Name: Himalayan Village Sonapani
Address: Village Sotali Mukteshwar, Nainital, Nainital, Nainital, 263139, India
Rating: 9.6

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Himalayan Village Sonapani

We visited Sona Pani Resort in June 2024 to get a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat in Delhi. This turned out to be a wonderful experience. Not only does the report provide a relaxing experience at the helm of Kumaon Ranges, where you can take nature walks and hikes, but also, if you are more adventurous, there are explorative hikes (which can be a little more heart-pumping). The resort has all the basic amenities, but the staff is exceptional and caters to your whims where food is concerned.

We had our two kids with us, and this was an excellent experience for them as well; we were able to accomplish our goal of minimizing screen time while exploring the jungles around this resort. We will surely visit again and explore more through more rigorous hikes. The resort can provide catered hikes, which include lunch/picnic while hiking through the Kamaoun jungles; it's truly a cherished experience.

We loved our stay. The location is the best thing, nearby treks and villages, friendly people, birds, forests and mountains. Sonapani itself was comfortable and the food (we chose all the local items on the menu and paid for room and food at a package rate by calling the hotel and booking with the manager) was made by an exceptionally talented chef. The garden was beautiful, the bed perfect the bathroom and room clean and extra large. But as with all past reviewers I have to agree nothing is quite like the hospitality of the staff. The men who cooked, served food, did our laundry and walked us down the path to show us the way to trekking are among the kindest people you will meet anywhere. It was wonderfully relaxing.

And where do I start from.... Just a two hour drive from Kathgodam station brings you to this beautiful property nestled in the lap of nature surrounded by tall trees. The best thing is the uninterrupted view of the mountain range and the peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul. At night Almora makes its presence felt with numerous twinkling lights below. Waking up with birds chirping at sunrise was a surreal experience. The cottages are built in traditional Kumauni style with a modern interior. The courteous staff is always ready to help and home style food is their USP. 
We were a group of six and stayed for three nights in the cottages on level one. We went on local treks guided by Deepak and loved every moment of it. 
Special thanks to Mr. Ravi and the team who took great care when one of us fell sick. 
If you want to spend some time amidst nature with excellent surroundings this is the place to be. 

1. Location: 6000ft on the Shivalik. Perfect weather almost round the year. Clean - Pristine environment ( AQI below 20), thickly wooded, chirping birds, enchanting wildlife, picturesque landscape.
2. Accomodation: Decently sited and comfortable cottages with extra space & bunks. All amenities have been provided.
3. Food : Palatable food with adequate variety to suit all tastes.
4. Hospitality : Extremely hospitable staff.
5. Reaching Out: Easy. Good roads inspite of hilly terrain.
6. Affordability: Worth every penny.
Overall one of the best lifetime experience to rejuvenate!! All the best

Tranquility, serenity are the words which first come to your mind when you try to describe the property. If you want to detox yourself from the toxic city life, this is one of the best places to go. Nestled in the lap of nature, amidst dense forest, far far away from the noise of people and vehicles. The only sound you can hear are the chirping of birds, sound of crickets, the hissing of the wind passing through the pines and of course some barking of the in-house friendly doggies Jhumroo, Bhatku and another newcomer.  The 12 cottages are at different tiers and provides enough privacy to sip your drinks in the balcony/verandah. The resort and rooms are decorated with a touch of class but matching with the nature. The food was homely, tasty, simple and served with love and care. The staff were always happy to help you. Mr Girish (owner) was personally present and overlooked everything. He was a nice person to talk to. Mr Ravi (the manager) was ready to support all your service needs like pick-up, drop, local outings, adventure activities or anything else you may need. Hot water was available round the clock through solar heating when we visited. Internet/mobile inside the room was not reliable but was working well outside, especially the dining area. The whole property gives you a homely feeling...you can sit anywhere and enjoy with a hot cup of tea/coffee or with a book or just lazily enjoy the nature. Quite a few short walking trails are present around the resort for a lazy stroll. The last 1 km to the resort is quite an experience.....the road is really difficult to negotiate but the local drivers can manage quite well. If you are self driving then you need good skill (or can call the resort...they can help you out).
A final word.......we would love to have another visit to Sonapani.....we fell in love with it..........

incredibly wonderful and thoughtful property and staff - food was spectacular, local, interesting, varied even though i was there for two+ weeks

no internet and no dependable hot water but you won't miss it

Some experience can't be put on words. Its simplly exquisite, ever-nourshing and beyond expression. You will have almost 180 degree of snow. Clad hmmountain view, beautiful trails along mountains, nice forests going down and most importantly wonderful host who has very deeper understanding of life.

A idyllic resort nestled in the Mukteshwar hills with a friendly setting. The right place to just laze around with nature and gaze the clear sky or breathe the fresh mountain air. Ashish Arora who owns the property is a gracious host. It's not five star or four or any star property but it's clean, it's natural , everything is super fresh and beautiful.

If you've not visited Sonapani, you must do so at the earliest. We spent our Christmas vacay at Sonapani last winter and what a fabulous time it was. Deepa and Ashish are amazing hosts and engaging company. Both take time and care to invest in every guest from handling cantankerous behaviour to special requests like extra firewood, blankets, hot water and what not.

The property is a labour of love amidst nature - the fruit trees, the array of herbs and flowers, the cottages all solar-powered and every possible attempt made to live and breathe sustainable living - not a scrap of waste is abandoned. One could sit out anywhere in the sprawling property the whole day and read a book and get lost in the picturesque views of the Nandadevi across or say hello to the wild langur who quietly dropped by to collect some fruit or wild berries. Or go hiking to the nearby stream and whip up a hearty appetite for the amazing Kumaoni lunch fare that comes from the kitchen. Evenings were filled with home-made Kumaoni sweets and Christmas bakes with lots of chatter and bonhomie which does transport you to another level of heaven in that biting winter.

It's a very safe place for kids who love exploring and all things outdoors-y. The gentle Jhoomroo is a kind guide for all lost kids. Why kids, even we adults couldn't have enough of her. The staff are very sturdy and reliable locals who take great pride in what they're doing.

Sonapani, we will come back very soon for sure. Abhay wants to something tell - he misses Jhoomroo everyday.

Much love from all of us <3.

Despite similar reviews, could not resist another awesome and a 6/5 rating to the stay. Awesome hosts Deepa and Ashish, quite place and excellent food. Just walk around lazily or relax over tea or chat with the host or guest. Total unwind! 
Specially liked the mustard dahi, bhang chuttney, palak paneer, black beans curry, mirchi pakodas and cake! A place to visit again and again. 

Nainital

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Great Indian Hospitality.

the kindness of Sonapani staff

A home stay styled resort

Blissful

One of the best holidays we have ever enjoyed

Nestled in the hills of Mukteshwar

Sonapani - rustic and beautiful

Awesome 

We stayed at Himalayan Village at the fag end of our Uttarakhand trip, and I only wish we could have stayed for a week instead of 2 days.
What went well:
1. The location - in the middle of hills and forests - utter quiet
2. The cottage - warm and cosy . There was a cupboard for storage, the beds were clean and comfortable, and the bathrooms were both pretty and environment friendly. My husband and I had many cups of tea sitting in the verandah, and listening to the forest sounds. 
3. Service was warm and efficient. Balu especially was very kind.
4. Ashish wasn't around when we visited, but it was a pleasure to talk to Deepa. She knew so much about the forests, and the science underlying their conservation. 
Top tips:
1. Take Deepa's advice - she suggested that we stay at the resort instead of visiting Mukteshwar - we went ahead and visited Mukteshwar, and we realised it was a waste of time.
2. Even if you don't do the formal treks, walking in the hills and forests around the resort is a pleasure . 
3. Request Deepa for Pahadi food at least once. It's really yummy.
4. If you'd rather not walk up and down the steps each time, ask for a cottage  closer to the reception.

Wish I could have stayed longer

A warning- this place is magical and you will find yourself coming back again and again!
 I have been a regular visitor for the past several years and the number of 'regulars ' I meet in every trip who have in their own way made it a 'Home' is amazing. And we all come not just for the excellent food, the great service, the fabulous location and the stimulating people that one meets here- we come because it is reaffirmation of 'good forces' in the world. We come to find ourselves again in this little corner of heaven on earth.
Thank you Ashish and Deepa for creating this paradise!

Himalayan Village Sonapani

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