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Dinapani.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: Airport Pantnagar/Kathgodam Railway Station Drop
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Pantnagar Airport/Kathgodam Station.
Distance: Airport 115Kms | Time: 4Hrs | Meals: Breakfast
Distance: Station 85Kms | Time: 3Hrs | Meals: Breakfast

Impact Footprint

Immersive Experience of Local Life: Offering a unique alternative to traditional hotels, fostering a sense of community and providing guests with a more immersive experience of local life and cultural richness of Binsar.

Local Economic Support: This boosts income for rural communities by encouraging spending on local businesses, artisans, and traditional cuisines.

Cultural Immersion: Participate in village walks and interact with the friendly local community.

Preserve the Cultural Heritage: Promoting responsible tourism practices by encouraging guests to interact respectfully with the local people can help preserve the cultural heritage of Deenapani for future generations.

Impact Footprint

Local Economic Support: This boosts income for rural communities by encouraging spending on local businesses, artisans, and traditional cuisines.

Cultural Immersion: Participate in village walks and interact with the friendly local community.