Looking for some inspiration for your next vacation? Escape to the hills for the next long weekend and refresh your soul. But for any great vacation, you need a great place to stay. So, we scoured through Airbnb and found some beautiful, charming homestays for you. After all, it doesn’t get much better than a cozy Airbnb in the Himalayas.

1. Tranquil Cottage

Looking to get away from the noisy city life? Wake up to the sound of the Jogini Falls on the banks of river Beas. Spend your evening with a hot cup of tea on the cottage balcony as  you admire the snow capped peaks of Rohtang pass.

Where: Old Manali

Shobla Pine Cottage

2. A Mud Hut in the Snow

Imagine living in a forest surrounded with bright rhododendrons and some furry friends for company. Chopta is known as the Switzerland of Uttarakhand because of the blanket of snow that envelops this region in the winter. You can also get your dose of thrill and adventure here by trekking to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers.

Where: Chopta, Uttarakhand

Mud hut in Chopta

3. Houseboat on the Lake

Different times of the day throw up different sights here. Take a shikara ride to the early morning floating market, or just float around and stop at a food stall in the middle of the lake. The view at dusk turns the horizon inky blue. Don’t forget to pick up some authentic saffron and local handicrafts.

Where: Dal Lake, Kashmir

Shikara in Dal Lake

4.  A Loft with a View

This 3 bedroom loft in Gangtok offers a panoramic view of the mountains and a cozy space for a group of travellers. With a capacity of 9 people, this home is perfect for a getaway with friends or family. This house also has an indoor fireplace to keep you warm when it’s cold outside. Owing to its central location, you can also explore Gangtok with ease.

Where: Gangtok, Sikkim

Home in Gangtok

5. Aloha, Luxury

Chill in the infinity pool overlooking the Ganga, or lounge in your balcony and enjoy the view of the mountains. Even though this is a 1-bedroom apartment, the vast green horizon and the luxurious interiors will give you the feel of a villa.

Where: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

1 bedroom apartment in Rishikesh

6. River Camping in Leh

Enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas as you lie under the stars at this camping site. You can fill your days with rafting, trekking, and playing sports on the river bank. At night, cozy up with a bonfire and lots of hot soup.

Where: Base of Indus River, Leh

Indus river camp

7. A View to Reckon with

A great place in the heart of bustling McLeodganj. You can enjoy evening strolls in the market area or trek up to the serene monasteries nearby. And if you’re a foodie, McLeodganj will be paradise for you. If you stay at the Anandam homestay, you can walk to main McLeodganj within 15 minutes and enjoy the gorgeous view of the mountains on all sides.

Where: McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Anandam Home Stay

8. Farm House in the Himalayas

Visit this family-run organic farmhouse to get a closer view of rustic Himalayan village life. Lend a hand around the lush fruit orchards, learn about cattle farming, take short walks with lots of furry home pets, and enjoy scrumptious home-cooked meals.

Where: Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Himalayan Orchards Hut

So where are you headed for your next vacation?