Unplugged in the Himalayas:
Our Eco-Friendly Family Escape to The Goat Village, Uttarakhand
When a trusted friend recommended that I check out The Goat Village in Uttarakhand, my curiosity was instantly piqued.
The idea of a lodge completely off the electric grid, rooted in traditional Garhwali architecture, and committed to sustainable practices sounded almost too good to be true.
No electricity except solar, no soap or towels provided, a strict “take back your plastic” policy, and only locally grown food—could such a place really exist? More importantly, could my family and I actually enjoy a stay there?
With these questions in mind, we left the sweltering heat of Delhi behind for an eight-hour drive into the Garhwal Himalayas. The journey itself was an adventure—about nine kilometers before the lodge, we had to switch to rugged 4WD vehicles, as the regular coaches couldn’t handle the rough, winding dirt road. The final half a kilometer was a gentle trek on foot, our luggage carried by ponies, as the path meandered up through terraced fields and pine forests.
First Impressions: A Village Lost in Time
As we crested the final slope, The Goat Village came into view, nestled at 2,000 meters
amid rolling hills and endless layers of mountains. My family and I were instantly awestruck. The cottages, built from local stone, mud, and wood, seemed to rise organically from the earth—simple, sturdy, and beautifully in tune with their surroundings. There was no hum of generators, no flicker of television screens, and not a single Wi-Fi signal in sight. Instead, there was birdsong, the distant tinkle of goat bells, and the gentle rustle of mountain breezes.
Living Sustainably, Living Simply
The Goat Village is a masterclass in sustainable hospitality. There’s no conventional
electricity here; solar panels power a few basic lights and charge points, but after sunset, the village glows by the warm light of candles and lanterns.
Hot water is a precious resource, available only once a day and heated by solar energy—a gentle reminder to use it mindfully. There’s no soap provided in the rooms (to protect the local water sources), and guests are asked to bring their own towels and toiletries.
Every bit of plastic you bring in, you must take back with you—a policy that really made us rethink our packing and consumption habits.
At first, these restrictions felt daunting. But very quickly, they became a source of pride and joy. There was something deeply satisfying about adapting to the rhythms of the sun, conserving water, and minimizing waste. Our children learned firsthand the value of resources we so often take for granted.
Farm-to-Table Feasts
One of the highlights of our stay was the food. Every meal was a celebration of
local flavors and farm-fresh ingredients. The village grows its own vegetables, pulses, and grains right outside the cottages, and the eggs come from their own poultry. We feasted on mandua (finger millet) rotis, barnyard millet pudding, and a variety of Garhwali curries, each dish bursting with the taste of the mountains. There’s a glass-walled cafeteria that doubles as a greenhouse, where you can see herbs and greens thriving—many of which end up on your plate. Eating here isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about connecting with the land and the people who tend it.
Immersed in Local Life
What truly sets The Goat Village apart is its commitment to the local community. The
entire staff is drawn from nearby villages, and the project is designed to provide sustainable employment and stem the tide of migration from these remote areas. Every interaction—with the cooks, the guides, the shepherds—was an opportunity to learn about Garhwali culture and daily life.
We joined the villagers on walks into the forest, picked spinach from the fields, and even tried our hand at milking goats.
Our children loved following the shepherds and learning mountain life-hacks, from foraging for wild herbs to building simple toys from twigs and leaves.
Digital Detox and Real Connections
With no internet or mobile connectivity, we found ourselves truly present with each
other. Evenings were spent reading by lantern light, playing board games, or simply sitting outside and watching the stars emerge in the ink-black sky.
The lack of digital distractions allowed us to reconnect as a family and appreciate the simple joys of conversation, laughter, and silence.
Architecture That Breathes
The cottages themselves are a testament to Himalayan wisdom. Built in the traditional style,
they’re designed to withstand earthquakes and insulate naturally against the cold. Thick stone walls, wooden beams, and mud plaster keep the interiors cool in summer and cozy in winter. There’s no plaster or paint—just the raw, honest beauty of natural materials. The layout follows the contours of the land, with every cottage enjoying sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond.
A Lasting Impact
Our three days at The Goat Village were transformative. The remoteness, the sustainable practices, the delicious food, and the deep connection to local culture left a lasting impression on all of us. We returned to Delhi with lighter luggage (having taken back all our plastic), fuller hearts, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of simple, mindful living.
If you’re looking for a truly unique, eco-friendly escape in the Himalayas—one that challenges you to rethink your relationship with nature and community—The Goat Village is an experience not to be missed.
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