Calming Views, Clear Skies & Crisp Air: Work From Mountains This Summer

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"The mountains are calling", "I really want to settle in the mountains, yaar!", "Let's open a cafe in the hills and settle there", "I'm really done with the city life," "I need an escape!" We've all heard that before, haven't we?

We're pretty sure phrases like are still in your head, in your WhatsApp messages or in your venting-out calls with your colleagues. And, why not? Mountains, scenic valleys, chirping birds, a local community to socialise with, and not to forget the fresh air - It's an attractive deal, folks! While some of us are happy to take that sabbatical and just head to the mountains for a few months, others are in two minds. They don't want to leave their jobs, but want to surely leave the city. Well, we're sailing in the same boat.

Enter: Work From Mountains (aka WFM).

An emerging trend and a welcome change by digital nomads, WFM has already grabbed eyeballs over the last few months. More and more people are opting to stay in the hills and work remotely. Jumping right into this bandwagon, multiple backpackers and hostels have now introduced new packages to suit this trend. 

Expect really discounted rates, well-spaced working areas and breathtaking views from your workstation. 

Disclaimer: The properties listed are following the necessary guidelines with respect to safety and health. You'd be needing a valid COVID negative test from ICMR approved to check into these properties. Prices might be subject to change based on the month you choose to travel. Depending on the state you choose to travel you might or might not require an e-pass. We suggest you maintain social distancing, wear face masks and carry sanitizer with you. If you have doubts or queries we suggest reaching out to the host property directly.

Alt Life, Dharamshala

Offering a panoramic and a breath-taking view of the Kangra valley and gigantic mountains, Alt Life - a co-working space - is tucked away in the quaint village of Dharamkot. Launched in 2018, this space is well-equipped with four private rooms and eight dorm rooms. If you're looking to travel solo, you're sure to be welcomed by a community drawn here from different walks in life. Meet new people, attend your zoom meetings, read a book or simply stare at the scenic view this space has to offer.   

Amenities: Free WiFi, cafeteria and a community kitchen, travel desk, laundry facilities, exclusive yoga area, spacious common area, board games & books, luggage storage. 

Packages: Starts at INR 600 per night for a dormitory (4 - 6 beds). And INR 3,000 and upwards for a private room. The prices may vary based on the number of days you opt to stay in. 

Nearest Airport: Dharamshala Airport (Approximately 12 km from the airport)

PS: You'll have to book a minimum stay of 14 days. 

Playground Outdoors, Manali

When here, be prepped to have pine trees, apple orchards and scenic mountains as a background in your zoom meetings. Apt for digital nomads like you and me, Playground Outdoors comes as a cost-effective option for those looking to work from the Himalayas. #OfficeGoals! Started by two passionate mountaineering enthusiasts - Sarthak & Cambria - this space is perfect for those who are adventure geeks and want to travel, but do not really want to quit their jobs. 

Amenities: Cafeteria, library, movie room, unlimited Wifi, guided treks and cycle tours,  community kitchen, complimentary breakfast, 

Packages: Starts at INR 400 for dorms and INR 1,500 for a private room. They've also got special workation packages which starts at INR 12,600 for 28 days. 

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (approximately 45 km from the airport)   

Zostel, Coorg

This one needs no introduction. Spread across over at least 40 Indian cities, Zostel has become synonymous to a backpackers hostel. From Leh in the North to  Ooty in the South, and from Jaipur in West to Rishikesh in the East, their uber-cool interiors, budget-friendly packages and a comfortable stay has made Zostel every traveller's favourite. 

And as more and more people are opting to work remotely from hills or mountains, Zostel has introduced some really cool long-stay packages. 

And if you're heading to the South, we highly recommend Zostel in Ooty and Coorg. 

Amenities: Free WiFi, common area, work-friendly space, lockers, common television area, cafeteria, laundry services. 

Packages: Starts from INR 500 for a dorm and INR 1,800 for a private room. (please note the prices might differ based on the duration of stay)

Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (approximately 130 km from the airport)     

Himalayan Bunker, Ladakh

To be honest, this space is pure beauty. When living at Himalayan Bunker, expect to be surrounded by snow-capped mountains from all sides, mesmerising sunsets from the roof-top and just living in that moment. They've got four properties in Ladakh including in Leh town, Nubra valley and Zanskar valley. And, they're soon opening one in Kargil.

The best part? You can even sign up to volunteer with them in exchange of stay. How cool is that? You can help with administration, book-keeping, reception, organising events and more. Now that sounds like a great deal. 

Amenities: Free WiFi, cafeteria, pick up/drop, laundry. 

Packages: Starts at INR 400 for a dorm and INR 999 for a private room.

Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (approximately 50 km from the airport)

Mudhouse, Jibhi

This place has come highly recommended by LBB folks and friends. Welcoming travellers, backpackers, remote workers and mountaineering lovers since 2017, Mudhouse is a cute little family-run property nestled beside a river. Started by a filmmaker and a passionate traveller, Rahul Kumar, Mudhouse imbibes the spirit of a creative community. If you're a writer, photographer, artist or painter, this property is apt for you, folks! Got a story or script to write? Just open your laptop, sip some hot chai, pick a scenic view and voila! You've got your creative hat on. 

Amenities: Community kitchen, spacious common area, WiFi. 

Packages: Starts at INR 600 and upwards for dorm. 

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (approximately 50 km from the airport).

GoStops, Rishikesh

Work. Socialise. Chill. GoStops, an uber-cool hostel chain, is here to make working remotely a fun experience. Started by a bunch of young folks, their hostels are vibrant, happening and just feels like a home away from home. Their common area is where all the magic happens. Meet new people and professionals, engage in fun conversations and hang out with strangers. And they've got some amazing packages which legit won't burn a hole in your pocket. 

Amenities: 24X7 Cafeteria, mini-amphitheatre, gaming zones, free WiFi, housekeeping, dedicated work areas, recreational zones.

Packages: Starts at INR 300 for a dorm and INR 800 for a private room. Workation packages starts at INR 3,000 for a week.

Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport (approximately 15 km from the airport)

PS: They've also got properties in other Indian cities like  Bir, Dalhousie, Leh, Udaipur and more. 

Shalom Backpackers, Dharamshala

Tucked away in McLeodganj (around 10 km from Dharamshala) is this peaceful retreat called Shalom Backpackers. Equipped with 80 beds and four private rooms, this hostel surely offers a cosy stay, a breathtaking view from your room and peace of mind. This is apt and ideal for solo travellers. 

Amenities: Free Wifi, common area, fun night activities, cafeteria, luggage storage, reading space and gaming zone, laundry and ironing. 

Packages: Their #workfromhills packages start from INR 2,000 for a week for a dorm and INR 7,000 for a private room.    

Nearest Airport: Dharamshala Airport (Approximately 20 km from the airport)

Glampeco, Manali

Situated at a height of 2,600 ft, Glampeco is simply stunning and one-of-a-kind. And these are not the usual dorms or rooms we're talking about. You'll be staying in dome-shaped glamping tents with a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains, valleys and trees as far as you can see. And they've too curated special offers and discounted packages for digital nomads. And the longer you stay, the more discount you can avail. 

Amenities: Free WiFi, guided hikes, cafeteria, special meal packages, fun activities and workshops. Think a star-gazing session. 

Packages: Starts at INR 1,000 for dorms and INR 2,500 for a private room. However, these might vary based on the duration of your stay.   

Nomad Hostel, Kasol

This one's an uber-cool one. Expect cool graffiti, pop-culture posters and wall decor. Nomad is perfect for those who're social butterflies, love making new friends or exchanging stories with strangers. A bright yellow villa-like structure against scenic mountain views, this hostel is easy to locate. And GOT fans, well, you guys have a reason to rejoice! Apart from multiple Game Of Throne posters, their rooms to are named based on the series. 

Amenities: Free WiFi, cafeteria, garden & terrace, 24-hour front desk, indoor game area, parking. 

Packages: Starts at INR INR 550 per night (for dorms) and INR 2,000 per night (for a private room).

Nearest Airport:  Kullu-Manali airport (approximately 26 km away)

The Forest Edge, Tirthan Valley

The Forest Edge is perfect for those travellers who are looking to stay in the midst of nature without compromising on their comfort. A perfect blend of earthy looking interiors and modern amenities, this property is surrounded by rustling pine trees, Himalayas and pure beauty. The property houses five rooms, all with stunning panoramic views, heaters and other amenities for your comfort. Book nerds! They've also got an entire library for you! 

Plus, it's not just eco-friendly, it's also pet-friendly. 

Amenities: WiFi, library, cafeteria, treks and hikes, bird watching or village walks,   

Nearest Airport: Bhunntar Airport (approximately 50 km away) 

Blue Jay Hostels, Rishikesh

Offering an amazing view of the ageless Himalayas, this hostel is perfect for those who're looking to unwind and balance it out with their work. They've got an array of rooms including deluxe rooms, standard rooms, 6-bed dorms (female and mixed). The private rooms come with perks like balcony, mountain view, desk and television. 

These guys too have started long stay packages for those solely travelling to work from mountains. So, do check out those packages as well.        

Amenities: Free wifi (& chai), luggage storage, 24X7 reception, lockers, laundry service, printer & photo copying service.  

Packages: Their dorm pricing starts from INR 400 per night and INR 1,500 for a private room. 

Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport (approximately 22 km from the airport)

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A features writer at LBB. Her work desk pretty much sums up her personality. Organised, an ailurophile and a fan of everything that glitters, ...