Tucked into the folds of the Himalayas, a small village in Uttarakhand is quietly turning into a favourite stop for travellers seeking something beyond the usual hill-station crowd. Leeti village in Bageshwar district sits at roughly 2,000 metres above sea level, and its terraced fields, snow-draped peaks and green slopes are enough to make visitors want to stay longer than planned.
The village isn't drawing attention just for its scenery. Footfall here has climbed steadily over the past few years because the well-known Namik Glacier Trek actually begins from this very spot. That has made Leeti a regular stopover for trekkers and nature lovers arriving from across the country and abroad every trekking season, before they head off on the climb ahead.
A local's home turned into a guesthouse
Local resident Laxman Singh Koranga has converted his own home into a homestay. For travellers who would rather experience the rhythm of village life than check into a hotel room, his place has become something of a fixture. Koranga says every guest who stays with him is welcomed in the traditional hill manner, so they feel the warmth of a home rather than a transaction.
Meals cooked the old way, on a wood-fired stove
The real draw of this homestay is the food on offer. According to Koranga, guests are served hill staples such as mandua roti, bhatt ki churkani, gahat dal, jhangore ki kheer and aloo ke gutke, alongside seasonal green vegetables and dishes made from produce grown right in the village. Everything is cooked on a traditional wood-fired stove, giving visitors a genuine taste of the simplicity that defines everyday hill life.
Easy on the wallet, heavy on comfort
Staying here doesn't strain the budget either. A bed costs Rs 700 a night, while an entire room is available for Rs 1000. Clean rooms, a peaceful setting and a family-like welcome are what keep guests coming back. Birdsong at dawn, villagers heading out to their fields, and the surrounding natural beauty make the stay linger in memory long after guests leave.
More than a stay, a taste of village life
Koranga notes that guests who are interested can take part in the village's everyday routines. Walking through the fields, chatting with locals, watching traditional farming methods up close and getting a feel for the hill way of living all add up to make the experience memorable. For those setting off on the Namik Glacier Trek, the homestay also serves as a convenient, comfortable base before the tougher climb begins.
New livelihoods for the village's youth
The tourism built around this homestay has opened fresh earning opportunities within the village itself. Local youth now have a way to earn a living without leaving home, while visitors get to experience Uttarakhand's culture, cuisine and hospitality up close. For anyone looking to step away from city life for a few days and spend time in nature's company, Leeti village in Bageshwar and this homestay could be exactly the getaway worth considering.
