Homestay Facilities:

The guestrooms on offer at these homestays are kept properly clean, brightly coloured and decked with local handicrafts. They feature traditional type wooden bed with comfortable mattresses that are placed on the wooden bed. The blissful feeling of waking up and looking at the beautiful environs outside simply cannot be described in words.

Since these homestays are isolated rural homes, much should not be expected in terms of modern comforts; amenities are more of basic and minimal nature. On request, a bucket of hot water is provided for bathing while toilets are supposed to be shared with the host family. Laundry and telephone services may or may not be available, while electric supply tends to be irregular.

Electricity supply tends to be irregular, offers limited power for charging phones and other necessary equipment. Please carry a handy flash light/torch with extra batteries. However, they do provide candles and solar torches for your comfort though.

Carrying your own towels, soaps and other toiletries will help us avoid the wastage of gallons of water which goes into washing, and in minimizing the use of chemicals in the form of washing powder etc.

There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is plenty of natural beauty around to keep you entertained. Wifi is not available.

House architecture:

Jaunsar Bawar follows the Vernacular architecture components. Houses are usually built in stone and timber and roofed with slate tiles. It is usually a two or three storey structure with a linear arrangement of one to four rooms on each floor and is typically sited on a terraced piece of land along the contours of the hill. In many villages in Uttarakhand, due to low temperature range, the housing and other buildings of socio-cultural values are generally shaped like pagodas or have sloping roofs.

The common building material used under construction includes wood (generally deodar, due to its abundance and durability), plain stones and other locally available materials like mud and stone slates. One of the important aspects of architecture in the area is the wooden carvings and the slate laden gabled roofs.

Best time to visit:

The months from March to June and September to November are the most pleasant, with sunny days and cool nights. The winter months from December to February are cold.

Activities:

As a guest at these homestays, one can get involved in the day-to-day activities of the villagers, such as farming and animal herding. Those interested can also take cooking classes from the homemakers.

Food Delights:

Another wonderful reason for staying with the locals is that one gets to eat the delicious home-cooked food. The culinary tradition of Jaunsar-Bawar is deep-rooted in growing food organically and most of the recipes use items that are either found naturally in the Himalayas or are cultivated locally. Jaunsar-Bawar (Tons Valley) food is very simple but extremely nutritious. For generations people here have mastered the skill of bringing the bio-diversity of the Himalayan eco-system to their plates. Using the medicinal herbs and spices found here, their cuisine has evolved into a perfect blend of taste and nutrition.

Meals will be served in the host kitchen in Indian way of sitting on the floor.

Things to note:

1. Fitness: To reach the homestay, you have to walk up for 10-15 minutes on steps and stone mountain paths. The staff will be happy to help you with your luggage.
2. Pets: Pets are not allowed.
3. Water: Natural source water is available at the house. Refrain from buying numerous plastic mineral water bottles.
4. Alcohol: Not provided.
5. Pack your bags with environmentally friendly things. Carry as little plastic as possible.
6. Do not litter or leave behind any non-biodegradable waste. Carry it to the cities where better waste management systems are in place.
7. What you wear has an impact. Dress appropriately, especially when you walk into the villages.
8. Respect the local culture and refrain from physical intimacy in public places.
9. Local food is great. Try it as much as possible and avoid packaged food. Ask for modifications in the food according to your taste, instead of wasting it.
10. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and refrain from drugs, especially in public places.
11. Seek permission before photographing people, so as to respect their privacy.
12. Do not pluck any plants and flowers, and do not disturb the wildlife.